Introduction: The Secret to IB Success Is Timing
IB exams are intense, comprehensive, and demand long-term preparation. One of the most common (and crucial) questions students ask is: How long in advance should I study for my IB exams? With 6 subjects, core components, and multiple internal assessments, timing your revision properly is key to success.
This article outlines an ideal IB study timeline, month-by-month, showing when and how to revise effectively across Grade 11 and 12.
Ideal Time to Start Studying for IB Exams
You should begin serious exam-focused study about 4–6 months before your final IB exams. For most students, this means starting in November or December of Grade 12 for May exams. However, strategic preparation should begin much earlier.
Grade 11: Foundation Year (Pre-Exam Preparation)
August–December (Year 1)
- Focus on understanding new content
- Build strong notes and revise after each topic
- Begin Internal Assessments (IAs) in some subjects
- Organize a digital or paper-based folder by subject
January–June
- Finish most SL content by end of Year 1
- Start EE brainstorming and research
- Mock exams or mid-year assessments help identify weak areas
- Time commitment: 10–12 hours/week of revision and IA work
Grade 12: Exam Preparation Year
August–October (Early Year 2)
- Complete first drafts of EE, TOK essay, and major IAs
- Begin light revision of Year 1 topics
- Take timed practice questions
- Time commitment: 10–15 hours/week
November–December
- Start structured revision for final exams (5–6 months ahead)
- Focus on past paper questions and timed assessments
- Attend school revision sessions or workshops
- Time commitment: 15–20 hours/week
January–March
- Deep dive into exam-specific skills (e.g., essay writing, math problem-solving)
- Work through full past papers under exam conditions
- Finalize EE, TOK, and all IAs
- Time commitment: 20–25 hours/week
April–May: Final Countdown
- Prioritize weak subjects or topics
- Memorize formulas, definitions, case studies
- Focus on exam timing, writing speed, and paper strategies
- Reduce new content intake—focus only on revision
- Time commitment: 25–30 hours/week
Tips for Staying on Track with IB Study
- Create a monthly study calendar with revision blocks
- Mix active recall (flashcards, quizzes) with timed practice
- Study smarter, not longer—use RevisionDojo guided past paper drills
- Revise in 3-week cycles: Plan, Test, Reflect, and Adjust
- Protect sleep, exercise, and social time to avoid burnout
FAQs: IB Exam Study Timeline
Q1: Is 3 months enough to study for IB exams?
It’s possible but not ideal. You should start reviewing seriously 5–6 months in advance to avoid cramming.
Q2: When should I start revising Year 1 topics?
Start light revision by the beginning of Year 2 and go deeper by November.
Q3: How many hours per week should I study in the last 3 months?
Aim for 20–30 hours/week, divided between subjects.
Q4: Should I study all 6 subjects equally?
No. Prioritize based on weakness, HL importance, and exam dates. Some subjects (like Math or History) may require more time.
Q5: Is one month of intense study enough?
Only if you've been consistent throughout. A one-month cram is risky for most IB students.
Conclusion: Study Early, Study Smart
The key to IB exam success isn’t just hard work—it’s strategic timing. Start exam preparation seriously at least 5–6 months before May, with lighter revision earlier in Grade 12. This gives you time to revise thoroughly, master exam strategies, and enter exams confident—not panicked.
Your future self will thank you for starting early.
Want to build a custom IB exam study plan?
Try the RevisionDojo Smart IB Planner to create your personalized 6-month calendar with subject-by-subject goals, practice tests, and revision checklists.
