IGCSE Biology 0610 paper structure (2026–2028)

Core candidates take Paper 1, Paper 3 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. They can get grades C to G. The questions cover the Core content only.

Extended candidates take Paper 2, Paper 4 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. They can get grades A* to G. The questions cover the Core and Supplement content.

Tip: If you are aiming for a B or higher, you need to be on the Extended route.

• 40 four-option multiple-choice questions.
• 45 minutes, 40 marks.
• 30% of the qualification.
• Paper 1 is Core; Paper 2 is Extended.

• Short-answer and structured questions.
• 1 hour 15 minutes, 80 marks.
• 50% of the qualification.
• Paper 3 is Core; Paper 4 is Extended.

Paper 6 draws on practical work such as diffusion, osmosis, food tests, enzyme rates, photosynthesis, transpiration, respiration, tropisms, germination, variation, and drawing and measuring specimens.

• Paper 5, Practical Test: 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks, 20%. You do real experiments in a lab.
• Paper 6, Alternative to Practical: 1 hour, 40 marks, 20%. A written paper about experiments.
• Core and Extended candidates choose from the same two practical papers.

Free lessons: Fair tests and variables · Size of specimens

The syllabus has three assessment objectives:

• AO1 Knowledge with understanding: 50% of the qualification.
• AO2 Handling information and problem-solving: 30%.
• AO3 Experimental skills and investigations: 20%.

Tip: Over a third of every theory and multiple-choice paper is handling information, so practise reading graphs and tables, not just facts.

Free lesson: Reading graphs and tables in biology