Question 1

What are Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science grade thresholds (syllabus 0653)?

Accepted Answer

Grade thresholds are the minimum weighted marks you need for each grade in Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science (syllabus 0653). This syllabus uses the letter-grade scale (A*-G) rather than the 9-1 scale used in England. Cambridge sets the thresholds once marking is complete for the whole cohort, based on how the papers scored and how past cohorts performed.

Cambridge also offers the same content under a 9-1 grading syllabus (starts 09XX) if your school wants the 9-1 output for their reports.

Question 2

Why are there Extended and Core options?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge splits IGCSE Combined Science into two tiers of entry: **Extended** targets grades A*-E (and matches components 2X/4X/5X), and **Core** targets grades C-G (components 1X/3X/6X). Your school decides which tier to enter you for, based on how you're performing in class. Each tier has its own set of option combinations for the different exam variants.

Question 3

What does 'weighted' mean on the maximum mark?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge scales individual component marks before adding them up, so the total after weighting sits at the value in the 'max' column, not the raw sum of component maxes. The scaling gives each component its intended weight, so a short practical paper contributes less than a long structured paper.

When you're scoring past papers, add up your raw marks, apply Cambridge's published scaling, then compare the weighted total against the threshold on this page.

Question 4

When are the Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science thresholds published?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge International publishes grade threshold tables per syllabus within a few days of IGCSE results being issued each August. They land on Cambridge's grade threshold tables page as one PDF per syllabus. Cambridge also runs November and March series for some regions.

Question 5

How should I use these thresholds when I'm revising?

Accepted Answer

Sit past papers timed, mark them against the official Cambridge mark scheme, and compare your weighted total to the threshold for your option. The gap between your score and the grade you're targeting tells you where to focus.

A [Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science course](https://cognito.org/courses/gcse/combined-science/cie) can help you work through the syllabus systematically. Score against the [past-papers library](https://cognito.org/past-papers) as you go.

Question 6

Can I use Cognito for Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science practice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our [Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science course](https://cognito.org/courses/gcse/combined-science/cie) covers the syllabus with notes, quizzes and past papers. Use the [past-papers library](https://cognito.org/past-papers) to time yourself against real Cambridge papers, then check your weighted total against the thresholds on this page.

Series	Max	Grade A*	Grade A	Grade B	Grade C	Grade D	Grade E	Grade F	Grade G
Jun 2025 (Option BX, components 21, 41, 51)Latest	200	144	121	98	76	65	55	45	35
Jun 2025 (Option BY, components 22, 42, 52)	200	146	122	98	75	64	54	44	34
Jun 2025 (Option CX, components 21, 41, 61)	200	144	121	98	76	65	55	45	35
Jun 2025 (Option CY, components 22, 42, 62)	200	146	122	98	75	64	54	44	34
Jun 2025 (Option CZ, components 23, 43, 63)	200	145	121	97	74	63	53	44	35

GCSE Combined Science Cambridge IGCSE (CIE) Grade Boundaries

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