Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) Past Papers

The May/June 2026 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science examination provides a well-balanced assessment across both Paper 1 (Computer Systems) and Paper 2 (Algorithms, Programming and Logic). Core theoretical fundamentals such as binary operations, Von Neumann architecture, and SSL communication are thoroughly tested alongside hands-on problem-solving, structured SQL, logic circuits, and a comprehensive 15-mark scenario program requiring array manipulation and date calculations.

The May/June 2026 series for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) represents a balanced, highly syllabus-compliant assessment across both Paper 1 (Computer Systems) and Paper 2 (Algorithms, Programming and Logic). Paper 1 focuses strongly on core data representation, packet switching, storage architectures, and low-level translation concepts, while Paper 2 assesses practical algorithm design, tracing, file handling, logic gates, database structure/SQL, and a multi-step 15-mark rainfall analysis problem.

The May/June 2026 series for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478 Papers 13 and 23) offers a balanced and comprehensive assessment across the syllabus. Paper 1 assesses hardware, data representation, transmission, architecture, and emerging tech with standard descriptive and calculation questions. Paper 2 places significant emphasis on practical algorithmic constructs, logic gates, SQL querying, string manipulation, and a comprehensive 15-mark multi-dimensional array manipulation problem.

An extensive review of the May/June 2025 Computer Science (0478) Paper 1 and Paper 2 series. The papers provide a robust test of core hardware architecture, data representation, and fundamental programming concepts, featuring a demanding 15-mark array scenario and logical tracing exercises.

A well-balanced examination cycle featuring high-yield marks in representation and algorithm tracing, though offset by the complete removal of Paper 2's 15-mark design question and highly precise technical requirements in networking/SSL protocols.

The May/June 2025 Computer Science series (Papers 13 & 23) represents a balanced and thorough assessment. Paper 13 examines hardware, networks, and automated systems with an emphasis on system roles and security. Paper 23 tests design, trace tables, and programming mastery, culminating in a robust 15-mark 2D array data structure problem.

A balanced, comprehensive examination set covering foundational computer science theory in Paper 1 and rigorous algorithmic problem-solving with trace tables, SQL queries, and a scenario-based array program in Paper 2.

A comprehensive review of the October/November 2025 examination components, showing high standardisation on the updated 0478 syllabus with particularly rigorous programming logic and architecture sections.

A balanced syllabus assessment with Paper 1 testing core hardware and network architecture, and Paper 2 demanding strong procedural programming skills, array manipulation, and robust tie-breaker loop structures.

The May/June 2024 series of Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478/11 & 0478/21) balanced foundational concepts in representation and theory with a highly demanding Paper 2 practical section focusing heavily on validation loops, trace table execution, and multi-dimensional array manipulation.

The May/June 2024 Computer Science (0478) Paper 12 and 22 present a balanced assessment of core theory and practical programming. Candidates faced demanding questions on Two's complement arithmetic, symmetric encryption mechanisms, and a highly contextual 15-mark scenario game involving 2D array navigation.

The May/June 2024 Computer Science (0478) exam series presents a highly balanced assessment. Paper 13 thoroughly evaluates hardware concepts, network architecture, and data representation. Paper 23 tests practical programming logic, array manipulation, trace tables, SQL queries, and includes a challenging 15-mark parallel-array sorting problem.

An demanding and comprehensive dual-paper series covering classic architectural foundations alongside new-syllabus topics like Expert Systems and Blockchain, with Paper 21 emphasizing rigorous logic tracking and variable management.

A comprehensive assessment covering hardware, systems, networks, algorithms, databases, and programming concepts. It features a demanding 15-mark pseudocode task, detailed network retrieval flow charts, and data validation calculations.

A well-balanced examination assessing fundamental theoretical computer systems in Paper 1 and robust computational thinking, algorithms, and SQL in Paper 2. Key challenges lay in multi-conditional trace tables, debugging complex flowcharts, and the high-tariff 15-mark algorithm design.

The May/June 2023 Computer Science (0478/11 and 0478/21) examination papers provide a balanced but highly rigorous test of the updated syllabus, emphasizing contextual design, precision in data representation, and complete algorithmic implementation.

A highly rigorous and comprehensive examination assessing deep theoretical understanding in Paper 12 (Computer Systems) and algorithmic application in Paper 22 (Algorithms, Programming, and Logic), featuring standard numeric conversions alongside demanding procedural programming tasks.

An analysis of the May/June 2023 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) Paper 13 (Computer Systems) and Paper 23 (Algorithms, Programming and Logic) examinations, detailing key curriculum areas, standard candidate pitfalls, and structural blueprints.

The October/November 2023 Computer Science (0478) examinations presented a balanced yet technically demanding pair of papers. Paper 11 tested deeply on CPU architecture, technical mechanisms of interrupts, and data representation, whereas Paper 21 featured rigorous logic, SQL syntax requirements, and a demanding 15-mark 2D array seat booking scenario.

The October/November 2023 series for Computer Science (0478) featured a highly balanced set of papers. Paper 12 (Computer Systems) tested essential theory across number systems, computer architecture, and expert systems, emphasizing precise technical definitions. Paper 22 (Algorithms, Programming and Logic) evaluated core algorithmic design, standard validation/verification concepts, logic circuits, and databases, culminating in a robust 15-mark scenario program on array manipulation and mathematical operations. Candidates generally performed well on routine tracing and binary conversions, but struggled with contextual explanations and advanced design modifications.

A balanced and demanding examination set covering fundamental Computer Systems concepts in Paper 13 and comprehensive computational logic, algorithmic trace tables, and 2D arrays in Paper 23. Key topics include data representation, storage components, network routing diagrams, database query structures, and complex validation algorithms.