Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — Past Papers, Revision Notes & Exam Prep

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) is assessed across 1/2 (MCQ), 3/4 (Theory), 5/6 (Practical), covering 51 syllabus topics across 12 units. LumiExams has every past paper from 2020–2025 (18 sessions total, most recently October-November 2025), plus 49 revision notes, 457+ flashcards and topic-by-topic practice quizzes.

0620 at a Glance

Syllabus
12 topics, 49 topics
Papers
1/2 (MCQ), 3/4 (Theory), 5/6 (Practical)
Tiers
Core (C-G) / Extended (A*-G)
Calculator
Allowed (Papers 3-6)
Exam Sessions
Feb/Mar, May/Jun, Oct/Nov
Our Notes
49 topics
Flashcards
500+ cards
Quiz Questions
100+ Qs

Most-tested topics in Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620)

Across 18 past sessions (2020–2025) of IGCSE Chemistry, the syllabus topics carrying the most marks have been Solids, liquids and gases (687m), Acids and bases (607m), Reactivity series (501m), Electrolysis (440m) and Calculations (438m). If you're short on revision time, prioritise these — start with the linked revision notes above and then practise with past papers from the most recent session.

IGCSE Chemistry Exam Dates 2026
Cambridge May/June 2026: 23 April - 9 June
EXAM SEASON

Chemistry Formula Sheet

Key equations and definitions for Papers 3, 4, 5 & 6 — print it now.

Get Formula Sheet 2-Week Plan

How to Study Chemistry

Follow our 4-step method to master IGCSE Chemistry. Each step builds on the previous one to help you understand, remember, and apply what you learn.

1

Learn — Revision Notes

Start by understanding the key concepts. Our revision notes cover every syllabus point with clear explanations, key definitions, exam tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

Chemistry: Cover all 12 topics: Particles, Atoms, Stoichiometry, Electrochemistry, Energy, Rates, Equilibria, Acids & Bases, Periodic Table, Metals, Air & Water, and Organic Chemistry.

Read Chemistry Notes
2

Recall — Flashcards

Test your understanding with spaced repetition flashcards. Our SM-2 algorithm shows you cards at optimal intervals, so you remember what you learn for the long term — not just for the exam.

Chemistry: Master 500+ flashcards on chemical equations, reactivity series, organic functional groups, and mole calculations.

Study Chemistry Flashcards
3

Practice — Quiz Questions

Apply what you've learned with MCQ practice. Get instant feedback and AI-powered explanations that help you understand why each answer is correct or incorrect.

Chemistry: Test your understanding of balancing equations, predicting products, and explaining reaction mechanisms.

Practice 172 Questions
4

Test — Past Papers

Simulate real exam conditions with past papers. Practice under timed conditions, check your answers against mark schemes, and learn from examiner reports to understand what earns full marks.

Chemistry: Papers 1/2 (Multiple Choice), Papers 3/4 (Theory), and Papers 5/6 (Practical). Practice drawing apparatus and writing word/symbol equations.

Browse All Papers Latest (2025)

IGCSE Chemistry Formula Sheet

Key equations, reactivity series, and chemical tests — printable PDF

Get Sheet Practice

Chemistry MCQ Common Mistakes

300+ mistakes analyzed from examiner reports — learn what costs students marks

See Common Mistakes

0620 Exam Structure & Assessment

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry uses a tiered system allowing students to be assessed at an appropriate level.

Assessment Tiers

Core Curriculum
Grades: C to G
Papers 1, 3, and either 5 or 6
Extended Curriculum
Grades: A* to G
Papers 2, 4, and either 5 or 6
💡

Tip: Extended tier candidates have access to the full grade range and should be comfortable with mole calculations and chemical equations.

0620 Paper Components

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) consists of 6 papers: 0620 Paper 1 (Multiple Choice (Core)), 0620 Paper 2 (Multiple Choice (Extended)), 0620 Paper 3 (Theory (Core)), 0620 Paper 4 (Theory (Extended)), 0620 Paper 5 (Practical Test), 0620 Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical). Each paper assesses different skills and has specific time limits and mark allocations.

Paper 1
1
Multiple Choice (Core)
45 min
40 marks
Paper 2
2
Multiple Choice (Extended)
45 min
40 marks
Paper 3
3
Theory (Core)
1 hr 15 min
80 marks
Paper 4
4
Theory (Extended)
1 hr 15 min
80 marks
Paper 5
5
Practical Test
1 hr 15 min
40 marks
Paper 6
6
Alternative to Practical
1 hr
40 marks

Study by Topic

12 units, 51 topics
1

States of Matter

2 topics
1.1 Solids, liquids and gases
1.2 Particle theory
2

Atoms, Elements and Compounds

7 topics
2.1 Elements, compounds and mixtures
2.2 Atomic structure
2.3 Bonding
2.4 Structure and properties
2.5 Simple molecules and covalent bonds
2.6 Giant covalent structures
2.7 Metallic bonding
3

