What Are the IB Exams?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year high school curriculum designed to develop strong academic, analytical, and time-management skills. It consists of:
- Six subjects, with three taken at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL)
- Core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Each subject includes a combination of internal assessments (IAs) completed during the course and final written exams taken at the end of the programme.
IB Grading System and Passing Criteria
IB Grading Scale
Each IB subject is graded on a scale from 1 to 7, with 7 representing excellent performance.
Students can earn:
- Up to 42 points from their six subjects
- Up to 3 additional points from TOK and the Extended Essay
This means the maximum possible IB score is 45 points.
Minimum Requirements to Pass the IB Diploma
To earn the IB Diploma, students must meet the following conditions:
- A minimum of 24 total points, including any bonus points
- At least 12 points from Higher Level subjects
- No more than one subject graded at 2
- Satisfactory completion of CAS
Overall, the IB Diploma is demanding, but very achievable for students who remain organised and consistent.
Is the IB Programme Hard to Pass?
The IB Programme is academically challenging, but it is not designed to cause failure. According to official IB statistics, the global pass rate typically ranges between 79% and 85%.
Most students who:
- Attend lessons regularly
- Complete coursework on time
- Prepare effectively for exams
are successful in earning the diploma.
How IB Compares to Other Curricula
- More challenging than most standard national high school programmes
- Comparable in rigour to A-Levels or Advanced Placement (AP) courses
- Broader in scope due to the requirement to study multiple subjects and complete core components
Why Students Find IB Exams Challenging
Heavy Workload and Time Management
Students must balance six subjects alongside TOK, the EE, and CAS. Without careful planning, the workload can feel overwhelming.
Depth of Higher Level Subjects
HL courses require deeper understanding and analysis, particularly in subjects such as Mathematics AA, Physics, Chemistry, and History.
Emphasis on Extended Writing
Many IB subjects rely heavily on structured essays and long-response questions. Strong writing, evaluation, and exam technique are essential.
Subjects That Are Typically Harder or Easier
Subjects Often Considered More Challenging
- Mathematics AA HL
- Chemistry HL
- Economics HL
- History HL
These subjects demand abstract thinking, complex calculations, and high-level essay writing.
Subjects With Higher Pass Rates
- Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS)
- Language B (including Ab Initio)
- Film and Visual Arts at SL
These subjects are often more project-based or conceptually accessible.
Tips for Making IB Exams Easier
Plan Revision Early
Consistent weekly revision using spaced practice, summaries, and topic reviews is far more effective than last-minute cramming.
Maximise Internal Assessment Scores
IAs account for around 20–30% of most subject grades. Strong IA performance can significantly improve final results and protect against weaker exam performance.
Real Student Experiences With IB Exams
“I found Chemistry HL extremely demanding, but my IA helped secure a 6. Starting early made a huge difference.” – Josh, IB 40
“I wasn’t the smartest student, but staying organised and consistent helped me succeed.” – Nia, IB 37
“I realised how important mark schemes were. Using the right terminology earned more marks than I expected.” – Kunal, IB 36
Frequently Asked Questions About IB Exam Difficulty
Can you pass the IB with average intelligence?
Yes. Success in the IB depends far more on organisation, consistency, and exam strategy than natural ability.
What happens if you fail one subject?
You may still earn the diploma if you meet the overall point requirements and Higher Level conditions.
Does taking easier HLs help?
You must take at least three HLs, but choosing HL subjects aligned with your strengths improves your chances of success.
How important are Internal Assessments?
Very important. They can raise borderline grades and provide a safety net.
Is a grade 4 considered good?
A 4 is a passing grade and is widely accepted by universities, particularly at SL.
What if you do not earn the diploma?
You still receive certificates for individual subjects and can retake exams in future sessions.
Pass IB Exams With Confidence Using RevisionDojo
RevisionDojo helps IB students succeed by providing:
- Structured weekly study planners for each subject
- Access to past papers and mark schemes
- IA feedback and Extended Essay support from IB specialists
With the right tools and strategy, passing the IB — and performing well — is entirely achievable.
