How Does the IB Diploma Work? A Clear Breakdown for Students and Parents

What Is the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year academic program for students aged 16–19. Offered in over 150 countries, it’s known for academic rigor, international mindedness, and holistic development.

Designed to prepare students for university and global citizenship, the IB challenges learners across six subject areas plus core components that build research, reflection, and critical thinking skills.

Core Structure of the IB Diploma

To complete the IB Diploma, students must:

Take six subjects from different academic areas
Complete three core components: Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Accumulate a minimum of 24 out of 45 possible points

Here’s how it breaks down:

Six Subject Groups:

Students choose one subject from each of the following groups:

Language and Literature (Group 1) – e.g., English A
Language Acquisition (Group 2) – e.g., Spanish B, French Ab Initio
Individuals and Societies (Group 3) – e.g., History, Psychology, Economics
Sciences (Group 4) – e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Mathematics (Group 5) – AA or AI, SL or HL
The Arts (Group 6) – e.g., Visual Arts, Music, or another subject from Groups 1–4

SL vs. HL:

Standard Level (SL): Less depth; 150 teaching hours
Higher Level (HL): More depth; 240 teaching hours
Students must take 3 HL and 3 SL subjects (or 4 HLs in rare cases)

The IB Core Components Explained

1. Extended Essay (EE)

A 4,000-word independent research paper
Done on any IB subject
Assesses research, analysis, and writing skills

2. Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

A course exploring how we know what we know
Includes a TOK exhibition and essay
Encourages critical thinking about knowledge sources

3. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

Involves community service, personal projects, and extracurriculars
Non-graded, but mandatory for diploma award
Aims to develop students beyond academics

How Is the IB Diploma Graded?

Each subject is graded on a scale of 1 to 7. That gives a maximum of 42 points for your six subjects.

The core components (TOK and EE) contribute up to 3 bonus points based on a performance matrix.

Scoring Example:

Subject Grades: 6 + 6 + 5 + 5 + 6 + 6 = 34
TOK/EE: 2 bonus points
Total Score: 36/45

You need at least 24 points to pass, but there are specific conditions.

What Are the Pass Requirements for the IB Diploma?

To earn the diploma, students must:

Score at least 24 points total
Complete all core components (EE, TOK, CAS)
Receive no more than:
- 3 points at Level 3 or below in HL subjects
- 7 points at Level 2 or below in SL subjects
Not get a grade 1 in any subject

Even if you reach 24 points, you can still fail the diploma if certain conditions aren't met.

Internal and External Assessments

Internal Assessments (IAs):

Conducted by teachers
Include essays, lab reports, oral presentations, and projects
Account for 20–30% of final subject grades

External Assessments:

Final exams taken in May or November
Include written papers marked by IB examiners
The largest contributor to subject grades

Why Do Students Choose the IB Diploma?

International recognition: Accepted by top universities worldwide
Well-rounded education: Broad subject choice and personal development
University readiness: Emphasis on research, writing, and time management
Scholarship potential: High achievers are often eligible for merit awards

FAQs: Understanding the IB Diploma

Q1: Can I take the IB without doing the full diploma?
Yes. You can take individual IB courses and receive certificates instead of the full diploma.

Q2: Is the IB harder than other curriculums like A-Levels or AP?
It’s broader and includes core components, making it demanding—but it builds skills valued by universities.

Q3: What happens if I don’t get the diploma?
You’ll still receive certificates for completed subjects, which may be used for university or retakes.

Q4: Can I retake IB exams?
Yes. Students can retake exams in the following session (May or November) to improve scores.

Q5: How long does the IB Diploma take to complete?
The program spans two years, usually in the final two years of high school.

Q6: Do universities prefer IB students?
Many top universities value the IB because it fosters independent learning, critical thinking, and research skills.