How to Resit IGCSE Biology

Didn't get the IGCSE Biology grade you were hoping for? It's frustrating when all those revision sessions don't lead to the result you need. Maybe you missed out on your sixth form place, or perhaps you're just one grade away from studying A-Level Biology. Whatever the reason, falling short can feel like a real setback.

Here's the thing: you can retake IGCSE Biology. Thousands of international students resit their IGCSEs every year and go on to achieve much better results the second time around. With a clearer revision plan, better exam technique, and lessons learned from your first attempt, you're in a strong position to succeed.

This guide covers everything you need to know about resitting IGCSE Biology. We'll explain when resits happen, how to register, which papers you'll need to take, and most importantly, how to prepare so you can boost your grade and get back on track.

Key Takeaways

• IGCSE Biology exams are available in the June and November series, with Cambridge also offering March exams in India

• You don't need to redo your practical experiments for a resit

• You can keep resitting until you achieve your target grade

• Your best grade always counts, so you can't make things worse

Who Should Resit IGCSE Biology?

Resitting isn't for everyone, but it might be right for you if any of these sound familiar:

• You didn't achieve the grade required for your next step.

  • Many sixth forms and colleges want at least a grade 4 or 5 in Biology for A-Level Science courses

• You're aiming for a specific university or career path

  • Medicine, veterinary science, and healthcare courses often expect strong Biology results at both IGCSE and A-Level

• You know you underperformed and can do better

  • Maybe exam nerves got to you, or perhaps you didn't revise effectively. A resit gives you a second chance to show what you're capable of

When Can You Resit IGCSE Biology?

IGCSE Biology resits depend on which exam board you're sitting with.

• Cambridge IGCSE (CAIE) (opens in a new tab) offers exams in June and November each year, with an additional March series available only in India. Most international students will sit in either June or November

• Edexcel International GCSE (opens in a new tab) runs exams in January, May/June, and October/November. This gives you more flexibility to choose when you resit

• Oxford AQA IGCSE (opens in a new tab) also offers multiple exam sessions throughout the year, though availability may vary depending on your location and exam centre

You can resit as many times as you need. There's no limit to how many attempts you're allowed, so you can keep trying until you achieve your target grade.

How to Register for an IGCSE Biology Resit

The registration process depends on whether you're still studying or sitting as a private candidate.

• If you're still at school or college, speak to your exams officer. They'll register you for the resit and handle all the paperwork. Your school will usually enter you at no extra cost if you're still studying there, though some may charge a fee

• If you've left school, you'll need to register as a private candidate. Find an exam centre that accepts private entries by searching online for "IGCSE exam centres" plus your location. Not all schools and colleges accept private candidates, so you might need to contact several centres

Registration deadlines vary by exam board but typically fall several months before the exam. For summer exams, deadlines are usually in February or March. For autumn exams, expect deadlines around August or September.

Costs for private candidates vary widely depending on your location and exam centre. Budget for £100-200 per subject, though prices can be higher in some countries. Some centres also charge administration fees on top of the exam entry fee.

Which Exam Board Are You With?

It's crucial to know which exam board you sat originally, as you'll need to resit with the same board.

• Cambridge IGCSE (CAIE) (opens in a new tab) is the most widely taken internationally. Biology is available under two codes: 0610 (graded A* to G) and 0970 (graded 9 to 1), though both follow the same syllabus and use identical exam papers 

• Edexcel International GCSE (opens in a new tab) is popular in British international schools. The course code is 4BI1 and uses a slightly different structure and content compared to Cambridge

• Oxford AQA IGCSE (opens in a new tab) is the newest option and is becoming more common in international schools. It's designed to be similar to the UK's AQA GCSE

Check your previous exam certificate or results slip to confirm which board you sat. You cannot switch exam boards for a resit without starting the entire course again.

What to Expect in the IGCSE Biology Resit

You'll be tested on exactly the same content as your first attempt. The format stays the same, though the specific questions will obviously be different.

The good news? You don't have to redo any practical experiments. Your practical skills from your original course still count.

How to Prepare for an IGCSE Biology Resit

Preparing for a resit is different from revising the first time. You already know what the exam is like, so use that experience to your advantage.

Reflect on What Went Wrong Last Time

Before diving into revision, think honestly about why you didn't get the grade you wanted.

• Was it weak content knowledge? 

  • Maybe photosynthesis or genetics never really made sense. If so, you need to spend extra time strengthening these topics

• Poor exam technique? 

  • Perhaps you ran out of time, misread questions, or didn't explain your answers fully enough. These problems can be fixed with better exam strategy and practice

• Lack of revision? 

  • If you didn't put in enough hours or started too late, you know you need a more structured approach this time

Understanding what went wrong helps you focus your revision more effectively.

