A Cambridge IGCSE science practical equipment list is the set of laboratory apparatus, instruments and consumables a school needs to teach and assess practical skills in IGCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The list spans general apparatus (stands, clamps, Bunsen burners, measuring cylinders), subject-specific items (microscopes for biology, borosilicate glassware and burettes for chemistry, meters and optics for physics), and shared safety equipment. Cambridge IGCSE sciences assess practical work through either Paper 5 (Practical Test) or Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical), so the equipment a school buys depends on the practical route it enters students for. Most everyday IGCSE apparatus is available from the general laboratory instruments range at Scientific Equipments.
| What is on a Cambridge IGCSE science practical equipment list? A Cambridge IGCSE science practical equipment list includes, for biology, microscopes, slides, dissection kits and basic measuring apparatus; for chemistry, borosilicate glassware, burettes, pipettes, balances, Bunsen burners and pH measurement; and for physics, metre rules, vernier calipers, ammeters, voltmeters, power supplies, optics kits and stopwatches. All three subjects share stands, clamps, measuring cylinders, thermometers, balances and safety equipment. Schools entering students for Paper 5 (Practical Test) need a full working apparatus set, while Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical) schools still need apparatus for teaching familiarity. Source glassware, microscopes and general apparatus from the relevant categories at Scientific Equipments. |
What Is the Cambridge IGCSE Science Practical Equipment List?
The Cambridge IGCSE science practical equipment list is the apparatus and consumables required to deliver practical work in IGCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Cambridge International sets the syllabus and practical assessment for each science but expects schools to provide standard laboratory apparatus; it does not supply equipment. The three IGCSE sciences are Biology (syllabus 0610, and the 9-1 version 0970), Chemistry (0620 / 0971) and Physics (0625 / 0972), and each assesses practical skills through either Paper 5 (Practical Test) or Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical) (Cambridge International, verified June 2026).
The Cambridge IGCSE practical assessment route determines how much equipment a school needs. Paper 5 is a hands-on Practical Test taken in the laboratory, so a school entering students for Paper 5 must equip a fully working practical lab. Paper 6 is the Alternative to Practical, a written paper (typically 1 hour, 40 marks) that tests planning, apparatus familiarity and data handling without lab access. Even Paper 6 schools need apparatus for teaching, because the paper asks students what apparatus they would use and to interpret real experimental setups. From March 2026 Cambridge changed only the layout and formatting of question papers, not the assessed content (Cambridge International, verified June 2026).
IGCSE Biology Practical Equipment List
The IGCSE Biology practical equipment list covers microscopy, food tests, transport and enzyme experiments, and basic measurement. Priority is rated Essential (needed for core practicals), Required (needed for full syllabus coverage), or Recommended (extends capability). Microscopes and dissection instruments are central to IGCSE Biology 0610 practicals and are available from the microscopes and general laboratory instruments ranges.
| Equipment | Use in IGCSE Biology practicals | Priority |
| Compound microscope (40x-400x) | Cells, tissues and prepared-slide observation | Essential |
| Prepared and blank slides, cover slips | Microscopy and temporary mounts | Essential |
| Dissection kit and dissecting board | Plant/animal structure practicals | Required |
| Test tubes, beakers, droppers | Food tests (starch, glucose, protein, fat) | Essential |
| Water bath / thermometer (0-110 C) | Enzyme and temperature experiments | Required |
| Measuring cylinders (10-100 ml) | Volume measurement in transport practicals | Essential |
| Potometer / capillary apparatus | Transpiration and water-uptake practicals | Recommended |
| Anatomical and biology models | Structure teaching support | Recommended |
IGCSE Chemistry Practical Equipment List
The IGCSE Chemistry practical equipment list covers titration, qualitative analysis, rates of reaction, heating and separation. Priority is rated Essential, Required or Recommended. Borosilicate 3.3 glassware, burettes and pipettes are central to IGCSE Chemistry 0620 practicals and are available from the chemistry glassware range; molecular model kits support bonding topics.
