Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology 9700 Past Papers & Mark Schemes – Updated 2026
Updated: Sep 3
Access Cambridge International (CIE/CAIE) AS & A Level Biology 9700 past papers and mark schemes for Papers 1–5, with teacher revision tips and examiner guidance.
Cambridge (CIE) AS & A Level Biology 9700 June 2026 Past Papers & Mark Schemes
Cambridge Biology (June) | Downloads | |
June 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 1 (9700/11) | ||
June 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 1 (9700/12) | ||
June 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 1 (9700/13) | ||
June 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 2 (9700/21) | ||
June 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 2 (9700/22) | ||
June 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 2 (9700/23) | ||
June 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 3 (9700/31) | ||
June 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 3 (9700/32) | ||
June 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 3 (9700/33) | ||
June 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 4 (9700/41) | ||
June 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 4 (9700/42) | ||
June 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 4 (9700/43) | ||
June 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 5 (9700/51) | ||
June 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 5 (9700/52) | ||
June 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 5 (9700/53) | ||
Cambridge (CIE) AS & A Level Biology 9700 March 2026 Past Papers & Mark Schemes
Cambridge Biology (June) | Downloads | |
March 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 1 (9700/12) | ||
March 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 2 (9700/22) | ||
March 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 3 (9700/33) | ||
March 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 4 (9700/42) | ||
March 2026 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 5 (9700/52) | ||
Cambridge (CIE) AS & A Level Biology 9700 June 2025 Past Papers & Mark Schemes
Cambridge IAL Biology (June) | Downloads | |
June 2025 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 1 (9700/12) | ||
June 2025 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 2 (9700/22) | ||
June 2025 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 3 (9700/32) | ||
June 2025 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 4 (9700/42) | ||
June 2025 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 5 (9700/52) | ||
Cambridge (CIE) AS & A Level Biology 9700 June 2024 Past Papers & Mark Schemes
2024 Cambridge Biology (June) | Downloads | |
June 2024 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 1 (9700/12) | ||
June 2024 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 2 (9700/22) | ||
June 2024 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 3 (9700/32) | ||
June 2024 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 4 (9700/42) | ||
June 2024 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 5 (9700/52) | ||
Cambridge (CIE) AS & A Level Biology 9700 June 2023 Past Papers & Mark Schemes
2023 Cambridge Biology (June) | Downloads | |
June 2023 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 1 (9700/12) | ||
June 2023 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 2 (9700/22) | ||
June 2023 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 3 (9700/32) | ||
June 2023 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 4 (9700/42) | ||
June 2023 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 5 (9700/52) | ||
Cambridge (CIE) AS & A Level Biology 9700 June 2022 Past Papers & Mark Schemes
2022 Cambridge Biology (June) | Downloads | |
June 2022 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 1 (9700/12) | ||
June 2022 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 2 (9700/22) | ||
June 2022 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 3 (9700/32) | ||
June 2022 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 4 (9700/42) | ||
June 2022 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 5 (9700/52) | ||
Cambridge (CIE) AS & A Level Biology 9700 June 2021 Past Papers & Mark Schemes
2021 CIE A Level Biology (June) | Downloads | |
June 2021 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 1 (9700/12) | ||
June 2021 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 2 (9700/22) | ||
June 2021 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 3 (9700/32) | ||
June 2021 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 4 (9700/42) | ||
June 2021 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 5 (9700/52) | ||
Cambridge (CIE) AS & A Level Biology 9700 June 2020 Past Papers & Mark Schemes
2020 CIE A Level Biology (June) | Downloads | |
June 2020 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 1 (9700/12) | ||
June 2020 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 2 (9700/22) | ||
June 2020 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 3 (9700/32) | ||
June 2020 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 4 (9700/42) | ||
June 2020 Cambridge International A Level Biology Paper 5 (9700/52) | ||
A-Level Biology is a subject where even strong students can drop marks through very common exam errors. After years of teaching and reviewing exam scripts, I’ve found that recognising these patterns early can make revision far more effective and targeted.
1. Confusing "Describe" and "Explain"
These two command words are not interchangeable, and mixing them up is one of the easiest ways to lose marks.
Describe means state what you see — identify the trend, pattern, or feature. Explain means give the biological reason why it happens.
If a question says "describe and explain," you must do both. Writing a beautiful description of a graph with zero biological reasoning? Half marks at best. Always underline command words before you write a single word of your answer.
2. Writing "Water Concentration" in Osmosis Questions
This one will cost you marks every time. "Water concentration" and "water concentration gradient" are not acceptable terms in biology — examiners are specifically told to reject them.
The correct term is always water potential and water potential gradient. And when comparing values, say "more negative" or "less negative" rather than simply "higher" or "lower." Water potential values are negative, so getting the language precise matters.