Stoichiometry

3 topics
3.1 Formulae
3.2 Equations
3.3 Calculations
4

Electrochemistry

2 topics
4.1 Electrolysis
4.2 Electrolysis of specific substances
5

Chemical Energetics

2 topics
5.1 Exothermic and endothermic reactions
5.2 Bond energies
6

Chemical Reactions

4 topics
6.1 Rate of reaction
6.2 Reversible reactions and equilibrium
6.3 Redox
6.4 Redox
7

Acids, Bases and Salts

4 topics
7.1 Acids and bases
7.2 Reactions of acids
7.3 Preparation of salts
7.4 Oxides
8

The Periodic Table

5 topics
8.1 Arrangement of elements
8.2 Group I - Alkali metals
8.3 Group VII - Halogens
8.4 Group VIII - Noble gases
8.5 Transition elements
9

Metals

6 topics
9.1 Properties of metals
9.2 Reactivity series
9.3 Extraction of metals
9.4 Uses of metals
9.5 Corrosion
9.6 Extraction of metals
10

Chemistry of the Environment

3 topics
10.1 Water
10.2 Air and air quality
10.3 Carbon dioxide and methane
11

Organic Chemistry

8 topics
11.1 Formulae, functional groups and nomenclature
11.2 Alkanes
11.3 Alkenes
11.4 Alcohols
11.5 Carboxylic acids
11.6 Esters
11.7 Polymers
11.8 Polymers
12

Experimental Techniques

5 topics
12.1 Experimental design
12.2 Separation and purification
12.3 Identification of ions and gases
12.4 Separation and purification
12.5 Identification of ions and gases

0620 Past Papers by Year

View all papers →
Latest

2025

3

3 exam sessions

97 papers available

View papers
1 year ago

2024

3

3 exam sessions

96 papers available

View papers
2 years ago

2023

3

3 exam sessions

96 papers available

View papers
3 years ago

2022

3

3 exam sessions

97 papers available

View papers
4 years ago

2021

3

3 exam sessions

97 papers available

View papers
5 years ago

2020

3

3 exam sessions

97 papers available

View papers

Full top-12 topic breakdown

The complete list of the top 12 highest-weighted topics in 0620 past papers. Each card links to revision notes and flashcards for that topic where available.

1.1
Solids, liquids and gases
States of matter
1
687 marks 58 Q's
7.1
Acids and bases
Acids, bases and salts
2
607 marks 46 Q's
9.2
Reactivity series
Metals
3
501 marks 46 Q's
4.1
Electrolysis
Electrochemistry
440 marks 34 Q's
3.3
Calculations
Stoichiometry
438 marks 30 Q's
3.1
Formulae
Stoichiometry
381 marks 29 Q's
8.2
Group I - Alkali metals
The Periodic Table
377 marks 27 Q's
1.2
Particle theory
States of matter
289 marks 21 Q's
2.1
Elements, compounds and mixtures
Atoms, elements and compounds
244 marks 27 Q's
6.2
Reversible reactions and equilibrium
Chemical reactions
237 marks 17 Q's
10.2
Air and air quality
Chemistry of the environment
206 marks 21 Q's
12.1
Experimental design
Experimental techniques and chemical analysis
151 marks 13 Q's

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Chemistry Study Guides

MCQ Common Mistakes

The 10 most common MCQ mistakes in IGCSE Chemistry and how to avoid them.

Read guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the IGCSE Chemistry exam in 2026?

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) exams in 2026 are held during these sessions:

  • May/June 2026: 23 April – 9 June 2026 (main session)
  • October/November 2026: Late September – Mid November 2026
  • February/March 2026: 5 February – 9 March 2026

The exact date for Chemistry depends on your paper and administrative zone. View the full timetable →

What study resources are available for IGCSE Chemistry?

For IGCSE Chemistry (0620), we offer:

  • Revision Notes — Comprehensive notes covering all syllabus topics with key definitions, exam tips, and common mistakes.
  • Flashcards — Spaced repetition cards to help you memorize key facts and concepts.
  • Practice Quizzes — 172 MCQ questions with AI-powered explanations.
  • Past Papers — 580+ papers from 2020-2025 including question papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports.
Where do the past papers come from?

All past papers are sourced from Cambridge Assessment International Education, the official examining body for IGCSE qualifications. These materials are provided here for educational purposes only to help students prepare for their exams. Cambridge International holds the copyright to all examination materials. For official resources, please visit the Cambridge International website.

What is the difference between Core and Extended in Chemistry?

IGCSE Chemistry offers two tiers of assessment:

  • Core — Grades C to G. You take Papers 1, 3, and either 5 or 6.
  • Extended — Grades A* to G. You take Papers 2, 4, and either 5 or 6.

Extended tier candidates have access to the full grade range and should be comfortable with mole calculations and chemical equations.

Which past papers should I practice first?

We recommend this approach:

  1. Start with papers from 2-3 years ago to learn the format without using the most recent papers.
  2. Save the most recent papers (2025) for timed practice closer to your exam.
  3. Always review the mark scheme after completing a paper to understand how marks are awarded.
  4. Read the examiner report to learn common mistakes other students made.
Is LumiExams affiliated with Cambridge?

No, LumiExams is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Cambridge Assessment International Education or any other examination board. We are a free resource created by students and educators to help learners prepare for their exams. All past papers remain the intellectual property of Cambridge International and are provided here solely for educational purposes.