Missing an exam date can create unnecessary stress, especially when you are preparing for O Levels, IGCSE or A Levels. For students appearing in the October and November 2026 examination series, knowing the exact paper dates is an important part of creating an effective revision plan.
Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel follow different examination schedules, and exact dates depend on your qualification, subject, paper/component and examination zone.
This guide focuses specifically on the October and November 2026 exam series and covers Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level, Cambridge International A Level, Edexcel International GCSE and Edexcel International A Level examinations.
Before relying on any date, students should confirm their individual timetable with their school or examination centre.
Cambridge 2026 Exam Calendar: What Students Need to Know
Cambridge International conducts examinations across different examination series during the year. For students appearing in the October and November 2026 series, the relevant Cambridge timetable covers subjects across Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level and Cambridge International AS & A Level.
For students preparing through the Cambridge pathway, GradeLao offers dedicated academic support for different qualifications. Students preparing for O Levels can explore the Cambridge O Level programme, while IGCSE students can explore Cambridge IGCSE online preparation.
The following tables provide a quick reference for the subjects covered in this guide.
Cambridge IGCSE October & November 2026 Exam Dates
The following table is based on the Cambridge November 2026 timetable for students in the relevant administrative zone.
| Subject | Paper 01 | Paper 02 | Paper 03 | Paper 04 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan Studies | — | — | — | — |
| Islamiyat | — | — | — | — |
| Urdu | Not listed | — | — | — |
| English | 05 Oct 2026 | 07 Oct 2026 | — | — |
| Mathematics | 08 Oct 2026 | 08 Oct 2026 | 14 Oct 2026 | 14 Oct 2026 |
| Accounting | 08 Oct 2026 | 06 Nov 2026 | — | — |
| Economics | 20 Oct 2026 | 04 Nov 2026 | — | — |
| Business Studies | 06 Oct 2026 | 16 Oct 2026 | — | — |
| Physics | 05 Nov 2026 | 07 Oct 2026 | 20 Oct 2026 | — |
| Chemistry | 12 Nov 2026 | 12 Oct 2026 | 15 Oct 2026 | — |
| Biology | 10 Nov 2026 | 16 Oct 2026 | 13 Oct 2026 | — |
| Computer Science | 09 Oct 2026 | 19 Oct 2026 | — | — |
Students following the Cambridge IGCSE pathway can use the Cambridge IGCSE online preparation programme to prepare for their upcoming examinations with structured academic support.
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics papers are scheduled across October 2026. Students should check whether they are entered for the Core or Extended pathway because the component codes and paper arrangements can differ.
Students who need additional support with IGCSE Mathematics can also explore GradeLao’s Cambridge IGCSE preparation options.
Cambridge IGCSE Science Subjects
Physics, Chemistry and Biology students should pay particular attention to their practical or alternative-to-practical components.
Students should confirm the exact component listed on their statement of entry before creating their final revision timetable.
Cambridge O Level October & November 2026 Exam Dates
Cambridge O Level is one of the most important qualifications for students in Pakistan, particularly for subjects such as Pakistan Studies, Islamiyat and Urdu.
Students looking for structured preparation can explore GradeLao’s Cambridge O Level programme for academic support.
| Subject | Paper 01 | Paper 02 | Paper 03 | Paper 04 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan Studies | 29 Sep 2026 | 01 Oct 2026 | — | — |
| Islamiyat | 28 Sep 2026 | 30 Sep 2026 | — | — |
| Urdu | 28 Sep 2026 | 30 Sep 2026 | — | — |
| English | 29 Sep 2026 | 05 Oct 2026 | — | — |
| Mathematics | 08 Oct 2026 | 14 Oct 2026 | — | — |
| Accounting | 08 Oct 2026 | 06 Nov 2026 | — | — |
| Economics | 20 Oct 2026 | 04 Nov 2026 | — | — |
| Business Studies | 06 Oct 2026 | 16 Oct 2026 | — | — |
| Physics | 05 Nov 2026 | 07 Oct 2026 | 20 Oct 2026 | — |
| Chemistry | 12 Nov 2026 | 28 Sep 2026 | 15 Oct 2026 | — |
| Biology | 10 Nov 2026 | 01 Oct 2026 | 13 Oct 2026 | — |
| Computer Science | 09 Oct 2026 | 19 Oct 2026 | — | — |
Cambridge O Level Pakistan Studies
Students appearing for Cambridge O Level Pakistan Studies should note the early examination dates in the series.
