The CAIE exam timetable is not just a list of dates. For Pakistani O Level and A Level students and their families, it is the single document that determines when the entire year of preparation ends and when results begin.
CAIE runs two exam series every year: May/June (the main series in Pakistan) and October/November (the secondary series). For Zone 4 the administrative zone covering Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, the May/June 2026 series run from 23 April to 9 June 2026, and results are released in August 2026.
This guide gives Pakistani students and parents the complete, verified exam schedule for both series, the official results dates, how to download the timetable PDF from the official source, and a subject-by-subject timeline for the most popular O Level and A Level subjects in Pakistan.
The Two CAIE Exam Series: What Pakistani Students Need to Know
CAIE offers exams in two windows every year. Understanding which series applies to your child is the first step.
| Series | Exam Months | Results Released | Who Sits This | Pakistan Relevance |
| May / June | April – June | August — typically mid-August | Grade 10 students (O Level) and Grade 12 students (A Level) completing their final exams | PRIMARY series for Pakistan — the vast majority of Pakistani students sit May/June |
| October / November | October – November | January — typically mid-January | Resit students; students who missed May/June; some Grade 11 AS Level students; southern hemisphere schools | SECONDARY series in Pakistan — used mainly for resits and AS Level component exams |
| February / March | February – March | April | Very limited subjects only (not all subjects available); mostly used in some Gulf states | NOT available for most subjects in Pakistan; check CAIE official timetable for subject availability in Zone 4 |
What Is CAIE Administrative Zone 4?
CAIE divides the world into administrative zones (1 through 6) to manage timetabling across different time zones, public holidays, and exam logistics. Pakistan is in Zone 4, along with India, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
| Zone | Countries Included | Exam Period (May/June Series) |
| Zone 1 | UK, Ireland, Western Europe | May – June |
| Zone 2 | Americas (North & South) | May – June |
| Zone 3 | Middle East, North Africa | April – May |
| Zone 4 | Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh | 23 April – 9 June 2026 |
| Zone 5 | Sub-Saharan Africa | May – June |
| Zone 6 | East Asia, Southeast Asia, Pacific | April – May |
Zone 4 significance for Pakistani students: All past paper downloads labelled Variant 2 (files ending in _12, _22, _42, _62 etc.) are the papers Pakistani students sit. The Zone 4 timetable determines your exact exam dates and is the only timetable relevant to Pakistan.
Important: Pakistan is Zone 4. Do not download Zone 1 or Zone 2 timetables — exam dates differ significantly between zones. Always use the Zone 4 timetable from CAIE official.
May/June 2026: Key Dates at a Glance (Zone 4 — Pakistan)
The following dates are sourced from the CAIE Official Zone 4 Timetable for May/June 2026):
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
| First O Level / A Level exam (Zone 4) | 23 April 2026 (Thursday) | AS Level papers begin; some O Level compulsory subjects |
| O Level compulsory subjects begin | 24 April 2026 (Friday) | Islamiyat 2058/12 — 1 hr 30 min AM |
| English Language O Level | 27 April 2026 (Monday) | 1123/22 — 2 hrs AM |
| Chemistry O Level Theory | 28 April 2026 (Tuesday) | 5070/22 — 1 hr 45 min AM |
