How Long Are IGCSE Exams? Full Breakdown

Confused about how long IGCSE exams last? That’s totally understandable. As a student, parent or teacher, you’ll likely want to know how much time each exam takes, how many papers there are, and how the overall exam period is structured. Don’t panic if you don’t know these things yet. 

This breaks down exam durations by subject, paper type, and tier, so you can more easily plan your revision, manage your time, and reduce exam stress.

Key Takeaways

• Plan for the full exam season: The IGCSE exam period runs for 6–7 weeks, with papers spread out across days and weeks. Get your personalised timetable early so you can organise revision and avoid timetable clashes.

• Understand subject-specific timings: Most IGCSE papers last between 1–2 hours, but durations vary by subject and exam board (e.g., English Literature can be up to 2 hours 15 minutes, while Science multiple-choice papers are only 45 minutes). Always double check you are looking at the correct exam board too.

• Manage revision and stress effectively: Use a clear timetable, prioritise tougher subjects, and practise under timed conditions. Balance this with regular breaks, staying organised, and looking after your wellbeing to stay confident and focused.

How Long Is the IGCSE Exam Period Overall?

The IGCSE exam series typically lasts 6–7 weeks, depending on the session and your administrative zone. Most exams are held in May/June or October/November, with exact dates confirmed by your school or assessment centre.

Students don’t sit all their exams on one day. Instead, exams are spread out, with gaps to allow for weekends and school holidays. 

Your school or assessment centre should share with you a personalised exam timetable with the dates and times of all your exams, including modifications if there is a clash in your timetable. If you haven’t yet received your exam timetable, ask your school or assessment centre for it.

When checking how long your IGCSE exams are, make sure you’re looking at the correct exam board. Ask your teacher, school or assessment centre if you aren’t sure which exam board you’re studying. The most common IGCSE boards are Oxford AQA (opens in a new tab), Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab) and Cambridge (CIE) (opens in a new tab).

Subject-by-Subject IGCSE Exam Duration Breakdown

How Long Do IGCSE Biology Exams Last?

Need some additional support preparing for Biology IGCSE exams? Check out Save My Exam’s extensive range of past papers to boost your exam technique. 

How Long Do IGCSE Business Exams Last?

Save My Exam has got you covered for Business revision with revision notes to improve your topic knowledge.

How Long Do IGCSE Chemistry Exams Last?

Check out Save My Exam’s Chemistry mock exams to ace your revision.

How Long Do IGCSE Computer Science Exams Last?

Need revision notes for Computer Science? Access Save My Exams’ revision resources.

How Long Do IGCSE English Language Exams Last?

Get to grips with your set texts and key characters with help from Save My Exams' IGCSE English Language revision resources.

How Long Do IGCSE English Literature Exams Last?

Need support preparing for English Literature IGCSE exams? Try using past papers to improve your exam technique. 

How Long Do IGCSE Geography Exams Last?

Save My Exam has got you covered for IGCSE Geography revision notes.

How Long Do IGCSE History Exams Last?

Need extra revision notes for History? Save My Exam’s detailed topic notes have got you covered.

How Long Do IGCSE Maths Exams Last?

Want to practice your maths skills ahead of your exams? Use Save My Exams’ maths practice questions.

How Long Do IGCSE Physics Exams Last?

Save My Exam has got you covered with Physics revision resources on all topics for your exams.

How Long Do IGCSE Religious Studies Exams Last?

Got questions about Religions Studies content? Check out Save My Exam’s IGCSE revision resources to support your learning.

How Long Do IGCSE Science (Combined, Single & Double) Exams Last?

Need support with Science? Save My Exams has got you covered with their detailed revision notes!

Time Management Strategies for IGCSE Exams

Good time management is just as important as knowing the content. With multiple papers across different subjects, the IGCSE exam season can feel overwhelming. Planning ahead and staying consistent can make the process smoother and less stressful. 

Here are some top tips for managing your time before and during your exams:

1. Create a Revision Timetable

Make a clear, realistic timetable that covers all your subjects and papers. Break down big topics into smaller, more manageable chunks and spread them out across several days rather than cramming just before your exam. Remember to include time for both revision and practice papers. 

2. Prioritise Subjects and Papers

Not all exams will require the same amount of preparation. Spend more time on the subjects you find most difficult or on papers that carry more weight in your overall grade. Keep a balance, though, so you don’t neglect subjects you’re confident in.

3. Practice Under Exam Conditions

Past papers are one of the most effective revision tools. Set a timer for the exact exam duration and work through the paper without distractions. This builds familiarity with the structure of questions and trains you to manage your time effectively during the real exam.

4. Use Active Revision Techniques

Instead of just re-reading notes, test yourself regularly. Flashcards, mind maps, and teaching someone else are all active methods that strengthen memory and understanding. Learn more revision tips and techniques in this IGCSE revision techniques article. 

5. Take Regular Breaks

Concentration drops if you revise for too long without a pause. Use methods like the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes study, 5 minutes break) to keep focused and avoid burnout.

6. Stay Organised

Make sure you know the timetable for your exams and keep all essential materials (pens, calculators, rulers, etc.) ready in advance. Reducing last-minute stress allows you to focus fully on your performance.

7. Look After Your Wellbeing

Sleep, hydration, and nutrition all affect concentration and memory. Aim for a healthy routine during exam season. Light exercise, such as walking or stretching, can also help manage stress and keep your energy levels up.

Get more IGCSE revision tips from my detailed article: How to Prepare for IGCSEs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is each IGCSE exam?

Each IGCSE exam paper typically lasts between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the subject and tier.

How many exams do you take for each IGCSE subject?

Most subjects have 2–3 papers, each counting toward your final grade.

Do practical exams count towards the time?

Yes, practical exams, such as in Sciences or Art, are scheduled separately and have set durations.

How long is the whole IGCSE exam period?

The full IGCSE series usually spans 6–7 weeks, but students only sit exams on days relevant to their subjects.

Can I find out the exact time of my exams?

Yes, your school will provide a personalised timetable with exact dates and times closer to the exam period.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how long IGCSE exams last, both by subject and across the exam period, helps you plan revision, reduce stress, and feel confident. This guide gives a clear breakdown so you know what to expect. With good preparation, time management, and practice, you can perform at your best.

Sources:

• Cambridge (CIE) (opens in a new tab)

• Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab)

• Oxford AQA (opens in a new tab)