For M28 students, whose IB examinations are in May 2028 after starting DP1 in August 2026, a subject switch must preserve a valid Diploma Programme combination. This means maintaining the required subject-group coverage, taking three or four subjects at HL, and obtaining approval from your school.
An academically sensible switch may still be impossible if it creates a timetable clash, leaves a required group uncovered, or involves a class your school does not offer. This checklist separates official IB diploma subject rules from decisions made locally by schools.
The IB diploma combination rules to check
The full IB Diploma normally consists of six subjects plus the DP core: theory of knowledge (TOK), the extended essay (EE), and creativity, activity, service (CAS). The official IB Diploma Programme curriculum organizes subjects into six groups.
| Group | Subject area | What to check before switching |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Studies in language and literature | Keep an approved Group 1 course. |
| Group 2 | Language acquisition | Choose a course appropriate for your previous language experience. |
| Group 3 | Individuals and societies | Keep Group 3 coverage unless ESS meets the requirement. |
| Group 4 | Sciences | Keep Group 4 coverage unless ESS meets the requirement. |
| Group 5 | Mathematics | Retain an approved mathematics course at SL or HL. |
| Group 6 | The arts | An eligible additional subject can normally replace an arts course. |
The standard pattern includes one subject from each of Groups 1-5. The sixth may be an arts course or, subject to permitted combinations and school provision, another eligible subject. Many students choose a second science, language, or individuals and societies course, but the DP coordinator must verify the complete combination.
Check your HL and SL balance
Diploma students take three or four HL subjects, with the remaining subjects at SL. A move from HL to SL cannot be considered in isolation because another subject may need to move to HL.
The IB describes SL courses as having 150 recommended teaching hours and HL courses as having 240 recommended teaching hours. Moving to HL after teaching begins can therefore create a significant content and assessment gap.
Before changing level, ask:
- Will I still have three or four HL subjects?
- What HL-only content or assessment preparation have I missed?
- Can the school provide a realistic catch-up plan?
- Does the new level satisfy likely university requirements?
Do not base the decision only on which class currently feels easier. HL choices can affect university eligibility, while an overloaded programme can reduce the time available for TOK, the EE, CAS, and other subjects.
Understand how ESS counts
Environmental systems and societies (ESS) is interdisciplinary. Under current IB documentation, it can satisfy both the Group 3 and Group 4 requirements.
ESS does not produce two separately graded subjects. It remains one subject, but its status creates flexibility when constructing a six-subject combination. The IB currently offers ESS at SL and HL, although schools may offer only one level.
Ask your coordinator to explain how ESS and the other five subjects will be recorded. This avoids assuming that one ESS course automatically fills two positions in your six-subject total.
Separate IB rules from school decisions
The IB establishes the diploma framework, but schools approve subject and level changes. Schools control their subject offerings, timetable blocks, class sizes, entry expectations, catch-up conditions, and internal deadlines.
There is no worldwide DP1 switching deadline. A school may stop accepting changes well before formal examination registration because teaching progress and assessment schedules must be protected.
Confirm these points with your DP coordinator:
- The final deadline and approval process
- Whether the requested class has space
- Whether the subject fits your timetable
- Which work and assessments you must catch up
- Whether the revised combination remains diploma compliant
- Whether administrative, textbook, registration, or examination-related fees apply
Do not assume that a fee applies or that changes are free. Policies differ between schools, so only your coordinator can confirm the current arrangements.
Check university requirements before switching
A valid diploma combination is not automatically suitable for every degree. Medicine, engineering, economics, mathematics, architecture, and language-based programmes may require particular subjects, levels, or minimum grades.
Use the IB's subject selection guidance as a starting point, then consult official university admissions pages. If you are undecided, avoid closing important pathways simply to resolve a short-term DP1 difficulty.
For example, moving Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches from HL to SL might preserve a valid diploma but weaken eligibility for mathematics-intensive courses. Remaining at HL without the necessary foundation could also damage performance across several subjects, so consider both admissions requirements and workload.
A practical DP1 switch checklist
Complete these steps before submitting a request:
- Write down your current and proposed six-subject combinations.
- Label the group satisfied by each subject.
- Confirm coverage of Groups 1-5, accounting correctly for ESS.
- Count the proposed HL subjects and ensure there are three or four.
- Check that the sixth subject is an arts course or another permitted choice.
- Compare the combination with likely university prerequisites.
- Ask the receiving teacher what learning and assessment work you have missed.
- Confirm the deadline, timetable, approval process, and possible fees.
- Obtain written confirmation before leaving your current class.
A conversation with a teacher may not complete the formal process. Continue attending your existing course and submitting its work until the school confirms approval.
Common mistakes to avoid
A frequent mistake is treating informal teacher support as official approval. Another is dropping an HL course without recounting the number of HL subjects in the revised programme.
Students may also focus too narrowly on difficulty or enjoyment. A sound decision considers timetable feasibility, missed content, internal assessments, university prerequisites, and the effect on the complete diploma workload.
Sources and referenced URLs
- IB Diploma Programme curriculum
- IB Diploma Programme passing criteria and structure
- IB Environmental Systems and Societies
- IB subject selection guidance
- RevisionDojo free features
- RevisionDojo Study Planner
- RevisionDojo IB study resources
- RevisionDojo study planner guide
- Create a free RevisionDojo account
Conclusion
Before making a DP1 switch, verify the subject groups, retain three or four HL subjects, account for ESS correctly, and investigate university implications. Your DP coordinator is the authoritative source for approval, deadlines, timetable availability, catch-up expectations, and fees.
Once the change is approved, RevisionDojo can help you organize the transition. Use the RevisionDojo Study Planner to record catch-up topics and deadlines agreed with your teachers.