Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) Past Papers, Mark Schemes & Examiner Tips
Prepare for the new Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) syllabus with past papers, official mark schemes, and practical exam tips. Find question papers, clearly organised by exam series, paper and variant. Use the mark schemes to understand how marks are awarded. Jump to the examiner tips or read the frequently asked questions for further revision and exam guidance.
2026 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science
2026 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science | Downloads | |
February/March 2026 Paper 1, Variant 2 – Computer Systems (0478/12) | ||
February/March 2026 Paper 2, Variant 2 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/22) | ||
May/June 2026 Paper 1, Variant 1 – Computer Systems (0478/11) | ||
May/June 2026 Paper 1, Variant 2 – Computer Systems (0478/12) | ||
May/June 2026 Paper 1, Variant 3 – Computer Systems (0478/13) | ||
May/June 2026 Paper 2, Variant 1 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/21) | ||
May/June 2026 Paper 2, Variant 2 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/22) | ||
May/June 2026 Paper 2, Variant 3 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/23) |
2025 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science
2025 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science | Downloads | |
February/March 2025 Paper 1, Variant 2 – Computer Systems (0478/12) | ||
February/March 2025 Paper 2, Variant 2 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/22) | ||
May/June 2025 Paper 1, Variant 1 – Computer Systems (0478/11) | ||
May/June 2025 Paper 1, Variant 2 – Computer Systems (0478/12) | ||
May/June 2025 Paper 1, Variant 3 – Computer Systems (0478/13) | ||
May/June 2025 Paper 2, Variant 1 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/21) | ||
May/June 2025 Paper 2, Variant 2 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/22) | ||
May/June 2025 Paper 2, Variant 3 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/23) | ||
October/November 2025 Paper 1, Variant 1 – Computer Systems (0478/11) | ||
October/November 2025 Paper 1, Variant 2 – Computer Systems (0478/12) | ||
October/November 2025 Paper 1, Variant 3 – Computer Systems (0478/13) | ||
October/November 2025 Paper 2, Variant 1 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/21) | ||
October/November 2025 Paper 2, Variant 2 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/22) | ||
October/November 2025 Paper 2, Variant 3 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/23) |
2024 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science
2024 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science | Downloads | |
February/March 2024 Paper 1, Variant 2 – Computer Systems (0478/12) | ||
February/March 2024 Paper 2, Variant 2 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/22) | ||
May/June 2024 Paper 1, Variant 1 – Computer Systems (0478/11) | ||
May/June 2024 Paper 1, Variant 2 – Computer Systems (0478/12) | ||
May/June 2024 Paper 1, Variant 3 – Computer Systems (0478/13) | ||
May/June 2024 Paper 2, Variant 1 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/21) | ||
May/June 2024 Paper 2, Variant 2 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/22) | ||
May/June 2024 Paper 2, Variant 3 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/23) | ||
October/November 2024 Paper 1, Variant 1 – Computer Systems (0478/11) | ||
October/November 2024 Paper 1, Variant 2 – Computer Systems (0478/12) | ||
October/November 2024 Paper 1, Variant 3 – Computer Systems (0478/13) | ||
October/November 2024 Paper 2, Variant 1 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/21) | ||
October/November 2024 Paper 2, Variant 2 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/22) | ||
October/November 2024 Paper 2, Variant 3 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/23) |
2023 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science
2023 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science | Downloads | |
February/March 2023 Paper 1, Variant 2 – Computer Systems (0478/12) | ||
February/March 2023 Paper 2, Variant 2 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/22) | ||
May/June 2023 Paper 1, Variant 1 – Computer Systems (0478/11) | ||
May/June 2023 Paper 1, Variant 2 – Computer Systems (0478/12) | ||
May/June 2023 Paper 1, Variant 3 – Computer Systems (0478/13) | ||
May/June 2023 Paper 2, Variant 1 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/21) | ||
May/June 2023 Paper 2, Variant 2 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/22) | ||
May/June 2023 Paper 2, Variant 3 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/23) | ||
October/November 2023 Paper 1, Variant 1 – Computer Systems (0478/11) | ||
October/November 2023 Paper 1, Variant 2 – Computer Systems (0478/12) | ||
October/November 2023 Paper 1, Variant 3 – Computer Systems (0478/13) | ||
October/November 2023 Paper 2, Variant 1 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/21) | ||
October/November 2023 Paper 2, Variant 2 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/22) | ||
October/November 2023 Paper 2, Variant 3 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/23) |
2022 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science
2022 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science | Downloads | |
February/March 2022 Paper 1, Variant 2 – Theory (0478/12) | ||
February/March 2022 Paper 2, Variant 2 – Problem-solving and Programming (0478/22) | ||
May/June 2022 Paper 1, Variant 1 – Theory (0478/11) | ||
May/June 2022 Paper 1, Variant 2 – Theory (0478/12) | ||
May/June 2022 Paper 1, Variant 3 – Theory (0478/13) | ||
May/June 2022 Paper 2, Variant 1 – Problem-solving and Programming (0478/21) | ||
May/June 2022 Paper 2, Variant 2 – Problem-solving and Programming (0478/22) | ||
May/June 2022 Paper 2, Variant 3 – Problem-solving and Programming (0478/23) | ||
October/November 2022 Paper 1, Variant 1 – Theory (0478/11) | ||
October/November 2022 Paper 1, Variant 2 – Theory (0478/12) | ||
October/November 2022 Paper 1, Variant 3 – Theory (0478/13) | ||
October/November 2022 Paper 2, Variant 1 – Problem-solving and Programming (0478/21) | ||
October/November 2022 Paper 2, Variant 2 – Problem-solving and Programming (0478/22) | ||
October/November 2022 Paper 2, Variant 3 – Problem-solving and Programming (0478/23) |
Six Examiner Tips for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478)
1. Apply every answer to the scenario in the question
Do not rely on a memorised definition when the question gives you a specific device, organisation or situation. Refer directly to the details provided and explain how the computer science concept operates in that context. If a sensor reading or threshold is given, for example, explain how the measured value is converted, processed and compared with that particular threshold.
