0478_m26_qp_22 — 2026 March Computer Science 0478 Question Paper 2 Variant 2

0478_m26_qp_22 — 2026 March Computer Science 0478 Question Paper 2 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

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0478_m26_qp_22 — 2026 March Computer Science 0478 Question Paper 2 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) Question Paper 2 (Variant 2) from the 2026 March examination session. This question paper was sat by Cambridge students worldwide in 2026 and is published by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Use it for timed practice under exam conditions to build familiarity with the question format, mark allocation, and time pressure.

Also referenced as: 0478_m26_qp_22 · 0478/22/f/m/26 qp · 0478/22 Feb/March 2026 qp

Paper 2: Problem-solving and Programming — This is Paper 2: Problem-solving and Programming, worth 75 marks with a duration of 1h 45m. Algorithm design, pseudocode, flowcharts, trace tables, and programming concepts. Must use Cambridge pseudocode conventions throughout. Accuracy in syntax matters.

To self-assess your performance, use this question paper alongside the corresponding mark scheme (0478_m26_ms_22). Attempt the entire paper under timed conditions before opening the mark scheme — this trains both your subject knowledge and exam technique. Mark each question and record whether marks were lost due to knowledge gaps, method errors, or careless mistakes.

The most effective way to use this Computer Science question paper is to simulate real exam conditions: set a timer for the full duration, work without notes, and write your answers on separate paper. After finishing, mark yourself using the official mark scheme — do not check answers during the paper. This builds exam stamina and reveals your genuine readiness. Repeat this process across 3–5 sessions to identify recurring weak topics in Computer Science (0478).

MSView Mark Scheme: Mark Scheme 2 (v2)

Same paper, other years

Computer Science (0478) Question Paper 2 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

QP2025 March QP2025 May-June QP2025 Oct-Nov QP2024 March QP2024 May-June QP2024 Oct-Nov QP2023 March QP2023 May-June QP2023 Oct-Nov QP2022 March

Examiner Insights — Paper 2: Problem-solving and Programming

Based on analysis of 3 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2025)

Not using the context given in the question

“Candidates gave generic answers rather than relating their response to the specific scenario described in the question.”— 0478 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Always use the scenario from the question in your answer. If the question describes a school library system, write about 'the library database' and 'borrowing records', not generic examples. Examiners want to see that you can apply knowledge to the given context.

Using programming language syntax instead of Cambridge pseudocode

“Candidates used Python or Java syntax instead of Cambridge pseudocode conventions, which could not be credited.”— 0478 Paper 2, May/June 2023

How to fix: Paper 2 requires Cambridge pseudocode, not Python or Java. Key differences: assignment uses ←, not =. String concatenation uses &. Arrays use square brackets. IF/THEN/ELSE/ENDIF, WHILE/ENDWHILE, FOR/TO/NEXT. Learn the Cambridge pseudocode guide — it is available on the Cambridge website.

Using IF statement instead of a loop for input validation

“Candidates used an IF statement to check input validity, but this only checks once. Validation requires a loop that repeatedly asks for input until a valid value is entered.”— 0478 Paper 2, May/June 2023

How to fix: Input validation must use a loop, not IF. Pattern: INPUT Value → WHILE Value < 1 OR Value > 100 → OUTPUT "Invalid, try again" → INPUT Value → ENDWHILE. An IF only checks once; a WHILE/REPEAT loop keeps asking until the user enters valid data.

View full exam guide for Computer Science (0478) →