Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610)
Study living organisms from cells and biological processes to inheritance, ecosystems and biotechnology, alongside experimental skills.
2026–2028 examinations
Course structure and assessment routes
- Core: Papers 1 and 3 plus either Paper 5 or 6; grades C–G.
- Extended: Papers 2 and 4 plus either Paper 5 or 6; grades A*–G. Extended assesses Core and Supplement content.
Main syllabus content
- Classification, cells and biological molecules
- Enzymes, nutrition and transport
- Disease, gas exchange, respiration and excretion
- Coordination, drugs and reproduction
- Inheritance, variation and selection
- Ecosystems and human influences
- Biotechnology and genetic modification
Use Syllabus for the topic checklist. Where the qualification offers options, follow your chosen route rather than treating every option as compulsory.
0610 assessment structure
Use the route above to identify which components you take. Marks below are raw marks; the stated weightings determine their contribution to the award.
Paper 1
Multiple Choice (Core)
- Duration
- 45 minutes
- Marks
- 40
- Weighting
- 30% of Core
Paper 3
Theory (Core)
- Duration
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- Marks
- 80
- Weighting
- 50% of Core
Paper 2
Multiple Choice (Extended)
- Duration
- 45 minutes
- Marks
- 40
- Weighting
- 30% of Extended
Paper 4
Theory (Extended)
- Duration
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- Marks
- 80
- Weighting
- 50% of Extended
Paper 5
Practical Test
- Duration
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- Marks
- 40
- Weighting
- 20%; choose Paper 5 or 6
Paper 6
Alternative to Practical
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Marks
- 40
- Weighting
- 20%; choose Paper 5 or 6
Key assessment information
- All components are externally assessed. Both practical routes assess experimental skills; Alternative to Practical is a written assessment of those skills.
Official sources and verification
Checked 2026-09-04 against the official 0610 syllabus/specification (PDF). 2026–2028 examinations.
Source PDF pages: 8, 9. PDF page positions may differ from printed page numbers.
IGCSEfy is an independent study aid. Check the full official document and your exam-paper instructions, especially exam-year options, equipment and centre arrangements. Older archive papers may follow an earlier syllabus.