2. Use Cambridge pseudocode consistently in Paper 2
For algorithm questions, use the pseudocode conventions published in the Cambridge 0478 syllabus, including commands such as DECLARE, INPUT, OUTPUT, IF...THEN...ELSE...ENDIF and FOR...TO...NEXT. Do not mix Python keywords such as def or print into a pseudocode answer. Declare variables clearly and use exactly the same identifier names throughout your solution. Python, Java or Visual Basic may be used only where the final 15-mark scenario question permits them.
3. Match your answer to the command word
Read whether the question asks you to define, describe, explain, compare or state an advantage. A description normally states what happens, while an explanation must show how or why it happens. When asked about the operation of a system, present the process in a logical sequence rather than giving a definition or listing its benefits.
4. Use precise computer science terminology
Avoid vague expressions such as “the computer understands the instructions” or “encryption makes the data unreadable.” Instead, state that the processor executes instructions or that encryption converts plaintext into ciphertext that is meaningless without the correct decryption key. Name the exact hardware component, memory type or process involved rather than using general words such as “space,” “memory” or “storage.”
5. Show every stage of binary and hexadecimal calculations
When a question asks for binary addition, perform the calculation directly in binary and show all carry bits. For hexadecimal conversions, convert each hexadecimal digit into its corresponding four-bit binary group. Pay close attention to units: binary prefixes such as KiB and MiB use multiples of 1024, whereas decimal units such as kB and MB use multiples of 1000.
6. Plan algorithms before writing the final solution
Before entering a loop, initialise counters, totals, flags and maximum or minimum values correctly. Choose the loop that matches the task: use a FOR loop when the number of repetitions is known and a WHILE or REPEAT...UNTIL loop when repetition depends on a condition. Finally, check that your algorithm produces every output requested and correctly handles unusual cases, including tied maximum or minimum values.
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) 2027 FAQs
1. What is the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) exam format for 2027?
Students take two compulsory written papers:
Paper 1: Computer Systems – 1 hour 45 minutes, 75 marks and 50% of the qualification.
Paper 2: Algorithms, Programming and Logic – 1 hour 45 minutes, 75 marks and 50% of the qualification.
Both papers contain short-answer and structured questions. Paper 2 also includes a 15-mark scenario-based programming question. Students can receive grades from A* to G.
2. What topics are tested in Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1?
Paper 1 examines Topics 1–6 of the 0478 syllabus:
Data representation
Data transmission
Hardware
Software
The internet and its uses
Automated and emerging technologies
Students should revise both factual knowledge and how computer science concepts apply to unfamiliar situations. Simply memorising definitions is not enough for questions that ask you to explain, compare or evaluate.
3. What topics are tested in Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2?
Paper 2 examines Topics 7–10:
Algorithm design and problem-solving
Programming
Databases
Boolean logic
You may need to complete trace tables, identify and correct algorithm errors, write pseudocode, design validation checks, use SQL and work with logic gates or Boolean expressions.
4. Are calculators allowed in Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478?
No. Calculators are not permitted in either Paper 1 or Paper 2.
Students must be able to complete binary, denary and hexadecimal conversions, binary arithmetic, file-size calculations, percentages and other mathematical operations without a calculator. Show your working clearly so that method marks can be awarded where appropriate.
5. Which programming languages can I use in the 2027 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science exam?
For most Paper 2 questions, programming solutions must be written using Cambridge pseudocode. Writing ordinary programming code instead of pseudocode will not normally receive credit.
The exception is the final 15-mark scenario question. For that question, you may answer using:
Cambridge pseudocode
Python
Visual Basic
Java
Programming solutions written in any other language will not be awarded marks.
6. Is there pre-release material for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2?
No. The final 15-mark scenario question is unseen, so students do not receive the task before the examination.
You should prepare by practising unfamiliar programming problems involving variables, arrays, loops, selection, validation, procedures, functions, file handling and test data. Cambridge recommends spending approximately 30 minutes on the final scenario question.
7. Is Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 a practical or on-screen exam?
No. Both 0478 examination papers are externally assessed written papers rather than on-screen programming tests.
However, practical programming remains an essential part of the course. Students should regularly write, run, test and debug real programs because this develops the problem-solving skills needed for Paper 2. Learning pseudocode only by memorising model answers is unlikely to prepare you for an unfamiliar scenario.
8. What changed in the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science syllabus for 2027?
The 2027 examination follows the 2026–2028 syllabus. An important rule is that Python, Visual Basic and Java are the only programming languages accepted alongside pseudocode in the 15-mark scenario question.
Cambridge has also clarified several details concerning operators, functions, procedures and the ROUND function. Students should therefore use the latest version of the syllabus and current specimen materials rather than relying entirely on older notes.
9. Which past papers should I use for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 in 2027?
Start with the official specimen papers for the 2026–2028 syllabus, followed by 2026 papers. These materials reflect the rules applying to the 2027 examination.
Older past papers remain useful for practising individual topics, but some questions may not precisely match the current syllabus or programming-language requirements. Always compare older questions with the latest syllabus before using them for revision.
