IGCSE Chemistry (0620) – Complete Guide 2025 (Notes, Syllabus, Tips, Past Papers)
*Are you aiming for that elusive A in IGCSE Chemistry?** You have just found the ultimate survival guide for the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) 2025 exams.
Whether you are a student in Dubai, London, or Singapore, the pressure of IGCSEs is real. Chemistry often acts as the “gatekeeper” subject—vital for medicine and engineering, yet notorious for its dense syllabus.
This guide is your cheat sheet. We break down the 2025 syllabus, reveal the examiner’s secrets, and provide direct access to the best notes and crash courses available.
1. The 2025 Syllabus: Core vs. Extended
The first step to success is knowing which game you are playing. The IGCSE Chemistry 0620 syllabus is split into two tiers.
Core Curriculum (Grades C to G): Covers the basics. Great for a general understanding.
*Extended Curriculum (Grades A to G):** The gold standard. Includes everything in Core plus challenging topics like Electrolysis quantifiers and Organic reaction mechanisms.
Note: Most ambitious students take the Extended route. This guide focuses on securing that A*.
Assessment Structure (Extended Tier)
To get an A*, you will sit for three papers. Knowing the weighting helps you prioritize your revision time.
| Paper | Type | Duration | Weighting | The Strategy |
| Paper 2 | Multiple Choice | 45 mins | 30% | Speed is life. Practice until you can do 40 Qs in 35 mins. |
| Paper 4 | Extended Theory | 1h 15m | 50% | The “Maker or Breaker.” High-detail answers required. |
| Paper 6 | Alt. to Practical | 1 hour | 20% | Lab skills on paper. Memorize tests and colors. |
👉 Confused by the Syllabus? Unlock IGCSE Chemistry 0620 Syllabus Mastery Now
2. The “Big 4” Topics You Must Master
Examiner reports consistently show that students lose marks in the same four areas. Here is how to beat the curve.
A. Stoichiometry (The Math Part)
If you can’t calculate moles, you can’t pass Paper 4. You need to master:
Reacting masses.
Limiting reactants.
Titration calculations ($C_1V_1 = C_2V_2$).
Resource: Stoichiometry Secrets: Moles Made Simple
B. Electrolysis
This topic confuses everyone. Just remember the P.A.N.I.C. rule to save your grade.
Positive Anode (Attracts Non-metals)
Negative Is Cathode (Attracts Metals/Hydrogen)
Deep Dive: Electrochemistry & Electrolysis in the Simplest Way
C. The Reactivity Series
You cannot predict displacement reactions without memorizing this list. If a metal is higher on the ladder, it kicks the lower one out.
Get the Notes: Metals Marvel: Properties, Uses & Extraction
D. Organic Chemistry
In 2025, Organic Chemistry remains a huge chunk of the exam. You must know your Alkanes from your Alkenes and how to draw Polymers.
Don’t Struggle: Organic Chemistry: Alkanes to Polymers (Full Bundle)
3. Practical Skills (Paper 6)
You don’t need a lab coat, but you do need to know your colors. Paper 6 tests your ability to plan experiments and identify ions.
The pH Scale
Knowing the color changes of Universal Indicator is non-negotiable.
Crucial Tests to Memorize:
Flame Tests: (e.g., Sodium = Yellow, Copper = Blue-Green).
Cation Tests: (NaOH vs. Ammonia precipitates).
Gas Tests: (Limewater for $CO_2$, Damp Red Litmus for Ammonia).
👉 Download the Cheatsheet: Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis
4. How to Prepare Effectively in 2025
Step 1: Consolidate Your Notes
Throw away the bulky textbook. You need concise, exam-focused notes that highlight exactly what definitions the examiners accept.
Step 2: The Crash Course Method
Running out of time? A structured crash course is statistically the fastest way to improve grades. It covers the entire syllabus in record time.
Join Now: Ace O Level & IGCSE Chemistry With The Best Expert Course
Fast Track: Crash Course for Chemistry 5070/0620
Step 3: Past Paper Rigor
Do not just “do” papers. Mark them. If you get a question wrong, write down why.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between IGCSE 0620 and O Level 5070?
A: They are 90% similar. However, IGCSE (0620) uses Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical), while O Level uses Paper 4. IGCSE also separates Core and Extended tiers explicitly.
Q: Is the Periodic Table provided in the exam?
A: Yes, a copy of the Periodic Table is included in Papers 1, 2, 3, and 4. You need to know how to read it, not memorize it.
Learn How: Master the CIE Periodic Table
Q: How do I check my grade equivalence for Pakistan (IBCC)?
A: If you are applying to Pakistani universities, you need to convert your grades.
Use Our Tool: The Ultimate Guide to IBCC Equivalence Calculator
Conclusion: Your A is Within Reach*
Chemistry is not magic; it is a system. Once you understand the rules—whether it’s the P.A.N.I.C. rule for electrolysis or the General Formula for Alkanes—the answers become obvious.
Cambridge Classroom is here to provide the map, the vehicle, and the fuel for your journey. The driving is up to you.
👉 Get the Ultimate Advantage: Download Your IGCSE Chemistry Notes Now
