How to Prepare for IB Exams 2026: Month-by-Month Study Plan

Begin serious preparation 6 months before exams (November 2025). This allows sufficient time for content review, practice, and revision without causing burnout. Starting earlier is beneficial for students with significant coursework remaining (IAs, EE, TOK), but avoid starting too early as it can lead to premature fatigue.

Start with 10-12 hours/week in November, gradually increasing to 30-40 hours/week in the final month before exams. This progressive approach prevents burnout while building stamina. Distribute hours across subjects proportionally: allocate 50-60% more time to HL subjects than SL subjects, and prioritize your weakest areas.

The main exam period runs from April 24 to May 20, 2026, with results released on July 6, 2026. Key subject dates include: Mathematics (May 14-15), Physics (April 28-29), Biology (May 11-12), Business Management (April 29-30), Psychology (May 6-7), and Economics (May 12-13). Check the complete May 2026 IB exam schedule for all subjects.

Aim for 10-15 past papers per subject minimum. Start with 2-3 papers in January to familiarize yourself with exam format, then increase to 5-7 papers in February, and complete 10+ papers in March under timed conditions. Focus on papers from 2018 onwards as they reflect the current syllabus. For mathematics, ensure you practice both calculator and non-calculator papers where applicable.

The most effective approach combines active recall, spaced repetition, and past paper practice. Active recall (testing yourself without notes) strengthens memory, spaced repetition ensures long-term retention, and past paper practice develops exam technique and time management. Use the Pomodoro Technique (25-minute focused sessions) to maintain concentration and prevent burnout.

Create a structured weekly schedule that allocates time proportionally: give HL subjects 50-60% more time than SL subjects. Identify your strongest and weakest subjects using diagnostic tests and the IB score calculator. Allocate extra time to subjects where improvement will most impact your total score. Rotate subjects daily to prevent monotony and maintain fresh engagement with each discipline.

In April, shift from learning new content to quick revision and consolidation. Use summary notes and flashcards exclusively – avoid returning to textbooks. Focus on weak topics identified from mock exams. Complete specimen papers for the latest syllabus changes. Most importantly, maintain physical and mental health: ensure 7-8 hours of sleep, regular exercise, and balanced nutrition. Taper study intensity 2-3 days before your first exam.

Internal Assessments (IAs) contribute 20-30% of your final grade depending on the subject, making them crucial for overall performance. Complete all IAs to a high standard by December 2025 at the latest. This allows you to focus entirely on exam preparation in the final months. A strong IA can compensate for a weaker exam performance, while a weak IA significantly limits your maximum achievable grade regardless of exam performance.

Yes, but strategically. Use holidays for intensive review sessions (3-4 hours daily) but maintain regular breaks and leisure activities to prevent burnout. December/January holidays are ideal for systematic content review and creating summary notes. March/April holidays should focus on intensive past paper practice and mock exams. Always take at least one full rest day per week even during intensive study periods.

Focus on performing well in mock exams (typically held in January-March) as these heavily influence predicted grades. Submit high-quality IAs early to demonstrate capability. Show consistent improvement through internal assessments. Use tools like the IB to GPA converter or IB to ATAR converter to understand how your grades translate for university admissions in different countries.