Top 10 Hardest Subjects in IGCSE
- Chern Jiek
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Picking your IGCSE subjects? It can feel like a minefield—especially when you're trying to figure out which ones are just plain tough. Some are known for being intense, packed with content, or full of tricky thinking. Based on what students say, how exams are structured, and just general difficulty, here’s our ranking of the top 10 hardest IGCSE subjects, from "pretty hard" to "why did I do this to myself?" And if you’re diving into any of these, take note—we’ve got your back with tuition support at Senpai Corner.
10. Computer Science
Computer Science sounds cool (and it is), but it can hit hard. You’re expected to get programming logic, algorithms, computational thinking, and theory—all at once. A lot of students hit a wall when switching from something like Scratch to real coding languages like Python.
The programming part isn’t just writing a few lines of code—it’s about knowing how to break down problems logically, write efficient algorithms, and debug under pressure. Then you’ve got theory, like learning how binary numbers work, what makes up a CPU, and how memory is structured.
Exams often test your ability to apply knowledge in unfamiliar scenarios—so even if you’ve done loads of practice, the real challenge is understanding how it all connects.
Pro tip: Start early, keep practicing, and if you’re stuck, don’t stress—get some help.
9. Geography
Geography mixes science and humanities, which sounds chill... until you realize how much you need to remember and explain. From volcanoes and rivers to cities and climate change, it’s a lot.
The exam expects you to apply case studies to real-world situations, and vague phrasing in questions can throw students off. Physical geography can get technical (plate tectonics, coastal erosion, weather systems), while human geography deals with things like population patterns and global development.
You need strong map skills, graph analysis, and writing ability to back your answers with evidence.
Pro tip: Build a case study bank and practice applying the same example in different ways.
8. Foreign Languages (like Mandarin)
Languages are always a challenge, but some are next level. Take Mandarin: there are thousands of characters, tones to get right, and a grammar system that’s nothing like English.
To do well, you need consistent daily exposure. Just learning the textbook won’t cut it. You need listening and speaking practice, which often gets neglected in school environments.
Even languages like French or Spanish come with their own set of challenges—verb conjugations, gender rules, and idioms can trip you up.
Pro tip: Watch shows, listen to music, and speak regularly. Don’t just stick to vocab lists—get a tutor who can guide your immersion.
7. History
History’s not just about remembering dates. It’s about knowing what happened, why it happened, and what the consequences were. You’ll also need to interpret sources and write strong, well-structured essays.
It’s one of the most writing-heavy IGCSEs, and marks are lost easily if you don’t back up points with examples. Source analysis questions can be tough—they ask you to read between the lines and make judgments about reliability and bias.
You’ll study major global events and themes (World Wars, Cold War, colonialism, etc.), and the pressure to cover a huge syllabus in depth makes this a tough subject.
Pro tip: Get into the habit of planning essay structures.
6. English Literature
English Lit can feel like guesswork if you’re not used to analyzing texts. You're asked to break down poetry, prose, and drama—not just for what happens, but for how the writer uses language, structure, and form to create meaning.
Timed essays are brutal. You’ve got to quote accurately, argue a point clearly, and write with style—all in one go. And because it’s subjective, even strong students sometimes find their marks inconsistent.
Texts can range from Shakespeare to modern novels, and it’s not just about reading them—it’s about deeply understanding themes, character arcs, and the writer’s purpose.
Pro tip: Practice close reading and get familiar with key literary devices. If you’re stuck, a tutor can level up your analysis game.
5. Mathematics (Extended)
Extended Maths isn’t your average math class. You’ll cover algebra, trigonometry, vectors, geometry, probability, and more. What makes it hard is the way problems are structured—they’re often multi-step and written in unfamiliar formats.
Just knowing formulas won’t cut it. You have to apply them smartly and think on your feet. It’s a mental workout, especially under timed conditions.
Problem-solving and logic are key. Topics like functions, transformations, and number patterns can feel abstract and confusing without consistent practice.
Pro tip: Use past papers as drills and learn how to spot common traps. Senpai Corner has tutors who can walk you through the tough stuff.
4. Biology
Biology feels easier than Physics or Chemistry at first... until the content piles up. The syllabus is a beast. There’s a mountain of definitions, processes, diagrams, and systems to understand—from mitosis and osmosis to photosynthesis and the immune system.
The exam questions often go beyond regurgitating facts. You have to apply what you know to unfamiliar scenarios. And diagram labeling and explanations need to be spot-on.
Practical work and experiment-based questions can also trip students up if they don’t understand the methods and reasons behind them.
Pro tip: Flashcards, active recall, and spaced repetition will save your life. And a good biology tutor can help you master the trickiest parts.
3. Chemistry
Chemistry is the ultimate balancing act—literally. Between equations, reactions, the periodic table, bonding, and calculations, it’s one of the most conceptually and mathematically challenging sciences.
Topics like mole calculations, organic chemistry, and reaction rates often stump students. One mistake in your working can lead to the wrong answer, even if you understand the concept.
Add to that the need to write clear, structured responses explaining why something happens at a molecular level, and you see why Chemistry ranks high.
Pro tip: Build a strong conceptual base. Don’t skip steps when solving problems. Find expert help at Senpai Corner.
2. Physics
Physics? It’s the heavyweight of the sciences. You need solid math skills and a deep understanding of physical laws and how they apply to the world. You’re constantly switching between theory, formulas, and calculations.
The topics are wide-ranging—kinematics, electricity, waves, magnetism, energy, and forces. What makes Physics tricky is how abstract it can feel. Visualizing what's going on in a system takes practice.
And those formulas? There's a lot of them. But knowing them isn’t enough. You have to know how and when to use them—and what they mean.
Make life easier with these resources:
Pro tip: Understand the “why” behind every formula. Link concepts together and practice lots of application questions.
1. Additional Mathematics (Winner of the Hardest IGCSE Subject)
And the top of the difficulty pyramid? Additional Mathematics. It’s basically university-level thinking crammed into a high school syllabus. You deal with functions, calculus, circular measure, matrices, transformations, and more.
This isn’t a subject where you can just memorize formulas—you need to really understand the concepts. The exam questions often combine multiple topics into one brutal question.
Only students with a strong math background should attempt Add Maths, and even then, it
takes serious dedication.
Pro tip: Do tons of past paper practice and make a formula book you actually understand. And yes, you’ll want a solid tutor to keep up.
Final Thoughts
Feeling overwhelmed? That’s normal. These subjects are meant to challenge you. But the key to getting through them isn’t being the smartest in the room—it’s about being consistent, asking for help early, and using the right resources.
Senpai Corner’s got everything you need: smart notes, breakdowns, and tutors who’ve been through it all before. Check out our full range of support and give yourself the edge.
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