Physics 0625 papers: timings and marks

Paper 1: Multiple Choice40 four-option multiple-choice questions
Core45 mintime40marks30%of grade
Paper 2: Multiple Choice40 four-option multiple-choice questions
Extended45 mintime40marks30%of grade
Paper 3: TheoryShort-answer and structured questions
Core1 h 15 mintime80marks50%of grade
Paper 4: TheoryShort-answer and structured questions
Extended1 h 15 mintime80marks50%of grade
Paper 5: Practical TestHands-on practical, based on the experimental skills section
Core and Extended1 h 15 mintime40marks20%of grade
Paper 6: Alternative to PracticalWritten questions on practical work, based on the experimental skills section
Core and Extended1 htime40marks20%of grade

Core or Extended: which papers you sit

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

Calculator: Calculators may be used in all papers.
Grading: A* to G. A 9 to 1 version exists as 0972, with the same content and papers.

Your Physics topic checklist

Rate each topic: red if you can't do it yet, amber if it's shaky,green if you're confident. It saves on this device, so come back and update it.

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  1. 1Motion, forces and energy
  2. 2Thermal physics
  3. 3Waves
  4. 4Electricity and magnetism
  5. 5Nuclear physics
  6. 6Space physics

How to revise Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Learn equations with their units

Many marks come from recalling an equation, substituting correctly and giving the answer with the right unit. Learn each equation together with the units of every quantity in it.

Use a set method for calculations

Write the equation, substitute the values with units, rearrange if needed, then give the answer with its unit. Examiners award marks for each step.

Treat the practical paper as a skills paper

Papers 5 and 6 are worth 20% and test the same skills every time: drawing results tables with units in the headings, plotting graphs with sensible scales, naming variables, spotting anomalies and suggesting improvements. These are learnable, and they are some of the most reliable marks in the exam.

Practise reading graphs

Speed-time and distance-time graphs, cooling curves and current-voltage graphs are common. Practise finding gradients and areas, and saying what each one means physically.

Common mistakes in IGCSE Physics

Examiner's noteForgetting to convert units before substituting, such as minutes to seconds or grams to kilograms.
Examiner's noteConfusing mass and weight, or speed and velocity.
Examiner's noteDescribing a circuit change without saying what happens to both current and resistance.
Examiner's noteGiving an answer with too many significant figures, beyond the data given.

Physics 0625: questions students ask

How many papers are there in Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625?

There are 6 papers: Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core, 45 min, 40 marks, 30% of the grade); Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended, 45 min, 40 marks, 30% of the grade); Paper 3: Theory (Core, 1 h 15 min, 80 marks, 50% of the grade); Paper 4: Theory (Extended, 1 h 15 min, 80 marks, 50% of the grade); Paper 5: Practical Test (Core and Extended, 1 h 15 min, 40 marks, 20% of the grade); Paper 6: Alternative to Practical (Core and Extended, 1 h, 40 marks, 20% of the grade). Core: Papers 1, 3, and either 5 or 6. Grades C to G available. Extended: Papers 2, 4, and either 5 or 6. Grades A* to G available.

Can I use a calculator in IGCSE Physics 0625?

Calculators may be used in all papers.

What grades can I get in IGCSE Physics 0625?

A* to G. A 9 to 1 version exists as 0972, with the same content and papers.

What topics are in the 0625 syllabus?

The syllabus has 6 topic areas: Motion, forces and energy, Thermal physics, Waves, Electricity and magnetism, Nuclear physics, Space physics.

Which 0625 syllabus does this guide follow?

The 2026 to 2028 syllabus, from Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus, 2026 to 2028, checked October 2026. Exam boards update syllabuses, so confirm the version your school is using.

Plan your revision

Put Physics into the revision planner with your other subjects, or follow the 12-week or 6-week plan.

Source: Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus, 2026 to 2028, checked October 2026. Exam boards update their syllabuses, so check the latest version with your school.