| Equipment | Use in IGCSE Chemistry practicals | Priority |
| Borosilicate 3.3 beakers, flasks, test tubes | Heating, reactions, observations | Essential |
| Burette (50 ml, Class B) and pipette (25 ml) | Acid-base titration | Essential |
| Electronic balance (0.01 g) | Mass measurement for quantitative work | Essential |
| Bunsen burner, tripod, gauze | Heating practicals | Essential |
| Measuring cylinders (10-250 ml) | Volume measurement in rates experiments | Essential |
| Thermometer (-10 to 110 C) | Temperature in dissolving/reaction practicals | Required |
| pH meter or universal indicator | Acid-base and salt practicals | Required |
| Filtration and evaporation apparatus | Separation techniques | Required |
| Molecular model kit | Bonding and structure teaching | Recommended |
IGCSE Physics Practical Equipment List
The IGCSE Physics practical equipment list covers measurement, mechanics, electricity, light and thermal physics. Priority is rated Essential, Required or Recommended. Measurement instruments and electricity kits are central to IGCSE Physics 0625 practicals and are available from the physics laboratory equipment range.
| Equipment | Use in IGCSE Physics practicals | Priority |
| Metre rule and vernier caliper (0.02 mm) | Length measurement, density practicals | Essential |
| Stopwatch (0.01 s) and balance | Timing and mass in mechanics | Essential |
| Ammeter and voltmeter (analogue/digital) | Electric circuit practicals (V=IR) | Essential |
| Low-voltage power supply and leads | Powering circuits safely | Essential |
| Resistors, bulbs, switches, rheostat | Building and varying circuits | Required |
| Optics kit: lenses, ray box, mirrors | Refraction and image practicals | Required |
| Spring balances and masses (slotted) | Forces and Hooke’s law practicals | Required |
| Thermometer and calorimeter | Thermal physics practicals | Recommended |
Paper 5 vs Paper 6: How the Practical Route Changes What You Buy
The Cambridge IGCSE practical route – Paper 5 (Practical Test) or Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical) – directly changes a school’s equipment budget. Paper 5 requires a full working set of apparatus so every student can perform experiments under exam conditions. Paper 6 is a written alternative, so a school can teach with a smaller demonstration-and-group set, though students still need hands-on familiarity to score well. The table below sets out the equipping implication of each route.
| Aspect | Paper 5 (Practical Test) | Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical) |
| Assessment format | Hands-on lab exam | Written paper, ~1 hour, 40 marks |
| Equipment scale | Full set: one working set per 1-2 students | Teaching set: one set per 3-4 students |
| Apparatus accuracy | Exam-grade, reliable, calibrated | Teaching-grade acceptable |
| Key risk if under-equipped | Students cannot sit the practical exam | Students lack apparatus familiarity |
| Budget implication | Higher per-student equipment cost | Lower equipment cost, same teaching need |
IGCSE Practical Equipping Decision Rule (original rule)
The IGCSE Practical Equipping Decision Rule is a procurement rule for sizing IGCSE science apparatus to the chosen practical route. For Paper 5, provide one working apparatus set per one to two students for core experiments, plus 1.5 times the class set of consumable glassware for breakage. For Paper 6, provide one apparatus set per three to four students for teaching familiarity. In both routes, never share the single most-used items – measuring cylinders, thermometers and test tubes – so densely that a class cannot work simultaneously.
Original rule by Scientific Equipments. Reviewer note – Arvind Kumar, Lab Equipment Specialist (12+ years): “Schools entering Paper 6 often under-buy apparatus, then find students lose marks because they have never handled a burette or read a vernier scale. Even the written practical paper rewards real hands-on familiarity.”
Key Specifications to Check Before Buying
Before buying Cambridge IGCSE science apparatus, verify numeric specifications and reference standards rather than catalogue descriptions. The specifications below are practical benchmarks for durable, accurate IGCSE equipment. Require the vendor to state each figure and reference standard in the quotation – for example borosilicate 3.3 glass to ISO 3585, electrical safety to IEC 61010-1, or laser class to IEC 60825-1 – so each item can be checked at acceptance.
| Item | Specification to require | Reference / why |
| Compound microscope | 40x-400x magnification; LED illumination | IGCSE biology cell observation |
| Glassware | Borosilicate 3.3 (low expansion) | ISO 3585 borosilicate glass 3.3 |
| Burette | 50 ml, Class B, 0.1 ml graduations | Titration accuracy |
| Electronic balance | 200 g x 0.01 g readability | Quantitative chemistry/physics |
| Vernier caliper | 0-150 mm, 0.02 mm resolution | Density and length practicals |
| Ammeter/voltmeter | Stated range and class; clear scale | Electricity practicals |
| Power supply | Low-voltage, stated output; fused | IEC 61010-1 electrical safety |
| Ray box / laser | IEC 60825-1 Class 1 or Class 2 only | Eye safety in optics practicals |
Matching Equipment to IGCSE Level: Core, Extended and Progression
Cambridge IGCSE science apparatus should be matched to the level being taught, from lower-secondary preparation through IGCSE Core and Extended to AS/A Level progression. Lower-secondary classes use simple, robust apparatus. IGCSE Core practicals use standard apparatus with straightforward measurement. IGCSE Extended practicals demand more accurate instruments and quantitative work. Schools continuing to Cambridge International AS and A Level need higher-specification instruments. The table below maps each level to suitable equipment.
