Cambridge International Education has reported a 7% year-on-year increase in admissions for the March 2026 exam series in India, reflecting continued demand for international school qualifications among students seeking admission to universities in India and abroad.The March examination period, which aligns with the Indian academic calendar, recorded an increase in both Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications. A total of 447 schools across India participated in the March 2026 series, making it the organization’s largest examination session in the country.The strongest growth is recorded in senior secondary enrolments.Cambridge International AS&A level examinations saw the largest increase. Overall admissions for the qualification increased by 12% compared to the previous year. Within this category, Cambridge International AS Level entries rose by 16%, the highest growth rate of all qualifications in the series, while Cambridge International A Level entries rose by 8%.Maths, physics and chemistry remained the most popular AS and A level subjects. Cambridge said the consistency in subject choice at different ability levels reflects students’ continued interest in science, technology, engineering and commerce-related academic pathways.Cambridge International AS and A level qualifications are recognized by universities in India and abroad and offer students multiple assessment pathways.Cambridge IGCSE enrollments continue to trend upwards.Cambridge IGCSE entries in India increased by 6% in the March 2026 series, with a continued increase in the number of schools offering the curriculum at secondary level.Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry were the most popular subjects at the IGCSE stage as well. Cambridge also reported enrollments in subjects such as global perspective, environmental studies and business studies, indicating wider subject participation in schools.The examination board said 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 that conducts the March examination series aligned with the Indian academic calendar.New checkpoint tests were introduced.Cambridge International Education has also introduced the March series of Cambridge Checkpoint Tests for primary and lower secondary students this year. According to the organization, the initiative is aimed at helping schools in India make development decisions in line with the upcoming academic year.Vinay Sharma, regional director of international education in South Asia, said the increase in AS and A-level entries indicates a growing recognition of flexible curriculum pathways among students and parents in India.