Paper 1 is scheduled for 29 September 2026, followed by Paper 2 on 1 October 2026.
Because these papers occur at the beginning of the examination period, students should complete their major revision before the end of September.
Cambridge O Level Islamiyat
Cambridge O Level Islamiyat students have papers scheduled on 28 September and 30 September 2026.
Students should therefore avoid leaving major syllabus topics until the final few days before the examination.
Cambridge O Level Urdu
Cambridge O Level Urdu papers are scheduled for 28 September and 30 September 2026 in the relevant timetable.
Students should confirm their exact syllabus and component codes with their examination centre.
Cambridge A Level October & November 2026 Exam Dates
Cambridge International A Level students often have several components spread across the examination series. The exact combination depends on the subject and candidate’s entry.
Students preparing for Cambridge A Levels can explore GradeLao’s A Level online tuition for structured preparation.
| Subject | Paper 01 | Paper 02 | Paper 03 | Paper 04 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 12 Oct 2026 | 14 Oct 2026 | — | — |
| Chemistry | 16 Oct 2026 | 09 Oct 2026 | — | — |
| Biology | 23 Oct 2026 | 20 Oct 2026 | — | — |
| Computer Science | 20 Oct 2026 | 29 Oct 2026 | — | — |
| Economics | 13 Oct 2026 | 11 Nov 2026 | — | — |
| Accounting | 21 Oct 2026 | 28 Oct 2026 | — | — |
| Business | 12 Oct 2026 | 19 Oct 2026 | — | — |
| Urdu | 26 Oct 2026 | 06 Oct 2026 | 01 Oct 2026 | — |
| Mathematics | 15 Oct 2026 | 13 Oct 2026 | — | — |
| Sociology | 26 Oct 2026 | 04 Nov 2026 | — | — |
| Psychology | 21 Oct 2026 | 02 Nov 2026 | — | — |
Cambridge A Level Physics
Cambridge A Level Physics students have papers scheduled in October, with components 9702/42 and 9702/52 appearing on 12 October and 14 October 2026.
Students should use their exact component code when preparing their personal revision calendar.
Cambridge A Level Chemistry
Cambridge A Level Chemistry students should note the October examination dates for the relevant components.
A focused revision plan should include syllabus completion, topical practice, past papers and timed examination practice.
Cambridge A Level Biology
Cambridge A Level Biology papers are scheduled across October. Students should ensure that they have revised both theoretical content and examination technique before their final papers.
Cambridge A Level Computer Science
Computer Science students should pay attention to the practical component as well as the written examination.
The relevant Cambridge components are scheduled in October 2026.
Cambridge A Level Economics
Economics students have components scheduled across October and November. This makes it particularly important to create a subject-specific revision schedule rather than relying on a single final revision week.
Cambridge A Level Accounting
Accounting components are scheduled in October 2026. Students should dedicate sufficient time to numerical practice, financial statements, accounting concepts and past-paper questions.
Cambridge A Level Business
A Level Business students should revise both theoretical concepts and case-study/application skills.
Cambridge A Level Urdu
The relevant Urdu components are scheduled across early and late October. Students should check their exact component numbers before preparing their final timetable.
Cambridge A Level Mathematics
Cambridge A Level Mathematics students should carefully check their individual route and component combination because Mathematics can contain different combinations of Pure Mathematics, Mechanics, Probability and Statistics components.
Cambridge A Level Sociology
Sociology students should use the examination dates to divide preparation between theory, sociological perspectives, research methods and application-based questions.
Cambridge A Level Psychology
Psychology students should plan revision around the individual papers and ensure sufficient time for research methods, studies, theories and application questions.
Edexcel International GCSE November 2026 Exam Dates
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE follows a separate November examination series.
