Choosing IB subjects can feel overwhelming, especially when everyone around you seems to be picking the same options. Each year, IB publishes global statistics that reveal clear trends in subject popularity — and 2025 is no different.
Understanding which IB subjects are most popular helps students make smarter, more informed decisions. But popularity alone should never decide your subject choices. In this article, we break down the most popular IB subjects in 2025, explain why they attract so many students, and show how to use this information strategically rather than emotionally.
Quick Start Checklist: What This Article Covers
- Which IB subjects were most popular in 2025
- Why these subjects consistently dominate student choices
- Whether popular subjects are harder to score well in
- How to think strategically about subject popularity
- Why RevisionDojo supports success in every IB subject
What Are the Most Popular IB Subjects in 2025?
Based on global IB Diploma data from the May 2025 session, the most popular IB subjects continue to fall into familiar categories. These subjects attract the largest number of students worldwide:
- English A (all routes combined)
- History
- Business Management
- Psychology
- Biology
These subjects consistently rank at the top because they are widely offered by schools, accessible to students with diverse strengths, and aligned with university expectations across many countries.
Popularity does not mean “easy,” but it does mean these subjects appeal to a broad range of students.
Why English A Is Always the Most Popular IB Subject
English A remains the single most popular IB subject globally. This is largely because it is a mandatory requirement for most diploma students. Almost every IB student must take at least one Language A course, and English is the most common first language of instruction worldwide.
Beyond being compulsory, English A feels familiar. Students have been studying literature and language for most of their academic lives, which makes the subject feel less intimidating than newer disciplines like Economics or Physics.
However, popularity brings competition. Large cohorts mean tighter grade boundaries and a stronger emphasis on analysis, structure, and examiner expectations. This is why students who rely on “natural ability” often struggle without proper guidance.
Why History and Business Management Stay So Popular
History and Business Management continue to dominate IB subject choices for different reasons.
History appeals to students who enjoy argument-based writing, critical thinking, and evaluating perspectives. It also aligns well with law, humanities, and social science pathways at university.
Business Management attracts students looking for practical, real-world relevance. Its concepts feel intuitive, especially for students interested in economics, entrepreneurship, or management careers. Many students perceive it as structured and predictable, which increases its popularity.
That said, both subjects are heavily criterion-driven. Success depends less on memorisation and more on understanding command terms, structuring answers, and applying content precisely.
Does Subject Popularity Make It Harder to Score a 7?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions in the IB.
Popular subjects are not automatically harder, but they do come with challenges:
- Larger cohorts mean stricter differentiation at the top end
- Examiners see many similar responses
- Weak structure or vague analysis is penalised more quickly
Students who succeed in popular subjects are not “naturally gifted.” They understand the markschemes, practice consistently, and learn how examiners think.
This is where structured revision platforms make a significant difference.
How to Use Subject Popularity Strategically
Subject popularity should inform your decisions, not control them.
Smart students use popularity data to:
- Understand where competition will be strongest
- Invest early in exam technique
- Avoid complacency in “familiar” subjects
- Seek structured feedback instead of relying on instinct
Choosing a popular subject you enjoy and are willing to work at is far better than choosing a niche subject purely to stand out.
Why RevisionDojo Works for Popular IB Subjects
Popular subjects require precision, not guesswork.
RevisionDojo is designed specifically for high-enrolment IB subjects by:
- Breaking down markschemes clearly
- Providing examiner-style questions
- Teaching structure, not just content
- Helping students differentiate themselves in large cohorts
Whether you are studying English A, History, Business Management, or Biology, RevisionDojo ensures you are not lost in the crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are popular IB subjects easier?
No. Popularity reflects accessibility and availability, not difficulty. Many popular subjects require strong exam technique to score well. Students often underestimate how precise their responses must be. Success depends on preparation, not popularity.
Should I avoid popular IB subjects?
Absolutely not. If you enjoy the subject and are willing to work consistently, popularity should not discourage you. Many top scorers come from the most popular subjects. Avoiding a subject purely due to enrolment numbers is usually a mistake.
Do universities care about subject popularity?
Universities care far more about performance than popularity. A high score in a popular subject is often more impressive than a mediocre score in a niche one. Strong results demonstrate discipline, skill, and consistency.
Final Thoughts
The most popular IB subjects in 2025 are popular for good reasons — they are accessible, respected, and widely supported. The key is understanding that popularity raises expectations, not difficulty.
With the right strategy and the right tools, students in popular subjects can excel just as much as anyone else. That is exactly why RevisionDojo exists: to help students turn common subject choices into exceptional results.
