0620

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) - May-June 2025 Past Papers

Download 41 free IGCSE Chemistry past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports from the May-June 2025 Cambridge examination session. Includes question papers for all variants with full solutions.

About IGCSE Chemistry (0620)

IGCSE Chemistry covers atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, organic chemistry, electrochemistry, and chemical analysis. Candidates must balance equations, predict reaction products, and understand the properties of elements and compounds.

What this exam tests: Key skills include mole calculations, identifying functional groups, interpreting spectra, and planning experiments.

Papers available in variants 11, 12, 13 for different time zones. All variants cover the same Chemistry syllabus with equal difficulty.

Grade Thresholds

Study Resources for Chemistry

Prepare for your exam with these complementary resources:

Revision Notes
49 topics
Flashcards
457 cards
Practice Quiz
Test your knowledge

0620 May-June 2025 Papers

0620 Paper 1 - Multiple Choice (Core)

45 min • 40 marks

Tests broad syllabus knowledge with 40 questions. Each question has four options (A-D). Core tier paper.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3

0620 Paper 2 - Multiple Choice (Extended)

45 min • 40 marks

Extended tier multiple choice with more challenging questions covering the full syllabus. 40 questions, 45 minutes.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3

0620 Paper 3 - Theory (Core)

1 hr 15 min • 80 marks

Structured and free-response questions testing understanding and application. Core tier, grades available C-G.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 3 (7 topics, 80 marks total)

This 0620 Paper 3 from May-June 2025 tests 7 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Reactivity series (Metals) worth 20 marks out of 80 total marks. Other significant topics include Formulae, functional groups and nomenclature (14 marks) and Electrolysis (14 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Reactivity series 20/80
Formulae, functional groups and nomenclature 14/80
Electrolysis 14/80
Air and air quality 11/80
Uses of metals 7/80
Particle theory 7/80
Water 7/80

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Chemistry revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Reactivity series to maximize your score.

0620 Paper 4 - Theory (Extended)

1 hr 15 min • 80 marks

Extended tier theory paper with more demanding questions. Full grade range A*-G available with this paper.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 4 (6 topics, 80 marks total)

This 0620 Paper 4 from May-June 2025 tests 6 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Reversible reactions and equilibrium (Chemical reactions) worth 18 marks out of 80 total marks. Other significant topics include Transition elements (15 marks) and Acids and bases (15 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Reversible reactions and equilibrium 18/80
Transition elements 15/80
Acids and bases 15/80
Group VII - Halogens 12/80
Oxides 10/80
Atomic structure 10/80

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Chemistry revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Reversible reactions and equilibrium to maximize your score.

0620 Paper 5 - Practical Test

1 hr 15 min • 40 marks

Tests practical skills including planning experiments, recording data, and drawing conclusions from results.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 5 (2 topics, 40 marks total)

This 0620 Paper 5 from May-June 2025 tests 2 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Acids and bases (Acids, bases and salts) worth 19 marks out of 40 total marks. Other significant topics include Solids, liquids and gases (15 marks)

Mark distribution by topic:

Acids and bases 19/40
Solids, liquids and gases 15/40

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Chemistry revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Acids and bases to maximize your score.

0620 Paper 6 - Alternative to Practical

1 hr • 40 marks

Written paper testing practical skills through questions about experimental methods, data, and analysis.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 6 (2 topics, 40 marks total)

This 0620 Paper 6 from May-June 2025 tests 2 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Acids and bases (Acids, bases and salts) worth 26 marks out of 40 total marks. Other significant topics include Solids, liquids and gases (8 marks)

Mark distribution by topic:

Acids and bases 26/40
Solids, liquids and gases 8/40

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Chemistry revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Acids and bases to maximize your score.

Other Resources

Additional materials to help you prepare and understand how exams are marked.

Examiner Report

Insights from examiners on how students performed. Learn common mistakes to avoid and what examiners look for in top answers.

View

Confidential Instructions

Instructions for teachers on practical exams. Useful for understanding experiment setups and expected procedures.

