• The IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Education.
• It is an internationally reputed organization that offers high quality education to the global world.
• Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. It is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide. Developed over 25 years ago, it is tried, tested and trusted by schools worldwide.

• Like other modern programmes, IGCSE offers a wide range of subjects and encourages high academic standards through a practical approach to teaching and learning.
• Assessment is not limited to conventional written papers. A variety of tests like oral and listening tests are also conducted.
• The assessment is aimed at a wide range of students with varied abilities. It has an eight-point grading scale, from A+ to G, with A+ being the highest.
• Most subjects offer a choice between the core curriculum and extended curriculum. This gives you the freedom to choose subjects and the opportunity to score good grades.
• The core curriculum is an overview of the subject and is suitable for students who are expected to achieve grades C to G. The extended curriculum is like a specialisation in that subject. It is more challenging and designed for students who are expected to achieve grades A+ to C.
• IGCSE syllabus is tailored for a multicultural and multilingual audience.
• Currently, IGCSE is a two-year programme starting at the Class 9 level. If you have done your early schooling from any other board, you can join the IGCSE programme at the Class 9 level.
• CIE has declared the launch of its new Cambridge International Primary Programme in June this year. The introduction of this programme means that you will will be able to study in the IGCSE board from age 5 till age 18.

What are the subjects in the IGCSE curriculum?

There are five subject groups in IGCSE with several subjects to choose from in each group:

• Group 1: Languages (first language, second language, foreign language, etc)
• Group 2: Humanities and Social Sciences (Geography, English Literature, History, etc)
• Group 3: Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc)
• Group 4: Mathematics (Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, etc)
• Group 5: Creative, Technical and Vocational (Accounting, Business Studies, Computer Studies, Music, etc)

For each subject, the certificate merely indicates the grades scored, and not pass or fail. Five scores of 'C' or higher indicates your readiness to pursue +2 level qualifications, like the Class 12 CBSE, IB Diploma, Advanced Placement Diploma (US), etc.

• The ICE is more prestigious than the standard IGCSE.
• Instead of the five papers needed to pass the IGCSE board exam, if you attempt and pass seven or more papers, you are awarded the ICE.
• The seven subjects must be as follows:
  • Two subjects from the language group
  • One from each of the other four groups
  • One more from any of the five groups

Class 10

Class 12

• Ryan International School, New Delhi
• Calcutta International School, Kolkata
• The International School of Bangalore, Bangalore
• Good Shepherd International School, Ooty
• Indus International School, Bangalore
• Parkwood School International, Hyderabad
• Ahmedabad International School, Ahmedabad
• Riverdale International School, Pune
• Ecole Mondiale World School, Mumbai
• Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai
• Woodstock School, Mussoorie
• G D Goenka World School, Gurgaon
• DPS International School, Delhi
• Pathways World School, Gurgaon

• Prepare a study plan
  For completing the syllabus well ahead of time, it is important that you check the entire syllabus and prepare a detailed study plan. Any comprehensive study plan should include reading the basic study material, followed by a thorough study of additional reference books to gain detailed knowledge on the subject.
• A month before examination
  Jot down all important formulae and definitions from every topic and revise them from time to time. Pen down the points which require detailed study and try to follow the paper pattern of the past five years. Going through online tutorials and last minute preparation tips may help in improving your scores.
• A day before the examination
  Keep your mind refreshed and maintain a steady focus on the paper ahead. The examination venue and timing should be checked against your admit card, that will be uploaded on the official website of the board.
• Just before the examination
  Try to take a deep breath and feel relaxed before the examination. Optimal self-confidence is the key to a good performance.
• Examination time
  Read the questions thoroughly before jumping to a conclusive answer. Try highlighting the key-points that the question demands. Adding charts and diagrams, wherever necessary, often improves readability of the answers. Make sure you mention your name, roll number and other relevant details in the answer sheet.

Solving sample papers is as important as solving previous years' papers.

Not only does it give you an idea of the question pattern but also prepares you for questions which have never been asked in the actual examinations.

You can read all about the importance of solving sample papers right here!

Previous years’ papers are important to practice because they help you simulate the real exam. Make sure that you practice more and more so that you can memorise all the formulae and solve problems easily on the day of the exam.