Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Pakistan Studies (4PA1)
Explore Pakistan’s history and culture alongside its physical and human geography and contemporary challenges.
Specification Issue 2, February 2026
Course structure and assessment routes
- Take both papers at the end of this linear course.
- Paper 1: compulsory emergence of Pakistan (1927–1971), one earlier-history option and one later-history/world-affairs option. Paper 2: all sections.
Main syllabus content
- Emergence of Pakistan
- Selected earlier history from pre-Mughal society to British reform
- Consolidation of Pakistan or its role in world affairs
- Physical environment
- Human environment
- Challenges for Pakistan
Use Syllabus for the topic checklist. Where the qualification offers options, follow your chosen route rather than treating every option as compulsory.
4PA1 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.
4PA1/01
History and Culture of Pakistan
- Duration
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Marks
- 75
- Weighting
- 50%
Three 25-mark questions, using the specified options.
4PA1/02
The Landscape, People and Economy of Pakistan
- Duration
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Marks
- 75
- Weighting
- 50%
All questions compulsory.
Key assessment information
- Both papers are externally assessed and available in paper-based or onscreen form. Study only the dates specified for your chosen historical options.
Official sources and verification
Checked 2026-09-04 against the official 4PA1 syllabus/specification (PDF). Specification Issue 2, February 2026.
Source PDF pages: 10, 11. 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.