| Level | Practical demand | Suitable equipment | Example practical |
| Lower secondary (prep) | Simple, robust apparatus | Student microscopes, basic glassware | Observing cells, simple heating |
| IGCSE Core | Standard measurement | Class-set glassware, meters, balances | Food tests, basic circuits |
| IGCSE Extended | Accurate quantitative work | Burettes, vernier calipers, sensitive balances | Titration, density, V-I graphs |
| AS / A Level progression | Higher precision and range | Higher-spec instruments, data loggers | Quantitative investigations |
Safety Requirements for IGCSE Science Practicals
Safety requirements for IGCSE science practicals cover chemical handling, electrical safety, eye protection, heat and glassware, because IGCSE practical work uses chemicals, electricity, Bunsen burners and glass across three subjects. Schools should follow recognised laboratory safety practice and local regulations, since Cambridge requires safe practical work but does not issue its own equipment-safety standard. The numbered rules below are the baseline; the table maps each hazard to its control. Electrical lab equipment safety is referenced under IEC 61010-1 and laser products under IEC 60825-1.
1. Provide safety goggles and lab coats for every student during chemistry and physics practicals.
2. Use a fume cupboard or adequate ventilation for reactions producing fumes or vapours.
3. Earth all electrical apparatus and use low-voltage, fused power supplies in physics practicals.
4. Use only IEC 60825-1 Class 1 or Class 2 ray boxes or lasers in optics practicals.
5. Heat only borosilicate 3.3 glassware; inspect glassware for cracks before heating.
6. Provide eyewash, a first-aid kit and a CO2 fire extinguisher in each laboratory.
7. Store and label chemicals correctly and dispose of waste per local regulations.
| Hazard | Control measure | Reference / norm |
| Chemical exposure | Goggles, gloves, fume ventilation | Local lab safety regulations |
| Electric shock | Low-voltage fused supplies; earthing | IEC 61010-1 |
| Laser/ray-box eye injury | Class 1 or Class 2 only | IEC 60825-1 |
| Glassware burns/breakage | Borosilicate 3.3; inspect before heating | ISO 3585 |
| Fire (Bunsen burner) | Clearance from flammables; CO2 extinguisher | Local fire-safety norms |
Budget Guide: Equipping IGCSE Science Practicals
Equipping IGCSE science practicals for biology, chemistry and physics typically costs between INR 6 lakh and INR 25 lakh for a three-subject set serving a class of about 24 students, depending on the Paper 5 or Paper 6 route and Core or Extended depth. The worked breakdown below is indicative for one practical set per subject. Figures are estimated from Indian market benchmarks as of June 2026, inclusive of applicable GST; verify current pricing before procurement, and international Cambridge schools should add applicable import duty and freight.
| Subject set | Key items | Indicative cost (INR, incl. GST) |
| Biology practical set | Microscopes, slides, dissection, glassware | ₹1,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 |
| Chemistry practical set | Borosilicate glassware, burettes, balances, burners | ₹2,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 |
| Physics practical set | Meters, power supplies, optics, mechanics kits | ₹1,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 |
| Shared apparatus & balances | Stands, clamps, measuring cylinders, balances | ₹50,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| Safety & consumables | Goggles, fire safety, reagents, spare glassware | ₹50,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| Indicative three-subject total | – | ≈ ₹6,00,000 – ₹25,00,000 |
Pre-Dispatch Inspection and Acceptance Checklist
A pre-dispatch inspection and acceptance checklist protects an IGCSE school from receiving incomplete, inaccurate or non-functional science apparatus across three subjects. Run these checks against the purchase order and agreed specification before accepting delivery and releasing payment. Each step should be signed off by the lab in-charge or IGCSE coordinator and recorded.
