Percentage Uniform Marks (PUM) Explained: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding your Cambridge International exam results can often feel like decoding a complex language. While your final letter grade (A*,
Announcement: Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and AS & A Level June 2025 past papers are now available.
IGCSE stands for “International General Certificate of Secondary Education.” It is an internationally recognised qualification for secondary school students, typically taken by students aged 14 to 16. IGCSE provides a broad and balanced education while also letting students to develop essential skills and knowledge.
IGCSE is equivalent to O Level, UK GCSE, fifth form or year 11 in respective countries and schools. It is the pre-requisite qualification before one proceeds to Advanced Level (A Level) or sixth form (year 12 & 13) or pre-university studies.
There are two main exam boards that offer IGCSE to international learners. Namely, Edexcel and CIE (Cambridge International Education).
Announcement:
Cambridge International Education no longer be an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation from December 20, 2024.
In order to know which one is best for you, please follow the detailed analysis outlined here:
Determining whether Edexcel IGCSE or Cambridge IGCSE is “better” depends on several factors, including your goals, future studies, and subjects availability. Edexcel IGCSE and Cambridge IGCSE are international qualifications with similarities in grading and subject offerings.
Edexcel IGCSE has a much straight forward approach, with only one type of paper combination for all learners. Thus, all learners have equal chances to score grade A* (or grade 9 with the new grading scale system).
Cambridge IGCSE has more (and rather complicated) paper combinations. Exam entries are based on teachers’ grade prediction towards the learners. Therefore, teachers’ predictions are often contradicting with what learners wish to achieve at final exams. Consequently, resulting in lower paper entries that prevent the learners to achieve higher grade in the exams. Learners have complaint not able to adjust exam entries in time, and are facing high level of stress.
Here is one of the many SOS messages:
“I actually I want to study medicine. So u know that universities needed grades like A* TO B. but I knew the core grade’s maximum, so I shocked to hear that. If you imagine that I got the grade C but it is not related to the university requirements so it is not possible to enter to my dream careeer. I also paid the fees for the IGCSE exam. Our school, also didn’t explained that clearer. Ok, So is there any ways to change the curriculum from core to extended. Any way or method (suggestion from you) “
As a homeschooler, you have much more control in choosing the subjects and paper combination. This however, has to be done based on your future study and career plans. If you need help in deciding on your subject group, simply drop us a message at the comment box below. We shall reply you within 24 hours.
Besides the freedom to choose the subjects and paper combination, private candidate is also free to register for exam whenever they are ready.
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Edexcel board currently offers 37 subjects for the International GCSE examinations. Edexcel’s iGCSE curricula are well established, and consistent throughout the learners’ learning journey. The curricula do not constantly change and thus learners can learn with peace of mind.
Learners may choose the subject combination based on their future studies in higher education.
Cambridge IGCSE offers more than 70 subjects. Students are required to take a minimum of 5 or maximum of 14 subjects. The core subjects are English, Mathematics and Sciences. Students can also choose other subjects ranging from Social Sciences (commonly Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Sociology) to Arts & Technology (commonly Computer Studies, Information & Communication Technology (ICT), Art & Design).
Student is awarded with one IGCSE certificate on each subject. For example, you will obtain 5 IGCSE certificates, if you take 5 subjects. Each school decides upon the number of compulsory subjects differently. However, a private candidate may decides based on individual preference.
Edexcel iGCSE curricula are well-established, stable and based on current international audience requirements. Besides that, they have more extensive and wide range of topics that are prerequisite knowledge prior to International A Level studies.
Example topics and chapters that are available in Edexcel iGCSE, but not in Cambridge IGCSE:
Cambridge IGCSE curricula are regularly updated and extended on a yearly or every 2-year basis. Therefore, this has become a great challenge for learners, parents and teachers to catch up with the constant changes.
Example incident:
A teacher in a private school in the UK was not aware of the change of syllabus for English First Language. We managed to assist her with the new exam syllabus just 2 months prior to the exams.
In view of the constant change of Cambridge IGCSE syllabus, here at Skolatis, we have developed a system to keep updating our course material so that candidates are learning the right exam syllabus. Parents can have peace of mind that their children are learning the right syllabus.
Cambridge IGCSE Curriculum is divided into 6 main subject groups. Each group contains several subjects which learners can choose from, in order to fulfil the minimum required subjects.
IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are both qualifications that students in the United Kingdom and many other countries can earn, typically during their secondary education.
The main difference between IGCSE and GCSE lies in their geographic scope, curriculum, assessment methods, recognition, and flexibility. IGCSE is more internationally focused and flexible, while GCSE is primarily used in the UK and follows the UK national curriculum. Therefore, students and parents should consider these differences when choosing the most suitable qualification for their educational goals and circumstances.
GCSEs are primarily taken in the United Kingdom, including England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, in Scotland, a different system of qualifications is used.
IGCSEs are designed for international students and are offered by Edexcel and CIE. They are not limited to the UK and are used in many countries as an international qualification.
GCSEs follow the national curriculum of the United Kingdom. The relevant examination boards (for example AQA, OCR, etc.) in each of the UK nations determine the content and assessment methods.
IGCSEs do not necessarily follow the UK national curriculum. They often have a more global perspective and can be more flexible in terms of the subjects and content offered.
GCSEs in the UK are assessed through a combination of coursework (controlled assessments) and final exams. The grading system for GCSEs uses letter grades (A*, A, B, C, etc.).
IGCSEs typically rely more heavily on final exams, with limited or no coursework. The grading system for IGCSEs may use letter grades or a numerical scale.
