IGCSE Chemistry Syllabus 2025 (0620) – Complete Breakdown & PDF Guide
Are you studying the right topics for your 2025 exams? The official IGCSE Chemistry Syllabus 2025 (0620) is the "Bible" for your exam preparation. If a topic is in the syllabus, it can be tested. If you miss it, you lose marks.
In this comprehensive guide, we deconstruct the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry syllabus for the 2025 exam series. We break down the difference between Core and Extended, highlight the 14 essential topics, and provide direct access to the resources you need to score an A*.
🚀 Don't Study Blindly
Understanding the syllabus is the first step to success. If you are feeling overwhelmed, check out our expert guide on Unlocking IGCSE Chemistry 0620 Syllabus Mastery.
1. Assessment Overview: Core vs. Extended
The IGCSE Chemistry Syllabus 2025 (0620) allows students to choose between two curriculum levels. Your choice determines the maximum grade you can achieve.
| Level | Target Grades | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Core | C to G | Focuses on basic chemical concepts. Ideal for students who want a foundational understanding. |
| Extended | A* to G | Includes the Core content plus Supplement material. Essential for students aiming for top universities. |
Most ambitious students opt for the Extended Curriculum. To support this, we have created a dedicated Expert Course for IGCSE Chemistry that covers every single Supplement topic in detail.
2. The Exam Structure for 2025
To get your qualification, you must sit for three papers. Here is the winning combination for Extended candidates:
- Paper 2 (Multiple Choice): 40 marks, 45 minutes. Tests breadth of knowledge. Speed is key here. Need practice? Try our MCQ Mastery Guide.
- Paper 4 (Theory): 80 marks, 1 hour 15 minutes. This is where you show your deep understanding of topics like Organic Chemistry and Stoichiometry.
- Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical): 40 marks, 1 hour. Tests your ability to plan experiments and analyze data without being in a lab.
Note: Some centers may offer Paper 5 (Practical Test), but Paper 6 is the most popular choice globally.
3. Content Breakdown: The 14 Key Topics
The syllabus is divided into 14 distinct topics. Here is what you need to master for 2025, along with the best resources to help you study.
Topic 1: The Particulate Nature of Matter
Solids, liquids, gases, and changes of state. Understanding Kinetic Theory is vital.
👉 Download Notes on States of Matter.
Topic 2: Experimental Techniques
Methods of separation (filtration, chromatography) and determining purity. This is heavily tested in Paper 6.
👉 Get the Experimental Techniques Cheat Sheet.
Topic 3: Atoms, Elements, and Compounds
Atomic structure, isotopes, and bonding (Ionic, Covalent, Metallic). This forms the language of chemistry.
Topic 4: Stoichiometry
The "Math" of chemistry. Moles, reacting masses, and Limiting Reactants. This is the #1 reason students drop grades.
👉 Master Moles with "Stoichiometry Secrets".
Topic 5: Electricity and Chemistry
Electrolysis and electroplating. Remember PANIC (Positive Anode, Negative Is Cathode).
👉 Simplify Electrolysis Now.
Topic 6: Chemical Energetics
Exothermic vs. Endothermic reactions and bond energy calculations.
👉 Download Energetics Notes.
Topic 7: Chemical Reactions
Rate of reaction, reversible reactions, and Redox. You must be able to explain collision theory.
Topic 8: Acids, Bases, and Salts
The pH scale, proton transfer, and salt preparation methods. Essential for Paper 6.
👉 Acids & Salts Preparation Guide.
Topic 9: The Periodic Table
Trends in Group I, Group VII, and Transition Metals.
👉 Master the Periodic Table Trends.
Topic 10: Metals
Reactivity series and extraction of metals (Blast Furnace).
👉 Metals & Extraction Notes.
Topic 11: Air and Water
Pollutants, water treatment, and the Haber Process. This topic links chemistry to the real world.
Topic 12: Sulfur
Sources of sulfur and the Contact Process for making Sulfuric Acid.
Topic 13: Carbonates
Limestone cycle and uses of Calcium Carbonate.
Topic 14: Organic Chemistry
The "Beast" of the syllabus. Alkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols, Acids, and Polymers.
👉 Get the Complete Organic Chemistry Bundle.
4. What's New in 2025?
The 2025 syllabus emphasizes Scientific Inquiry and Environmental Applications. Examiners are moving away from rote memorization. You need to apply your knowledge to unfamiliar contexts.
Old topics like the detailed industrial diagrams are less critical, while Data Analysis and Graphing Skills are more important than ever.
🎓 Teachers & Tutors
Are you looking for lesson plans that align perfectly with the 2025 syllabus? Save hours of planning time.
Download Full Syllabus Lesson PlansConclusion: Your Roadmap to an A*
The IGCSE Chemistry Syllabus 2025 (0620) is your roadmap. Don't deviate from it. Focus on the core definitions, master the calculations in Stoichiometry, and ensure you understand the reaction pathways in Organic Chemistry.
Everything you need to succeed is available right here on Cambridge Classroom.
Ready to start? Join our Fast-Track Chemistry Crash Course and conquer the syllabus today.
