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Cambridge School Certificate / O-Level (SC, Mauritius)

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Higher School Certificate Professional (HSC Pro, Mauritius)

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Key Facts: Cambridge HSC Exam

GP + 3 + 1

Subjects entered by HSC scholarship candidates: General Paper, three Principal and one Subsidiary

https://mes.govmu.org/mes/?page_id=4079

A*–E / a–e

Cambridge A Level and AS Level grade scales used for HSC subjects

Cambridge International results statistics

8019

Cambridge AS Level English General Paper syllabus set for centres in Mauritius

https://mes.govmu.org/mes/2020/pdf/8019_y22-24_sy.pdf

Rs 7,264

Per-syllabus fee for May/June 2025 GCE A Level private candidates at the MES

MES Web Notice, Cambridge GCE O/A Levels May/June 2025

The Cambridge HSC is Mauritius's Grade 13 A Level qualification. This free English MCQ bank is independent study practice for core subjects and the General Paper.

Sample Cambridge HSC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Cambridge HSC exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Differentiate with respect to x: y = x² e^(3x)
A.(2x + 3x²) e^(3x)
B.2x e^(3x)
C.6x e^(3x)
D.(2x + x²) e^(3x)
Explanation: Using the product rule d/dx (u v) = u'v + uv', where u = x² (so u' = 2x) and v = e^(3x) (so v' = 3e^(3x)): dy/dx = (2x)(e^(3x)) + (x²)(3e^(3x)) = (2x + 3x²) e^(3x).
2Evaluate the indefinite integral: ∫ x √(x² + 4) dx
A.(1/3)(x² + 4)^(1/2) + C
B.(1/2)(x² + 4)^(3/2) + C
C.(2/3)(x² + 4)^(3/2) + C
D.(1/3)(x² + 4)^(3/2) + C
Explanation: Use substitution: let u = x² + 4, so du = 2x dx => x dx = du / 2. The integral becomes: ∫ u^(1/2) (du / 2) = (1/2) × (u^(3/2) / (3/2)) + C = (1/2) × (2/3) u^(3/2) + C = (1/3)(x² + 4)^(3/2) + C.
3Using integration by parts, evaluate: ∫ x e^(2x) dx
A.(1/2)x e^(2x) + (1/4)e^(2x) + C
B.(1/2)x e^(2x) - (1/4)e^(2x) + C
C.x e^(2x) - (1/2)e^(2x) + C
D.(1/4)x e^(2x) - (1/2)e^(2x) + C
Explanation: Formula: ∫ u v' dx = uv - ∫ u' v dx. Let u = x (u' = 1) and v' = e^(2x) (v = (1/2)e^(2x)). Then: ∫ x e^(2x) dx = x × (1/2)e^(2x) - ∫ 1 × (1/2)e^(2x) dx = (1/2)x e^(2x) - (1/4)e^(2x) + C.
4Solve the trigonometric equation sin 2θ = cos θ for 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π.
A.θ ∈ {π/6, 5π/6}
B.θ ∈ {π/6, π/2, 5π/6, 3π/2}
C.θ ∈ {π/3, 2π/3, 4π/3}
D.θ ∈ {0, π/2, π, 3π/2}
Explanation: Use the double angle identity sin 2θ = 2 sin θ cos θ: 2 sin θ cos θ = cos θ => 2 sin θ cos θ - cos θ = 0 => cos θ (2 sin θ - 1) = 0. Either cos θ = 0 => θ = π/2, 3π/2; or 2 sin θ - 1 = 0 => sin θ = 1/2 => θ = π/6, 5π/6. The complete solution set in [0, 2π] is {π/6, π/2, 5π/6, 3π/2}.
5Find the first three terms in ascending powers of x in the binomial expansion of (1 - 2x)^(-1/2), for |x| < 1/2.
A.1 + x - (3/2)x²
B.1 - x + (3/2)x²
C.1 + x + (3/2)x²
D.1 - 2x + 3x²
Explanation: Formula: (1 + u)^n = 1 + nu + [n(n-1)/2!] u² + ... Here n = -1/2 and u = -2x. First term = 1. Second term = (-1/2)(-2x) = +x. Third term = [(-1/2)(-3/2)/2] (-2x)² = (3/8)(4x²) = (3/2)x². Thus: 1 + x + (3/2)x².
6A geometric progression has first term a = 18 and second term ar = 12. Find the sum to infinity S_∞ of this progression.
A.54
B.36
C.48
D.72
Explanation: Common ratio r = 12 / 18 = 2/3. Since |r| = 2/3 < 1, the sum to infinity exists: S_∞ = a / (1 - r) = 18 / (1 - 2/3) = 18 / (1/3) = 18 × 3 = 54.
7Given two 3D vectors u = 2i - j + 2k and v = 3i + 4j - k, find the angle θ between them to the nearest degree.
A.90°
B.80°
C.60°
D.45°
Explanation: Scalar dot product u · v = (2)(3) + (-1)(4) + (2)(-1) = 6 - 4 - 2 = 0. Since the scalar dot product is zero, the vectors are perpendicular (orthogonal), meaning θ = 90°.
8Solve the first-order differential equation: dy/dx = 3x² y, given that y = 4 when x = 0.
A.y = x³ + 4
B.y = 4 e^(3x²)
C.y = e^(x³) + 3
D.y = 4 e^(x³)
Explanation: Separate variables: (1/y) dy = 3x² dx. Integrate both sides: ∫ (1/y) dy = ∫ 3x² dx => ln|y| = x³ + C => y = A e^(x³), where A = e^C. Using initial condition x = 0, y = 4: 4 = A e^0 => A = 4. Thus y = 4 e^(x³).
9Solve the modulus inequality: |2x - 5| < 7
A.0 < x < 7
B.x < -1 or x > 6
C.-6 < x < 1
D.-1 < x < 6
Explanation: |2x - 5| < 7 is equivalent to the double inequality -7 < 2x - 5 < 7. Add 5 to all parts: -2 < 2x < 12. Divide by 2: -1 < x < 6.
10The equation x³ - 2x - 5 = 0 has a root near x = 2. Using the iterative formula x_(n+1) = ∛(2x_n + 5) with x₁ = 2, find x₂ correct to 3 decimal places.
A.2.080
B.2.095
C.2.100
D.2.154
Explanation: Rearranging x³ = 2x + 5 gives x = ∛(2x + 5), which is the iterative formula. Substituting x₁ = 2: x₂ = ∛(2 × 2 + 5) = ∛9 ≈ 2.0801, so x₂ = 2.080 to 3 decimal places. Further iterations converge towards the root, about 2.095.