3. Drawing Anaphase Incorrectly in Mitosis
A very common drawing error: showing chromosomes in anaphase that still have two chromatids attached. By anaphase, that has already happened.
Here's the logic — DNA replication happens during S phase of interphase, producing two identical sister chromatids joined at the centromere. At anaphase, the centromeres split and those sister chromatids are pulled apart. Each one is now an independent, single-stranded daughter chromosome. Draw them that way: single, distinct, no joined pairs.
4. Muddling Up Levels of Protein Structure
The bonds are different at every level — and examiners will penalise you for mixing them up, particularly if you suggest peptide bonds exist beyond the primary structure.
Here's the rule: peptide bonds only = primary structure, linking amino acids in a chain. Moving up to secondary structure, hydrogen bonds form between the carboxyl and amino groups of the backbone — this gives you your alpha helices and beta pleated sheets. At the tertiary level, hydrogen bonds are back, but this time between the R-groups, alongside other interactions like disulfide bridges and ionic bonds. Know which bonds belong where, and be specific.
5. Misreading Graphs and Sloppy Data Handling
Dropping marks on data questions is frustrating because the information is right there in front of you — this is purely about technique.
Use a ruler. Every time. Read coordinates precisely, don't eyeball it. When quoting figures, include the units — writing "increased from 20 to 60" tells the examiner nothing useful; "increased from 20 to 60 μmol dm⁻³" does. And when a question asks you to compare, use comparative language: "higher," "faster," "three times greater." State both values explicitly so the comparison is clear.
6. Mixing Up Natural Selection and Genetic Drift
These are two completely different mechanisms of evolution, and using them interchangeably will cost you marks — especially in extended response questions.
Natural selection is directional — a selection pressure exists, certain alleles confer an advantage, those individuals survive and reproduce, and allele frequencies shift as a result. Genetic drift is random — allele frequencies change purely by chance, with no selection pressure involved. It is most significant in small, isolated populations where chance events have a proportionally large effect. If anything is adapting to an environment, that's natural selection. If it's random chance, that's drift.
7. Misidentifying Pathogens
If you describe Plasmodium or Vibrio cholerae as viruses in an exam, you will lose marks immediately — and it's an easy mistake to avoid with a bit of precise learning.
Know these cold: Malaria → protoctist (Plasmodium). Tuberculosis and Cholera → bacteria. Measles and HIV → viruses. And a related point that trips up a lot of students: antibiotics only work on bacteria. They are completely ineffective against viruses, so never suggest antibiotics as a treatment for measles or HIV.
8. Vague Language Around Enzyme Action
"The substrate matches the active site" or "they're the same shape" — these phrases will not get you the mark. The word you need is complementary.
The active site is complementary in shape to the substrate. That one word shows the examiner you understand the specificity involved. The same precision applies to inhibition: a competitive inhibitor binds to the active site and its effect can be reduced by increasing substrate concentration. A non-competitive inhibitor binds to an allosteric site, changes the shape of the active site, and reduces Vmax — no amount of extra substrate overcomes it.
9. Mixing Up Centrioles and Centromeres
One letter of difference, two completely different structures — and confusing them in a mitosis answer is a straightforward way to lose marks.
Centromeres are regions on the chromosome — they hold sister chromatids together and are where spindle fibres attach during division. Centrioles are organelles, found in pairs in animal cells, and their job is to organise the spindle fibres. One is part of the chromosome; the other builds the machinery that moves the chromosomes. Keep that distinction clear.
Is there anything new I need to know about Cambridge A Level Biology (9700) for 2027 exams?
Good news — the 2027 exams fall within the 2025–2027 syllabus cycle, meaning the content is largely the same as what was introduced in 2025.
Content & Resources
There are no significant changes to the core theory or A Level topics for 2027. Any textbooks and resources designed for the "2025–2027" series remain fully valid.
The One Thing That Changed: Paper 3
There is a minor practical update — potassium manganate (VII) solutionhas been added to the list of required materials for Paper 3 (Advanced Practical Skills). This is likely to appear in redox or colour-change experiment contexts.
Assessment Structure
The format for Papers 1 through 5 is unchanged from the 2025 specifications.
Quick Reference
Feature | Status for 2027 |
Syllabus Code | 9700 |
Significant Content Change | None — same as 2025–2026 |
Exam Availability | March (India only), June, and November |
Practical Skills Update | Potassium manganate (VII) added to Paper 3 materials list |
When are the upcoming Cambridge A Level Biology (9700) exams scheduled for 2026 and 2027?
The exam schedule follows a consistent pattern across three series each year.
