Introduction
An IB exam clash is one of the most stressful situations students face during exams — often made worse by confusion and misinformation.
Students commonly ask:
- “What actually counts as a clash?”
- “Can the IB move my exam?”
- “Do I lose time or marks?”
- “What happens on the day?”
This article explains how IB exam clashes are handled, what is allowed, and what students should realistically expect.
What Counts as an IB Exam Clash?
An exam clash happens when:
- Two exams are scheduled at the same time
- A student cannot sit both exams as planned
This is not the same as:
- Two exams on the same day
- Consecutive exam sessions
- Long exam days
Only direct overlaps count as clashes.
Are IB Exam Clashes Common?
They are rare but possible, especially for:
- Students with unusual subject combinations
- HL-heavy schedules
- Certain language pairings
The IB actively designs timetables to minimise clashes, but some combinations make them unavoidable.
What Happens If You Have an Exam Clash?
If a clash occurs:
- Your school reports it to the IB
- A supervised alternative arrangement is made
- You sit both exams under strict conditions
The IB does not cancel or remove exams because of clashes.
Can IB Exams Be Rescheduled?
In limited cases, yes — but not freely.
The IB may allow:
- One exam to be sat later under supervision
- Adjusted timing within the same day
The IB does not allow rescheduling for:
- Convenience
- Fatigue
- Personal preference
Rescheduling is a controlled exception, not a choice.
What Students Are Not Allowed to Do
During a clash arrangement, students:
- Cannot access phones or notes
- Cannot discuss exams
- Are supervised throughout
- Must follow strict instructions
These rules protect exam integrity.
The Biggest Mistake Students Make
The biggest mistake is panicking or spreading misinformation.
Students often:
- Assume grades will be adjusted
- Worry about fairness
- Compare themselves to others
The IB applies the same marking standards regardless of clashes.
How to Prepare If You Have a Clash
Preparation should focus on:
- Finishing revision early
- Practising mental switching between subjects
- Managing energy and stress
- Trusting the process
Clashes are tiring, but they are planned for.
Using the RevisionDojo Study Planner
The RevisionDojo Study Planner helps students:
- Identify potential pressure points early
- Avoid last-minute stress
- Balance revision across subjects
- Stay calm even in complex schedules
Plan ahead here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
RevisionDojo Call to Action
IB exam clashes are rare — but they are not disasters.
Use the RevisionDojo Study Planner to:
- Prepare early
- Reduce anxiety
- Stay in control
Start planning here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will my grade be adjusted if I have an exam clash?
No. Exams are marked using the same standards regardless of scheduling issues.
Can I refuse a clash arrangement?
No. Schools and the IB decide the arrangement to protect fairness.
Is having a clash unfair?
No. The IB has procedures to ensure no student is advantaged or disadvantaged.
Should I revise differently if I have a clash?
Yes. Finish heavy revision earlier and focus on mental readiness.
