IB Exam Schedule 2025: Complete Guide for Students, Parents & Educators
Planning for the IB exam schedule 2025 is crucial for success—whether you’re a student aiming for a 45, a parent supporting your child, or an educator mapping out your academic calendar. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) exams are scheduled globally in two sessions: May 2025 and November 2025.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know—from official exam dates and time zones to preparation tips, downloadable timetables, and expert advice for optimizing revision.
🧭 Quick Overview: IB Exam Sessions 2025
| Session | Timeframe | Common Regions |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | 24 April to 16 May 2025 | Northern Hemisphere: US, UK, EU, UAE |
| November 2025 | 23 October to 15 November 2025 | Southern Hemisphere: Australia, Singapore, parts of India |
The May session is the primary exam window globally, especially for IB World Schools in the Northern Hemisphere.
📅 IB Exam Schedule 2025 (May Session)
According to the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), here are key highlights from the May 2025 exam calendar:
✅ Start Date: Thursday, 24 April 2025
✅ End Date: Friday, 16 May 2025
Key Subject Exam Dates (May 2025):
| Date | Subject | Paper | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 April | English A: Language and Literature HL | Paper 1 | Morning |
| 30 April | Math AA SL / HL | Paper 1 | Afternoon |
| 2 May | Math AA SL / HL | Paper 2 | Morning |
| 3 May | Math AA HL | Paper 3 | Afternoon (HL only) |
| 6 May | Biology SL / HL | Paper 1 & 2 | Morning |
| 7 May | Biology SL / HL | Paper 3 | Afternoon (HL only) |
| 10 May | Chemistry SL / HL | Paper 1 & 2 | Morning |
| 13 May | Physics SL / HL | Paper 1 & 2 | Morning |
| 15 May | Economics HL | Paper 2 | Afternoon |
Note: Exact timing and sequencing may vary by time zone and school. Always refer to the version published by your school IB coordinator.
📥 Downloadable IB Exam Schedule 2025
You can download the full official IB May 2025 Exam Schedule (PDF) from the IBO’s official site.
HeLovesMath.com also provides:
Printable daily calendar with checklists
Subject-wise revision timelines
GDC (Graphical Display Calculator) practice plans
📝 How to Read the IB Exam Schedule (Tips for Students)
Morning exams start around 9:00 AM local time
Afternoon exams typically begin around 1:00 PM local time
Breaks between papers are minimal
HL students often have one additional paper (e.g., Paper 3)
Language exams may include oral assessments outside written paper dates
🎓 IB Exam Schedule vs AP Exam Schedule 2025
| Feature | IB Exams | AP Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2–3 weeks | 2 weeks |
| Format | Paper-based (written + IA + oral) | Paper or digital (multiple-choice + free response) |
| Offered by | IBO | College Board |
| Global Uniformity | Yes (worldwide consistency) | Mostly US-based |
IB exams require longer essay-based responses and are spread out, offering slightly more breathing room than the AP testing calendar.
🧠 Pro Tips: Preparing for the 2025 IB Exam Schedule
1. Build Your Revision Plan Around the Exam Dates
Use the May 2025 schedule to:
Plan topic-wise revision blocks
Schedule full-paper mock tests one month in advance
Prioritize subjects with back-to-back exams
2. Take Time Zone Into Account
The IB releases a Time Zone 1, 2, and 3 version of the schedule. Know which version your school follows to avoid confusion.
3. Don’t Neglect the Internal Assessments (IA)
Though not on the schedule, IAs are crucial for your final grade:
Allocate IA submission weeks in your planner
Finalize math exploration, science lab reports, and extended essays by March 2025
🌐 Where to Get the Latest IB Exam Updates
IBO Official Website: https://ibo.org
Your School IB Coordinator: First point of contact for your personalized schedule
HeLovesMath.com: Updated blogs, sample papers, and subject-wise exam insights
✅ Summary Checklist: IB Exam Schedule 2025
Download and print the official timetable
Highlight your subject dates + paper numbers
Sync exam dates with your revision planner
Note IA and EE internal deadlines separately
Stay updated with school-specific changes
FAQs (Based on People Also Ask)
When do IB exams start in 2025?
The May 2025 IB exams begin on 24 April 2025 and end on 16 May 2025.
Where can I find the official IB exam schedule 2025?
You can download the full PDF from ibo.org. Your school may also share a customized version.
Are IB exams the same worldwide?
Yes. The IB exam schedule is globally standardized, with minor adjustments based on time zones.
What if I miss an IB exam?
Contact your IB coordinator immediately. In rare cases, you may be eligible for a retake in November 2025.
What is the format of the IB exams?
Most subjects have 2–3 written papers, with some including oral assessments or coursework components (IA).
Final Word: Success in the IB starts with clarity and planning. Bookmark this guide and let HeLovesMath.com be your go-to source for updates, tools, and exam strategies as we approach the IB exam schedule 2025.
You’ve got this! 🎯
