Written by IGCSEPhysics Content Team · Physics subject adviser: K. S. Tan, 15+ years teaching IGCSE Physics · Checked against the Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) 2026 to 2028 syllabus
Use this guide to plan your time effectively across all Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 exam papers.
General principle
Spend approximately one minute per mark. This is the standard allocation for Cambridge papers and gives a reliable pacing target.
Paper-by-paper breakdown
Paper 2 (Core): 45 minutes, 40 marks
- Approximately 1 minute per mark.
- Short-answer and structured questions.
- Target: finish by 40 minutes, use 5 minutes to check.
Paper 4 (Extended): 1 hour 15 minutes, 80 marks
- Approximately 1 minute per mark.
- Longer structured questions, some multi-step calculations.
- Target: finish by 70 minutes, use 5 minutes to check.
Paper 5 (Practical): 1 hour 15 minutes
- Work through the practical tasks in order.
- Do not spend too long trying to get a “perfect” result. Record what you observe honestly.
Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical): 1 hour, 40 marks
- Approximately 1.5 minutes per mark.
- Drawing, data analysis, planning questions.
- Take care with graph plotting and table construction. These are often worth several marks.
When you get stuck
- Read the question again. Many “hard” questions become clear on the second reading.
- Mark the question and move on. Return to it with fresh eyes.
- Write what you know. State the relevant equation, principle or definition. Partial marks exist.
- Use the marks as a clue. A 3-mark question needs three distinct points. If you have only written one, look for two more.
Common time traps
- Overwriting. If a question is worth 1 mark, one clear sentence is enough. Writing a paragraph wastes time.
- Perfecting calculations. If a calculation is correct, move on. Do not re-derive it unless checking.
- Spending too long on the first question. The first question is often easy but students sometimes over-explain it.
How to apply this in an exam
Glance at the total marks at the start. Divide the time to give yourself a per-mark pace. Check the clock after every 20 marks to confirm you are on track. Leave 5 minutes for a final scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I run out of time?
In the final five minutes, scan for any unanswered questions and write something relevant. A partial answer can earn marks; a blank cannot. Prioritise questions worth the most marks.
Should I answer questions in order?
Usually yes, because the marks are designed to fill the available time in sequence. However, if you are stuck on a particular question, move on and come back to it.
How long should I spend checking my answers?
Aim to finish five minutes early for a final check. Focus on: units, significant figures, sign errors, and whether you answered what was actually asked.
Next useful steps
Need Help Applying This?
A 0625 specialist can work through the student's current paper or question and help identify whether the main difficulty is content, mathematics, practical reasoning or exam technique.