About the Cambridge HSC Exam

The Cambridge Higher School Certificate (HSC) is the Grade 13 pre-university qualification in Mauritius, based on Cambridge International AS and A Level examinations organised by the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate with Cambridge International. Candidates take Principal (A Level) and Subsidiary (AS Level) subjects in the October/November series. Scholarship candidates enter the English General Paper 8019, three Principal subjects and one Subsidiary subject. A Levels are graded A* to E and AS Levels a to e. HSC results are used for university admission and for the Government's laureate scholarships. This independent English-language MCQ bank is study practice for core HSC subjects. It is not a Cambridge or MES paper and does not replace essay, practical or data-response work.

Exam sponsor: Mauritius Examinations Syndicate (MES) with Cambridge International Education. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

At the end of Grade 13, candidates take Cambridge International A Level (Principal) and AS Level (Subsidiary) syllabuses in the October/November series. The MES organises the series in Mauritius with Cambridge International. Scholarship candidates enter the General Paper, three Principal subjects and one Subsidiary subject. The English General Paper 8019 is an AS Level syllabus for centres in Mauritius. This 100-question bank samples Mathematics, sciences, Economics, Business and General Paper skills. It is an English-language MCQ study adaptation, not an official-format simulation, and it does not replace essay, practical or data-response work.