| Mathematics O Level Paper 1 | 29 April 2026 (Wednesday) | 4024/12 — 2 hrs PM |
| Biology O Level Theory | 30 April 2026 (Thursday) | 5090/22 — 1 hr 45 min AM |
| Physics O Level Theory | 4 May 2026 (Monday) | 5054/22 — 1 hr 45 min AM |
| Mathematics O Level Paper 2 | 5 May 2026 (Tuesday) | 4024/22 — 2 hrs PM |
| English Language O Level Paper 1 | 6 May 2026 (Wednesday) | 1123/12 — 2 hrs AM |
| Chemistry Alternative to Practical | 7 May 2026 (Thursday) | 5070/42 — 1 hr AM |
| Business Studies Paper 1 | 11 May 2026 (Monday) | 7115/12 — 1 hr 30 min AM |
| Biology Alternative to Practical | 12 May 2026 (Tuesday) | 5090/42 — 1 hr AM |
| Computer Science Paper 1 | 13 May 2026 (Wednesday) | 2210/12 — 1 hr 45 min AM |
| Additional Mathematics Paper 1 | 18 May 2026 (Monday) | 4037/12 — 2 hrs AM |
| Last O Level / A Level exam (Zone 4) | 9 June 2026 (Tuesday) | Final papers — Chemistry MCQ (5070/12) and Economics MCQ among last |
| O Level MCQ (Paper 1) papers (late) | June 2026 (early June) | MCQ papers for Physics (5054/12), Chemistry (5070/12), Biology (5090/12), Economics (2281/12) are scheduled in early June |
May/June 2026 Schedule: Most Popular O Level Subjects in Pakistan
Based on the official Zone 4 timetable, here are the complete exam dates for the subjects most commonly taken by Pakistani O Level students:
| Subject | Code | Paper | Date | Time | Duration |
| English Language | 1123 | Paper 2 (Writing) | Monday 27 April 2026 | AM | 2 hrs |
| English Language | 1123 | Paper 1 (Reading) | Wednesday 6 May 2026 | AM | 2 hrs |
| Chemistry | 5070 | Paper 2 (Theory) | Tuesday 28 April 2026 | AM | 1 hr 45 min |
| Chemistry | 5070 | Paper 4 (Alt. to Practical) | Thursday 7 May 2026 | AM | 1 hr |
| Chemistry | 5070 | Paper 1 (MCQ) | Tuesday 9 June 2026 | AM | 1 hr |
| Mathematics | 4024 | Paper 1 (non-calculator) | Wednesday 29 April 2026 | PM | 2 hrs |
| Mathematics | 4024 | Paper 2 (Calculator) | Tuesday 5 May 2026 | PM | 2 hrs |
| Biology | 5090 | Paper 2 (Theory) | Thursday 30 April 2026 | AM | 1 hr 45 min |
| Biology | 5090 | Paper 4 (Alt. to Practical) | Tuesday 12 May 2026 | AM | 1 hr |
| Biology | 5090 | Paper 1 (MCQ) | Monday 8 June 2026 | AM | 1 hr |
| Physics | 5054 | Paper 2 (Theory) | Monday 4 May 2026 | AM | 1 hr 45 min |
| Physics | 5054 | Paper 1 (MCQ) | to be confirmed (early June 2026) | AM | 1 hr |
| Islamiyat | 2058 | Paper 1 | Friday 24 April 2026 | AM | 1 hr 30 min |
| Islamiyat | 2058 | Paper 2 | Tuesday 5 May 2026 | AM | 1 hr 30 min |
| Pakistan Studies | 2059 | Paper 1 | Tuesday 28 April 2026 | PM | 1 hr 30 min |
| Pakistan Studies | 2059 | Paper 2 | Monday 4 May 2026 | PM | 1 hr 30 min |
| Urdu | 3248 | Paper 1 | Monday 27 April 2026 | PM | 1 hr 45 min |
| Urdu | 3248 | Paper 2 | Thursday 30 April 2026 | PM | 1 hr 30 min |
| Business Studies | 7115 | Paper 1 | Monday 11 May 2026 | AM | 1 hr 30 min |
| Business Studies | 7115 | Paper 2 | Monday 18 May 2026 | AM | 1 hr 30 min |
| Computer Science | 2210 | Paper 1 | Wednesday 13 May 2026 | AM | 1 hr 45 min |
| Computer Science | 2210 | Paper 2 | Wednesday 20 May 2026 | AM | 1 hr 45 min |
| Additional Mathematics | 4037 | Paper 1 | Monday 18 May 2026 | AM | 2 hrs |
| Economics | 2281 | Paper 2 | Friday 22 May 2026 | AM | 2 hrs 15 min |
| Economics | 2281 | Paper 1 (MCQ) | Friday 5 June 2026 | AM | 45 min |
October/November 2025: Key Dates (Zone 4)
The Oct/Nov 2025 series was the most recent secondary series. Results were released in January 2026. This data is relevant for students who sat Oct/Nov 2025 exams or are planning for Oct/Nov 2026.
