Introduction
One of the most misunderstood parts of the IB exam schedule is exam zones.
Students often ask:
- “What exam zone am I in?”
- “Why does my exam start time look different from another country?”
- “Do exam zones affect difficulty or grading?”
The short answer is: exam zones matter for timing, not content — but misunderstanding them can cause unnecessary stress and poor planning.
This guide explains IB exam zones A, B, and C for May 2026, how they work, why they exist, and what students actually need to care about.
What Are IB Exam Zones?
IB exam zones are used to ensure global fairness.
Because IB exams are sat simultaneously around the world, the IB divides the globe into three exam zones:
- Zone A
- Zone B
- Zone C
Each zone has:
- The same exam papers
- The same difficulty
- The same grading standards
The only difference is local start time.
Why the IB Uses Exam Zones
The IB operates in over 150 countries. Without exam zones:
- Some students would sit exams hours before others
- Exam security would be compromised
- Time-zone advantages could occur
Exam zones ensure:
- Exams happen at equivalent local times
- No group gains unfair access to content
- Global consistency is maintained
Zones are about fairness, not convenience.
IB Exam Zone A Explained
Zone A generally includes:
- Europe
- Africa
- Parts of the Middle East
Students in Zone A typically:
- Start morning exams mid-morning local time
- Start afternoon exams early-to-mid afternoon
If you are in Europe or nearby regions, you are almost certainly in Zone A.
IB Exam Zone B Explained
Zone B includes:
- North America
- Central and South America
Students in Zone B usually:
- Start morning exams earlier in the day
- Begin afternoon sessions around early afternoon
Zone B timings are adjusted to align with global exam security windows.
IB Exam Zone C Explained
Zone C includes:
- Asia
- Australia
- Parts of the Pacific region
Students in Zone C:
- Often start exams earlier in the local morning
- Finish earlier in the day compared to Zone A
This sometimes surprises students, but the difficulty and marking remain identical.
How Exam Zones Affect Start Times
Exam zones determine:
- When your morning session begins
- When your afternoon session begins
They do not determine:
- Exam length
- Exam difficulty
- Grade boundaries
- Marking criteria
Two students in different zones are sitting the same exam, just at different local times.
Can You Change Your Exam Zone?
No.
Your exam zone is:
- Assigned automatically by the IB
- Based on your school’s geographic location
- The same every exam session
You cannot request a different zone, even for travel or convenience.
Common Exam Zone Mistakes Students Make
Students often:
- Compare start times with friends in other countries
- Assume different zones mean different papers
- Panic when seeing “early” start times
- Confuse session labels with clock times
These misunderstandings cause stress but have no impact on actual performance.
How Exam Zones Should Affect Your Planning
What does matter is routine.
You should:
- Confirm your zone early
- Know your local start times
- Adjust sleep schedules before exams begin
- Practise exams at realistic times of day
Ignoring exam zone timing can hurt performance through fatigue alone.
Planning Around Exam Zones With the RevisionDojo Study Planner
The RevisionDojo Study Planner helps students plan around their actual local exam times, not generic schedules.
Using the planner, you can:
- Account for morning vs afternoon exams
- Adjust revision intensity on exam days
- Protect sleep before early starts
- Avoid last-minute confusion about timings
Instead of reacting to exam days, you plan for them in advance.
Access the planner here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Good planning turns exam zones into a non-issue.
Why Exam Zones Don’t Affect Grades
A common fear is:
“Are exams harder in my zone?”
The answer is no.
- All scripts are marked the same way
- Grade boundaries are global
- Examiners do not know your exam zone
Your result depends on performance only.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Understanding exam zones removes one of the biggest sources of IB exam anxiety.
If you want to:
- Know exactly when your exams start
- Plan revision around real timings
- Avoid stress caused by confusion
Use the RevisionDojo Study Planner to align your revision with your exam zone:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Confidence starts with clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What exam zone am I in for IB May 2026?
Your exam zone is determined by your school’s location. Your IB coordinator can confirm it, and it does not change between exam sessions.
Do exam zones affect exam difficulty?
No. All IB students sit the same papers, and all exams are marked using the same criteria regardless of zone.
Why do exam start times look earlier or later than expected?
Start times are adjusted by zone to maintain exam security and fairness across time zones.
Can I sit an exam at a different time if I’m travelling?
No. Exam zones and start times cannot be changed for personal travel or convenience.
Should I revise differently based on my exam zone?
Yes, in terms of routine. Early morning exams require earlier sleep schedules and morning-focused practice.