GCSEs are widely recognised within the United Kingdom and are the standard qualification for students in the UK education system.
IGCSEs are recognized globally and may be more suitable for students who plan to study abroad or want to have their qualifications recognized in multiple countries.
GCSEs offer less flexibility in terms of subject choices and the content of the qualifications. Students typically follow a prescribed set of subjects.
IGCSEs often offer more flexibility in subject choices, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and needs.
Universities and employers worldwide widely recognise and accept Edexcel IGCSE and Cambridge IGCSE qualifications.
Here are some examples international learners’ admissions into top universities globally.
Edexcel IGCSEs typically include written examinations, coursework, and practical assessments. The weightage of these components may vary depending on the subject.
Cambridge IGCSEs primarily rely on written examinations, with limited coursework and practical components. Assessment methods can vary by subject.
Edexcel IGCSE exams typically occur in January and June, standardised globally. Starting from November 2023, Edexcel has introduced the November series, replacing the January series. January 2023 was the last January series for Edexcel IGCSE. Therefore, from year 2024 onwards, Edexcel IGCSE is taking place in May/June and October/November.
Please refer to Edexcel IGCSE exam timetable and exam registration key dates for more information.
Cambridge IGCSE exams usually take place in May/June and October/November. With exceptional cases of March series for India, Romania and some schools in the Middle East.
Please refer to Cambridge IGCSE exam timetable and exam registration key dates for more information.
Note:
Although IGCSE and O Level are equivalent qualifications grade for grade, they are two different qualifications. IGCSE syllabus meets international standards while O Levels syllabus meets specific local needs in each country. Other notable differences are the grading scale, assessment techniques, and coursework options.
| IGCSE | O Level | |
| Grading | Grades are awarded from A* (highest grade) to G (lowest) | Grades are awarded from A* to E |
| Assessment techniques | Tests oral and practical skills | Focuses on writing and reading skills in language subjects Restricted practical test options in sciences |
| Coursework options | Available in many syllabuses | Fewer coursework options |
* If you need help in choosing between IGCSE and O Level, just leave us a question at the comment box below. We are more than happy to guide you.
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Get the latest exam syllabus and plan your study accordingly.
Find out the exam registration and results released key dates for IGCSE and AS/A Level.
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Please kindly read the IGCSE FAQs here.
Note: CIE (Cambridge International Examination board) has its name changed to CAIE (Cambridge Assessment International Education) since October 2017.
In October 2023, CAIE updated its name, logo, look, and messaging. Cambridge International Education is the new name of the awarding body of Cambridge University Press & Assessment. This name will be used on materials related to administering exams and awarding qualifications.
Kanishka Bhindora
India
Akshaya S T
Singapore
Understanding your Cambridge International exam results can often feel like decoding a complex language. While your final letter grade (A*,
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2,343 responses
when will the distinctions in maths syllabus D will be announced????
Hi,
My daughter has just started her (Year 10) IGCSE course in September(2015) and will be sitting for the exams in May-June 2017.
When it is time for her to practise the past papers, should she choose the ones from the same months (May-June). Does it differ from country to country. If so how to choose the past papers if she is going to sit for the exam in Malaysia? I hear that each country comes under different zones and it is indicated in the papers. I am not sure of this.How to identify this?
Hi Jee,
She can use both exam sessions past papers for practice. The same goes for the paper coding. They all have the same syllabus, and they are good for practices.
hi,
i will be appearing as a private candidate in 2016 may/june.
i want to appear in only 5 subjects, can you tell me which 5 subjects are compulsory? is it important to take biology,physics and chemistry papers or can i appear in biology and physics only?
Hi Abdul,
It all depends on what you want to study in the future.
I would like to know as there is a same percentage weightage for core and extended chemistry and the total marks are also same then what is difference between the two. And as chemistry core paper is of 80 marks can anyone score around 70 in that or there is some limit to the marks given? As the core grade starts from C so if anyone will get 30/40 in paper 1, 70/80 in paper 2(core) n 45/60 in at p then also he will get C grade but the subject wise percentage will remain same or it will be dropped according to the grade achieved. Secondly in India how total percentage are given to Igcse students as simple totoal marks/ no.of subject or there is some other method. Lastly if we will take core in chemistry so will that one C grade will bring down the overall grade if he has got 3 A’S and 2 B’s.
Hi Preksha,
If he is not taking the group award ICE, the one Grade C will not affect his overall grades.
Hi IGCSE Team
My son will be taking his IGCSE in 2017. He wish to take English as a first language, Malay as a foreign language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Accounting and ICT. His school is forcing him to take Geography. The reason is due to some sort of grouping.
My questions are 1. Can he drop the Geography paper?
2. Will he still be entitled to the Group award- Cambridge CIE
3. Which subjects from the above list can be drop if he only wants to take 7
subjects
4. Can the school force him to take Geography??
Thank you.
Hi Lilly,
Here are the answers to your questions:
1. If your son is taking the Cambridge ICE, the group award, then he ought to take one subject from the “Humanities and Social Sciences”. As we can see this is the group he is lacking. It doesn’t have to be Geography, just choose one from list. However, if he is attached to a school, he has to follow the availability of the subjects in his school.
2. If he is lacking one group, then no.
3. We can’t tell you which one to drop, it all depends on what he wants to do in the future and what he wants to study next.
4. We guess the school is not “forcing” him to take Geography. Since he is taking the group award, he has to take one subject from the “Humanities and Social Sciences”. He can always discuss with his school and see what other subjects in this group is available in his school.
Hope these help.
Thank you, IGCSE team!!