| Milestone | Oct/Nov 2025 Date | Notes |
| Pure Mathematics 1 (A Level) | Monday 6 October 2025 | 9709/12 — AM session |
| Chemistry Practical (A Level) | Tuesday 7 October 2025 | 9701/51 — PM session |
| Chemistry Paper 4 (A Level) | Friday 17 October 2025 | A Level Chemistry advanced practical |
| O Level & IGCSE Results | Thursday 15 January 2026 | Results released at 06:00 BST (11:00 PKT) via cambridgeinternational.org/results |
| AS & A Level Results | Friday 9 January 2026 | Released at 06:00 BST (11:00 PKT) |
May/June 2026: Official Results Release Dates
The May/June 2026 results dates have been officially confirmed by CAIE. This is the most important date for Pakistani students finishing O Level or A Level in 2026.
| Qualification | Results Date | Time (PKT) | How to Access |
| AS & A Level (May/June 2026) | Tuesday 11 August 2026 | 10:00 AM PKT (06:00 BST) | Log into cambridgeinternational.org/results with school-issued candidate number and PIN |
| O Level & IGCSE (May/June 2026) | Tuesday 11 August 2026 | 10:00 AM PKT (06:00 BST) | Same portal — cambridgeinternational.org/results; schools distribute printed slips on the same day |
Historical context: In 2025, A Level results were released on 12 August, while O Level results followed on 19 August. In contrast, for 2026, both A Level and O Level results are scheduled to be released on the same day, 11 August.
| Year | A Level Results | O Level Results | Series |
| 2024 | 13 August 2024 | 13 August 2024 | May/June 2024 |
| 2025 (Oct/Nov) | 9 January 2026 | 15 January 2026 | Oct/Nov 2025 |
| 2025 (May/June) | 12 August 2025 | 19 August 2025 | May/June 2025 |
| 2026 (May/June) | 11 August 2026 | 11 August 2026 | May/June 2026 |
How to Download the CAIE Official Zone 4 Timetable PDF
The official CAIE timetable is published on the Cambridge International website and is distributed to registered schools. Here is how students and parents can access it:
Method 1: CAIE Official Website (Most Authoritative)
- Go to cambridgeinternational.org
- Navigate to: Exam Administration → Timetables → Zone 4
- Select your exam series (May/June or Oct/Nov) and year
- Download the Zone 4 PDF directly
Method 2: Your School
- All CAIE-registered schools receive the official Zone 4 timetable directly from Cambridge
- Your school’s exams officer has the authoritative version with your centre’s specific key times
- Always confirm AM/PM session times with your school — different centres may have different key times even on the same date
AM vs PM Sessions: What Every Pakistani Student Needs to Know
Every CAIE exam is scheduled in either an AM (morning) or PM (afternoon) session. Understanding what this means for your exam day is essential.
| Session | Typical Start Time in Pakistan | What It Means |
| AM Session | Typically, 8:30 AM PKT | Morning exam; students must be at the exam centre before the key time; no early entry after key time |
| PM Session | Typically, 1:30 PM PKT | Afternoon exam; students who sat an AM paper on the same day must remain under supervision until the PM session begins if their papers overlap |
Days With Back-to-Back Papers: What to Prepare For
Some dates in the Zone 4 timetable have multiple papers on the same day — one AM and one PM. Identifying these in advance allows students and families to plan effectively.
