What is the passing grade for IGCSE, and how do the A*,G and 9-1 scales compare?
Talimat Academic Team
Education Specialist · 22 May 2026
There is no single universal IGCSE pass mark, but grade C on the A* to G scale and grade 4 on the 9 to 1 scale are the widely accepted standard passes.
Two official scales exist for Cambridge IGCSE and related qualifications. The A* to G scale is the traditional system used by Cambridge International and is common in international schools across the Gulf. The 9 to 1 scale was introduced through Pearson Edexcel and mirrors the reformed GCSE grading used in England since 2017.
The two scales align directly. Here is how the grades map across both systems:
| A* to G Grade | 9 to 1 Equivalent | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|
| A* | 9 / 8 | Exceptional to very high |
| A | 7 | High achievement |
| B | 6 | Good achievement |
| C | 4 / 5 | Standard to strong pass |
| D | 3 | Approaching standard pass |
| E / F / G | 1 / 2 | Below standard pass |
One detail worth knowing: grade 9 sits slightly above the old A* boundary. It was created specifically to distinguish the very top performers within that band.
For students aiming at competitive sixth forms or university programmes, grade B or above (grade 6 on the numerical scale) is often the practical target. Schools offering A-Levels or the IB typically state their entry requirements in both scales, so neither system puts a student at a disadvantage.
Grade boundaries are not fixed percentages. Cambridge sets them after each exam session using expert judgement and cohort-wide statistical analysis. The mark needed for a given grade can shift slightly from year to year, which is why past-paper practice matters more than chasing a specific raw score.
Universities in the UK, UAE, and internationally treat both scales as full equivalents. Whether a certificate shows A* or 9, the outcome for a university application is identical.
If you want a deeper breakdown of how boundaries are set and what each grade means for A-Level entry, our blog has the full guide. For personalised support with IGCSE tutoring, contact us and we will match your child with a subject-specialist tutor.