Students preparing for Edexcel International GCSE can explore GradeLao’s Edexcel IGCSE online tuition for structured academic preparation.
| Subject | Paper 01 | Paper 02 | Paper 03 | Paper 04 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan Studies | Not listed | — | — | — |
| Islamiyat | Not listed | — | — | — |
| Urdu | Not listed | — | — | — |
| English | 03 Nov 2026 | 05 Nov 2026 | — | — |
| Mathematics | 04 Nov 2026 | 06 Nov 2026 | — | — |
| Accounting | 28 Oct 2026 | 05 Nov 2026 | — | — |
| Economics | 11 Nov 2026 | 19 Nov 2026 | — | — |
| Business Studies | 10 Nov 2026 | 17 Nov 2026 | — | — |
| Physics | 11 Nov 2026 | 18 Nov 2026 | — | — |
| Chemistry | 09 Nov 2026 | 16 Nov 2026 | — | — |
| Biology | 02 Nov 2026 | 13 Nov 2026 | — | — |
| Computer / ICT | 06 Nov 2026 | 09 Nov 2026 | Practical Window | — |
Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics
Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics papers are scheduled on 4 November and 6 November 2026.
Students should confirm whether they are taking the Foundation or Higher tier and revise according to their specific specification.
Edexcel International GCSE Science
Edexcel International GCSE Physics, Chemistry and Biology students have examinations spread across November.
Students should use the dates above to create a revision schedule that gives priority to the earliest paper.
Edexcel International GCSE Business and Economics
Business and Economics examinations take place in November. Students should combine content revision with past-paper practice and examination technique.
Edexcel International A Level October 2026 Exam Dates
Pearson Edexcel International A Level has a dedicated October 2026 examination series.
Students preparing for Edexcel International A Levels can explore GradeLao’s Edexcel A Level online preparation for structured support.
| Subject | Paper 01 | Paper 02 | Paper 03 | Paper 04 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 08 Oct 2026 | 15 Oct 2026 | 19 Oct 2026 | 21 Oct 2026 |
| Chemistry | 09 Oct 2026 | 13 Oct 2026 | 20 Oct 2026 | 22 Oct 2026 |
| Biology | 12 Oct 2026 | 14 Oct 2026 | 16 Oct 2026 | 23 Oct 2026 |
| Computer Science | Not listed | — | — | — |
| Economics | 12 Oct 2026 | 16 Oct 2026 | 23 Oct 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 |
| Accounting | 20 Oct 2026 | 27 Oct 2026 | — | — |
| Business | 08 Oct 2026 | 14 Oct 2026 | 20 Oct 2026 | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Urdu | Not listed | — | — | — |
| Mathematics | 09 Oct 2026 | 15 Oct 2026 | 21 Oct 2026 | 28 Oct 2026 |
| Sociology | Not listed | — | — | — |
| Psychology | Not listed | — | — | — |
Edexcel International A Level Physics
Edexcel International A Level Physics papers are scheduled across October, beginning on 8 October 2026.
Students should organise revision around each individual unit and allow sufficient time between papers for targeted review.
Edexcel International A Level Chemistry
Chemistry papers are scheduled on 9, 13, 20 and 22 October 2026 for the relevant units.
Students should check their individual unit entries before preparing their final revision plan.
Edexcel International A Level Biology
Biology students have papers scheduled on 12, 14, 16 and 23 October 2026.
Because the papers are relatively close together, students should avoid leaving unit-specific revision until after the first examination.
Edexcel International A Level Economics
Economics units are scheduled on 12, 16, 23 and 30 October 2026.
Students should combine economic theory with data response, essay practice and past-paper analysis.
Edexcel International A Level Accounting
Accounting units are scheduled on 20 and 27 October 2026.
Students should focus on calculations, accounting principles, financial statements and exam-style questions.
Edexcel International A Level Business
Business units are scheduled on 8, 14, 20 and 27 October 2026.
Students should practise applying business concepts to case studies rather than relying only on memorisation.
Edexcel International A Level Mathematics
Edexcel Mathematics has multiple possible units across October 2026.
The relevant Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics units are distributed throughout the month. Students should only include the units they are officially entered for in their revision calendar.
How to Use the October & November 2026 Exam Calendar
Knowing the examination date is only the first step. Students should turn the official timetable into a practical revision plan.
Start by listing every subject, paper and component. Then work backwards from each examination date.