| Date | AM Paper | PM Paper | Who This Affects |
| 28 April 2026 (Tuesday) | Chemistry Theory (5070/22) — 1 hr 45 min | Pakistan Studies Paper 1 (2059/01) — 1 hr 30 min | Students taking both Chemistry and Pakistan Studies |
| 29 April 2026 (Wednesday) | Islamiyat Paper 2 (2058/22) approx. | Mathematics Paper 1 (4024/12) — 2 hrs | Students taking Maths and Islamiyat |
| 30 April 2026 (Thursday) | Biology Theory (5090/22) — 1 hr 45 min | Urdu Paper 2 (3248/02) — 1 hr 30 min | Students taking Biology and Urdu |
| 4 May 2026 (Monday) | Physics Theory (5054/22) — 1 hr 45 min | Pakistan Studies Paper 2 (2059/02) — 1 hr 30 min | Students taking Physics and Pakistan Studies |
| 5 May 2026 (Tuesday) | Islamiyat Paper 2 (2058/22) — 1 hr 30 min | Mathematics Paper 2 (4024/22) — 2 hrs | Students taking both — Islamiyat AM; Maths PM |
Using the Timetable to Build Your Revision Schedule
The timetable is not just a reference document it is the foundation of an effective revision plan. Students who work backwards from exam dates consistently outperform those who revise without a structured schedule.
| Weeks Before Exam | Recommended Activity |
| 12–8 weeks before | Complete syllabus coverage. Work through all topics using syllabus as checklist. No past papers yet for topics not yet covered. |
| 8–6 weeks before | Begin topical past paper practice (by topic, not full papers). Identify weak areas per subject. |
| 6–4 weeks before | Begin full past papers under timed conditions. One full paper set (all papers) per subject per week. Mark carefully against mark scheme. |
| 4–2 weeks before | Targeted revision on weak areas identified from full papers. Read examiner reports for each session practiced. |
| Final 2 weeks | Use the 2–3 most recent past papers only. Strict exam conditions. Focus on exam technique, not new content. Plan exam day logistics. |
| Exam week | Light review of formula sheets, key definitions, and command word list. Sleep at least 8 hours the night before each exam. Do not attempt new past papers the night before. |
Applying this to the May/June 2026 timetable for an O Level student:
| Date | Exam | Weeks Available (from Jan 2026) | Revision Start Point |
| 28 April 2026 | Chemistry Theory (5070/22) | ~17 weeks from January | Start Chemistry topical practice by mid-February; first full paper by end of February |
| 29 April 2026 | Mathematics Paper 1 (4024/12) | ~17 weeks from January | Start Maths topic audit in January; stoichiometry-style problems daily from February |
| 4 May 2026 | Physics Theory (5054/22) | ~18 weeks from January | Begin electricity and mechanics topics in January; ray diagram practice from March |
| 5 May 2026 | Mathematics Paper 2 (4024/22) | Same as Paper 1 | Paper 2 and Paper 1 revision run in parallel; practise both papers from same past session together |
After Results Day: What Happens Next
Results day — 11 August 2026 for May/June 2026 — triggers a sequence of decisions that need to be planned in advance.
| Next Step | Timeline | Key Action Required |
| Check results online | 11 August 2026 from 10:00 AM PKT | Log into cambridgeinternational.org/results with candidate number and PIN provided by school |
| Apply for IBCC O Level Equivalence | Immediately after results (August 2026) | Apply online at services.ibcc.edu.pk; submit original certificates when issued; 15–20 working days processing time |
| Receive Cambridge Certificate | September–October 2026 (original certificate; Statement of Result available from results day) | Statement of Result valid for 6 months; original certificate required for IBCC after 6 months |
| Request re-check / enquiry on results | Within 3–4 weeks of results day (CAIE deadline) | Post-Results Services: script access, clerical re-check, review of marking. Deadlines published on cambridgeinternational.org/post-results |
| Apply to A Level college | August–September 2026 | Most Pakistani A Level colleges begin applications August–September; early IBCC equivalence application is essential |
IBCC timing critical: The most common post-results mistake is delaying the IBCC equivalence application. IBCC processes take 15–20 working days, and A Level college applications close in September. Apply for SSC equivalence on results day or the day after. Do not wait for the original certificate — the Statement of Result is accepted for IBCC for 6 months.