P5
P5
P5

0620 May-June 2025 - Topics Breakdown by Paper

Each Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) paper tests specific syllabus topics. Below is a breakdown of topics for each paper in May-June 2025, showing how marks are distributed. Use this to focus your revision on topics relevant to your papers.

0620 Paper 3 (Theory (Core))

80 marks total
Reactivity series (Metals)
Notes 12 cards
20m
Formulae, functional groups and nomenclature (Organic chemistry)
Notes 12 cards
14m
Electrolysis (Electrochemistry)
Notes 12 cards
14m
Air and air quality (Chemistry of the environment)
Notes 10 cards
11m
Uses of metals (Metals)
Notes 10 cards
7m
Particle theory (States of matter)
Notes 10 cards
7m

+ 1 more topics

0620 Paper 4 (Theory (Extended))

80 marks total
Reversible reactions and equilibrium (Chemical reactions)
Notes 12 cards
18m
Transition elements (The Periodic Table)
Notes 10 cards
15m
Acids and bases (Acids, bases and salts)
Notes 19 cards
15m
Group VII - Halogens (The Periodic Table)
Notes 12 cards
12m
Oxides (Acids, bases and salts)
10 cards
10m
Atomic structure (Atoms, elements and compounds)
Notes 12 cards
10m

0620 Paper 5 (Practical Test)

40 marks total
Acids and bases (Acids, bases and salts)
Notes 19 cards
19m
Solids, liquids and gases (States of matter)
Notes 12 cards
15m

0620 Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical)

40 marks total
Acids and bases (Acids, bases and salts)
Notes 19 cards
26m
Solids, liquids and gases (States of matter)
Notes 12 cards
8m

Study tip: If you're taking the Extended tier, focus on Papers 2, 4, and 6. For Core tier, prepare for Papers 1, 3, and 5/6. Review the topics above for your specific papers and practice past questions from those syllabus areas.

Examiner Insights - May-June 2025

Key feedback from Cambridge examiners on how students performed

Key Takeaways

  • • Pay close attention to the specific wording of questions and answer what is asked.
  • • Practice applying the kinetic particle model to describe different states of matter.
  • • Thoroughly review all chemical tests and expected observations.
  • • Strengthen understanding of organic chemistry concepts, including naming and drawing structures.
  • • Practice calculation-based questions and pay attention to units and significant figures.
Paper 11 - Multiple Choice (Core)

The paper was generally accessible with good discrimination. Fewer candidates scored the highest marks. Questions 1, 3, 8, 21, and 25 were the least challenging, while questions 5, 6, 7, 10, 17, 18, 34, and 36 were the most demanding.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice recalling and using common ions.
  • ✓ Revise colors of acid-base indicators and tests for gases like ammonia.

Common Mistakes:

Q5 (Isotopes)
✗ Chose an atom that wasn't an isotope (didn't have the same number of protons).
→ Remember that isotopes have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.
Q6 (Bonding)
✗ Thought potassium iodide had covalent bonds instead of ionic.
→ Potassium iodide is an ionic compound. Review the difference between ionic and covalent bonding.
Q7 (Bonding)
✗ Didn't recognize that only methane and chlorine contained covalent bonds.
→ Iron(III) oxide is ionic and argon is monatomic. Review common compounds and their bond types.
Q10 (Mr Calculation)
✗ Used the atomic number instead of the mass number to calculate Mr.
→ Use the mass number to calculate the relative formula mass (Mr).
Paper 12 - Multiple Choice (Core)

This paper was accessible with good discrimination. Questions 9, 17, 27, 33, and 39 were the least challenging, while questions 1, 10, 18, 21, 22, 26, and 30 were the most demanding.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Use a mnemonic to remember the reactivity series of elements.
  • ✓ Practice identifying trends of the periodic table.