Your preparation plan should include:
- Syllabus completion
- Topic-by-topic revision
- Past-paper practice
- Mark-scheme review
- Examiner-style question practice
- Timed mock examinations
- Revision of weak topics
- Practical preparation where required
- Final revision before each paper
Students taking multiple subjects should also look for examinations that are scheduled close together.
For example, if two subjects have examinations within a few days, revision for both subjects should be completed before the examination week begins.
Important: Check Your Exact Paper Code
The tables in this guide are intended as a quick reference. Your actual examination timetable may differ depending on your:
- Qualification
- Syllabus
- Component
- Option
- Tier
- Practical route
- Examination zone
- Examination centre
Cambridge students in Pakistan should use the timetable for their correct administrative zone.
Edexcel students should use the appropriate Pearson timetable and confirm the final arrangements with their examination centre.
Do not rely solely on screenshots, social media posts or old timetables.
October & November 2026 Exam Preparation Checklist
Before your first examination, make sure you have:
- Confirmed every subject.
- Checked every paper and component code.
- Confirmed your examination dates.
- Confirmed the examination start time.
- Checked your examination centre.
- Prepared permitted stationery and equipment.
- Completed practical preparation where applicable.
- Practised recent past papers.
- Reviewed mark schemes.
- Added all examination dates to your calendar.
- Created a realistic revision timetable.
- Left additional time for difficult topics.
- Planned your final revision before each paper.
GradeLao Preparation for October & November 2026 Exams
Preparing for an international examination is easier when your study plan matches your qualification and syllabus.
GradeLao provides preparation options for students following both Cambridge and Edexcel pathways.
For Cambridge O Level, students can explore the Cambridge O Level programme.
For Cambridge IGCSE, students can explore Cambridge IGCSE online preparation.
Students following the Cambridge A Level pathway can explore A Level online tuition.
For students following Edexcel International GCSE, GradeLao offers Edexcel IGCSE online tuition.
Students preparing for Edexcel International A Levels can explore Edexcel A Level online preparation.
Choosing the right preparation programme can help students organise their syllabus coverage, revision, past-paper practice and examination technique around their actual examination dates.
Final Thoughts
The October and November 2026 examination series is an important period for Cambridge and Edexcel students.
The best approach is not simply to know the exam date but to understand your complete examination sequence and build your revision plan around it.
Check your qualification, syllabus code and paper/component code carefully. Then use the official timetable and your school’s final instructions to confirm the exact arrangements.
Whether you are preparing for Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level, Cambridge A Level, Edexcel International GCSE or Edexcel International A Level, starting your revision plan early can make the final weeks much more manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Cambridge October and November 2026 exams take place?
Cambridge examinations for the November 2026 series take place across late September, October and November, depending on the qualification and subject.
When are Cambridge O Level Pakistan Studies exams in 2026?
Cambridge O Level Pakistan Studies Paper 1 is scheduled for 29 September 2026, while Paper 2 is scheduled for 1 October 2026 in the relevant Zone 4 timetable.
When are Cambridge O Level Islamiyat exams in 2026?
Cambridge O Level Islamiyat papers are scheduled for 28 September and 30 September 2026.
When are Cambridge O Level Urdu exams in 2026?
Cambridge O Level Urdu papers are scheduled for 28 September and 30 September 2026 in the relevant timetable.
When are Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics exams in 2026?
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics papers are scheduled on 8 October and 14 October 2026, depending on the component.
When are Cambridge A Level Physics exams in 2026?
For the relevant November 2026 Cambridge series, A Level Physics components are scheduled on 12 October and 14 October 2026.
When are Edexcel International GCSE exams in November 2026?
Edexcel International GCSE examinations take place throughout November 2026, with some subjects beginning in late October. Exact dates depend on the subject and paper.
When are Edexcel International A Level exams in October 2026?
Edexcel International A Level examinations take place throughout October 2026, with individual subjects and units scheduled on different dates.
Are these examination dates the same for every student?
Not necessarily. Cambridge dates can depend on the administrative zone, while Edexcel arrangements depend on the qualification, unit and examination centre.
Students should always confirm their final timetable with their school or examination centre before the examination period.