IGCSE Physics 0625 Exam Format Explained

The purpose of this page is to make IGCSE Physics 0625 Exam Format Explained clear before you plan revision or an examination entry. Official Cambridge information takes priority whenever a date or assessment detail changes.

What papers do Core candidates take?

Core candidates take:

• Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core)
• Paper 3: Theory (Core)
• Paper 5: Practical Test or Paper 6: Alternative to Practical

Core candidates are eligible for grades C to G under the 2026 to 2028 syllabus.

What papers do Extended candidates take?

Extended candidates take:

• Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended)
• Paper 4: Theory (Extended)
• Paper 5: Practical Test or Paper 6: Alternative to Practical

Extended candidates are eligible for grades A to G* under the 2026 to 2028 syllabus.

Full assessment table

A candidate takes Paper 5 or Paper 6, not both.

What does the multiple-choice paper assess?

Papers 1 and 2 contain 40 four-option multiple-choice questions.

The multiple-choice paper rewards:

• broad syllabus recall
• accurate use of definitions
• quick equation selection
• unit handling
• graph and diagram interpretation
• recognition of common misconceptions

Forty questions in 45 minutes gives a little over one minute per question on average. Do not spend several minutes on one item at the expense of unanswered questions later in the paper.

What does the theory paper assess?

Papers 3 and 4 use structured and short-answer questions.

The theory component can assess:

• definitions and scientific language
• calculations and working
• explanations and comparisons
• graph, table and diagram interpretation
• practical knowledge
• application of Physics in unfamiliar contexts

Paper 3 assesses Core content. Paper 4 assesses Core and Supplement content at the Extended level.

Because the theory component carries 50% of the final weighting, it should receive substantial practice. That does not mean the other components can be ignored: the multiple-choice and practical components together carry the other half.

How are practical skills assessed?

A centre enters candidates for one of two routes.

Paper 5: Practical Test

Candidates work with apparatus and take measurements in a laboratory setting. They may need to:

• follow or complete an experimental method
• read instruments
• record results in a table
• plot and interpret a graph
• calculate a gradient or other quantity
• evaluate the method
• suggest a specific improvement

Paper 6: Alternative to Practical

Candidates answer written questions that assess the same broad experimental skills without carrying out the full laboratory practical during the examination.

Paper 6 can require candidates to:

• read scales and diagrams
• complete tables
• process measurements
• draw graphs and best-fit lines
• identify variables
• evaluate evidence
• plan an investigation

Paper 6 is not a general theory paper. It needs its own practical-skills preparation.

Is there coursework?

The current 0625 assessment overview does not list coursework. The final result is based on the three examination components for the chosen route.

What are paper variants?

Cambridge may produce different variants of a component for different administrative zones and timetables. The second digit in a paper code identifies the variant, for example Paper 42 means Paper 4, variant 2.

Do not assume the variant from a general website article. Confirm the exact component codes using:

• the statement of entry
• the centre’s examination timetable
• instructions from the exams officer

When practising, questions from other variants can still be useful because they assess the same syllabus cycle. Grade thresholds, however, must be checked against the exact session, option and variant.

How should the format shape revision?

A balanced plan should include all three component styles.

1. Learn the topic: understand the concept, equation, units and tier.
2. Practise topical questions: use several question types rather than one worked example.
3. Practise the component: complete multiple-choice, theory and practical-style tasks separately.
4. Work under time: learn how long to spend on each section.
5. Mark and classify errors: separate knowledge, mathematics, interpretation, practical and timing mistakes.
6. Retry errors: answer the same skill again after correction.

The final plan should reflect the student’s actual weak component, not an unsupported rule that every student needs the same percentage of study time.

What should candidates bring and check?

Follow the current Cambridge instructions and the centre’s examination notice. Candidates should confirm permitted equipment, including calculator requirements, before the examination series. Rules can change, so the current official instructions take priority over an old checklist.

Final format checklist

Before revision becomes paper-focused, confirm:

• Core or Extended route
• Paper 5 or Paper 6
• exact component and variant codes
• examination series and timetable
• current syllabus cycle
• current permitted-equipment instructions

Once those facts are fixed, practise each component in its real format and time limit. That removes administrative surprises and makes the revision plan evidence-based.