The Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (9701) Syllabus 2025–2027 is designed to develop a deep understanding of chemical concepts, scientific skills, and practical techniques that prepare students for higher education and scientific careers. This updated syllabus encourages learners to explore the principles of chemistry through theoretical knowledge and hands-on laboratory experience. It focuses on key areas such as physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry, helping students understand the structure of matter, energy changes, reaction kinetics, and chemical analysis.
The syllabus promotes analytical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning—essential skills for future scientists, engineers, and researchers. Students are expected to connect chemical theories to real-world applications, fostering a global perspective on science’s role in technology, health, and the environment. The assessment structure includes both theoretical papers and practical components, ensuring a balanced evaluation of knowledge and experimentation skills.
Aligned with Cambridge’s international standards, this syllabus provides flexibility for schools worldwide and a solid foundation for university-level chemistry and related disciplines. Overall, the 9701 syllabus empowers learners to appreciate chemistry as a dynamic subject that explains the world around us and inspires innovation for a sustainable future.
9701 Syllabus
The 9701 syllabus refers to the Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (9701) syllabus.
Here’s a detailed overview for the 2025–2027 examination series.
Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (9701) Syllabus 2025–2027
1. Overview
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Code: 9701
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Level: AS & A Level
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Examination sessions: March, June, and November
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Administered by: Cambridge International (CAIE)
2. Assessment Structure
| Level | Paper | Title | Type | Marks | Duration | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS Level | Paper 1 | Multiple Choice | 40 MCQs (AS topics only) | 40 | 1 hr | 31% of AS |
| Paper 2 | AS Level Structured Questions | Written | 60 | 1 hr 15 min | 46% of AS | |
| Paper 3 | Advanced Practical Skills | Practical exam | 40 | 2 hr | 23% of AS | |
| A Level (full) | Paper 4 | A Level Structured Questions | Written | 100 | 2 hr | 38.5% of A Level |
| Paper 5 | Planning, Analysis & Evaluation | Written (practical theory) | 30 | 1 hr 15 min | 11.5% of A Level |
3. Syllabus Content
AS Level Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
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Atomic structure
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Atoms, molecules, and stoichiometry
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Chemical bonding
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States of matter
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Chemical energetics
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Electrochemistry
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Equilibria
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Reaction kinetics
Inorganic Chemistry
9. The Periodic Table: chemical periodicity
10. Group 2 elements
11. Group 17 elements
12. Nitrogen and sulfur
Organic Chemistry
13. Introduction to organic chemistry
14. Hydrocarbons
15. Halogen derivatives
16. Hydroxy compounds
17. Carbonyl compounds
18. Carboxylic acids and derivatives
Practical Skills (AS)
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Data recording and analysis
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Observation and measurement
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Drawing conclusions
A Level Chemistry (Additional Topics)
Physical Chemistry
19. Electrochemistry
20. Further energetics
21. Chemical kinetics
22. Entropy and Gibbs free energy
23. Transition elements
Inorganic Chemistry
24. Period 3 elements and their oxides
25. Transition elements
Organic Chemistry
26. Nitrogen compounds
27. Polymerisation
28. Organic synthesis
29. Analytical techniques (NMR, IR, MS)
Practical Skills (A Level)
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Planning and designing experiments
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Data analysis and error evaluation
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Drawing conclusions with reasoning
4. Practical Assessment
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Students are tested on both hands-on lab work (Paper 3) and data handling/planning (Paper 5).
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Emphasis on precision, safety, observation, and evaluation.
5. Grading
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AS Level: Grades a–e
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A Level: Grades A*–E
9701 Syllabus PDF
Get a Free PDF Download by clicking on the link below:
Latest 9701-2025-2027-syllabus
FAQs Based on 9701 Syllabus
1. What is this syllabus version and for which years is it valid?
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The syllabus version is Version 1, published September 2022, for use in exams from 2025, 2026 and 2027.
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Exams are available in the June and November series, and for India additionally in the March series.
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Any textbooks endorsed for examination from 2022 remain suitable for this syllabus.
2. What is the overall aim of this syllabus?
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The syllabus is designed to build on the skills acquired at the Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level.
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It emphasises both theoretical chemical concepts and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills.
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It encourages students to apply chemistry ideas in novel contexts, to develop problem-solving skills and transferable scientific skills.
3. What is the structure of content – how are AS and A Level distinguished?
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The AS Level covers a defined set of topics (physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical techniques) tailored for AS.
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The full A Level builds on the AS content and includes additional topics (higher level physical/inorganic/organic chemistry and analysis) for A Level.
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Practical skills are an integral part of both levels though particular examinations assess them separately.
4. How is the assessment configured for this syllabus?
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The syllabus has several components/papers: e.g., multiple‐choice, structured questions, practical/skills papers.
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For example: Paper 1 (Multiple Choice) for AS; Paper 2 (AS Structured Questions); Paper 3 (Advanced Practical Skills) for AS; for A Level: Paper 4 (A Level Structured Questions), Paper 5 (Planning, Analysis & Evaluation) etc.
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Assessment objectives:
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AO1 (Knowledge & understanding) – ~40% of each qualification.
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AO2 (Handling, applying & evaluating information) – ~40%.
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AO3 (Experimental skills & investigations) – ~20%.
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5. Have there been any major changes for 2025-2027 compared to prior versions?
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The syllabus states “For information about changes to this syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027, go to page 97” in the official PDF.
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It appears that the version for 2025-27 is a “republished” version (Version 1) based on the 2022 publication, so many of the core topics remain consistent.
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If you are coming from the 2022-24 syllabus, check the “Changes to this syllabus” section to ensure any minor adjustments (topics, assessment weightings) are noted.
6. Can AS Level be taken as a stand‐alone qualification, or is it required to go on to A Level?
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Yes – The AS Level can be taken as a stand-alone qualification for learners who do not go on to the full A Level. The syllabus overview emphasises that AS Level “makes up the first half of the A Level course”.
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However, if you plan to progress to full A Level (and perhaps university chemistry), it is strongly suited to continuation into the A Level topics.
7. What is the role of practical work in this syllabus?
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Practical skills are explicitly included: for example, “Advanced Practical Skills” paper for AS, and “Planning, Analysis & Evaluation” for A Level.
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The syllabus emphasises that learners should be able to “plan experiments and investigations; collect, record and present observations … analyse and interpret experimental data … evaluate methods and quality of experimental data, and suggest improvements”.
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Schools/teachers should ensure that candidates have access to appropriate laboratory work and experience with the required apparatus, techniques, safety and data handling.
8. Are there specific mathematical requirements?
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Yes. The syllabus document includes a section “Mathematical requirements” which lists the mathematics knowledge expected (algebra, graphs, calculations of rates, equilibrium constants, etc.).
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Candidates should be comfortable with handling chemical calculations, interpreting graphs, working with units, and using scientific notation.
9. Where can I download the official syllabus document?
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On the official Cambridge International website under the programme page for Chemistry (9701).
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Numerous third‐party sites also host the PDF versions (but always ensure it is the correct version for 2025-27, Version 1).
10. How does this syllabus support progression to university or related studies?
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The syllabus description states that it “provides a strong foundation for higher education” and for learners who wish to study Chemistry or related subjects.
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Moreover, universities worldwide recognise the Cambridge AS & A Level qualifications (for example via UK ENIC / UK NARIC benchmarking).
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