The Easiest IGCSEs: What Cambridge's 2026 Results Show
Which IGCSE subjects have the highest pass and top-grade rates, based on Cambridge's June 2026 world results, why some subjects look easy, why language results mislead, and how to choose wisely.
Measured by pass rates, the "easiest" Cambridge IGCSEs in June 2026 included Music, Literature (English), Drama, Computer Science and Additional Mathematics, where over 86% of candidates achieved grade C or above (Cambridge International, 2026). But high results often reflect who takes a subject, not how easy it is.
This guide looks at the data and explains how to use it sensibly.
Key Takeaways
- Music (90.8%) and Literature (English) (90.7%) had the highest C-or-above rates among popular IGCSEs in 2026.
- Additional Maths had the highest A* rate (26.1%), but only strong mathematicians take it.
- Language results are skewed by native speakers, so they're a poor guide.
- Choose subjects you're good at, not ones that look easy on average.
Which IGCSEs Have the Highest Pass Rates?
Among widely taken subjects, the highest shares of grade C or above in June 2026 were in Music (90.8%), Literature (English) (90.7%), Drama (87.2%), Computer Science (86.4%) and Additional Mathematics (86.1%) (Cambridge International, 2026).
| Cambridge IGCSE, June 2026 | A\* | A or A\* | C or above |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music | 18.2% | 45.8% | 90.8% |
| Literature (English) | 15.3% | 41.7% | 90.7% |
| Drama | 11.7% | 40.2% | 87.2% |
| Computer Science | 14.3% | 42.3% | 86.4% |
| Additional Mathematics | 26.1% | 51.7% | 86.1% |
| International Mathematics | 23.5% | 45.2% | 85.8% |
| Chemistry | 16.9% | 44.1% | 82.9% |
| Physics | 20.9% | 44.5% | 81.5% |
Source: Cambridge International, 2026.
Which IGCSEs Have the Most A* Grades?
Additional Mathematics led the popular subjects, with 26.1% of candidates achieving A\*. Physics and Economics followed at 20.9% each, then Mathematics at 18.9% (Cambridge International, 2026).
That doesn't make Additional Maths easy. Its A\* boundary was 141 out of 160, about 88%, in June 2026 (Cambridge International, 2026). See is IGCSE Additional Maths worth it?
Why Do Language IGCSEs Look So Easy?
Because many candidates are native or heritage speakers. In June 2026, 91.0% of Mandarin Chinese (Foreign Language) candidates and 85.8% of Italian candidates achieved A or A\* (Cambridge International, 2026). For a learner starting from scratch, these subjects are not easy at all.
If you already speak a language at home, though, a language IGCSE can be an efficient, high-grade extra subject. See how many GCSEs or IGCSEs to take.
The most useful "easy" pattern isn't a subject, it's a fit. Students score highest in subjects that match their strengths: fluent writers in Literature, logical thinkers in Computer Science, musicians in Music. Picking a subject only because its average looks high can backfire if it doesn't suit you, as the hardest IGCSEs data shows.
Should You Choose IGCSEs Because They're Easy?
Not on averages alone. Universities look most closely at English, Maths and subjects linked to your course; UCL, for example, asks every applicant for grade 5 or above in English Language and Mathematics (UCL, 2026). An "easy" option won't replace those.
Choose a balance: the core subjects you need, subjects that keep A Level options open, and one or two you genuinely enjoy. Our guide on how to choose GCSE and IGCSE subjects walks through it.
Families sometimes ask us for a list of easy IGCSEs to boost a profile. Our advice is always the same: the best boost is a stronger grade in a subject you already take, especially Maths or English. That's where tutoring makes the biggest difference too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest IGCSE to get an A* in?
Among popular subjects, Additional Mathematics had the highest A\* rate in June 2026, at 26.1% (Cambridge International, 2026). But only strong mathematicians take it, so it isn't easy for most students.
Is Computer Science an easy IGCSE?
It had a high pass rate in June 2026: 86.4% of candidates got C or above and 42.3% got A or A\* (Cambridge International, 2026). It suits logical thinkers and needs regular programming practice.
Are language IGCSEs easy?
Only if you already speak the language. High results, such as 91.0% A or A\* in Mandarin Chinese (Foreign Language) (Cambridge International, 2026), largely reflect native and heritage speakers.
The Bottom Line
- Music, Literature (English), Drama and Computer Science had the highest pass rates in 2026.
- Additional Maths had the most A* grades, but it's taken by strong mathematicians.
- Language results are skewed by native speakers.
- Choose subjects that fit your strengths, not just averages.
Next, see the hardest IGCSEs from the same data.
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