What If You Need to Re-sit? The Oct/Nov 2026 Option
Students who are unhappy with their May/June 2026 results have the option to re-sit in the October/November 2026 series. CAIE allows individual subjects to be retaken without repeating the entire qualification.
| Factor | Details |
| Which subjects can be resat? | Most O Level subjects are available in Oct/Nov. However, not all subjects run in both series check the CAIE official Zone 4 timetable at cambridgeinternational.org before assuming your subject is available |
| When are Oct/Nov 2026 exams? | Typically, October–November 2026; exact dates published by CAIE in July 2026 |
| When are Oct/Nov 2026 results? | Typically, mid-January 2027 — O Level and IGCSE around 15 January; AS and A Level around 9 January |
| Can you re-sit just one paper? | Yes. If you want to improve your overall subject grade, you can resit individual papers (e.g. Paper 2 only) rather than all papers. CAIE uses the best component combination unless you request otherwise. |
| Does a re-sit replace the previous grade? | CAIE records all grades. When you receive a new overall grade, you can choose which series to use for IBCC or university applications. The new certificate from the re-sit session replaces the original for that subject. |
| Registration deadline for Oct/Nov | Registration is done through your school (for current registered candidates) or through British Council (for private candidates). Deadline is typically June–July for Oct/Nov series. Confirm with your school or British Council office in Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When do O Level exams start in Pakistan in 2026?
The Zone 4 exam period for May/June 2026 begins on 23 April 2026. The first major O Level compulsory subject exam is Islamiyat (2058/12) on 24 April 2026. Most core O Level subjects English, Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Physics — are scheduled between 27 April and 9 June 2026.
When are O Level results released in Pakistan in 2026?
For the May/June 2026 series, O Level and IGCSE results will be released on Tuesday 11 August 2026 at 06:00 BST (10:00 AM–11:00 AM PKT, depending on Pakistan’s DST status).
What is the difference between the Zone 4 timetable and the Zone 1 timetable?
Different administrative zones have different exam dates due to time zones, national holidays, and logistical considerations. Zone 1 (UK and Western Europe) typically has exams in May–June, while Zone 4 (Pakistan, India) starts slightly earlier (from late April). The exam content is identical across zones, but dates differ. Pakistani students must always use the Zone 4 timetable using Zone 1 dates will result in incorrect revision planning.
Can I sit some O Level subjects in May/June and others in Oct/Nov in the same year?
Yes. CAIE allows candidates to spread subjects across series. For example, a student might sit English, Maths, and Sciences in May/June 2026 and Islamiyat, Pakistan Studies, and Urdu in Oct/Nov 2026. IBCC will combine all results for the equivalence certificate as long as all required subjects are passed. However, this strategy significantly extends the exam period and should be planned carefully with your school and an educational advisor.
What time do CAIE exams start in Pakistan?
Exam start times depend on your exam centre’s registered ‘key time’. CAIE sets AM and PM sessions — but the specific clock time that constitutes ‘AM’ or ‘PM’ at your centre is set by your school’s centre registration. Most Pakistani schools run AM sessions starting between 9:00 AM PKT and PM sessions between 2:00 PM PKT
Final Word
The CAIE timetable is the anchor of every effective exam preparation plan. Knowing that Chemistry Theory is on 28 April, Physics is on 4 May, and Math’s Paper 2 is on 5 May tells a student exactly how many days they have between their hardest subjects and how to sequence their final revision weeks accordingly.
For Pakistani students in May/June 2026: the exam window runs across six weeks from late April to early June, with most core science and maths papers in the last week of April and first week of May. This is a short, intense period that rewards early, consistent preparation far more than any last-minute cramming.
Results on 11 August 2026 and IBCC equivalence applications should go in the same week. Universities open applications in August–September. The preparation period and the post-results period are both time-sensitive. Plan both.
If your child is preparing for O Level or A Level in 2026 and needs structured support whether for a specific subject or for exam technique across multiple papers working with a qualified CAIE-experienced tutor ensures that the limited revision weeks between now and April are used as effectively as possible.