1. Confirm every item, quantity and model matches the purchase order across biology, chemistry and physics.
2. Check microscope magnification and illumination on a sample, confirming clear focus at high power.
3. Verify glassware is borosilicate 3.3, crack-free, with correct volumes and graduations.
4. Confirm burettes and pipettes meet the stated class and graduation accuracy.
5. Power on and calibrate a sample of balances and pH meters against known references.
6. Test physics apparatus (meters, power supplies, optics) through one functional check each.
7. Confirm ray boxes or lasers are marked IEC 60825-1 Class 1 or Class 2.
8. Check consumables and spares match quoted quantities, including the 1.5x glassware allowance.
9. Verify safety equipment (goggles, extinguisher charge date, eyewash) is present and in date.
10. Record serial numbers and warranty terms, and log any defect in writing before accepting affected items.
Vendor Evaluation Criteria
Vendor evaluation for IGCSE science apparatus should weight specification compliance, range across all three sciences and after-sales support above headline price, because an IGCSE school needs one dependable supply for biology, chemistry and physics. The weighted criteria below give a transparent scoring method for purchase and tender procurement. Apply the same weights to every supplier and record the scores.
| Criterion | Weight (%) | What to assess |
| Specification compliance | 30% | Exact match to required specs and standards |
| Range across three sciences | 20% | Single source for biology, chemistry, physics |
| After-sales & spares | 20% | Servicing, replacement glassware, support |
| Export / international handling | 10% | Documentation, packing, duty handling abroad |
| Price & total cost of ownership | 15% | Bid price plus consumables and support |
| Delivery & installation | 5% | Lead time and installation scope |
Maintenance and Storage Guidelines
Maintenance and storage for IGCSE science apparatus focus on protecting optics and instruments, keeping glassware intact, and calibrating measuring instruments so practical results stay reliable across the two-year IGCSE course. A routine of cleaning, calibration and inventory keeps three subject sets ready for practicals. The guidelines below are grouped by equipment type.
• Microscopes: clean optics with lens tissue only; store covered and dust-free; check illumination regularly.
• Glassware: inspect for cracks before heating; store borosilicate 3.3 items separated to avoid chipping.
• Burettes and pipettes: rinse and dry after use; store vertically; check taps for leaks.
• Balances and pH meters: calibrate on a schedule with certified weights and buffers; log calibration.
• Physics apparatus: check leads and connectors; store optics and meters padded against impact.
• Inventory: keep a per-subject register including the 1.5x glassware stock for re-ordering.
Common Procurement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Under-buying apparatus for the Paper 5 route
Under-buying apparatus for the Paper 5 (Practical Test) route means students cannot all perform the exam practical. Apply the equipping rule of one working set per one to two students for Paper 5, and confirm the practical route before sizing the order.
Mistake 2: Assuming Paper 6 needs no apparatus
Assuming the Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical) route needs no apparatus leaves students unable to answer apparatus and method questions. Provide a teaching set of one per three to four students so students gain hands-on familiarity with burettes, microscopes and meters.
Mistake 3: Buying soda-glass instead of borosilicate 3.3
Buying soda-glass instead of borosilicate 3.3 glassware causes cracking when heated in chemistry practicals. Specify borosilicate 3.3 to ISO 3585 for any glassware that will be heated, and verify the grade at acceptance.
Mistake 4: Ignoring titration-grade burette and balance accuracy
Ignoring burette class and balance readability produces inaccurate quantitative results in IGCSE chemistry. Specify a 50 ml Class B burette with 0.1 ml graduations and a balance reading to 0.01 g, and check the markings before accepting delivery.
Mistake 5: Overlooking ray-box and electrical safety class
Overlooking ray-box and electrical safety classes risks eye injury and shock in physics practicals. Specify only IEC 60825-1 Class 1 or Class 2 ray boxes and lasers and low-voltage fused power supplies to IEC 61010-1, and verify the markings at acceptance.
Related Guides and Categories
No dedicated blog index was found on the Scientific Equipments website at the time of writing; the confirmed product categories below are the most relevant for sourcing Cambridge IGCSE biology, chemistry and physics practical apparatus. Use these to browse general laboratory instruments, glassware, microscopes, physics apparatus and biology models.
• Lab General Instrument – stands, clamps, pipettes, burners
• Chemical Instrument and Glassware – IGCSE chemistry apparatus
• Microscopes – IGCSE biology microscopy
• Physics Lab Equipments – IGCSE physics apparatus
• Laboratory Instrument and Equipment – balances, pH meters
• Biology Models – anatomical and biological models
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment is needed for Cambridge IGCSE science practicals?
