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IB Diploma Programme exams

The IB Diploma Programme is a two-part qualification for students aged 16 to 19 at authorized IB World Schools: six subjects graded 1–7 plus a core, up to 45 points, with exams in May or November.

Ages16–19
PointsUp to 4524 needed + conditions
SessionsMay, Nov
Results to universities6 freeIf requested before release
Test datesFees and fee helpFree official practice

Made by International Baccalaureate. Who: Usually grades 11 and 12 (students aged 16–19). Checked on the owner's own pages, 21 Oct 2026.

Who takes it

  • Open to students aged 16 to 19 at schools authorized to teach the DP, from state-supported to independent and international schools.
    IB
    Diploma Programme (students aged 16-19)International Baccalaureate
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  • Six subjects plus the core: theory of knowledge (TOK), the extended essay (EE) and creativity, activity, service (CAS). At least one course each in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences and mathematics.
    IB
    Diploma Programme passing criteriaInternational Baccalaureate
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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Format and sections

Subject groups and the core:

IB
DP curriculum: subject groups and the coreInternational Baccalaureate
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21 Oct 2026
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GroupExamples
Studies in language and literatureLanguage A: literature; language and literature
Language acquisitionLanguage B, ab initio, classical languages
Individuals and societiesEconomics, history, psychology, global politics, business management
SciencesBiology, chemistry, physics, computer science, design technology
MathematicsAnalysis and approaches; applications and interpretation
ArtsVisual arts, music, theatre, film, dance
CoreTheory of knowledge, extended essay, CAS
  • External exams form the basis of assessment for most courses; teachers also mark internal assessment.
    IB
    DP Assessment and exams (external and internal assessment)International Baccalaureate
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    21 Oct 2026
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Scoring

  • Each subject is graded 1–7; TOK and EE together add up to 3 points; CAS is not graded but must be completed. Maximum 45; the diploma needs at least 24 points and the other passing conditions.
    IB
    Diploma Programme passing criteriaInternational Baccalaureate
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  • Standard and higher level subjects count equally toward the points.
    IB
    Diploma Programme passing criteriaInternational Baccalaureate
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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Fees and fee waivers

  • The IB pages we read list no per-student exam fee; ask your school's DP coordinator.
    IB
    Getting DP results (May and November sessions, results to universities)International Baccalaureate
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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Test dates

  • Two exam sessions a year, in May and November. The November 2026 schedule is published; ask your coordinator which session and schedule apply to you.
    IB
    DP and CP examination schedulesInternational Baccalaureate
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026

    The schedule PDFs themselves returned 403 to our browser; dates on this site come from the web pages only.

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  • Before results are released you can have them sent to six universities free; the IB sends grades as soon as results come out.
    IB
    Getting DP results (May and November sessions, results to universities)International Baccalaureate
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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Where it is accepted

  • The IB says the DP is recognized by leading universities; it publishes country recognition statements, and each university sets its own policy for IB grades.
    IB
    University admission (recognition of the IB, country recognition statements)International Baccalaureate
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    21 Oct 2026
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Free official practice

  • The IB posts a small set of past and specimen exam papers (for example English A, history, geography, mathematics) for information.
    IB
    DP sample exam papersInternational Baccalaureate
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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Used by these careers and colleges

Careers on this site where BLS lists a bachelor's degree or more as the typical way in. A college may ask for this test on the way, depending on its own policy.

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Sources

Where these facts come from

Official and primary sources only, each checked on the date shown. Rules on testing, aid, licensing and immigration change, so confirm a detail with its source before you rely on it.