O Level Exam Dates 2026

When do O Level exams 2026 start?

O Level exams in 2026 start on Friday, 24 April and finish on Tuesday, 9 June. An additional series runs from late September to mid-November.

These are the latest exam dates established by Cambridge International Education (CIE), based on the final published exam timetable (opens in a new tab). Also, keep in mind that non-exam assessments, including modern foreign-language speaking tests and practical science experiments, may be scheduled before this period, as individual schools determine these dates.

Key Takeaways

• 2026 O Level exams run from 24 April to 9 June, with an additional exam series taking place between late September and mid-November.

• Exam dates vary by subject and paper, so students should check the official Cambridge timetable carefully to avoid missing any exams.

• Preparation and organisation are crucial - knowing your exam schedule, getting enough sleep, and arriving on time can significantly improve exam performance.

What Are O Levels?

O Levels (Ordinary Level qualifications) are international academic qualifications awarded by Cambridge International Education (CIE). They are broadly equivalent in standard to Cambridge IGCSEs and are typically taken at around age 16, after two years of study.

O Level Exam Timetables 2026

O Level Maths exam dates 2026

Discover how SaveMyExams can help with your O Level Maths exams.

O Level Additional Maths exam dates 2026

Delve into our O Level Additional Maths resources.

O Level Accounting exam dates 2026

Explore our resources on O Level Accounting to ace your exam.

O Level Biology exam dates 2026

Find out everything you need to know to ace your O Level Biology exams.

O Level Chemistry exam dates 2026

Check out our course-specific resources for O Level Chemistry.

O Level Physics exam dates 2026 

Get ahead in your O Level Physics studies with SaveMyExams.

O Level Business Studies exam dates 2026

Explore our high-quality revision resources for O Level Business Studies.

O Level Economics exam dates 2026

Learn what you need to know to ace your O Level Economics exams.

O Level Computer Science exam dates 2026

Find out how SaveMyExams can support you in your O Level Computer Science studies.

O Level History exam dates 2026

Check out our revision resources for O Level History.

O Level English Language exam dates 2026

Explore our revision resources for O Level English Language.

Exam Board Timetables

When are the Cambridge O Level exams 2026?

For the full range of O Level qualifications offered by Cambridge International, explore the published final timetable.  (opens in a new tab)

Important things to remember

Now that you know when your exams are scheduled to occur, below are some things you need to consider before, during and after your examination.

Before the Examination

If you’re faced with a lot of exams in a row, don’t feel tempted to prioritise last-minute night studying at the expense of your sleep, as this could be massively detrimental to your exam grades. 

Studies show that students who experience sleep deprivation (opens in a new tab) have greater difficulty retaining information compared to those who get a restful night’s sleep. Adequate sleep will enhance your attention and alertness during the exam, so make sure you prioritise this.

It's crucial that you’re aware of your exam dates and ready and able to take your exam at the scheduled time. Misreading your timetable or arriving late to an examination is not normally considered an appropriate reason for an allowance. Plus, remember that some invigilators might only admit you up to thirty minutes after the start time of the exam, so make sure you arrive on time!

During the Examination

After all your hard work and study, exam day is when you have the opportunity to show what you have learnt. It’s important to make sure you understand what will happen on the day, so that you can perform as well as you possibly can. 

• Try to remain calm and focused, and ensure you read the examination instructions and questions carefully. 

• Stay focused and positive, and try to use your time wisely. Remember, examiners just want to see you demonstrating your knowledge and skills.

• Make sure you write your name, candidate number, centre name and number on every exam paper you write on. Ask the invigilator if you do not know this information. 

• Make sure the appropriate information is given to you if you have access arrangements, such as needing extra time to complete your exam.

In case of illness, you’re responsible for identifying if you are well enough to take an exam. If you become unwell during the exam, you should alert the invigilator in the exam room, who will be able to take the appropriate action. If you’re not well enough to attend the exam venue and start the exam, you should inform your school immediately.

After the Examination

Make sure you wait until the invigilator gives you permission to leave the exam room. Do not leave the exam with any exam materials, as this is considered malpractice and could impact the security of the exam and could mean you may not receive a grade.

Remember, do not share anything about the content of your exam on social media, as this is also considered malpractice. 

O Level Exams FAQs

What happens if you miss an O Level exam?

If you miss your O Level exam, you may be awarded special consideration. Special consideration is a post-exam adjustment that exam boards make to a student's mark to allow for adverse circumstances, such as illness, bereavement, temporary injury, or disruption to an exam.

There are different types of special consideration, such as: 

• Present but disadvantaged students

• Absent candidates 

• Coursework-related special consideration 

If you’re absent from an eligible component for an acceptable reason, the exam board may calculate and award an assessed mark for the missing component.

What should I do on the day of the O Level exam?

On the day of the exam, you must:

• Be on time for all exams.

• Follow the instructions of the invigilator.

• Leave all used and unused exam materials in the exam room.

You must not:

• Have any unauthorised materials in your possession.

• Talk to, attempt to communicate with, or disturb other candidates once you have entered the exam room.

• Be involved in any unfair or dishonest practice before, during or after the exam.

What should I do at the end of the O Level exam?

Stop writing immediately when the invigilator tells you to do so. Give all papers to the invigilator, including question papers, answer sheets, notes, etc. You should also stay in your seat until the invigilator tells you to leave the room. If you have any questions or problems, tell the invigilator immediately.

What happens if I arrive late to the O Level exam?

If you arrive late for an exam, this is known as a late arrival. Although your school may allow you to sit the exam, whether the exam board will accept your examination paper for marking will depend on a number of things, including the reason why you were late. Generally, acceptable reasons for a late arrival include:

• Sudden illness before the exam.

• An accident on the way to the exam.

• Transport difficulties out of the candidate’s control (such as a traffic jam, the school bus being late or breaking down).

Unacceptable reasons for a late arrival include oversleeping and misreading your timetable.

What are access arrangements for the O Level exam?

Access arrangements are pre-exam arrangements that minimise access barriers for students with special educational needs, disabilities or temporary injuries/illnesses. Access arrangements can enable students with specific needs to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding without changing the demands of the assessment.

Smash Your O Levels with Save My Exams

Preparing for your O Level exams can feel overwhelming, but the right revision resources can make a big difference. 

Save My Exams offers clear revision notes, exam-style questions and past papers, all aligned to the Cambridge O Level courses. By practising regularly and focusing on the topics most likely to appear in your exams, you can build confidence and approach exam day fully prepared.

References

• CIE Final June 2026 O Level Timetable (opens in a new tab)

• King’s College - U up? Why all-nighters are harming your academic performance not helping it (opens in a new tab)