Overview
Cambridge International has confirmed its key dates for the 2026 exam year, including the three main exam series and the results release day for the crucial May/June session. While specific paper dates vary by region, the overall schedule provides a clear framework for students planning their IGCSE, O Level, and A Level preparations. The results for the May/June 2026 exam series will be released to schools on 13 August 2026.
Understanding the Cambridge Exam Series
Cambridge International organises its examinations into three distinct series throughout the year to accommodate different academic calendars worldwide. The largest is the May/June series, taken by the majority of students globally. The October/November series is the second major session, often used by students in the Southern Hemisphere or for retakes. Finally, the February/March series is available only in specific countries, most notably India, to align with the local academic year. Your school will be registered for one or more of these series, and you will sit your exams only in the sessions they offer.
May/June 2026 Exam Period
For Cambridge Cambridge exams 2026, the May/June 2026 exam series is the main event in the Cambridge calendar, with millions of students participating. The examination window typically runs from late April to mid-June 2026. It is essential to understand that this is a general period, not a universal start and end date for all subjects. The exact date and time for each of your papers are determined by your geographical administrative zone. This is a critical time for focused revision, and our guide to [May/June 2026 prep](/blog/cambridge-may-june-2026-exam-preparation) provides a structured approach to help you succeed. Always refer to your official school timetable for your specific schedule.
October/November 2026 Exam Period
For Cambridge Cambridge exams 2026, the October/November 2026 series serves as a vital alternative to the June session. For many students, particularly those whose academic year concludes at the end of the calendar year, this is their primary examination period. It is also a common choice for candidates wishing to retake specific subjects to improve their grades from a previous series. The exam window generally spans from late September through to mid-November. As with all series, the precise dates for your exams are non-negotiable and will be listed on the official timetable provided by your school's exams officer.
February/March 2026 Exam Series
For Cambridge Cambridge exams 2026, the February/March exam series is a more specialised session with limited availability. It is primarily offered to schools in specific administrative zones, with India being the most prominent example. This series is designed to align with the Indian academic calendar, which concludes in March/April, allowing students to receive their results in May and proceed to the next stage of their education without delay. If you are a student outside these specific zones, it is highly unlikely your school will offer this series. Your school will confirm which exam series you are registered for.
Confirmed Results Release Dates for 2026
Cambridge International releases results to schools on a specific date, allowing them to process the data before releasing it to students. For the May/June 2026 series, results will be made available to schools on Thursday, 13 August 2026. Students typically receive their results from their school on the same day or shortly after.
For the other series, the release dates follow a predictable pattern:
- February/March 2026 results are typically released in late May 2026.
- October/November 2026 results are typically released in mid-January 2027.
Your school will provide instructions on how to access your results, which is often through a secure online portal or by collecting a printed statement of results in person.
How to Find Your Exact Exam Timetable
General exam windows are useful for planning, but you must have your personal, definitive timetable for your revision. Do not rely on dates found on unofficial websites or social media. Your official schedule comes from two sources: your school's Exams Officer or the official Cambridge International website, filtered for your specific administrative zone.
Your school will provide you with a Statement of Entry. This document is your personal confirmation from Cambridge, listing your candidate details and the exact date, time, and duration of every exam paper you are entered for. Check it carefully and report any errors to your Exams Officer immediately. Once you have your dates confirmed, you can plan your final revision schedule and start marking past papers to test your knowledge against the clock.
Frequently asked questions
Cambridge International divides the world into six administrative zones to manage timetabling. This is crucial for exam security. By scheduling exams at different local times, it ensures that students in later time zones cannot gain an unfair advantage by communicating with students who have already completed the paper. Your timetable is specific to your zone.
Why are exam dates different in other countries?
What happens if I have a clash in my timetable?
Timetable clashes, where two of your exams are scheduled for the same time, are handled by your school. The exams officer will arrange for you to take the papers back-to-back under full supervision, often with a short, supervised break in between. You must follow the exact instructions from your school; do not make your own arrangements.
Can I sit exams in a different series if I miss one?
This depends entirely on your school's policies and which series they are registered to offer. It is not an automatic right. If you miss the May/June series, for example, you must speak to your exams officer immediately to see if it is possible to be registered for the October/November series as a private candidate or through the school.
When should I start my revision for the June 2026 exams?
Effective revision should begin months, not weeks, before your first exam. For the May/June 2026 series, you should be finalising your content learning and starting intensive past paper practice by January or February 2026. Consistent, long-term preparation is far more effective than last-minute cramming and leads to better, less stressful outcomes.