Introduction
IB Mathematics is one of the most demanding subjects in the Diploma Programme, and for May 2026, both Math Analysis and Approaches (AA) and Math Applications and Interpretation (AI) are scheduled during the most intense part of the exam period.
Students frequently ask:
- When are the Math AA and AI exams?
- Are HL and SL papers on the same days?
- Why do Math exams feel so spread out?
- How do you revise without burning out before Paper 3?
This article explains the IB Math AA & AI exam dates for May 2026, how the papers are spaced across the timetable, and how students should plan revision strategically.
IB Math AA vs Math AI: Quick Overview
Both Math AA and Math AI assess mathematical understanding, but they do so differently.
Across both courses:
- Paper 1 is non-calculator
- Paper 2 allows calculator use
- Paper 3 is taken by HL students only
The difference is in emphasis:
- Math AA focuses more on algebraic reasoning and proof
- Math AI focuses more on real-world application and interpretation
Despite these differences, exam timing is identical for AA and AI at the same level.
IB Math Exam Dates for May 2026
Paper 1 (HL & SL)
Paper 1 for both Math AA and Math AI is scheduled during Week 3 of the IB May 2026 exam session.
Key characteristics of Paper 1:
- No calculator allowed
- Heavy problem-solving focus
- High cognitive demand
Because this paper falls in a week that also includes sciences and humanities for many students, it contributes significantly to exam fatigue.
Paper 2 (HL & SL)
Paper 2 follows shortly after Paper 1, typically in Week 4 of the exam period.
Paper 2:
- Allows calculator use
- Tests accuracy, interpretation, and efficiency
- Punishes careless mistakes caused by fatigue
Students often underestimate Paper 2 because calculators are permitted, but this paper still requires strong conceptual understanding.
Paper 3 (HL Only)
Paper 3 is taken only by HL students and is scheduled near the end of the exam session.
This paper:
- Focuses on extended problem solving
- Requires clear reasoning and explanation
- Is often taken when students are mentally exhausted
Poor planning leads many HL students to lose marks here, even if they performed well earlier.
Why IB Math Exams Are Spread Across Weeks
The IB deliberately spaces Math papers to:
- Avoid same-day clashes
- Reduce global scheduling conflicts
- Maintain consistency across exam zones
However, this also means:
- Math revision must be sustained
- You cannot “finish” Math early
- Energy management becomes critical
Math is not a subject you can cram at the end — timing matters.
The Biggest Math Scheduling Mistakes Students Make
Common errors include:
- Over-revising before Paper 1
- Ignoring Paper 3 until the final days
- Treating calculator papers as easy
- Letting fatigue determine performance
These mistakes are rarely about ability — they are about planning.
How to Plan IB Math Revision Around the Exam Dates
Effective Math revision follows the exam structure:
- Core concepts mastered well before Week 3
- Exam-style practice between papers
- Lighter, targeted work before Paper 3
- Deliberate recovery built into the schedule
This approach protects performance across all papers.
Using the RevisionDojo Study Planner for IB Math
The RevisionDojo Study Planner is especially valuable for IB Math because it helps students plan across multiple papers and weeks.
Using the planner, you can:
- Anchor each Math paper to its real exam date
- Balance Math with other heavy subjects
- Avoid overloading Week 3
- Stay mentally sharp through Paper 3
Instead of guessing how much Math to revise, you follow a clear structure.
Access the planner here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Strong Math results come from pacing, not panic.
Why Math Timing Matters More Than Students Expect
Math exams require:
- Sustained focus
- Clear thinking
- Error-free execution
Fatigue affects Math more than many other subjects, which is why schedule-aware revision is essential.
Students who respect the timetable consistently outperform those who ignore it.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
If you want to perform well in IB Math AA or AI in May 2026:
- Understand when each paper happens
- Plan revision across weeks, not days
- Protect energy for Paper 3
Use the RevisionDojo Study Planner to build a Math revision plan that actually matches the IB timetable:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Math success is built over time — not the night before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Math AA and Math AI exams on the same days?
Yes. Math AA and Math AI papers are scheduled at the same times for fairness, with different question content.
When is IB Math Paper 1 in May 2026?
Paper 1 is scheduled in Week 3 of the IB May 2026 exam session for both HL and SL students.
Is Paper 3 the hardest IB Math exam?
For many HL students, yes. Paper 3 requires deep reasoning and is taken late in the exam period when fatigue is highest.
Can I rely on calculators to carry me in Paper 2?
No. Calculators help with computation, but conceptual understanding and interpretation are still essential.
When should I start revising IB Math for May 2026?
Ideally 8–12 weeks before exams, with structured planning that follows the actual exam dates.
