IB Exam Dates 2024

Steve Vorster

Economics & Business Subject Lead

Published

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6 minutes

IB Exam Dates 2024 - Image of calendar

When do 2024 IB exams start?

IB exams 2024 start in May and finish at the end of June. 

These represent the most recent examination schedules set by each IB examination boards. However, it is crucial to bear in mind that these dates could potentially be altered by exam boards. Therefore, students are advised to use these dates merely as a rough guide.

When are the IB SL Maths exams in 2024?

IB SL Maths Exams 2024 

IB AA SL Mathematics Paper 1

01 May 2024

IB AI SL Mathematics Paper 1

01 May 2024

IB AA SL Mathematics Paper 2

02 May 2024

IB AI SL Mathematics Paper 2

02 May 2024

When are the IB HL Maths exams in 2024?

IB HL Maths Exams 2024

IB AA HL Mathematics Paper 1

01 May 2024

IB AI HL Mathematics Paper 1

01 May 2024

IB AA HL Mathematics Paper 2

02 May 2024

IB AI HL Mathematics Paper 2

02 May 2024

When are the IB Physics exams in 2024?

IB Physics exam dates 2024

IB SL Physics Paper 1

25 April 2024

IB SL Physics Paper 3

25 April 2024

IB HL Physics Paper 1

25 April 2024

IB HL Physics Paper 3

25 April 2024

IB SL Physics Paper 2

26 April 2024

IB HL Physics Paper 2

26 April 2024

 

When are the IB Business Management exams in 2024?

IB Business Management Exams 2024

IB SL Business Management Paper 1

26 April 2024

IB HL Business Management Paper 1

26 April 2024

IB HL Business Management Paper 3

26 April 2024

IB SL Business Management Paper 2

01 May 2024

IB HL Business Management Paper 2

01 May 2024

When are the IB ESS exams in 2024?

IB ESS exam dates 2024

IB SL ESS Paper 1

02 May 2024

IB SL ESS Paper 2

06 May 2024

When are the IB Geography exams in 2024?

IB Geography Exams 2024

IB SL Geography Paper 1

10 May 2024

IB HL Geography Paper 1

10 May 2024

IB SL Geography Paper 2

13 May 2024

IB HL Geography Paper 2

13 May 2024

IB HL Geography Paper 3

13 May 2024

When are the IB Psychology exams in 2024?

IB Psychology Exam Dates 2024

IB SL Psychology Paper 1

10 May 2024

IB HL Psychology Paper 1

10 May 2024

IB SL Psychology Paper 2

13 May 2024

IB HL Psychology Paper 2

13 May 2024

IB HL Psychology Paper 3

13 May 2024

When are the IB Biology exams in 2024?

IB Biology Exam Dates 2024

IB SL Biology Paper 1

13 May 2024

IB SL Biology Paper 3

13 May 2024

IB HL Biology Paper 1

13 May 2024

IB HL Biology Paper 3

13 May 2024

IB SL Biology Paper 2

14 May 2024

IB HL Biology Paper 2

14 May 2024

When are the IB Economics exams in 2024?

IB Economics Exam Dates 2024

IB SL Economics Paper 2

15 May 2024

IB HL Economics Paper 2

15 May 2024

IB SL Economics Paper 1

16 May 2024

IB HL Economics Paper 1

16 May 2024

IB HL Economics Paper 3

16 May 2024

 

IB Exam FAQs

What year do you take IB exams?

Students typically take their IB exams during their final year of high school, which is often referred to as Year 12, 12th grade, or Year 13 (UK), depending on the educational system. The exams are usually administered in May.

Is IB harder than GCSE?

A student studies fewer subjects when taking the IB Diploma Programme as compared with GCSE. However, the IB Diploma is considered to be significantly harder than GCSE as it is academically more rigorous and comprehensive. The IB Diploma Programme offers a broader and more challenging curriculum designed to promote critical thinking, research skills, and international-mindedness. There are also several challenging components, such as the extended essay, coursework in every subject, and the requirement for all students to engage in service-related activities.

Does Harvard prefer IB or A levels?

Harvard University, like many other prestigious universities, states that they do not explicitly prefer one curriculum over the other. They evaluate applicants based on various factors, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. However, according to the UK Independent Schools Directory, IBDP students are 21% more likely to be accepted to universities like Harvard.

How many people fail IB?

With around 170,000 students sitting the exams annually, the pass rate for the IB Diploma Programme is usually around 80%. During the Covid disrupted years, the pass rate rose to 88%. It's essential to note that the IB Diploma Programme emphasizes holistic education and provides various pathways for students to achieve success, even if they may not meet the requirements for the full diploma.

Do UK universities prefer IB or A levels?

UK universities generally accept both the IB Diploma Programme and A levels for admission. However, according to the UK Independent Schools Directory, IBDP students are 57% more likely to be accepted to Russell Group universities.

Is IB harder than A levels?

Both qualifications are rigorous and respected internationally. The IB Diploma Programme is generally considered to be harder due to the number of subjects studied and the amount of project work required for each subject. IBDP students take six subjects (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level), whereas A-level students usually take three. IBDP students undertake studies in language and literature; language acquisition; individuals and societies; sciences; mathematics; and the arts. They have to take at least one Maths, one Science, and one language. This approach offers a broader and more holistic curriculum. A levels allow students to specialize in specific subjects. Some students may find the IB Diploma Programme more challenging due to its breadth and the requirement to complete a range of assessments, including coursework, exams, and the extended essay. However, others may thrive in the IB's interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on critical thinking and research skills.

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Written by Steve Vorster

Economics & Business Subject Lead2 articles

Steve has taught A Level, GCSE, IGCSE Business and Economics - as well as IBDP Economics and Business Management. He is an IBDP Examiner and IGCSE textbook author. His students regularly achieve 90-100% in their final exams. Steve has been the Assistant Head of Sixth Form for a school in Devon, and Head of Economics at the world's largest International school in Singapore. He loves to create resources which speed up student learning and are easily accessible by all.

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