Official past papers and mark schemes for Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science (0653) are free from Cambridge International. We link to them rather than copy them, so you always get the board's own, up-to-date files.
Each 0653 paper mixes biology, chemistry and physics questions. The biology questions use the content in our 0653 notes.
The public page shows a selection of papers. Schools can get more through the Cambridge School Support Hub, so ask your teacher if the series you want is missing. Clock it with SCI is not affiliated with Cambridge International and does not host any past papers.
| Paper | Time | Marks | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended) | 45 minutes | 40 marks, 30% of the IGCSE | 40 multiple-choice questions on the Core and Supplement content of biology, chemistry and physics. Core candidates sit Paper 1 instead (Core only). |
| Paper 4: Theory (Extended) | 1 hour 15 minutes | 80 marks, 50% of the IGCSE | Short-answer and structured questions on the Core and Supplement content of all three sciences. Core candidates sit Paper 3 instead (Core only). |
| Paper 5 or Paper 6: Practical | 1 hour 15 minutes (Practical Test) or 1 hour (Alternative to Practical) | 40 marks, 20% of the IGCSE | Experimental skills in biology, chemistry and physics, either in a laboratory (Paper 5) or on paper (Paper 6) |
From the Cambridge specification (Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 syllabus 2025 to 2027 (PDF)). Always check the latest version with your teacher before the exam.
