IB Diploma Programme - May 2026 Session

IB Diploma Exam Timetable May 2026

Q: When do IB Diploma exams start in May 2026?

The IB Diploma May 2026 examination session runs from 27 April to 15 May 2026. Exams typically begin in late April and continue through mid-May, with most core subjects examined during the first two weeks of May.

Q: What are IB exam zones (A, B, C)?

IB divides the world into three time zones: Zone A (Asia-Pacific), Zone B (Europe, Africa, Middle East, South Asia), and Zone C (Americas). All zones follow the same exam dates - the schedule applies to all zones with time adjustments.

Q: What's the difference between HL and SL exams?

Higher Level (HL) courses require 240 teaching hours and have longer, more in-depth exams. Standard Level (SL) requires 150 hours. HL subjects often have an additional Paper 3. IB Diploma students must take 3 HL and 3 SL subjects.

Q: How are IB exams scored?

Each IB subject is graded on a scale of 1-7. The total IB Diploma score (max 45) includes 6 subjects × 7 points = 42 points maximum, plus up to 3 bonus points from TOK and Extended Essay. 24 points minimum to pass the Diploma.

Official IB examination schedule. 110 exams from 27 April - 15 May 2026.

This timetable applies to all IB exam zones (A, B, C). Check with your school for specific session times.

Disclaimer: Always verify dates with your school or the official IB exam schedule.

Level:

Morning (AM)

Afternoon (PM)

HL Higher Level

SL Standard Level

About the IB May 2026 Exam Session

• Exam Period: 27 April - 15 May 2026
• IB Subject Groups: Sciences, Mathematics, Individuals & Societies, Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, The Arts
• All zones (A, B, C) follow the same schedule
• Check with your IB coordinator for exact session times

Official Source Document

May 2026 Examination Schedule (PDF) - Official IB Diploma Programme timetable

Source: IB Official Exam Schedule Page

IB Diploma Programme May 2026 Examination Schedule

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme May 2026 examination session runs from late April to mid-May 2026. This is one of the two main examination sessions for IB Diploma students worldwide, with exams conducted simultaneously across all IB zones (A, B, and C).

IB Subject Groups & Key Exams

Group 4: Sciences

• Physics HL/SL - Papers 1, 2, 3
• Chemistry HL/SL - Theory & Data-based
• Biology HL/SL - Core topics examined
• Computer Science HL/SL

Group 5: Mathematics

• Analysis & Approaches HL/SL
• Applications & Interpretation HL/SL
• Papers 1, 2 (and Paper 3 for HL)

Group 3: Individuals & Societies

• Economics HL/SL
• History HL/SL
• Geography HL/SL
• Psychology, Business Management

Groups 1 & 2: Languages

• Language A: Literature & Lang/Lit
• Language B HL/SL
• Language ab initio SL
• English, French, Spanish & more

IB Exam Structure

IB exams are divided into Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL). HL subjects typically have longer exam papers and an additional Paper 3. Students take 3 HL and 3 SL subjects as part of their Diploma requirements. Each paper is externally assessed and contributes to the final IB score (1-7 per subject).

Unlike Cambridge exams which vary by zone, IB exams follow the same schedule worldwide across all three IB zones (A, B, C), with time adjustments for local time zones. Contact your IB Coordinator for your school's specific exam start times.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do IB Diploma exams start in May 2026?

The IB Diploma May 2026 examination session runs from 27 April - 15 May 2026. Exams typically begin in late April and continue through mid-May, with most core subjects examined during the first two weeks of May.

What are IB exam zones (A, B, C)?

IB divides the world into three time zones for exam administration:

Zone A: Asia-Pacific (East Asia, Australia, New Zealand)
Zone B: Europe, Africa, Middle East, South Asia
Zone C: Americas (North, Central, South America)

All zones follow the same exam dates - the schedule shown here applies to all zones. Your school will adjust the start time based on your zone.

What's the difference between HL and SL exams?

Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) differ in depth and exam length:

HL courses require 240 teaching hours; SL requires 150 hours
HL exams are longer and cover more content in depth
HL subjects often have an additional Paper 3
IB Diploma students must take 3 HL and 3 SL subjects

How are IB exams scored?

Each IB subject is graded on a scale of 1-7. The total IB Diploma score (max 45) includes:

6 subjects × 7 points = 42 points maximum
Up to 3 bonus points from TOK and Extended Essay
24 points minimum to pass the Diploma (with conditions)

Can I download the timetable?

Yes! Use the buttons above the timetable:

CSV: Download as a spreadsheet (works with Excel, Google Sheets)
Calendar: Download as .ics file to import into Google Calendar, Outlook, or Apple Calendar

You can also filter by subject group or level (HL/SL) before downloading to get only your relevant exams.

What if I have an exam clash?

If two of your IB exams are scheduled at the same time, speak to your IB Coordinator immediately. The IB has procedures for handling clashes, which typically involve sitting one exam in the morning session and the other under supervised conditions in the afternoon (with isolation during the gap).

When are IB May 2026 results released?

IB May session results are typically released in early July. For May 2026, expect results around 6 July 2026 (provisional). Results are released through the IB Candidates Results portal and sent to universities that students have applied to.