Cambridge IGCSE science practicals need microscopes, slides and dissection kits for biology; borosilicate glassware, burettes, pipettes, balances and Bunsen burners for chemistry; and metre rules, vernier calipers, meters, power supplies and optics kits for physics. All three share stands, clamps, measuring cylinders, thermometers and safety equipment. The exact quantity depends on whether the school enters students for Paper 5 or Paper 6. Browse general apparatus and glassware from the relevant categories.
What is the difference between IGCSE Paper 5 and Paper 6?
Paper 5 is a hands-on Practical Test taken in the laboratory, while Paper 6 is the Alternative to Practical, a written paper of about 1 hour and 40 marks that tests practical skills without lab access. Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610), Chemistry (0620) and Physics (0625) offer both routes. Paper 5 schools must equip a full working lab so every student can perform experiments; Paper 6 schools still need apparatus for teaching familiarity. The choice directly affects how much equipment to buy.
Are IGCSE practical chemicals and apparatus safe for students?
IGCSE practical apparatus and chemicals are safe for students when chemical, electrical, laser and glassware hazards are controlled. Provide goggles and lab coats, fume ventilation for reactions, low-voltage fused power supplies and earthing for physics, and only IEC 60825-1 Class 1 or Class 2 ray boxes. Heat only borosilicate 3.3 glassware, keep eyewash and a CO2 extinguisher in each lab, and follow local laboratory safety regulations alongside the Cambridge practical guidance.
How much does it cost to equip IGCSE science labs?
Equipping IGCSE biology, chemistry and physics practicals typically costs INR 6 lakh to INR 25 lakh for a three-subject set serving a class of about 24 students, depending on the Paper 5 or Paper 6 route. Chemistry glassware, microscopes and balances are the largest lines. These are estimates from market benchmarks as of June 2026, inclusive of applicable GST; international schools should add import duty and freight, and can request bulk pricing through the bulk and tender supply route.
How do I maintain IGCSE lab glassware and instruments?
Maintain IGCSE lab glassware and instruments by inspecting glassware for cracks before heating, rinsing and drying burettes and pipettes, and calibrating balances and pH meters on a schedule with certified weights and buffers. Clean microscope optics with lens tissue only and store instruments covered. Keep a 1.5x stock of common glassware for breakage and a per-subject inventory. This routine keeps three subject sets reliable across the two-year IGCSE course.
What is the difference between IGCSE and CBSE practical equipment requirements?
The difference is that CBSE specifies practical syllabi and equipment expectations fairly prescriptively, while Cambridge IGCSE sets practical assessment through Paper 5 or Paper 6 and expects schools to provide standard apparatus. In practice the core apparatus overlaps heavily – microscopes, glassware, balances and physics kits serve both – so a supplier serving CBSE schools can equip an IGCSE school from the same ranges, adjusting quantity to the chosen practical route.
Key Takeaways
1. A Cambridge IGCSE science practical equipment list spans biology microscopy and dissection, chemistry glassware and titration apparatus, physics measurement and electricity kits, plus shared apparatus and safety equipment.
2. Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610), Chemistry (0620) and Physics (0625) assess practical skills through either Paper 5 (Practical Test) or Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical), and from March 2026 only the paper layout changed, not the content (Cambridge International, verified June 2026).
3. Apply the IGCSE Practical Equipping Decision Rule – one working set per 1-2 students for Paper 5 and one per 3-4 students for Paper 6, with 1.5x glassware for breakage – to size the order to the practical route.
4. Specify apparatus to standards – borosilicate 3.3 glassware to ISO 3585, electrical safety to IEC 61010-1, and Class 1 or Class 2 lasers to IEC 60825-1 – and source glassware and microscopes from the relevant ranges.
5. Budget roughly INR 6 lakh to INR 25 lakh to equip three IGCSE subject sets for a class, inclusive of GST as of June 2026, adding import duty for international Cambridge schools.
6. Protect the purchase with a pre-dispatch acceptance check on glassware grade, burette class and balance accuracy, and vendor scoring that prioritises support and spares.
About Scientific Equipments
Scientific Equipments, headquartered in India, manufactures and supplies scientific and educational laboratory equipment to schools, colleges, universities and institutional buyers, with regular bulk exports to over 56 countries worldwide. The company’s range spans general laboratory instruments, microscopes, chemistry instruments and borosilicate glassware, physics laboratory equipment, molecular structure models, and biology and human physiology models – covering the biology, chemistry and physics practical needs of Cambridge IGCSE schools from a single source. Scientific Equipments serves institutional, public-sector and tender-based procurement, including OEM and bulk supply for international schools. For bulk supply and tender documentation, use the procurement and contact channels below.
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