Preparing for your IGCSE exams can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to keep track of important dates across different subjects and exam boards. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Autumn 2026 IGCSE exam series, helping you stay organised and confident.
- Exam period: The Autumn IGCSE exams will run from October to November 2026, with most written papers scheduled during this time.
- Early assessments: Oral, practical, and coursework components may begin as early as March or April 2026, depending on your subject.
- Different exam boards, different dates: : Cambridge (CIE), Pearson Edexcel, and Oxford AQA each set their own timetables, so it’s important to check the official schedule for your specific exam board and subjects before planning your revision.
- Always confirm with your school: Your school or assessment centre will provide your personalised exam timetable, which is the most accurate source.
When Do the Autumn 2026 IGCSE Exams Start and End?
The main written exams are expected to take place between October and November 2026, with some exams potentially starting in late September.
However, not all assessments happen at the same time. Depending on the subject:
- Coursework deadlines may fall earlier in the year
- Oral and practical exams may begin from March or April 2026
Since exam dates can change slightly each year, it’s important to:
- Check your specific exam board’s timetable
- Confirm your schedule with your teacher or exams officer
At the moment, the official November 2026 timetable from Cambridge International has not yet been released, so keep checking for updates.
IGCSE Autumn 2026 Exam Dates by Subject
Below is a simplified overview of key subjects and their exam dates.
Accounting
- Pearson Edexcel:
- Paper 1 – 28 October 2026
- Paper 2 – 5 November 2026
- Oxford AQA:
- Paper 1 – 22 October 2026
- Paper 2 – 29 October 2026
Biology
- Pearson Edexcel:
- Paper 1 – 2 November 2026
- Paper 2 – 13 November 2026
- Oxford AQA:
- Paper 1 – 19 October 2026
- Paper 2 – 26 October 2026
Business
- Pearson Edexcel:
- Paper 1 – 10 November 2026
- Paper 2 – 17 November 2026
- Oxford AQA:
- Paper 1 – 23 October 2026
- Paper 2 – 28 October 2026
Chemistry
- Pearson Edexcel:
- Paper 1 – 9 November 2026
- Paper 2 – 16 November 2026
- Oxford AQA:
- Paper 1 – 2 November 2026
- Paper 2 – 9 November 2026
Economics
- Pearson Edexcel:
- Paper 1 – 11 November 2026
- Paper 2 – 19 November 2026
- Oxford AQA:
- Paper 1 – 20 October 2026
- Paper 2 – 27 October 2026
English (Language & Literature)
- Exams are spread across late October to mid-November 2026
- Includes:
- English Language A & B
- English Literature
- English as a Second Language (multiple units)
Mathematics
- Pearson Edexcel Maths A:
- Paper 1 – 4 November 2026
- Paper 2 – 6 November 2026
- Pearson Edexcel Maths B:
- Paper 1 – 29 October 2026
- Paper 2 – 9 November 2026
- Oxford AQA:
- Early November 2026
Physics
- Pearson Edexcel:
- Paper 1 – 11 November 2026
- Paper 2 – 18 November 2026
- Oxford AQA:
- Paper 1 – 5 November 2026
- Paper 2 – 11 November 2026
Other Subjects
Subjects like Geography, History, ICT, Psychology, and languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Urdu, etc.) are scheduled throughout late October to mid-November 2026.
How to Download or Access Your Official Timetable
You can access your timetable directly from the exam board websites. Here are links to the timetables for 2026 for the main IGCSE exam boards:
- Pearson Edexcel timetable
- Oxford AQA timetable
- The CIE timetable is yet to be published. Check the CIE exam timetables page for further updates.
After downloading your online timetable, print it off or copy it into an online document and mark all the exams for your subjects.
Who takes the Autumn IGCSE exams?
The Autumn IGCSE exams are usually taken by students who want to retake exams to improve their grades, those who missed the May/June session, or students following a different academic calendar (such as international schools that finish later in the year).
Are all subjects available in the Autumn exam session?
No, not every subject is offered in the Autumn session and not every exam board offers exams at this time of year. Availability depends on the exam board and where you’re sitting your exams, so check with your school or exam centre to confirm which subjects are running.
When will I get my Autumn 2026 IGCSE results?
Results for the Autumn 2026 IGCSE exams are expected to be released in January 2027, although the exact date may vary depending on the exam board. Check your exam board’s website or speak to your school or exam centre for more information.
