How Many Subjects Do You Take in the IB? [Complete Breakdown for Students & Parents]

Introduction

Starting the IB? One of the first and most important questions is: How many subjects do you take in the IB Diploma Programme? The answer is simple on the surface, but the implications run deep.

Understanding the number of subjects—and how to choose them—can shape your workload, your future university options, and even how much you enjoy your IB journey.

Overview of the IB Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is a globally recognized, academically rigorous curriculum for students aged 16–19.

Its goals are to:

Develop knowledgeable, open-minded, and well-rounded thinkers
Encourage academic depth and breadth
Promote critical thinking and global awareness

The IB emphasizes inquiry-based learning, internal and external assessments, and a balanced academic load across subject areas.

How Many Subjects Are Taken in the IB?

Students take a total of 6 subjects in the IB Diploma Programme.

These subjects are chosen from six different subject groups, and students must also complete three core components:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Extended Essay (EE)
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

The Six Subject Groups Explained

Here’s what each group covers:

IB Subject Groups & Examples

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
- Area: First language and literary analysis
- Examples: English A, Spanish A, Literature
Group 2: Language Acquisition
- Area: Second language learning
- Examples: French B, Mandarin ab initio, Spanish B
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
- Area: Social sciences and humanities
- Examples: History, Psychology, Business Management, Economics
Group 4: Sciences
- Area: Experimental and natural sciences
- Examples: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS)
Group 5: Mathematics
- Area: Mathematical reasoning and application
- Examples: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA), Applications and Interpretation (AI) – SL or HL
Group 6: The Arts
- Area: Creative expression and performance
- Examples: Music, Visual Arts, Film
- Alternative: Students may choose an extra subject from Groups 1–4 instead

What’s the Difference Between HL and SL Subjects?

IB subjects are offered at two levels:

HL (Higher Level): Deeper content, more hours (~240), more assessments
SL (Standard Level): Broad coverage, fewer hours (~150), slightly lighter assessments

HL subjects are often more valued by universities, especially in intended areas of study.

How Many HL vs. SL Subjects Are Required?

Standard IB rules require:

3 HL subjects and 3 SL subjects
Some schools may allow 4 HLs (with 2 SLs), but it’s optional and very demanding

Most students stick to 3 HLs to maintain a balanced workload and protect mental health.

Choosing Your Subjects Wisely

When picking your six subjects:

Consider your strengths and interests
Match HL subjects to university prerequisites
Don’t overload with 4 HLs unless truly necessary
Think about how subjects support your EE and TOK

Good planning now prevents burnout and regrets later.

What If You Don’t Want to Take All Six Groups?

IB allows flexibility in Group 6:

If you’re not interested in the arts, you can replace Group 6 with another subject from Groups 1–4

Example: A student can take two sciences or two Group 3 subjects if they drop Group 6.

The Three Core Components of the IB

Besides the six subjects, all IB students complete:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – Explores how we know what we know
Extended Essay (EE) – 4,000-word independent research paper
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) – Personal development through non-academic pursuits

These components are mandatory and contribute to up to 3 bonus points.

How Subjects Are Graded in IB

Each subject is graded from 1 to 7, with:

6 subjects × 7 = maximum of 42
Core (TOK + EE) adds up to 3 points
Total = 45 points

24 points minimum (with certain conditions) are required to earn the IB Diploma.

Can You Take More Than 6 Subjects?

Yes, but it’s rare.

Some ambitious students take a 7th subject for enrichment or university preparation
This subject is not required for the diploma
It's extra work and doesn't boost the maximum score (still capped at 45)

Subject Flexibility Across IB Schools

Not all schools offer the same subject options.

Some schools offer limited Group 6 or language options
Others may not support 4 HLs or certain combinations

Always check with your IB Coordinator before choosing subjects.

How Subject Choices Impact University Admissions

Universities often care more about:

Your HL subjects
Whether you meet their entry requirements (e.g., HL Math for engineering)
Your overall score, but also specific subject combinations

Choosing the right subjects = better chances of acceptance and success.

Mistakes to Avoid When Picking Subjects

Choosing a subject just because your friends are in it
Picking HLs based on reputation, not interest
Avoiding sciences or maths even if needed for your career
Forgetting to ask your future universities about subject prerequisites

RevisionDojo’s Subject Planning and Strategy Support

At RevisionDojo, we help students choose the right IB subjects for:

Long-term goals
Balance and manageability
University compatibility
Performance potential

We also support mid-year changes and HL/SL conversions.

Call to Action: Plan Your IB Subjects with RevisionDojo

Confused about which IB subjects to choose or whether to drop a group?

Let RevisionDojo help you design a smart, customized subject plan that sets you up for success. Visit www.revisiondojo.com and start building your best IB experience today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many subjects do you take in the IB Diploma?
Six academic subjects, plus three core components (TOK, EE, CAS).

2. Can I take 4 HLs and 2 SLs in the IB?
Yes—if your school allows it. But it’s more intense and should be carefully considered.

3. Do I have to take a Group 6 subject?
No. You can replace it with another subject from Groups 1–4 if needed.

4. What’s the difference between HL and SL?
HL is more in-depth and involves more teaching hours. It’s often more heavily weighted in university admissions.

5. Can I change subjects mid-year?
Sometimes, but only with school approval. The earlier the better.

6. How can RevisionDojo help me choose the right subjects?
We offer academic advising, university alignment, and support for smart subject selection.

Conclusion

So, how many subjects do you take in the IB? The answer: Six, plus core elements that bring it all together.

The real key lies in choosing the right subjects for your goals, abilities, and future plans—and making those choices with confidence.

Let RevisionDojo guide your journey from subject selection to IB success.