October/November 2026 Series
Paper 3 (Practical): Mid-to-late October 2026
Papers 1, 2, 4 & 5 (Written): Early to late November 2026
Results: Mid-January 2027
May/June 2027 Series
Main exam period: Late April to mid-June 2027
Biology written papers typically cluster in May; Paper 1 (Multiple Choice) often falls in early June
Results: Mid-August 2027
October/November 2027 Series
Main exam period: Late September to mid-November 2027
Papers 2 & 4 generally land in late October or early November
Results: Mid-January 2028
Note: There is also a March series, but this is available to schools in India only.
What About Exam Timing in a Day?
Cambridge splits the world into 6 administrative zones to prevent paper leaks across time zones. For students in Singapore and Southeast Asia (Zone 4/5), exams are typically held in the afternoon (PM session). Students in the UK/Europe (Zone 3) sit theirs in the morning.
Tip: Exact dates are only confirmed in the Final Timetable, published by Cambridge roughly six months before each series. Check the Cambridge International website for the timetable PDF specific to your zone.
How much harder is Cambridge A Level Biology (9700) compared to IGCSE?
The jump is significant — but it's less about the content being impossible and more about a fundamental shift in how you're expected to think. The simplest way to put it: IGCSE tells you what happens; A Level asks you to explain exactly how and why it happens, usually at a molecular level.
Depth of Content
At IGCSE, you learn that enzymes break down food. At A Level, you're expected to understand the precise tertiary structure of the protein, the specific bonds maintaining the active site, and the Induced Fit mechanism of catalysis. The entire lens shifts from organs and systems to biochemistry and cytology — think chemiosmosis and ATP synthase in the inner mitochondrial membrane, not just "the heart pumps blood."
Application Over Recall
IGCSE rewards memorisation — "State the definition of osmosis" is a typical question. A Level assumes you already know the facts and instead places you in unfamiliar scenarios. For example, you might be given a dissociation curve for a rare deep-sea fish and asked to explain its survival using the Bohr Effect — a situation you've never seen, requiring genuine understanding rather than a rehearsed answer.
The Practical Gap
Paper 3 is a notable step up. IGCSE practicals largely involve following instructions to observe a result. At A Level, you must operate complex equipment (colorimeters, micrometer eyepieces), design your own data tables, calculate percentage error, and distinguish between systematic and random errors in your own methodology.
Quick Comparison
Feature | IGCSE / O Level | A Level (9700) |
Primary Skill | Memorisation & recall | Analysis & application |
Syllabus Depth | Surface-level mechanics | Molecular/biochemical detail |
Maths Requirement | Basic arithmetic | Statistical tests (Chi-squared, T-test) |
Exam Style | Short, structured answers | Extended prose and data analysis |
So Is It Too Hard?
Not impossible — just a different way of studying. Cramming definitions the night before won't cut it. What gets you marks at A Level is understanding the logic of biological systems well enough to tackle questions you've never seen before. If you genuinely enjoy knowing the why behind how life works, you'll likely find it more rewarding than IGCSE, even if it demands considerably more from you.
What do I need to score for an A or A* in Cambridge A Level Biology (9700)?
Unlike some subjects, Biology's A* is based on your total weighted score across all five components (out of 260 marks), not any single paper. Here's the full breakdown:
Overall Targets
Grade | Marks Required (out of 260) | Approximate Percentage |
A* | 185 – 205 | 71% – 79% |
A | 161 – 182 | 62% – 70% |
The range exists because thresholds shift slightly depending on your Option Code (i.e., which variant of each paper your school sits — more on this below).
Paper-by-Paper Safety Margins
For AS Level:
Paper | Target | Notes |
Paper 1 – Multiple Choice | 32+/40 | Marks are accessible but easy to lose carelessly |
Paper 2 – AS Structured | 35+/60 | Strictest mark scheme; keyword precision is critical |
Paper 3 – Practical | 30+/40 | Strong marks here buffer weaker Paper 2 performance |
For A2 Level:
Paper | Target | Notes |
Paper 4 – A Level Structured | 62–66/100 | The heavyweight paper; tests Respiration, Photosynthesis, Genetics |
Paper 5 – Planning & Analysis | 20+/30 | Requires statistical knowledge and experimental design |
Three Things That Separate A* Students
Master Cambridge's command words. "Describe" means state what you observe. "Explain" means give biological reasoning. Confusing the two costs marks even when your understanding is correct.
Use mark scheme language exactly. Cambridge mark schemes have specific required terms. Writing "shape" instead of "3D tertiary structure" can mean zero marks for an otherwise correct answer. Past papers and mark schemes are your best revision tool.
Never drop the maths marks. Around 10–15% of the paper involves calculation — magnification, percentage change, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, Chi-squared. These are the most predictable marks on the paper; treat them as guaranteed if you practise them.
Thresholds vary by option — for example, Option AX required 175 for an A, while Option AY only required 163. This means if a paper felt unusually difficult, Cambridge lowers the threshold to compensate. Never write off a paper mid-exam — the grade boundary will adjust to reflect difficulty.
