How Many IGCSE Religious Studies Papers Are There?

As an IGCSE RS tutor, the first question I get asked by students is either: ‘How many exam papers do I have to sit?’ or ‘What’s the format of my exam questions?’.

Understanding the layout of your exams is crucial for effective revision and planning your study schedule. This guide explains the structure for the main RS exam boards, including clarifying what each paper covers, how long it lasts, and how it contributes to your final grade.

Key Takeaways

• All IGCSE Religious Studies students sit two papers: Both Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE RS require students to complete Paper 1 and Paper 2. The specific questions you answer depend on the religions or themes you have studied, but no papers are optional.

• Paper weightings differ by exam board: For Cambridge, each paper contributes 50% to the final grade, while for Edexcel, Paper 1 is 60% and Paper 2 is 40%. Understanding this helps prioritise revision time effectively.

• Paper length and format vary: Cambridge papers are both 1 hour 45 minutes, with a mix of short-answer and essay-style questions. Edexcel’s Paper 1 is 1 hour 45 minutes and Paper 2 is 1 hour 30 minutes, with structured questions and essays tailored to your chosen religion.

Overview of IGCSE Religious Studies Exam Structure

IGCSE Religious Studies is designed to assess knowledge and understanding of religion, as well as critical thinking skills. The main boards offering this qualification are Cambridge (opens in a new tab) and Edexcel (opens in a new tab). 

While the overall aim is similar across the boards, the structure of the papers and the way they are assessed differs slightly, so it is important to consult your specific syllabus early in your course.

Cambridge IGCSE Religious Studies (0490)

Cambridge (opens in a new tab) IGCSE Religious Studies is assessed through two written papers. Both papers are marked out of 80 and are equally weighted, so you should prepare carefully for each.

Save My Exam has a range of past papers that are ideal for improving your exam technique and boosting confidence tackling more challenging questions.

Paper 1: Worship, Beliefs, Scriptures and Sacred Places 

This paper focuses on core content about religious beliefs, practices, and sources for your two chosen religions (chosen from Christianity, Islam and Judaism). 

It typically includes short-answer and structured questions that assess your knowledge and understanding. Students select two religions and answer two questions on each (four answered in total).

Paper 2: Festivals, Fasts, Family Life and Social Action

This paper focuses on ideas about religious celebrations, families and religious action in the world for your two chosen religions (chosen from Christianity, Islam and Judaism). 

This paper includes essay-style questions and longer structured responses. It examines your ability to analyse religious ideas, compare different beliefs, and justify personal opinions using evidence. 

Edexcel IGCSE Religious Studies (4RS1)

Edexcel (opens in a new tab) IGCSE Religious Studies is also assessed through two written papers. Paper 1 is marked out of 100 and is worth 60% of your final grade, while Paper 2 is marked out of 60 and is worth 40% of your final grade. Your total mark is out of 160.

As part of your exam prep, it is crucial to familiarise yourself with the paper layout and practice writing exam-style answers. Using the past papers on Save My Exams is a great way of improving your exam technique.

Paper 1: Beliefs and Values 

This tests your knowledge and understanding of the core ideas, including the beliefs, teachings, and practices, for your one chosen religion (chosen from Christianity, Islam, Judaism or Buddhism). 

This paper includes short-answer, and structured questions, including two  longer-form essay-style questions which require you to compare, contrast, assess and evaluate religious views.

Paper 2: The Religious Community 

This paper tests your knowledge and understanding of ideas about religious function in society, particularly, ethical, social, and communal issues for your one chosen religion (chosen from Christianity, Islam, Judaism or Buddhism).

In your short-form and longer essay-style answers, you will need to examine and evaluate how religious beliefs influence actions, community life, and responses to moral issues.

Do All Students Take Both IGCSE RS Papers?

Yes. For both Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE Religious Studies, all students sit both Paper 1 and Paper 2. However, you do not have to answer every question on each paper. The specific questions you answer will depend on the religions and themes you have studied, so each student completes the sections relevant to their chosen content.

It is important to check your syllabus and exam entry to ensure you know exactly what topics and religions you need to learn.

How Are the Papers Weighted Towards the Final Grade?

Weightings vary between boards. In Cambridge, both papers contribute equally to the overall grade (50% each), so they should both be given equal attention.

In Edexcel, Paper 1 is worth 60% of your final grade, whilst Paper 2 is worth 40%. This means more time should be spent revising material and practicing past papers for Paper 1, as your performance here will have a greater impact on your final grade.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Choose Which Papers to Take?

No, all students must sit both papers for Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE Religious Studies. What you can choose are the specific religions or themes you answer questions on within each paper, depending on what you have studied. Always check with your teacher or exam centre to ensure you know which sections apply to you.

Are the Papers the Same Length Across Exam Boards?

No. For Cambridge, both papers are 1 hour 45 minutes. For Edexcel, Paper 1 is longer (1 hour 45 minutes) than Paper 2 (1 hour 30 minutes).

Do All Topics Come Up in Every Paper?

The topics which come up for Cambridge exams vary every year, so it is very difficult to be certain which will come up for you. 

Save My Exam’s topic notes are an excellent resource to help you consolidate your topic learning and develop your understanding of more challenging concepts.

For Edexcel, the same core themes come up for Paper 2, however, the exact topics and questions for each vary from year to year. For Paper 1, topics vary from year to year.

Where Can I Find Past Papers for Each Exam Paper?

Past papers are available on the official Cambridge and Edexcel websites. Save My Exams also provides structured IGCSE RS past papers, target tests and exam-style questions to support exam prep.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how many papers you have to sit and what each one covers is the first step to effective IGCSE Religious Studies preparation. 

As a tutor, I always advise students to map out the structure of their exam early and use past papers to practice under realistic conditions. Understanding the contribution of each paper to your final grade helps you prioritise your revision and approach the exam with confidence. 

For additional support, resources like Save My Exams IGCSE RS past papers and revision notes are excellent tools to complement your study plan.

Sources:

• Cambridge (opens in a new tab) 

• Edexcel (opens in a new tab)