🌍 2025 IB Exam Calendar
October 24 - November 14, 2025 • Click on any day to see exam details!
📅 Week 1: October 24-31, 2025
No Exams
School-based syllabus SL
School-based syllabus SL paper 2
Language A Literature (except English & Spanish)
Language A Literature paper 2
Biology HL/SL paper 1
Biology HL/SL paper 2
Business Management
Business Management paper 2
Spanish A Literature & Language B
Spanish paper 2 (listening)
Chemistry & Design Technology
📅 Week 2: November 3-7, 2025
Chemistry & Design Technology
History HL/SL papers
History HL paper 3
Language B & Latin
Language B & Latin paper 2
Physics & Sports Science
Physics & Sports Science paper 2
English A Literature & Language
English paper 2 (listening)
Economics & Literature
📅 Week 3: November 10-14, 2025
Economics papers
Mathematics papers
Mathematics paper 2
Digital Society, Geography, Global Politics
Various subject papers
Computer Science & Environmental Systems
Computer Science & Environmental Systems
Philosophy & Psychology
Philosophy & Psychology paper 2
Mathematics paper 3
📝 Important Notes & Guidelines
Different start times based on zone (A, B, C)
Morning: 08:30-10:00 • Afternoon: 12:30-14:00
English & Spanish scheduled separately
No rescheduling without IB authorization
October 23 - November 13, 2026
(Similar 3-week format)
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions About IB Exams
🌍 What are IB exam zones and how do they affect my exam times?
IB exam zones (A, B, C) determine your local start times to ensure fair assessment globally. Zone A typically starts at 9:00-10:00 AM for morning sessions, while Zone C starts as early as 8:30 AM. Your school will inform you of your specific zone and times.
📅 Can I reschedule an IB exam if I have a conflict?
Rescheduling requires written authorization from IB and is only allowed for serious circumstances like illness, religious observance, or unavoidable family emergencies. Your IB coordinator must submit a formal request with supporting documentation well in advance.
📐 What materials and calculators are allowed in IB exams?
You may bring: valid photo ID, black/blue pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, and IB-approved calculators for mathematics and sciences. Graphic Display Calculators (GDC) are required for HL mathematics. No phones, smart watches, or electronic devices are permitted.
⚖️ What's the difference between HL and SL exam difficulty and duration?
Higher Level (HL) exams are longer and cover more advanced content. For example, Biology HL Paper 2 is 2h 30m vs SL's 1h 30m. HL students also take Paper 3 (additional content), while SL students typically have only Papers 1 and 2. HL exams require deeper analysis and broader knowledge.
🗣️ Why are English and Spanish scheduled separately from other languages?
Due to their high global candidature, English and Spanish require separate scheduling to minimize conflicts and ensure adequate examination resources. This allows for better distribution of workload and reduces the likelihood of students having multiple language exams on the same day.
📊 How do Internal Assessments (IAs) factor into my final grade?
Internal Assessments typically account for 20-25% of your final grade, with external exams making up the remaining 75-80%. IAs are completed during the course and moderated by IB to ensure consistency. They're crucial for your final grade, so treat them with the same importance as external exams.
🔄 Can I retake IB exams if I'm unsatisfied with my results?
Yes, you can retake IB exams in May or November sessions within three years of your initial registration. However, you must retake all components of a subject (all papers plus IA if required). Your highest grade will count toward your diploma, but universities may see all attempts.
🎯 What grade boundaries determine my final IB scores (1-7)?
IB uses criterion-referenced assessment with grade boundaries set after each session. Generally, 7 is the highest (equivalent to A+), 4 is passing (equivalent to C), and 1-3 are failing grades. Grade boundaries vary by subject and session difficulty, typically requiring 80%+ for a 7 and 45-50%+ for a 4.
📚 What is a School-based Syllabus (SBS) and how is it examined?
School-based Syllabus allows schools to offer locally relevant subjects that aren't part of the standard IB curriculum. These are examined at SL only, usually with 2 papers, and must meet IB academic standards. Examples include regional history, indigenous languages, or specialized sciences relevant to your school's location.
⏰ How early should I arrive for my IB exams?
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your exam start time for check-in, ID verification, and seating. For morning exams starting at 9:00 AM, arrive by 8:30 AM. Late arrivals may not be admitted, and you cannot leave during the first or last 30 minutes of any exam session.
📖 Need More Help?
For official exam regulations and detailed subject guides, visit the IB Official Website or consult with your IB Coordinator at school.
