Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 - Syllabus - Version 0.2 - For exams in 2028 and 2029

Oct 23, 2026

Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 syllabus (Version 0.2) specifies the program of study and assessment arrangements for exams in 2028 and 2029. It outlines exam availability (June, November, and March in India), qualification context, and key benefits for learners and schools. The document covers aims, subject content for biology, chemistry and physics, detailed assessment components, practical work requirements, measurement language, safety, laboratory apparatus, and additional guidance including grades usage and syllabus changes for the period.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages87

Reading Time3 h 39 min

AccessFree to download

Why choose this syllabus?

Key benefits

Why choose this syllabus?

Key benefits

Syllabus overview

Aims

Content overview

Assessment overview

Assessment objectives

Subject content

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Details of the assessment

Core assessment

Extended assessment

Practical assessment

Language of measurement

Apparatus, materials and reagents

Safety in the laboratory

Electrical symbols

Symbols and units for physical quantities

Notes for use in qualitative analysis

The Periodic Table of Elements

Mathematical requirements

Presentation of data

Conventions

Command words

What else you need to know

Before you start

Making entries

Accessibility and equality

After the exam

How students and teachers can use the grades

Changes to this syllabus for 2028 and 2029

Syllabus ™ Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 Use this syllabus for exams in 2028 and 2029. Exams are available in the June and November series. Exams are also available in the March series in India. Version 0.2 For the purposes of screen readers, any mention in this document of Cambridge IGCSE refers to Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education. Why choose Cambridge? We work with schools worldwide to build an education that shapes knowledge, understanding and skills. Together, we give learners the confidence they need to thrive and make a positive impact in a changing world. As part of the University of Cambridge, we offer a globally trusted and flexible framework for education from age 3 to 19, informed by research, experience, and listening to educators. With recognised qualifications, high-quality resources, comprehensive support and valuable insights, we help schools prepare every student for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Qualifications that are recognised and valued worldwide From the world’s top-ranked universities to local higher education institutions, Cambridge qualifications open doors to a world of opportunities. Setting a global standard With over 160 years of experience in delivering fair, valid and reliable assessments to students worldwide, we offer a global, recognised performance standard for international education. Your path, your way Schools can adapt our curriculum, high-quality teaching and learning resources and flexible assessments to their local context. Our aligned offer helps Cambridge schools support every learner to reach their potential and thrive. Learning with lasting impact Cambridge learners build subject knowledge and conceptual understanding, and develop a broad range of skills, learning habits and attributes to help make them ready for the world. Improving learning outcomes through data-led insight and action Our trusted baseline and diagnostic assessments, together with our insights and evaluation service, help schools turn data into knowledge and actionable insights, to inform teaching decisions and improve learner outcomes. Bringing together a community of experts We bring together the collective knowledge of experts and our diverse community of educators worldwide, supporting them to learn from one another and share ideas and information. Tackling the climate crisis together We believe that education is key to tackling the climate crisis. Together with Cambridge schools, we can empower young people with the skills and knowledge to take action on climate change, helping them be ready for the world. School feedback: ‘We think the Cambridge curriculum is superb preparation for university.’ Feedback from: Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University, USA © Cambridge University Press & Assessment September 2025 Cambridge International Education is the name of our awarding body and a part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, which is a department of the University of Cambridge. Cambridge University Press & Assessment retains the copyright on all its publications. Registered centres are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give permission to centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within a centre. Contents Why choose Cambridge? ............................................................................................... 2 1 Why choose this syllabus? ........................................................................................ 5 2 Syllabus overview ....................................................................................................... 8 Aims 8 Content overview 9 Assessment overview 10 Assessment objectives 11 3 Subject content ........................................................................................

FAQs

Which exam sessions are covered for the Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science 0653 syllabus 2028 and 2029?

Exams are available in the June and November series, and also in the March series in India.

What subject areas are included in the syllabus content?

The subject content includes Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

What assessment types does the syllabus describe?

It describes core assessment, extended assessment, practical assessment, and related requirements such as measurement language and laboratory safety.

Oct 23, 2026

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