Introduction
Many IB students download the official exam timetable — and then don’t actually use it properly.
They look at dates, feel stressed, and continue revising randomly.
The timetable is not just a list of exams.
It is a revision planning tool — if you know how to use it correctly.
The Purpose of the Official Timetable
The IB timetable helps you:
- See exam spacing
- Identify high-pressure periods
- Understand which subjects require sustained focus
- Plan energy, not just study time
It should shape how you revise, not just when you revise.
Step 1: Identify Pressure Blocks
Look for:
- Consecutive exam days
- Writing-heavy sequences
- Calculation-heavy sequences
These blocks require:
- Early preparation
- Lighter revision closer to exams
- Strong energy management
Ignoring pressure blocks leads to burnout.
Step 2: Group Exams by Demand, Not Subject
Instead of grouping by subject, group by:
- Mental demand
- Writing vs problem-solving
- Length and intensity
This helps you:
- Avoid stacking heavy tasks
- Balance cognitive load
- Maintain consistency
Revision should alternate effort levels.
Step 3: Plan Backwards From Exams
Final revision should work backwards.
This means:
- Light review closest to exams
- Technique and practice before that
- Content mastery much earlier
If you are learning new content close to exams, the plan is too late.
Step 4: Protect the Final Phase
The final phase of revision should focus on:
- Accuracy
- Confidence
- Routine
Avoid:
- Full new topics
- Overloading days
- Comparing schedules with others
The goal is stability, not intensity.
The Biggest Mistake Students Make
The biggest mistake is using the timetable only as information, not as a planning framework.
Knowing exam order without adjusting revision order leads to:
- Peaking too early
- Crashing late
- Inconsistent performance
How High-Scoring Students Use the Timetable
Top students:
- Adjust revision intensity based on exam spacing
- Finish heavy work early
- Use the timetable to manage fatigue
- Treat revision as a long sequence, not isolated tasks
They plan with the timetable, not around it.
Using the RevisionDojo Study Planner
The RevisionDojo Study Planner turns the official timetable into a clear, usable revision plan.
It helps students:
- Visualise pressure periods
- Balance heavy and light subjects
- Avoid last-minute overload
- Stay consistent through the final phase
Plan effectively here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
RevisionDojo Call to Action
The IB timetable should reduce stress — not create it.
Use the RevisionDojo Study Planner to:
- Translate the timetable into action
- Revise in the right order
- Stay calm and focused
Start planning here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should my revision intensity stay the same throughout?
No. Intensity should decrease closer to exams to protect performance.
Is it bad to revise one subject heavily right before its exam?
Yes. Heavy learning close to exams increases fatigue and errors.
Should I ignore the timetable until exams start?
No. The timetable should shape your revision weeks in advance.
Can planning really reduce exam stress?
Yes. Uncertainty causes stress — clear planning removes it.
