IGCSE Chemistry Syllabus 2025 (0620) — Complete Guide (Notes, Syllabus, Tips, Past Papers)
Full, up-to-date breakdown of the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 syllabus for 2025 — including chapter notes (PDF), past papers with marking schemes, practical guidance, MCQs, and examiner-verified tips to help you achieve A★.
Why the IGCSE Chemistry 0620 Syllabus 2025 Matters
The 2025 syllabus clarifies assessment objectives and places stronger emphasis on practical competency, data interpretation and structured reasoning. If you’re aiming for top marks, you must align revision with the official syllabus and practise with authentic past papers and examiner reports.
Focus on understanding ‘why’ behind chemical behaviour — examiners reward reasoning and application over rote memorization.
Download the Official IGCSE Chemistry 0620 Syllabus 2025 (PDF)
If you want the authoritative source for course aims, assessment objectives, and practical requirements — download the official syllabus PDF below.
IGCSE Chemistry Syllabus 0620 — Topic-by-topic Breakdown (Easy-to-Follow)
This simplified syllabus map highlights the topics and subtopics you must master for Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 / Practical. Use it as your study blueprint.
| Unit | Core Topics |
|---|---|
| 1. Experimental & Practical Skills | Apparatus, measurements, uncertainties, titration, chromatography, method design |
| 2. Atoms, Molecules & Stoichiometry | Atomic structure, isotopes, mole concept, reacting masses |
| 3. Bonding & Structure | Ionic, covalent, metallic bonding; giant structures; properties |
| 4. Energetics & Rates | Energy changes, reaction rates, collision theory, catalysts |
| 5. Acids, Bases & Salts | pH, indicators, neutralization, titration, salt preparation |
| 6. Electrochemistry & Metals | Electrolysis, extraction of metals, reactivity series, corrosion |
| 7. Organic Chemistry | Hydrocarbons, functional groups, polymers, crude oil & fractional distillation |
| 8. Air, Water & Environment | Composition, pollutants, water treatment, greenhouse gases |
High-Quality Chapter Notes — Downloadable PDFs
Short, syllabus-aligned notes are the fastest way to revise. Use these in tandem with past papers and MCQs:
Tip: Download the one-page “Formula & Facts” PDF and pin it on your study wall — it’s a high-CTR revision trick used by top students.
Exam Structure — What to Expect (Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3)
IGCSE Chemistry 0620 is assessed across multiple papers. The format can vary slightly between series—always confirm via the syllabus PDF — but the typical structure is:
- Paper 1: Multiple-choice questions covering the whole syllabus.
- Paper 2: Structured and open-response theory and calculation questions.
- Paper 3: Practical test or Alternative to Practical (ATP) — data interpretation, experimental design & error analysis.
Use targeted past paper practice for each paper type — it trains exam timing and reveals examiner patterns.
Past Papers & Marking Schemes — The Single Most Powerful Tool
Practising past papers is non-negotiable. Work under timed conditions, mark against model answers, and study examiner reports to see common pitfalls and key phraseology.
Practical Skills & Alternative to Practical (ATP)
Paper 3 (or ATP) focuses on your ability to reason about experiments. High-scoring answers discuss precision vs accuracy, identify anomalies, suggest improvements, and justify choices with chemical reasoning.
Detailed practical guidance is available here: Salt Preparation & Practical Methods and Extraction of Metals.
MCQs & Fast Quizzes — Daily Practice to Build Speed
MCQ practice builds recall speed and traps familiarity. Aim for 20–30 MCQs daily in the final 6 weeks and track accuracy improvements.
12-Week Study Plan (Step-by-Step)
Follow this proven timetable if you have 12 weeks to the exam. Adjust pacing if your timeline is shorter.
- Weeks 1–3: Fundamentals — atoms, bonding, mole concept, formulae.
- Weeks 4–6: Chemical reactions, energetics, rates, acids & bases.
- Weeks 7–9: Organic chemistry, metals, air & water.
- Weeks 10–11: Past papers (timed) + marking scheme review.
- Week 12: Practical revision (ATP), MCQ blitz, and targeted weaker topics.
Examiner-Verified Tips to Maximize Marks
- Use exact mark-scheme keywords — e.g., “ionic bond”, “delocalised electrons”, “neutralisation”.
- Always include units and state symbols where applicable.
- Box final numerical answers and show all calculation steps.
- For practicals, comment on accuracy and precision and give justified improvements.
- In organic mechanism questions, label reagents, conditions and show major steps only.
Ultimate Resource Table (Backlink Magnet)
| Resource | Why it helps | Quick Link |
|---|---|---|
| Official 0620 Syllabus PDF | Authoritative assessment objectives & practical list | Download |
| Chapter Notes (PDF) | Short, exam-focused notes for fast revision | Notes Hub |
| Past Papers & Mark Schemes | Exam practice & examiner language | Past Papers |
| Practical & ATP Guide | Exam-style experiments & evaluation | Practical Guide |
| MCQs & Quizzes | Daily drills to increase speed | MCQs |
People Also Ask — Quick Answers
A: The 2025 documents clarify outcomes and practical expectations. Always cross-check with the official syllabus PDF for exact details.
A: The usual configuration includes Paper 1 (MCQ), Paper 2 (theory & calculations) and Paper 3 (practical/ATP) — confirm the series in the syllabus PDF.
A: Use the Past Papers Library link above for year-wise papers, mark schemes and examiner insights.
Conclusion — How to Use This Guide
Use this page as a living plan: download the official syllabus, study the chapter notes, practise past papers, and focus on practical/ATP skills. Combine active recall (MCQs), spaced repetition (notes), and timed practice (past papers) to secure top marks in IGCSE Chemistry 0620 in 2025.
Start by downloading the official syllabus and the notes hub, then schedule your 12-week plan.
