0580_s26_qp_12 2026 May-June Mathematics 0580 Question Paper 1 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

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0580_s26_qp_122026 May-June Mathematics 0580 Question Paper 1 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) Question Paper 1 (Variant 2) from the 2026 May-June 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: 0580_s26_qp_12 · 0580/12/m/j/26 qp · 0580/12 May/June 2026 qp

Paper 1: Core (Short-answer, Non-calculator) This is Paper 1: Core (Short-answer, Non-calculator), worth 80 marks with a duration of 1h 30m. Short-answer questions. No calculator. Focus on efficient arithmetic strategies.

To self-assess your performance, use this question paper alongside the corresponding mark scheme (0580_s26_ms_12). 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 Mathematics 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 Mathematics (0580).

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Every past paper on this site stays free. These are the worked answers and notes our specialists write on top of them.

Same paper, other years

Mathematics (0580) Question Paper 1 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 1: Core (Short-answer, Non-calculator)

Based on analysis of 5 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2025)

1

Not showing working — writing only the final answer

When calculations of two or more steps are needed, it is best if each step is shown separately for candidates' checking their own work and for method marks to be awarded.Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Show every step: formula → substitution → calculation → answer. Even on calculator papers, write the formula used and the values substituted. For quadratic equations, show the full quadratic formula with values — calculator-only answers earn zero method marks.

6

Confusing 100 minutes = 1 hour, and time conversion errors

The common error of thinking there were 100 minutes in one hour was seen a number of times.Paper 1, March 2025

How to fix: 1 hour = 60 minutes (not 100). To convert 3h 20min to hours: 20/60 = 1/3, so 3h 20min = 10/3 hours. NEVER write 3.20 hours for 3h 20min. For 12-hour time: always include am/pm.

8

Non-calculator arithmetic — using calculator methods by hand

Candidates need to focus on efficient arithmetic strategies for a non-calculator paper. There were a number of questions where students attempted to perform calculations in the same way that they would with the assistance of a calculator.Paper 2, March 2025

How to fix: On non-calculator papers: use mental shortcuts, factor where possible, simplify before multiplying. If the question gives you a calculation hint (e.g. a multiplication table), USE it instead of doing long multiplication. Practice non-calculator arithmetic regularly.

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Mathematics Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 5 official Cambridge documents