Common Mistakes:

Q1 (Pure substances)
✗ Didn't recognise pure substances have sharp melting/boiling points.
→ Pure substances have sharp melting and boiling points.
Q10 (Molecular Formula)
✗ Couldn't correctly deduce the number of atoms in a molecular formula.
→ Count the total number of each atom type from the molecular formula.
Q14 (Exothermic/Endothermic Reactions)
✗ Confused exothermic and endothermic reactions on a representation of energy change.
→ Review the representations of exothermic and endothermic reactions. Endothermic reaction require input of energy and exothermic reactions give out energy.
Q18 (Redox Reactions)
✗ Did not know redox reactions involve gain/loss of oxygen.
→ Redox reactions involve the gain or loss of oxygen. Combustion and rusting both require oxygen.
Paper 13 - Multiple Choice (Core)

This paper was accessible, with good discrimination. Questions 1, 4, 14, 33, and 39 were the least challenging, while questions 3, 10, 19, 25, 27, 35, 36 and 40 were the most demanding.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Carefully read the options in each question.
  • ✓ Practice other qualitative tests beyond flame tests.

Common Mistakes:

Q3 (Electronic Structure)
✗ Confused the number of electrons in the outer shell with the number of electron shells.
→ Carefully consider the number of valence electrons versus the total number of electron shells.
Q10 (Relative Atomic Mass)
✗ Didn't recognise relative masses are given on the atomic scale.
→ Relative atomic mass refers to the mass of one atom relative to carbon-12.
Q19 (Reactions of Oxides)
✗ Couldn't identify carbon dioxide as the only non-metal oxide present.
→ Recognize that carbon dioxide is a non-metal oxide.
Q25 (Electronic Structure)
✗ Didn't recall helium only has two outer shell electrons.
→ Remember that helium has two outer shell electrons, not eight.
Paper 21 - Multiple Choice (Extended)

This paper was accessible with good discrimination, leading to a high average mark. Questions 1, 12, 14, 21, 24, 25, and 33 were the least challenging, while questions 7, 9, and 18 had the highest demand.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Check numerical answers by applying them to given masses/values.
  • ✓ Revise practical work details such as colors of manganate(VII) and uses of crystallization.

Common Mistakes:

Q3 (Isotopes)
✗ Didn't recognize that atoms of 1H do not contain neutrons.
→ Remember hydrogen-1 has only a proton and electron, no neutrons.
Q7 (Giant Structures)
✗ Assumed silicon(IV) oxide is a giant ionic lattice rather than giant covalent.
→ Learn the structure of common substances like silicon(IV) oxide, which is a giant covalent lattice.
Q9 (Stoichiometry)
✗ Confused stoichiometric ratios instead of correctly doing mole calculations.
→ Pay close attention to stoichiometric ratios when determining limiting reactants.
Q17 (Redox Reactions)
✗ Showed a gap in knowledge of both the color of manganate(VII) and its role in organic reactions.
→ Understand manganate(VII)'s color and its oxidizing role in organic chemistry.

Insights extracted from the official Cambridge Examiner Report for 0620 May-June 2025. View full report →

About Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620)

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) is one of the most popular qualifications taken by students worldwide. The May-June 2025 examination session included 6 paper components, each testing different skills and knowledge areas.

This page contains all 0620 past papers from May-June 2025, including question papers (QP), mark schemes (MS), and examiner reports (ER). Use these resources to practice under timed conditions and understand how examiners award marks.

View all 0620 past papers → | All 2025 sessions →

Get Chemistry Study Tips

Join students preparing for 0620. Get weekly study tips, new past papers alerts, and exam reminders.

0620 Study Tips & FAQ

What are paper variants?

Cambridge releases multiple variants of each paper (e.g., Paper 11, 12, 13) to accommodate different time zones around the world and maintain exam security.

  • Variant 1 (e.g., 11, 21): Usually for Zone 1 (Americas)
  • Variant 2 (e.g., 12, 22): Usually for Zone 2 (Europe, Africa)
  • Variant 3 (e.g., 13, 23): Usually for Zone 3 (Asia, Oceania)

All variants cover the same syllabus and have similar difficulty. Practice with any variant to prepare effectively for your exam.

How to use Mark Schemes effectively

Mark schemes show exactly how examiners award marks for each question. Understanding them helps you write answers that earn full marks.

