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IGCSE Full Form, Overview, Course Duration, Types of IGCSE Exams, IGCSE Board

Candidates can find out the IGCSE full form in this article. It covers the meaning of IGCSE, how it compares to other educational levels, and its role in international education.
authorImageAnanya Gupta29 Aug, 2024
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IGCSE Full Form

IGCSE Full Form: IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education . It is a widely recognized international qualification aimed at learners aged 14 to 16 years. The IGCSE is similar to the GCSE offered in the UK.

IGCSE Board Full Form Overview

Here is the overview of IGCSE Board.
Aspect Details
Full Form International General Certificate of Secondary Education
Purpose Prepares student for higher studies i.e. for Grade 11th & 12th and pre-university courses like AS A level, IBDP.
Foundation Based on the principles of GCSE by British Government
Equivalency Recognized as equivalent to the GCSE and other international curricula for Grade 10th.
Developed by University of Cambridge International Examinations
Student Age Range Year 10 (Grade 9) to Year 11 (Grade 10)
Examination Timing End of Year 11 (Grade 10)
International Recognition Widely accepted across 170 Countries
Qualification Basis Based on individual subjects of study
Certification Students receive IGCSE qualifications for each subject taken

What is IGCSE?

IGCSE, which stands for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, is an internationally recognized qualification for school students, in the age group of 14 to 16 years (grades 9 and 10). Developed by the University of Cambridge International Examinations, it is based on the British curriculum and offers a wide range of subjects. The IGCSE curriculum is designed to prepare students for further academic study, such as the International Baccalaureate, A-Levels, or BTEC Level 3. It is regarded as equivalent to the GCSE in the UK and other international curricula. The qualification is awarded for each subject a student completes, making it a flexible option for diverse academic interests and career paths.

IGCSE Full Form in English

The full form of IGCSE in English is the International General Certificate of Secondary Education. IGCSE is an internationally recognized curriculum developed by Cambridge Assessment International Education. Here are the key features of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE): International Recognition: IGCSE is recognized globally, making it a valuable qualification for students pursuing education or careers in different countries. Equivalent Status: It holds equal weight to the Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) and the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), providing a comparable level of academic achievement. Foundation for Higher Studies: IGCSE prepares students for advanced courses such as the AS A leve l,  North American Advanced Placement Test (APT) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) Subject-Based Certification: Students receive qualification certificates for each individual subject, allowing them to specialize in their areas of interest. Focus on Internationalism: The curriculum emphasizes additional values within a national context while supporting the concept of internationalism. Holistic Assessment: IGCSE assessments focus not only on written exams but also on verbal and listening skills, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation of student abilities.

IGCSE Full Form in Hindi

IGCSE का पूरा नाम इंटरनेशनल जनरल सर्टिफिकेट ऑफ सेकेंडरी एजुकेशन है। यह प्रमाणपत्र कैम्ब्रिज यूनिवर्सिटी द्वारा संचालित किया जाता है और यह अध्ययन-उन्मुख शिक्षा प्रदान करता है। IGCSE बच्चों के समग्र विकास पर ध्यान केंद्रित करते हुए रचनात्मक और विश्लेषणात्मक दृष्टिकोण को विकसित करने में मदद करता है।

What is the Course Duration of IGCSE?

The IGCSE program lasts for 2 years , typically starting in Class 9 . During this period, students are required to select a minimum of 5 courses, with a maximum of 14 courses available. The curriculum is designed by Cambridge International Education (CIE) and prepares students for further academic pursuits.

Different Types of IGCSE Examinations

Cambridge IGCSE

  • Examination Periods: Held in February, May, and October.
  • Certification: Issued by the International Certificate of Education (ICE) for those who pass a minimum of 7 subjects.
  • Subjects: Includes over 70 topics and offers options in 30 languages.

EDEXCEL International GCSE

  • Examination Periods: Conducted in May-June and November.
  • Features: Provides regular learning updates and uses advanced teaching techniques for effective learning.

Oxford AQA International GCSE

  • Examination Periods: Examinations are held in May or June and November each year.
  • Collaboration: Conducted jointly by AQA and Oxford University Press.

Cambridge IGCSE Past Question Papers

What are the Different Categories in IGCSE?

The IGCSE subjects are grouped into the following categories:
Category Subjects
Humanities History, Geography, Religious Studies, Global Perspectives
Sciences Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Management, Computer Science
Mathematics Mathematics (Core), Mathematics (Extended), Additional Mathematics
Language First Language (e.g., English), Second Language (e.g., French, Spanish, German), Literature
Creative, Vocational, and Technical Art & Design, Music, Drama, Design & Technology, Information & Communication Technology (ICT), Business Studies

IGCSE Full Form FAQs

What is the full form of IGCSE

The full form of IGCSE is International General Certificate of Secondary Education.

Who administers the IGCSE examinations?

The IGCSE examinations are administered by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), part of the University of Cambridge.

Is IGCSE Recognized in India?

Yes, the IGCSE board is recognized in India by the Government of India, the Ministry of Education, and various higher education institutions. It is considered a reputable and valid qualification for secondary education.

What age group is the IGCSE designed for?

The IGCSE is designed for students aged 14 to 16, generally covering the final two years of secondary education (Class 9 and 10).

Is IGCSE harder than CBSE?

The perceived difficulty of IGCSE versus CBSE often depends on the student's individual strengths and learning preferences.
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