Contents
Key Takeaways
Autumn IGCSE exams run from October to November 2026: Most written papers take place during these months, while oral, practical, and coursework components may begin as early as March or April depending on the subject and exam board.
Exam dates differ across boards and subjects: Cambridge (CIE) (opens in a new tab), Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab), and Oxford AQA (opens in a new tab) each set their own timetables, so it’s important to check the official schedule for your specific exam board and subjects before planning your revision.
Schools and Assessment Centres provide the most reliable schedules:
Official timetables are sent directly to schools and centres, which then share personalised exam dates with students. Always confirm your final timetable with your teacher or exams officer to avoid any mistakes.
When Do the Autumn 2026 IGCSE Exams Start and End
The main written exams are usually held from October to November 2026, with some early exams in September. Coursework deadlines and oral or practical assessments may begin as early as March or April, depending on the subject and exam board.
However, IGCSE exam dates change slightly each year, so check this year’s timetable carefully. The exam boards Cambridge (CIE) (opens in a new tab), Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab), and Oxford AQA (opens in a new tab) each publish their own schedules, so make sure you are viewing the dates for the correct board.
Schools and Assessment Centres receive the official timetables directly from the exam boards and will share each student’s individual exam schedule. Always confirm the details with your teacher or exams officer before finalising your plans.
The November 2026 exam timetable has not yet been released by Cambridge International (CIE). Check the official CIE Exam Timetables page or pop back to this article for updates.
IGCSE Exam Dates Autumn 2026 By Subject
Accounting
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1 | 28 October 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 2 | 5 November 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Paper 1 | 22 October 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Paper 2 | 29 October 2026 |
Arabic
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1 | 27 October 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 2 | 3 November 2026 |
Bangla
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1 | 29 October 2026 |
Biology
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1 | 2 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 2 | 13 November 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Paper 1 | 19 October 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Paper 2 | 26 October 2026 |
Business
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1 | 10 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 2 | 17 November 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Paper 1 | 23 October 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Paper 2 | 28 October 2026 |
Chemistry
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1 | 9 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 2 | 16 November 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Paper 1 | 2 November 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Paper 2 | 9 November 2026 |
Chinese
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1 | 30 October 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 2 | 30 October 2026 |
Commerce
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1 | 27 October 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 2 | 3 November 2026 |
D&T (Design & Technology)
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Oxford AQA | Paper 1 | 21 October 2026 |
Economics
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1 | 11 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 2 | 19 November 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Paper 1 | 20 October 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Paper 2 | 27 October 2026 |
English (First & Second Language, Literature)
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | English Lang A: Paper 1 | 3 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | English Lang A: Paper 2 | 5 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | English Lang B: Paper 1 | 3 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | English Lit A: Paper 1 | 4 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | English Lit A: Paper 2 | 16 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | English as Second Lang: Unit 1 | 2 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | English as Second Lang: Unit 2 | 2 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | English as Second Lang: Unit 3 | 12 November 2026 |
Oxford AQA | English Lang: Paper 1 | 29 October 2026 |
Oxford AQA | English Lang: Paper 2 | 4 November 2026 |
Oxford AQA | English as Second Lang: Listening | 27 October 2026 |
Oxford AQA | English as Second Lang: Reading | 27 October 2026 |
Oxford AQA | English as Second Lang: Writing | 4 November 2026 |
Oxford AQA | English Lit: Prose and Drama | 20 October 2026 |
Oxford AQA | English Lit: Poetry or Poetry and unseen texts | 26 October 2026 |
French
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1 | 28 October 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 2 | 28 October 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Listening | 21 October 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Reading | 21 October 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Writing | 28 October 2026 |
Further Pure Maths
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1 | 30 October 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 2 | 10 November 2026 |
Geography
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1 | 12 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 2 | 17 November 2026 |
History
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1 | 13 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 2 | 18 November 2026 |
Human Biology
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1 | 10 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 2 | 19 November 2026 |
Information Technology / Computer Science
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1 - Written | 6 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 2 - Practical Windows | 9 November 2026 10 November 2026 11 November 2026 12 November 2026 13 November 2026 |
Islamiyat
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Oxford AQA | Paper 1 | 20 October 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Paper 2 | 28 October 2026 |
Mathematics
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Maths A: Paper 1F and 1H | 4 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Maths A: Paper 2F and 2H | 6 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Maths B: Paper 1 | 29 October 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Maths B: Paper 2 | 9 November 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Core 1 and Extension 1 | 3 November 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Core 2 and Extension 2 | 10 November 2026 |
Media Studies
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Oxford AQA | Paper 1 | 3 November 2026 |
Physics
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1P | 11 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 2P | 18 November 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Paper 1 | 5 November 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Paper 2 | 11 November 2026 |
Psychology
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Oxford AQA | Paper 1 | 28 October 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Paper 2 | 5 November 2026 |
Science Combined
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1B | 2 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1C | 9 November 2026 |
Pearson Edexcel | Paper 1P | 11 November 2026 |
Spanish (First Language, Literature, & General)
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Oxford AQA | Listening and Reading | 2 November 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Writing | 10 November 2026 |
Urdu
Exam board | Paper/component | Date |
|---|---|---|
Oxford AQA | Paper 1 | 22 October 2026 |
Oxford AQA | Paper 2 | 29 October 2026 |
How to Use the IGCSE Timetable to Plan Your Revision
Once you have your exam dates, you can plan your revision schedule by working backwards, ensuring you have enough time to prepare for each subject before the exams begin.