Focus on Core Topics & Command Words

Not all topics carry the same weight in the exam. Some appear far more frequently than others.

Check your exam board's specification (opens in a new tab) to identify key topics. Cell biology, enzymes, photosynthesis, respiration, and genetics consistently appear across all exam boards.

Pay attention to command words like "explain," "describe," "evaluate," and "compare." These tell you exactly what type of answer the examiner wants. Command words guide how detailed your answer needs to be and whether you need to provide reasons, evidence, or make judgements.

Save My Exams' IGCSE Biology topic questions can help you identify which areas need the most work and practise using command words correctly.

Revise Using the Right Specification

Every exam board has a different specification and slightly different question styles. Make sure you're using materials matched to your board.

Download your exam board's specification from their website. This lists every topic you need to know and the depth of knowledge required.

• Cambridge IGCSE (CAIE) (opens in a new tab)

• Edexcel International GCSE (opens in a new tab) 

• Oxford AQA IGCSE (opens in a new tab) 

Study mark schemes from past papers. These show exactly what examiners want to see in answers. Understanding mark scheme language significantly improves your performance. Here at Save My Exams we have hundreds of official past papers and mark schemes available for you to use.

Save My Exams' revision notes for IGCSE Biology are written specifically for Cambridge, Edexcel, and Oxford AQA, making them perfect for targeted revision.

Practise with Past Papers

Past papers are your most valuable revision tool. They help you get familiar with question styles, manage your time, and identify gaps in your knowledge.

Start with simple recall methods by using resources such as our flashcards. Then move on to topic-by-topic questions to build confidence before attempting full papers. This approach lets you focus on weak areas without feeling overwhelmed.

Once you're comfortable, move on to full past papers or mock exams under timed conditions. This builds exam stamina and teaches you to pace yourself properly.

Always mark your work using the mark scheme and understand where you lost marks. Don't just tick or cross answers—work out why the examiner wanted specific information.

Consider Getting Extra Support

Sometimes you need more than just self-study to improve your grade.

A private tutor can help explain difficult concepts and provide personalised feedback on your exam technique. Look for tutors who specialise in IGCSE Biology and your specific exam board.

Online revision platforms offer structured courses, video explanations, and practice questions. Save My Exams provides comprehensive IGCSE Biology resources including notes, questions, and mock exams.

Local revision classes might be available through community centres or private education providers, especially if you're studying as a private candidate.

What If I Get a Lower Grade In My IGCSE Biology Resit?

Don't worry—you can't make things worse by resitting.

Your best grade always counts. If you achieve a lower grade in your resit than your original attempt, schools, colleges, and universities will see your higher grade.

Most universities and sixth forms simply want to see that you meet their entry requirements. As long as you achieve the required grade, it usually doesn't matter whether it took one attempt or several.

Your exam certificate will show all your attempts and the dates you sat each exam. However, when applying for courses or jobs, you typically only need to state your best grade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IGCSE Biology resit harder than the first exam?

No, the difficulty level stays the same. Resit papers are no harder than the original papers. In fact, many students find resits easier because they're more familiar with the content and exam format. Grade boundaries might vary slightly between sessions, but this affects all candidates equally.

Do I need to redo the practical component?

No, you don't need to redo your practical experiments. For Cambridge IGCSE, most resit students take Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical), which is a written exam testing practical knowledge. For Edexcel IGCSE, practical skills are assessed through questions in the written papers.

Can I switch exam boards for the resit?

Technically no. If you started with Cambridge IGCSE, you should resit with Cambridge. Switching exam boards means starting the entire qualification again from scratch, as each board has different specifications and assessment methods. It's almost always better to stick with your original board.

How many times can I resit IGCSE Biology?

There's no limit. You can keep resitting until you achieve your target grade. Each time you'll need to re-register and pay the exam fees, but there's no rule preventing multiple attempts.

Will universities know I resat the exam?

Your exam certificate shows all attempts and dates. However, most universities focus on whether you meet their entry requirements rather than how many attempts it took. For highly competitive courses like medicine, first-time grades may carry more weight, but for most courses, achieving the required grade is what matters.

Final Thoughts

Resitting IGCSE Biology isn't the end of the world—it's a fresh start.

Thousands of students improve their grades through resits every year. With a clearer understanding of what went wrong last time, a solid revision plan, and the right resources, you're in a much stronger position to succeed.

Remember, choosing to resit shows determination and maturity. You're taking responsibility for your future and refusing to settle for less than you're capable of. That's something to be proud of.

Start your revision early, stay focused, and trust the process. You've got this.

References

• Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 Syllabus 2023-2025 (opens in a new tab)

• IGCSE Autumn 2025 Exam Dates & Timetable - Save My Exams

• Save My Exams IGCSE Biology Resources