Consequences of Submitting an IA Late
Missing an IB Internal Assessment (IA) deadline isn’t just a small mistake—it can have significant academic consequences. Here's what you need to know:
- Loss of marks or even a zero: Submitting an IA after the final deadline—without a valid excuse—can lead to a drastic loss of marks or even a complete zero for that component.
- Risk of failing the subject: Since the IA often makes up 20–30% of your subject grade, failing to submit it could mean not getting a grade at all in that subject.
- Impact on your IB Diploma: One failed subject due to a missed IA can be enough to disqualify you from earning the full IB Diploma.
- No accusations of cheating—but serious academic loss: A late submission isn’t treated as misconduct or plagiarism, but the penalties are still severe.
- Missed internal deadlines = no teacher support: Schools set earlier internal deadlines than the IB itself. If you miss those, your teacher might refuse to give feedback or submit your IA.
- Extension requests are possible—but only with valid reasons: If you’re dealing with illness or personal emergencies, you may be eligible for an official extension. This must go through your school’s IB coordinator and sometimes the IB itself.
- Poor communication makes it worse: Students who don’t inform their teacher or IB coordinator early often lose their chance to negotiate an extension or submit later.
✅ What You Should Do If You’re Behind
If you’re at risk of missing your IA deadline, take action immediately:
- Talk to your teacher as soon as possible. The earlier you communicate, the more support you can receive.
- Explain your situation honestly. Don’t hide problems—whether personal, medical, or academic.
- Request an extension through your school if your reason is valid. Back it up with documentation (doctor’s note, counselor letter, etc.).
- Avoid procrastination traps. Work consistently and use tools like planners, calendars, or apps to manage your progress.
- Use partial drafts. Even if your IA isn’t perfect, submitting something is better than nothing.
🔁 Realistic Examples
- Example 1: A student falls ill before the IA deadline. They inform their teacher and provide a medical certificate. The IB coordinator arranges for a short extension, and the student submits on time.
- Example 2: Another student forgets the internal deadline and waits until the last day. The teacher refuses to accept the IA, and the student receives zero marks for that component, failing the subject.
🔒 Final Thoughts: Don't Let a Missed Deadline Ruin Your IB Goals
The IB takes deadlines seriously—and so should you. While one late submission won’t get you disqualified for cheating, it can absolutely cost you your IB Diploma or subject grade. That’s why communication, preparation, and time management are crucial throughout the process.
💡 Need Help With Your IA?
Visit 👉 RevisionDojo for expert IA guides, example IAs, and time-saving strategies to stay on track and meet your IB deadlines with confidence.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What happens if I submit my IA one day late?
If your school accepts it and forwards it before the IB deadline, you might be safe—but losing teacher feedback or moderation accuracy is still a risk.
Q: Will I get in trouble for submitting late?
No disciplinary action, but you may lose marks or receive no grade, which can severely hurt your diploma chances.
Q: Can I still pass the course without the IA?
Usually not. The IA is a required component, and failure to submit it often means you won’t receive a grade in that subject.
Q: Can I get an extension?
Yes, if you have a valid reason (e.g., illness, family emergency) and get approval from your school and IB.
Q: Is the IA deadline the same at every school?
No. Each school sets its own internal deadlines, which are earlier than the IB’s official ones to allow for review and submission.
Q: What if my teacher refuses to mark my late IA?
You may not be able to receive credit for the subject. It’s crucial to follow your school’s internal deadlines and communicate in advance.
