Introduction
Preparing for the IGCSE exams can be overwhelming, especially when students are juggling multiple subjects and exam boards. Even the brightest students often lose marks not due to lack of effort, but because of small, avoidable mistakes. At Techademy, we’ve worked with hundreds of students and identified the most common pitfalls that hold them back from scoring an A\*.
In this blog, we uncover the top 10 IGCSE study mistakes and offer practical tips on how to study IGCSE effectively so, you can prepare smarter and score higher.
1. Not Following the Syllabus Closely
The Mistake: Many students dive into textbooks or notes without consulting the official syllabus.
The Fix: Always study with the IGCSE syllabus open beside you. It clearly outlines what’s expected in the exam and what’s not.
2. gnoring the Marking Scheme Language
The Mistake: Writing vague or generic answers that don't meet examiner expectations.
The Fix: Use past paper mark schemes to understand how answers are graded. Learn the exact phrases and keywords examiners reward.
3. Leaving Past Papers for the Last Minute
The Mistake:Many students only start past papers a few weeks before the exam.
The Fix: Start solving past papers early at least 3–4 months before exams. Analyze your mistakes and revise accordingly.
4. Overloading with Too Many Resources
The Mistake: Trying to study from multiple books, YouTube videos, and coaching notes.
The Fix: Choose one or two reliable resources per subject and stick to them. Quality matters more than quantity.
5. Passive Studying (Just Reading Notes)
The Mistake: Reading or highlighting notes without testing retention.
The Fix: Use active recall test yourself, use flashcards, teach the concept to someone else.
6. Skipping Difficult Topics
The Mistake: Avoiding challenging chapters and hoping they won’t show up in the exam.
The Fix: Break tough topics into smaller sections and tackle them early. Use support from teachers or mentors at Techademy.
7. Not Managing Time Between Subjects
The Mistake: Spending too much time on one subject and neglecting others.
The Fix: Use a balanced study timetable. Allocate time based on subject difficulty and exam schedule.
8. Cramming Before the Exam
The Mistake: Trying to learn everything the night before.
The Fix: Plan revision cycles weeks in advance. Focus on spaced repetition instead of last-minute cramming.
9. Neglecting Paper 2 or Coursework Components
The Mistake: Focusing only on one paper and ignoring others or internal assessments.
The Fix: Give equal attention to all components Paper 1, Paper 2, practicals, or coursework as they all contribute to your final grade.
10. Not Seeking Help Early
The Mistake: Waiting until just before the exams to clarify doubts.
The Fix: Ask questions early, join study groups, or get help from experienced tutors like those at Techademy.
Scoring an A* in IGCSE isn’t about being perfect it’s about being strategic, consistent, and aware of common traps. By avoiding these 10 mistakes and building smart study habits, you’ll not only boost your confidence but also maximize your performance.
At Techademy, we specialize in guiding IGCSE students through personalized learning plans, exam strategy sessions, and focused doubt-solving. Whether you're just starting or are in the revision phase, we’re here to help you reach your full potential.