IGCSE is one of the most popular international exam pathways for Malaysian students and homeschoolers. Many parents and students frequently ask: “When are the IGCSE exams held in Malaysia?”
In 2026, IGCSE exams are available twice a year — May/June and October/November. The main exam boards available in Malaysia (Zone 5) are:
- Cambridge (CAIE)
- Edexcel (Pearson)
- AQA International
Understanding the exam schedule is crucial for planning study timelines, registration, and revision strategies, particularly for homeschoolers or students taking multiple subjects.
For the one who are still deciding, please take note: IGCSE Zone 5 Final Exam Timetable for Oct/Nov 2026 – Updated Subject Dates
IGCSE Exam Sessions in Malaysia (Zone 5)
Cambridge (CAIE) IGCSE
Cambridge offers the most flexible exam schedule:
- May/June session (Worldwide): Full subject range; results in August.
- October/November session (Worldwide): Full subject range; results in January.
Why choose Cambridge?
- Flexibility in exam sessions, allowing early attempts or resits.
- Wide subject range suitable for homeschoolers and international schools.
- Popular for students aiming for international universities.
Edexcel (Pearson) IGCSE
Edexcel conducts exams twice a year: May/June and October/November.
- Results: August (May/June) and January (Oct/Nov).
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Pearson Edexcel introduced a modular IGCSE pathway, allowing students to take exams in units throughout the course instead of all at once. This gives homeschoolers more flexibility in planning and pacing their exam journey.
Consider Edexcel if:
- Your child prefers structured linear assessments.
- You want alignment with UK exam formats.
- Your chosen subjects are fully available in the scheduled sessions.
AQA IGCSE
AQA exams are also offered twice yearly in May/June and October/November.
- Limited availability in Malaysia, mostly through private candidates.
- Some subjects differ in assessment style compared to Cambridge or Edexcel.
- Results follow the same timeline as Edexcel: August (May/June) and January (Oct/Nov).
Tip: Check local exam centres for subject availability, as AQA may not offer all electives in Malaysia.
📌 Need help? If you’re considering AQA but unsure about exam centres or subject support, our specialised IGCSE tutors can guide you through the syllabus and provide professional coaching tailored to your child’s needs.
2026 IGCSE Exam Dates: Key Timeline
Exam Board | Session | Exam Period | Results Release |
Cambridge | May/June | Late Apr–Mid Jun | August |
Cambridge | Oct/Nov | Early Oct–Late Nov | January (next year) |
Edexcel | May/June | Late Apr–Mid Jun | August |
Edexcel | Oct/Nov | Early Oct–Late Nov | January |
AQA | May/June | Late Apr–Mid Jun | August |
AQA | Oct/Nov | Early Oct–Late Nov | January |
Notes:
- Exact exam dates vary by subject; always confirm with the exam centre.
- Registration deadlines are generally 3–6 months before each session.
💡 Planning Tip: Use a calendar to map out all subject exams, revision periods, and mock exams. This ensures students avoid conflicts and can pace their preparation effectively.
⚠️ Disclaimer: While the timelines above provide a general guide, exam schedules may vary slightly each year and by location. Always double-check with the official exam board or your chosen exam centre for the latest and most accurate information.
Why Do Different Exam Boards Have Different Sessions?
- Cambridge: 2 sittings per year for global flexibility.
- Edexcel & AQA: 2 sittings per year following the traditional UK model.
- Benefits of multiple sessions for students:
- Resit subjects within the same year
- Plan exams according to readiness
- Reduce stress by spreading exams across sessions
💡 Advice for parents: Choose sessions based on your child’s strengths, study pace, and exam confidence to optimize results.
How to Check the IGCSE Exam Timetable in Malaysia
- Cambridge International (CAIE) official website
- Edexcel (Pearson) International portal
- AQA International official timetable page
- British Council Malaysia (authorised exam centre)
- Tuition centres like My Protutor Educentre for personalised timetables, registration support, and preparation guidance
How My Protutor Educentre Helps With IGCSE Exam Prep
- Subject Coaching
- Core and elective subjects across Cambridge, Edexcel, and AQA.
- Step-by-step preparation tailored to each exam board and session.
- Mock exams and progress tracking to identify improvement areas.
- Registration & Timetable Guidance
- Assistance with exam registration at British Council Malaysia or other authorised centres.
- Personalized exam calendar planning for multiple subjects and boards.
- Strategic advice for resits and session selection.
📣 Want to register for IGCSE? Take this step-by-step guide or contact My Protutor Educentre for a structured study plan, exam registration support, and guidance tailored to your child’s goals.
Other Parents Also Asked
- How many times a year can I sit for IGCSE in Malaysia?
2 times (May/June, Oct/Nov) per year for Cambridge, Edexcel & AQA.
- Which exam board should homeschoolers choose?
Cambridge: flexible sessions, wide subject range
Edexcel: linear exams, widely recognised
AQA: limited availability but recognised internationally.
- When are IGCSE results released?
Exam in May/June (all boards) → Result release in August
Exam in October/November (all boards) → Result release in January (next year).
- Do Malaysian universities accept all boards?
Yes, private universities accept Cambridge, Edexcel, and AQA. Public universities (IPTA) may require additional SPM subjects (Bahasa Malaysia & Sejarah).
- Can homeschoolers take IGCSE in Malaysia?
Yes, as private candidates through authorised exam centres.