Cambridge University (specifically Cambridge International Education) is currently in the process of introducing digital exams (e-exams) for the IGCSE.
The transition is following a structured, phased rollout that began with pilot programs and is now moving into official high-stakes assessment phases.
Phase 1: 2026 (Early Adopter Programme)
Starting in June 2026, a select group of schools in specific regions (including Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the US) will be the first to sit live digital exams. The initial subjects available digitally for IGCSE are:
- Accounting (0452)
- Economics (0455)
- Biology (0610)
- Chemistry (0620)
- Physics (0625)
Note: In this first phase, the digital option is primarily for multiple-choice (MCQ) components (Paper 1 or 2).
Phase 2: 2027 (Global Launch)
Digital exams will become available to all schools worldwide. New subjects scheduled to join the digital roster in 2027 include:
- First Language English (0500)
- English as a Second Language (0510)
Long-term Rollout Timeline
Cambridge aims to have 85% of its high-stakes IGCSE and AS & A Level subjects available in both digital and paper formats by 2033.
Year Planned IGCSE Subject Additions 2028 Spanish (Listening), Global Perspectives, ESL (0511) 2029 Computer Science, French, Malay, Spanish (all components) 2030 Business, Economics (full qualification), Psychology, English Literature
Key Things to Know
- Choice: For the foreseeable future, digital exams are an option, not a requirement. Schools can choose whether to offer the paper-based or digital version.
- Equivalency: The syllabus content and marking standards are identical. Your final certificate will not distinguish between whether you took the exam on paper or on a computer.
- Platform: Exams are delivered through the RM Assessment Master platform using a Safe Exam Browser to ensure security and prevent access to outside resources.
- Tools: Digital versions include helpful features like a highlighter tool, digital note-taking, and the ability to pause/resume the exam clock for approved breaks (without submitting early).
