Introduction
One of the most common — and stressful — IB exam mistakes happens before students even walk into the exam hall:
They misunderstand the exam time.
Students often say:
- “The exam says morning, but what time is that for me?”
- “Why does my start time look different from the schedule online?”
- “My friend in another country starts earlier — am I wrong?”
The IB exam timetable does not list exact clock times for every student. Instead, it uses exam zones and sessions, which students must convert into their local time.
This guide explains how to convert IB May 2026 exam times into your local time accurately, step by step, so there are no surprises on exam day.
Why IB Exam Times Aren’t Listed as Clock Times
The IB operates exams globally, across dozens of time zones.
To protect exam security:
- All students sit the exam at the same global moment
- Local start times must differ
- A single universal clock time would be meaningless
That’s why the IB timetable uses:
- Morning and afternoon sessions
- Exam zones (A, B, and C)
- School-level confirmation of exact times
The timetable gives structure — schools give precision.
Step 1: Confirm Your IB Exam Zone
Before converting any time, you must know your exam zone.
Your exam zone is:
- Assigned by the IB
- Based on your school’s geographic location
- The same for all your exams
If you are unsure, your IB coordinator can confirm it instantly.
Without knowing your zone, any time conversion is guesswork.
Step 2: Identify the Session (Morning or Afternoon)
Each IB exam is assigned to either:
- A morning session
- An afternoon session
This session label is global, but the clock time is not.
Important:
- Morning does not mean “early” everywhere
- Afternoon does not mean “late” everywhere
- Session labels are consistent, times are not
Do not assume times based on the word alone.
Step 3: Use Your School’s Official Start Time
Your school will always provide:
- The exact start time
- When you must arrive
- Seating and supervision instructions
This information:
- Comes directly from the IB
- Is adjusted for your exam zone
- Overrides any estimates you see online
You should never rely on:
- Social media posts
- Friends in other countries
- Generic websites listing “IB exam times”
Your school’s time is the only one that matters.
Why Online Time Converters Often Cause Confusion
Many students try to:
- Convert exam times using time zone websites
- Compare start times across countries
- Guess based on previous years
This causes problems because:
- IB exam times are not standard clock times
- Daylight saving differences matter
- Zones don’t align perfectly with time zones
The IB system is more complex than a simple time conversion.
Common Local Time Conversion Mistakes
Students often:
- Assume morning exams always start at the same time
- Forget daylight saving changes
- Mix up reporting time with exam start time
- Arrive too early or too late
Any timing error increases stress — even if you arrive early.
How to Plan Your Routine Using Local Exam Times
Once you know your exact local start times, you should:
- Adjust sleep schedules in advance
- Plan revision intensity around exam days
- Avoid late-night studying before early starts
- Eat and hydrate at consistent times
Your body performs best when routines match exam timing.
Using the RevisionDojo Study Planner to Avoid Timing Errors
The RevisionDojo Study Planner helps students avoid time-related stress by focusing on real exam days, not abstract schedules.
Using the planner, you can:
- Plan revision around actual exam days
- Reduce workload before early starts
- Avoid cramming on exam mornings
- Keep routines consistent across weeks
Instead of thinking in “morning vs afternoon,” you plan based on your real schedule.
Access the planner here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Clarity eliminates panic.
Why Timing Accuracy Matters More Than Students Realise
Even small timing mistakes can:
- Disrupt sleep
- Increase anxiety
- Reduce focus
- Hurt performance
High-scoring students don’t leave timing to chance — they remove uncertainty entirely.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
If you want to avoid exam-day confusion completely:
- Confirm your exam zone
- Use your school’s official times
- Plan revision around real exam days
The RevisionDojo Study Planner helps you do this calmly and accurately:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Knowing exactly when your exams start is one of the simplest performance advantages you can give yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know my exact IB exam start time?
Your school provides the exact local start time for each exam. This is the only source you should rely on.
Can I convert IB exam times myself using a time zone website?
Not reliably. IB exam times depend on exam zones and daylight saving, which makes simple conversions inaccurate.
Do exam start times change during the session?
No. Your exam zone and session times remain fixed throughout the exam period.
What’s the difference between reporting time and exam start time?
Reporting time is when you must arrive at the exam venue. The exam starts later, after instructions are given.
When should I double-check my exam times?
At least one week before exams begin, and again the day before each paper.
