Quick answer
For 2026 IGCSE revision, prioritise high-frequency topics: 0580 algebra/graphs, 0610/0620/0625 core science skills — then practise with official papers and second-pass mark on [markscheme.app/mark](/mark). Free [Cambridge courses](/courses) cover syllabus gaps topic by topic.
IGCSE students search “what comes up most” every May. The honest answer: algebra, electrolysis, electricity, and mole calculations dominate year after year — but only marked past papers turn that into grades. Here are the highest-frequency topics for four core IGCSE syllabuses sitting in 2026, plus a practice sequence that feeds straight into MarkScheme.
Mathematics 0580 (Extended)
For Cambridge Cambridge past paper revision, based on 0580 papers 2019–2025 and examiner reports:
| Rank | Topic cluster | Exam habit to fix |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Algebra (expand, factorise, solve) | Sign errors when factorising |
| 2 | Number (%, ratio, standard form) | Calculator mode / rounding |
| 3 | Graphs (linear, quadratic, interpret) | Gradient vs intercept confusion |
| 4 | Geometry (angles, circles, similarity) | Missing reasons in proofs |
| 5 | Trigonometry | Wrong side labels; premature rounding |
| 6 | Statistics & probability | Misreading class intervals |
| 7 | Mensuration | Unit conversion |
| 8 | Vectors & transformations | Direction errors |
| 9 | Sequences | nth term vs position |
| 10 | Indices & surds | Illegal cancellation |
Paper split: Core skills hit Papers 2 and 4; Extended adds depth on 4. Track Paper 4 separately — it carries the most A/A* leverage.
Practise: IGCSE past papers guide + timed Paper 2/4 pairs · 0580 boundaries 2026.
Biology 0610
For Cambridge Cambridge past paper revision, leverage point: Paper 4 structured questions often decide A vs A*. Give it 40% of biology past-paper time even though Papers 2/6 feel easier.
| Rank | Topic | Why examiners return to it |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enzymes | Graphs, denaturation, optimum conditions |
| 2 | Plant nutrition & transport | Transpiration, xylem/phloem |
| 3 | Human systems (digestion, gas exchange) | Multi-mark structured answers |
| 4 | Disease & immunity | Vaccination, antibodies |
| 5 | Coordination & homeostasis | Hormones, nervous system |
| 6 | Inheritance | Genetic diagrams, variation |
| 7 | Ecology | Food webs, population graphs |
| 8 | Biotechnology | Limited syllabus but high mark density when it appears |
| 9 | Reproduction | Comparative plant/animal |
| 10 | Practical skills (Paper 6) | Variables, graphs, conclusions |
Guide: 0610 past papers · 0610 boundaries 2026.
Digital note: Some centres may sit MCQ Papers 01/02 on laptop in June 2026 — see digital exams guide. Content unchanged.
Chemistry 0620
For Cambridge Cambridge past paper revision, practise moles daily — 15 minutes beats one extra hour of reading notes.
| Rank | Topic | Examiner report theme |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electrolysis | Wrong products at electrodes |
| 2 | Mole calculations & stoichiometry | Ratio errors; limiting reagent |
| 3 | Acids, bases & salts | Titration, salt preparation |
| 4 | Organic chemistry | Alkanes/alkenes, combustion vs oxidation |
| 5 | Bonding & structure | Ionic vs covalent properties |
| 6 | Periodic table & reactivity | Displacement, trends |
| 7 | Energetics | Exothermic/endothermic diagrams |
| 8 | Rates of reaction | Collision theory, catalysts |
| 9 | Chemical tests | Gas/ion tests in practical papers |
| 10 | Separation techniques | Fractional distillation, chromatography |
Guide: 0620 past papers · 0620 boundaries 2026.
Physics 0625
Guide: [0625 past papers](/blog/cambridge-0625-igcse-physics-past-papers-guide) · [0625 boundaries 2026](/blog/cambridge-0625-physics-grade-boundaries-2026).
| Rank | Topic | Common mark loss |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electricity & circuits | Series/parallel confusion |
| 2 | Forces & motion | Resultant force; graph reading |
| 3 | Waves | Reflection, refraction, sound |
| 4 | Energy, work, power | Efficiency calculations |
| 5 | Thermal physics | Specific heat capacity |
| 6 | Magnetism & EM induction | Motor/generator principles |
| 7 | Radioactivity | Half-life, safety |
| 8 | Light & optics | Ray diagrams |
| 9 | Pressure & density | Liquid pressure, floating |
| 10 | Motion graphs | Area under curve = distance |
Suggested 6-week IGCSE past-paper order
For Cambridge Cambridge past paper revision, > Key takeaway: Rotate subjects daily — maths + one science beats three sciences in one day for retention.
| Week | Focus | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Top 3 topics per subject (drills) | Error log started |
| 2 | Paper 2 (or 1) timed per subject | Strict MCQ mark |
| 3 | Paper 4 / structured heavy | Mark same evening |
| 4 | Full mock (all components) | Timing strategies |
| 5 | Weak topics from log only | Rewrite worst Q |
| 6 | Light taper + command words | Night-before routine |
IGCSE vs O-Level in 2026
Some centres run O-Level (4024, 5090, 5070, 5054) instead of IGCSE. Topic overlap is high; paper styles differ. Use the matching guide:
Confirm your syllabus code on your statement of entry — not your textbook cover.
Syllabus code changes (do not mix up)
2026 sitters: past papers for your current code remain valid. Details: [Business 0450 → 0264](/blog/cambridge-business-0450-0264-syllabus-change-2027).
| Subject | 2026 exams | From 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| IGCSE Business Studies | 0450 | 0264 (new code) |
| IGCSE First Language English | 0500 / 0990 (current cycle) | Major format change 2027 — see school notice |
Marking without a teacher
This section covers Marking without a teacher — ranked by what Cambridge examiners return to most often in past papers.
- Attempt closed-book
- Mark with official scheme — how to read schemes
- Photograph handwriting if needed — phone tips
- Upload to MarkScheme for a second pass
FAQ
For Cambridge Cambridge past paper revision, core students skip the hardest Extension topics but algebra, number, and graphs still dominate. Check your entry is Extended before practising Paper 4 Extension questions.
Is 0580 Core vs Extended different for this list?
How many past papers before June?
Rough guide: 4 full sessions per subject minimum — see how many past papers.
Do TikTok “predicted topics” help?
Only if they point you to real past papers you then mark. Otherwise see revision TikTok guide.