ALLCBTs

Cambridge IGCSE/AS/A-Level & O-Level Main Exams (Cambridge International)

Date: Apr 23, 2026

About the Event

Exam period: 23 Apr – 09 Jun 2026 (May/June series for students in Nigeria, usually Zone 4)

Cambridge IGCSE / O-Level / AS & A-Level
May/June 2026 Examination Series

Exam Window: 23 April – 9 June 2026
Zone: Nigeria falls under Cambridge Administrative Zone 4

1️⃣ What This Exam Series Covers

The May/June series is the largest and most important Cambridge exam session globally. In Nigeria, it includes:

✔ IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)

Equivalent to SSCE level (WAEC/NECO level)

Typically written by students in Year 11 / SS3 equivalent

Subjects include: Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, ICT, Business Studies, etc.

✔ Cambridge O-Level

Similar level to IGCSE (some schools offer O-Level syllabuses instead)

Also accepted for university entry requirements

✔ AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary)

First half of A-Level qualification

Usually taken in Year 12

Can be a standalone qualification or combined toward full A-Level

✔ A-Level (Advanced Level)

Full advanced qualification

Required for direct entry into UK, Canada, US, and many international universities

Also accepted by some Nigerian private universities

2️⃣ What “Zone 4” Means for Nigeria

Cambridge divides the world into administrative zones for timetable coordination.

Nigeria is in Zone 4, which means:

You must follow the Zone 4 timetable

Your paper start times are fixed according to Nigerian local time

Question papers are secured and released according to Zone 4 schedules

This prevents exam malpractice and ensures fairness across time zones.

3️⃣ Structure of the Exam Period (23 April – 9 June 2026)

The exam window runs for about 7 weeks, but candidates do not write every day.

🗓 Typical Pattern:

Late April: Practical papers begin (Sciences, ICT, Speaking tests)

May: Core written papers (Mathematics, English, Sciences, Humanities)

Early June: Final theory papers and alternative-to-practical papers

🧪 Practical Exams

For subjects like:

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

ICT

Students may take:

Practical lab exam
OR

Alternative to Practical (ATP) written paper (depending on school setup)

4️⃣ Registration Timeline (Important for Candidates in Nigeria)

Although exams start 23 April 2026, preparation begins much earlier:

Normal registration deadline: Usually February 2026

Late registration: Until early/mid April (with extra fee)

Very late registration: Special approval required

Private candidates in Nigeria typically register through:

British Council Nigeria

Accredited Cambridge schools

5️⃣ Results Release Timeline

For the May/June 2026 series:

IGCSE & O-Level results: Usually released August 2026

AS & A-Level results: Usually released August 2026 (earlier in the month than IGCSE)

Results are released online first, followed by official certificates later.

6️⃣ Why This Series Is Important in Nigeria

The May/June series is critical because:

It aligns with international university admission cycles (UK/Canada)

It is the most widely accepted Cambridge session

It allows students to apply abroad for September 2026 intake

It is often used for foundation programs and direct university entry

Many Nigerian international schools structure their academic year around this session.

7️⃣ Key Differences from WAEC/NECO
Cambridge WAEC/NECO
International curriculum Nigerian national curriculum
Graded A*–G (IGCSE) / A*–E (A-Level) Graded A1–F9
More analytical & application-based More syllabus coverage-based
Globally recognized Primarily West African
8️⃣ Who Should Be Preparing Now (February 2026)

As of now (February 2026):

Most schools are in final revision phase

Practical preparation should already be ongoing

Timetable should be checked carefully to avoid clashes

Candidates should confirm statement of entry details