When to Start Revising For Your IGCSEs

Am I too late to start revising? When should I have started? What if I haven’t done anything yet? These are some of the most common questions IGCSE students ask as exams draw closer. 

The truth is, there’s no single perfect date to start revising, but there are clear timelines and strategies that can help you prepare effectively. This guide will explain when and how to kickstart your revision, what to focus on, and how to catch up if needed.

Key Takeaways

Start revision about 6 months before exams for the best results: Beginning in November or December ahead of the summer exam season gives you time to build understanding gradually, revisit topics, and strengthen long-term memory without feeling rushed.

Year 10 is the time to build habits, not cram: Light, regular review after each topic and creating revision materials early will make Year 11 revision far easier and less stressful.

Match your revision strategies to the stage you are in: Early on, focus on consolidating notes and gentle active recall; midway, add structured past paper questions by topic; close to exams, practise full papers under timed conditions.

It is never too late to start: Even if you feel behind, focusing on high-yield topics, practising past papers, and using active recall consistently can still lead to strong results.

Why Timing Matters for IGCSE Revision

The Role of Long-Term Memory in Exam Success

Revision is most effective when information is moved from your short-term memory into your long-term memory. Research shows our brains forget new material quickly unless it is reviewed at frequent intervals. This is called the “forgetting curve”. 

Spacing your revision over months, rather than weeks, allows you to strengthen your memory each time you return to a topic. 

Active revision is the most effective way to improve recall and works best when practiced over a longer period of time. Starting your revision early gives you the advantage of reviewing content actively several times before exams, which makes it far more likely to stick. 

The Risks of Starting Too Late

Putting off revision until the last minute might seem doable at first, but it can quickly become stressful. Trying to review eight or nine subjects in just one or two weeks makes it difficult to cover everything thoroughly. 

Students who leave their revision late often end up memorising facts rather than fully understanding concepts or practising exam skills. Starting earlier helps you stay relaxed, build confidence, and improve your overall results.

When Should You Start Revising for IGCSEs?

Year 10 Students

If you’re in Year 10, the best approach is to build revision habits gradually. You don’t need a full timetable yet, but reviewing material at the end of each topic will make a huge difference later. 

Spending 20–30 minutes a week on light consolidation and active revision, such as creating flashcards and summarising class notes, will help you keep up with content as it builds. 

By term 2 or 3, start adding short practice questions and quizzes, so your memory is tested regularly.

Year 11 Students

For Year 11 students, early-stage revision should begin around 6 months before exams (usually November or December) and mid-stage, more structured revision should start around 3–4 months before (February or March). 

This allows you to cover all topics at a steady pace while leaving plenty of time for practice papers and review. If you start earlier, you can work with shorter sessions and focus more on understanding. 

If you’re starting later, do not panic. It’s still possible to do well by focusing on high-priority areas and using active methods, such as practice questions and past papers.

What If You’re Behind?

Many students feel late to revision, especially after busy school terms or mock exams. The good news is you can still catch up with smart strategies. 

Begin by listing your subjects and ranking topics by priority. Focus on areas that are most heavily tested and the ones you struggle with. 

Use efficient active revision techniques, such as using flashcards, blurting, dual coding and quizzes, as well as completing past papers. Even if time is short, consistent effort each day will make a noticeable difference.

Revision Strategies to Use at Different Stages

Early-Stage (6+ Months Before)

At this stage, focus on consolidating your notes and reviewing concepts you have already studied. Begin building light active recall into your routine with flashcards, mind maps, practice questions and quizzes. Aim for shorter, regular sessions that strengthen your foundation without overwhelming you.

Mid-Stage (3–4 Months Before)

This is when revision should become more structured. Use active recall and spaced repetition regularly to test your knowledge. Begin working on past papers questions by topic, focusing on areas you find most difficult. Regularly review your timetable to make sure every subject and topic is being covered.

Final-Stage (1–2 Months Before)

As exams approach, shift your focus to exam technique. Complete full past papers and mock exams under timed conditions to practise managing the exam environment. Review your answers carefully to spot mistakes and refine your approach. Concentrate on weak areas, but also revisit stronger topics so nothing is forgotten.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it too early to start revising for IGCSEs in Year 10?

No. Starting light revision in Year 10 helps you build strong study habits and reduces stress in Year 11. Even short weekly reviews of classwork are worthwhile.

What month should I start revising for IGCSEs in Year 11?

Most students should begin early-stage revision in October or November of Year 11, about 6 months before exams begin. Mid-stage, more intensive revision should start around 3–4 months before your first exam.

Can I still do well if I start revising late?

Yes. With smart strategies like prioritising key topics, using active revision techniques, and practising past papers, it is still possible to perform well even if you begin later than planned.

Final Thoughts

It is never too early or too late to start revising for your IGCSEs. The earlier you begin, the more confident and prepared you will feel. However, even starting a few weeks before exams can make a real difference if you focus on effective techniques. 

The key is consistency and quality rather than perfection. Build revision into your routine, use active methods, and keep adapting your plan as exams get closer. With the right approach, you can go into your exams feeling ready and in control.

Looking for IGCSE-specific revision resources? Save My Exams has a wide range of resources covering subjects for the IGCSE exam boards, including pre-made flashcards, detailed revision notes on key topics, past papers and mock exams. Explore all IGCSE revision resources.