Cambridge International Education has reported a 7% year-on-year rise in entries for its March 2026 examination series in India, reflecting continued demand for international school qualifications among students seeking admission to universities in India and abroad.
The March examination cycle, which is aligned with the Indian academic calendar, recorded growth across both Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications. A total of 447 schools in India participated in the March 2026 series, making it the organisation’s largest examination session in the country.
Senior secondary entries record strongest growthThe sharpest increase was seen in Cambridge International AS & A Level examinations. Overall entries for the qualification rose 12% compared with the previous year. Within this category, Cambridge International AS Level entries increased by 16%, the highest growth rate across all qualifications in the series, while Cambridge International A Level entries rose by 8%.
Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry remained the most preferred subjects at the AS & A Level stage. Cambridge stated that the consistency in subject choices across different qualification levels reflected sustained student interest in science, technology, engineering and commerce-related academic pathways.
Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications are recognised by universities in India and overseas and offer students multiple assessment pathways.
Cambridge IGCSE entries continue upward trendCambridge IGCSE entries in India increased by 6% in the March 2026 series, continuing growth in the number of schools offering the curriculum at the secondary level.
Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry were the most popular subjects at the IGCSE stage as well. Cambridge also reported entries across subjects such as Global Perspectives, Environmental Studies and Business Studies, indicating wider subject participation across schools.
The examination board stated that the March series allows students to align results with domestic university admission timelines while also exploring international higher education opportunities. Cambridge is currently the only international awarding body conducting a March examination series linked to the Indian academic calendar.
New Checkpoint tests introducedCambridge International Education also introduced a March series of Cambridge Checkpoint tests for primary and lower secondary students this year. According to the organisation, the move is intended to help schools make progression decisions in line with the academic year followed in India.
Vinay Sharma, Regional Director for International Education in South Asia, said the increase in AS & A Level entries indicated growing recognition of flexible curriculum pathways among students and parents in India.
Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!Sanjay Sharma is a seasoned journalist with over two decades of e...
Read MoreSanjay Sharma is a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience in the media industry. Currently serving as Assistant Editor - Education at TimesofIndia.com, he specializes in education-related content, including board results, job notifications, and studying abroad. Since joining TOI in 2006, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the platform’s digital presence and spearheading major education events. Previously, Sanjay held leadership positions in sports journalism, covering high-profile events such as the Cricket World Cup and Olympics. He holds a PG Diploma in Journalism from Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan and is proficient in various content management systems.
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