Example from a Physics mark scheme:

Q: Calculate the speed of a car that travels 150m in 5 seconds. [2]

Mark scheme answer:

• speed = distance / time [1 mark for formula]

• speed = 150 / 5 = 30 m/s [1 mark for correct answer with unit]

Tips:

  • Look for key words that must appear in your answer
  • Note how many points are needed for each mark
  • Check if units are required for the final mark
  • Understand the difference between "state" (brief) and "explain" (detailed)
Understanding Grade Thresholds

Grade thresholds show the minimum marks needed for each grade. They vary each session based on paper difficulty — harder papers have lower thresholds.

Example Grade Thresholds (out of 100 total):

A*
90+
A
80-89
B
70-79
C
60-69

* Actual thresholds vary by subject and session

How to use thresholds:

  • Set realistic target marks based on your goal grade
  • Track your practice paper scores against thresholds
  • Remember: you don't need 100% for an A* — aim for consistency
  • Compare thresholds across sessions to gauge difficulty trends
How is the topic breakdown calculated?

The "Topics Breakdown by Paper" section above shows which syllabus topics are tested in each paper and how many marks they carry. Here's how we calculate this:

Our methodology:

  1. Extract questions: We analyze each question paper (QP) and identify individual questions and their mark allocations (shown in square brackets, e.g., [3]).
  2. Match to syllabus: Each question is matched to the official Cambridge 0620 syllabus topics based on keywords, concepts, and question content.
  3. Sum marks per topic: For each paper, we add up the marks for all questions testing the same topic. For example, if Q1 (4 marks) and Q5b (3 marks) both test "Enzymes", that topic shows as "7 marks" for that paper.

Example: If Paper 3 shows "Photosynthesis - 13 marks", it means questions worth a total of 13 marks (out of the paper's 80 marks) tested the Photosynthesis topic from the Plant Nutrition unit of the syllabus.

How to use this: Look at the paper(s) you'll be taking (e.g., Papers 2, 4, 6 for Extended tier). The topics with the highest marks in YOUR papers are where you should focus your revision. A topic worth 15 marks deserves more study time than one worth 3 marks.

Note: Our topic matching may be inaccurate for questions that span multiple topics. Use this as a guide alongside the official syllabus.

How to Use IGCSE Chemistry Past Papers

📝 Timed Practice

Complete papers under exam conditions. 0620 Paper 4 is 1 hr 15 min - practice finishing within this time to build exam stamina.

✅ Self-Marking

Use the mark scheme to score your answers. Look for marking points you missed and understand what examiners expect in Chemistry responses.

📊 Examiner Reports

Read the 0620 examiner report to see common mistakes. Focus revision on topics where candidates typically lose marks.

🎯 Grade Targets

Check grade thresholds to see how many marks you need for your target grade. An A* in IGCSE Chemistry typically requires 85-90%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I download IGCSE Chemistry May-June 2025 past papers?
You can download all IGCSE Chemistry (0620) May-June 2025 past papers directly from this page. We provide 41 files including question papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports for all variants (11, 12, 13). Click "View" to open in browser or "Download" to save the PDF.
Are 0620 mark schemes included?
Yes, mark schemes for all 0620 May-June 2025 papers are included. Each question paper has a corresponding mark scheme showing expected answers and mark allocation.
What papers are available for IGCSE Chemistry 0620?
IGCSE Chemistry (0620) has 6 papers: Paper 1 (Multiple Choice (Core)), Paper 2 (Multiple Choice (Extended)), Paper 3 (Theory (Core)), Paper 4 (Theory (Extended)), Paper 5 (Practical Test), Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical). Core tier students take Papers 1, 3, 5/6. Extended tier students take Papers 2, 4, 5/6.
What is the difference between paper variants 11, 12, and 13?
The three variants (11, 12, 13) are different versions of the same paper used in different time zones to prevent cheating. All variants test the same syllabus content at the same difficulty level. You can practice with any variant as they are equally valid for revision.
How can I practice these past papers effectively?
Use our free Exam Hub to practice past papers like real exams. It lets you view question papers and mark schemes side-by-side, so you can self-mark your answers. No sign-up required, works with any PDF, and your files stay completely private.

Continue Studying Chemistry

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Revision Notes
49 topics covered
Flashcards
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Practice Quiz
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