The Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is one of the world's most recognised qualifications for secondary students. The Feb/March 2026 examination session will happen earlier than in some previous years, so planning and preparation are more important than ever.
This guide will walk you through practical, actionable steps that students can follow, whether they are just starting their revision or already in the thick of it.
Know your syllabus
Your priority should be to understand exactly what you need to study. The IGCSE syllabus for each subject outlines the topics, learning outcomes, and the criteria for awarding marks.
Understand the Assessment Objectives and Weightage
Exam boards, such as Cambridge, list assessment objectives and mark distributions for every subject. Reviewing these shows you what skills and knowledge are tested and how much each section of the exam contributes to your final grade.
Identify Core vs Extended Content for Your Subjects
Cambridge IGCSE subjects often have Core and Extended options. Decide early which tier you're taking, because Extended covers more topics and often includes more challenging questions.
Track Syllabus Changes for the 2026 Feb/March Session
Always use the latest syllabus documents from the Cambridge International official site to make sure nothing has changed since your teacher, school or institution first shared your unit plan. Official learner guides and syllabus PDFs include assessment specifics and revision advice.
Create a realistic study timetable and plan
Smart revision starts with a clear plan you can stick to. A timetable helps you cover all subjects without last-minute cramming.
Build a Subject-Wise Study Plan Based on Strengths and Weaknesses
Start by listing all subjects and topics you must cover. Allocate more time to subjects or topics you find difficult and less time to your stronger areas. This approach ensures balanced preparation.
Balance School, Revision, and Rest to Avoid Burnout
IGCSE revision isn't just about hours, it's about consistency. Include breaks, sleep, and rest days in your schedule to keep your energy and focus high. Techniques like the Pomodoro Method (25 mins study + 5 mins break) are widely recommended.
Set Weekly Targets and Monitor Your Progress
Set clear, achievable goals such as completing certain chapters or practising a number of questions per subject each week. At the end of each week, review what's completed and adjust your plan if needed.
Utilize Free Revision Notes and Mock Exams Resources
You don't have to spend a fortune to find good study material; a lot of excellent revision help is available online at very low to no cost.
Where to Find Reliable Free IGCSE Revision Notes Online
HomeSchool Asia provides concise, clear, and exam-focused Revision notes, written by Cambridge subject experts that are designed to help students recall quickly and answer confidently in the exams. These high-quality revision materials contain key concepts and summaries of important topics so that you get exam-ready right away, all for free.
How to Use Mock Exams to Simulate Real Exam Conditions
Doing mock exams under timed and quiet conditions builds exam stamina and helps you master time management, a vital skill in Cambridge exams.
Analyse Mock Test Results to Improve Weak Areas
After every mock test, check your answers against the mark schemes and make a note of areas where you lost marks. Use this insight to prioritise revision.
Make best use of IGCSE resources
Beyond classroom notes, there are extensive resources designed specifically for IGCSE students.
Choose the Right Textbooks and Study Guides
Textbooks aligned with Cambridge syllabuses and reputable study guides focus on the concepts and question types you'll meet in exams.
Use YouTube, Online Platforms, and Examiner Resources Wisely
Make use of platforms like CIE Past papers, YouTube, and others that offer free explanations and worked examples. These can supplement your learning, especially for tricky topics.
Avoid Resource Overload and Studying Smart
It's easy to collect too many resources. Focus on quality over quantity, stick to a few trusted sources rather than trying to use every study site or PDF you find.
Solve Past Year's Question Papers
Past papers are one of the most powerful tools in IGCSE preparation.
When to Start Solving Past Papers for Maximum Impact
To make old papers truly effective, start well before exams, ideally, many weeks or months in advance, so you can use them to build technique and strengthen weak topics.
Learn Marking Schemes and Examiner Expectations
Always go beyond answering questions, review the mark scheme to see how answers earn marks. This shows you how detailed your answers must be and how examiners reward good responses.
Common Mistakes Students Make When Practising Past Papers
Don't just complete a paper once and ignore it. Many students fail to check answers carefully, missing the biggest learning opportunity. Compare your answers with the mark schemes and analyse errors thoroughly.
Boost your IGCSE Preparation with Home School Asia
HomeSchool Asia plays a vital role in preparing for the IGCSE Feb/March 2026 examination by offering a well-rounded learning ecosystem designed specifically for IGCSE students. Here's how we support students at every stage of their IGCSE preparation:
Interactive Videos: They simplify complex IGCSE concepts using clear explanations and visual learning. You can pause, replay, and revise lessons at your own pace for better understanding and retention.
Test Papers: They are designed to reflect the IGCSE exam format, helping students practise time management, recognise question patterns, and identify weak areas early.
Plan Book: It supports organised daily and weekly study planning, enabling goal setting, topic tracking, and consistent revision without last-minute stress.
Learning Guide: It aligns study with the IGCSE syllabus, helping students prioritise key topics and revise systematically.
Academic Support: It provides continuous guidance, doubt-clearing, and personalised feedback to keep students confident and on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours should I study daily for IGCSE?
A balanced routine such as 2–4 focused hours on school days and longer blocks on weekends works well for most students preparing months in advance.
Is the Feb/March IGCSE session harder than May/June?
The difficulty of IGCSE exams does not depend on the session — both are set by Cambridge to the same standard. What differs slightly is the scheduling and weather of sessions.
Can I self-study and still score A* in IGCSE?
Yes, with structured planning, regular past paper practice, and smart use of resources, self-study students can score top grades, especially if they review official materials and check answers against mark schemes.