Start with the IGCSE subjects that appear earliest on your timetable, and focus on strengthening your understanding and skills in those areas first.
For instance, if your first exam is Biology, dedicate your September and early October revision sessions to key topics and ones you find most challenging.
Make sure to allocate time evenly across all subjects so that exams later in the session are not overlooked. Keep track of your progress and adjust your plan if mock exams highlight areas that need extra attention.
Also include coursework deadlines in your schedule, as leaving them until the last minute can interfere with your revision.
Save My Exams provides IGCSE-specific revision resources and mock exams to help you plan your study efficiently and focus on the areas that matter most. And then, when exam season starts, you can use our IGCSE-specific exam checklist, so you're as prepared as possible.
How to Download or Access Your Official Timetable
You can access your timetable directly from the exam board websites. Here are links to the timetables for 2026 for the main IGCSE exam boards:
Pearson Edexcel timetable (opens in a new tab)
Oxford AQA timetable (opens in a new tab)
The CIE timetable is yet to be published. Check the CIE exam timetables page (opens in a new tab) for further updates.
After downloading your online timetable, print it off or copy it into an online document and mark all the exams for your subjects.
To help you keep track of upcoming tests, make a personalised timetable that includes only the exams you’ll be taking. Learn how to create a bespoke IGCSE revision timetable to fit your needs in this article’s clear guidance.
Your school can give you the most accurate details about your exam dates, so confirm with them that you’ve recorded your timetable correctly. Private candidates should get in touch with their Assessment Centre directly to obtain their official schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who takes the Autumn IGCSE exams?
The Autumn IGCSE exams are usually taken by students who want to retake exams to improve their grades, those who missed the May/June session, or students following a different academic calendar (such as international schools that finish later in the year).
Can I sit IGCSE exams in Autumn 2026 as a private candidate?
Yes, private candidates can sit the Autumn 2026 IGCSE exams. You’ll need to register through an approved exam centre that accepts private entries. Check out our advice for self studying for IGCSEs for more detailed information on this topic.
Are all subjects available in the Autumn exam session?
No, not every subject is offered in the Autumn session and not every exam board offers exams at this time of year. Availability depends on the exam board and where you’re sitting your exams, so check with your school or exam centre to confirm which subjects are running.
When will I get my Autumn 2026 IGCSE results?
Results for the Autumn 2026 IGCSE exams are expected to be released in January 2027, although the exact date may vary depending on the exam board. Check your exam board’s website or speak to your school or exam centre for more information.
Smash Your IGCCSEs with Save My Exams
The Autumn 2026 IGCSE exam session offers a valuable opportunity for students to achieve their best results, whether you are retaking subjects, catching up after a missed session, or following a different academic calendar.
Staying organised, checking your official timetable carefully, and planning your revision early will help you approach exam season with confidence. Remember to confirm all details with your school or Assessment Centre, and use trusted resources, such as Save My Exams’ IGCSE revision resources, to make every study session count.
References
Cambridge International IGCSE (opens in a new tab)
Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs (opens in a new tab)
Oxford AQA International Qualifications (opens in a new tab)
CIE - Exam Timetables (opens in a new tab)
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Nov 2026 timetable (opens in a new tab)
Oxford AQA IGCSE Nov 2026 timetable (opens in a new tab)
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