IB May 2026 Exam Schedule: Full Timetable, Dates, and Planning Guide

Week 1: Languages and Early Sciences

Week 1 focuses heavily on:

• Language A and B papers
• Early science exams such as Physics and Sports, Exercise and Health Science
• Business Management Paper 1

This week often feels deceptively manageable because:

• Many students underestimate language exams
• Revision momentum is still high

However, this is where poor planning can already create fatigue that carries into later weeks.

Week 2: Humanities and Computer Science

Week 2 introduces:

• History Papers 1 and 2
• Computer Science Papers
• Environmental Systems and Societies
• Some extended HL papers

Students taking History, ESS, or Computer Science often experience:

• Multiple long-answer papers close together
• Increased writing fatigue

This is where revision must shift from content learning to exam execution.

Week 3: Sciences and Mathematics Pressure Point

Week 3 is widely considered the most demanding week.

It includes:

• Biology HL and SL
• Chemistry
• Economics
• Mathematics AA and AI Paper 1

For many students, this is where:

• Revision overload peaks
• Sleep routines collapse
• Performance drops due to fatigue rather than lack of knowledge

This week must be planned weeks in advance, not improvised.

Week 4: Final Papers and Cognitive Fatigue

Week 4 includes:

• Chemistry Paper 2
• Global Politics
• Digital Society
• Mathematics Paper 3
• Final language papers

Although fewer exams occur, students are often mentally exhausted. This is where light, targeted revision and rest matter more than cramming.

Understanding IB Exam Zones and Start Times

IB exams operate in exam zones (A, B, and C) to ensure fairness across time zones.

Important things to know:

• Morning and afternoon start times vary by zone
• Start times do not adjust for daylight savings
• You cannot choose your zone — it is assigned to your school

Misunderstanding exam times is a surprisingly common source of stress. Always confirm:

• Your exam zone
• Your local start time
• Your reporting time at school

Why the IB Schedule Feels So Intense

The IB prioritizes:

• Global fairness
• Minimising worldwide clashes
• Consecutive scheduling to reduce absence impact

It does not prioritise:

• Individual subject difficulty
• Student energy levels
• Personal revision preferences

That means students must adapt their planning, rather than expecting the schedule to feel balanced.

How to Turn the IB Exam Schedule Into a Real Study Plan

This is where most students struggle.

They know:

• When exams happen
  But they don’t know:
• What to revise each day
• How to pace subjects across weeks
• When to rest without falling behind

Using the RevisionDojo Study Planner

The RevisionDojo Study Planner is designed specifically for this problem.

Instead of staring at the IB timetable and guessing, the planner helps you:

• Map each exam date into a structured revision timeline
• Balance subjects across weeks
• Avoid overloading high-pressure weeks
• Build in rest and recovery intentionally

You can plan backwards from the exam dates, ensuring:

• Early coverage for heavy subjects
• Maintenance revision during lighter weeks
• No last-minute panic before Week 3

You can access it here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner

Students who plan early don’t necessarily study more — they just waste less energy.

Common Mistakes Students Make With the IB Schedule

• Revising subjects in the order they like, not the order of exams
• Ignoring Week 3 intensity until it’s too late
• Treating all weeks as equal
• Not adjusting revision style as exams approach

The schedule should control your revision, not sit ignored on your desktop.

RevisionDojo Call to Action

If you want to approach the IB May 2026 exams with confidence rather than panic:

• Use the official exam schedule strategically
• Turn dates into a realistic plan
• Avoid burnout before your hardest papers

Start planning now with the RevisionDojo Study Planner:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner

The earlier you plan, the calmer exam season becomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When do IB May 2026 exams start and end?

IB May 2026 exams begin in late April and run until the third week of May. The exact dates depend on subject selection and exam zone. Some students finish earlier than others, but no student completes all exams in the first two weeks.

Can IB exams be rescheduled if two exams are close together?

No. The IB does not allow rescheduling due to consecutive exams or heavy workloads. Rescheduling is only permitted in exceptional circumstances approved by the IB. This is why proactive planning is essential.

Which week of IB exams is the hardest?

For most students, Week 3 is the most demanding due to science and mathematics papers. This week includes long exams that require sustained focus. Proper planning before this week makes a significant difference in performance.

How many hours should I revise per day during exams?

There is no fixed number. Most successful students revise 2–4 focused hours per day during exam weeks, adjusting intensity based on upcoming papers. Quality and structure matter far more than raw hours.

How early should I start planning for IB May 2026 exams?

Ideally, planning should begin 3–4 months before exams. However, even starting 6–8 weeks before makes a measurable difference if the plan is structured properly using a tool like the RevisionDojo Study Planner.

Worried your teen feels guilty about taking breaks in IB? Learn how to encourage healthy rest and how RevisionDojo helps balance study and wellbeing.