Time Limit

Varies by syllabus and paper (see each Cambridge International AS & A Level syllabus and the MES October/November timetable)

Passing Score

A Level grades A*–E and AS Level grades a–e (U = ungraded). University of Mauritius general entry: passes in 3 A Levels + 1 AS/Subsidiary or 2 A Levels + 2 AS/Subsidiary, plus O Level English Language.

Exam / Certification Fees

School candidates are entered through their schools; the Government subsidises fees for eligible candidates. May/June 2025 GCE A Level private entries: Rs 501 plus Rs 7,264 per A Level syllabus (English General Paper Rs 4,662).

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

Practice sample: 24 questions

Mathematics (9709)

Pure Mathematics, Mechanics, and Probability & Statistics, with worked calculations.

Practice sample: 26 questions

Physics, Chemistry and Biology

A Level concepts and calculations from Cambridge 9702, 9701 and 9700.

Practice sample: 15 questions

Economics (9708)

Microeconomics, market failure, macroeconomic policy, international economics and development.

Practice sample: 15 questions

Business (9609)

Strategy, investment appraisal, decision trees, operations, motivation, finance and governance.

Practice sample: 20 questions

English General Paper (8019)

Argument analysis, essay and comprehension technique, and contemporary issues.

Preparing for the Cambridge HSC Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: A Level grades A*–E and AS Level grades a–e (U = ungraded). University of Mauritius general entry: passes in 3 A Levels + 1 AS/Subsidiary or 2 A Levels + 2 AS/Subsidiary, plus O Level English Language.
  • Assessment: At the end of Grade 13, candidates take Cambridge International A Level (Principal) and AS Level (Subsidiary) syllabuses in the October/November series. The MES organises the series in Mauritius with Cambridge International. Scholarship candidates enter the General Paper, three Principal subjects and one Subsidiary subject. The English General Paper 8019 is an AS Level syllabus for centres in Mauritius. This 100-question bank samples Mathematics, sciences, Economics, Business and General Paper skills. It is an English-language MCQ study adaptation, not an official-format simulation, and it does not replace essay, practical or data-response work.
  • Time limit: Varies by syllabus and paper (see each Cambridge International AS & A Level syllabus and the MES October/November timetable)
  • Exam / certification fees: School candidates are entered through their schools; the Government subsidises fees for eligible candidates. May/June 2025 GCE A Level private entries: Rs 501 plus Rs 7,264 per A Level syllabus (English General Paper Rs 4,662). Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Cambridge HSC: Suggested Study Strategy

1Use the Mauritius English General Paper 8019 syllabus, not the international 8021 version, when choosing past papers.
2In 9709 Pure Mathematics, show full algebraic working; marks are given for method.
3For Economics essays, practise labelled diagrams such as externalities, the kinked demand curve and AD/AS.
4Practise planning General Paper essays that answer the exact question and weigh counter-arguments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cambridge HSC in Mauritius?

It is the Grade 13 pre-university qualification based on Cambridge International AS and A Level examinations. The Mauritius Examinations Syndicate organises the October/November series with Cambridge International.

Which subjects do scholarship candidates take?

According to the MES, scholarship candidates enter five subjects: the General Paper, three Principal (A Level) subjects and one Subsidiary (AS Level) subject.

How are HSC subjects graded?

A Level subjects are graded A* to E and AS Level subjects a to e. U means ungraded.

What HSC results does the University of Mauritius require?

Its general entry requirement is passes in three A Levels and one AS/Subsidiary subject, or two A Levels and two AS/Subsidiary subjects, plus an O Level English Language pass. Many programmes add subject-specific requirements.

Does this bank reproduce Cambridge HSC papers?

No. Official papers include essays, structured and data-response questions and practical work. These are independent English-language MCQs for revision, not a simulation of Cambridge papers.