Introduction
IB Economics rewards clear thinking, structured writing, and precise use of diagrams — all of which become much harder when exams are poorly timed or poorly planned.
In the May 2026 exam session, Economics papers are spread across the timetable in a way that can either help or hurt students, depending on how well they understand the schedule.
Students commonly ask:
- When are the IB Economics exams in May 2026?
- How close together are Papers 1, 2, and 3?
- Are HL and SL exams on the same days?
- How do you revise without mixing up theory and data response?
This article explains the IB Economics exam schedule for May 2026, breaks down each paper, and shows how to plan revision effectively.
IB Economics Exam Structure Overview
IB Economics is assessed through written exams that test theory, application, and evaluation.
The structure is:
- Paper 1: Extended response essays
- Paper 2: Data response questions
- Paper 3: HL only, policy-based quantitative questions
Each paper requires different skills, which is why revision must be carefully timed.
IB Economics Exam Dates for May 2026
Paper 1 (HL & SL)
Paper 1 is typically scheduled during Week 3 of the IB May 2026 exam session.
Paper 1:
- Tests essay structure and evaluation
- Requires accurate diagrams
- Demands clear chains of reasoning
Because this paper often falls during a heavy exam week, students must avoid leaving essay practice too late.
Paper 2 (HL & SL)
Paper 2 usually follows shortly after Paper 1, also during Week 3.
Paper 2:
- Focuses on data interpretation
- Tests application to real-world contexts
- Requires precision under time pressure
Many students struggle because they revise theory but neglect data-based practice.
Paper 3 (HL Only)
Paper 3 is taken only by HL students and is scheduled later than Papers 1 and 2.
This paper:
- Focuses on economic policy
- Requires calculations and explanations
- Punishes poor time management
Paper 3 often suffers from fatigue-related errors if revision is not paced correctly.
Why Economics Exams Feel Intense During the Schedule
Economics exams are mentally demanding because they require:
- Sustained writing
- Accurate diagrams
- Evaluation under pressure
When exams are close together, students often confuse:
- Microeconomics and macroeconomics
- Theory and application
- Essay and data response techniques
This confusion is almost always a planning issue.
Common Economics Scheduling Mistakes
Students frequently:
- Over-revise essays and ignore Paper 2
- Forget to practise diagrams under timed conditions
- Leave Paper 3 preparation too late
- Revise content without linking it to exam technique
These mistakes cost marks even for strong students.
How to Plan IB Economics Revision Around the Exam Dates
Effective Economics revision should:
- Separate essay and data response practice
- Rotate topics rather than cramming one area
- Include timed practice early
- Shift to consolidation during exam weeks
Economics rewards clarity and balance, not memorisation alone.
Using the RevisionDojo Study Planner for IB Economics
The RevisionDojo Study Planner helps Economics students manage multiple paper types across weeks.
Using the planner, you can:
- Schedule essay practice well before Paper 1
- Balance Economics with other writing-heavy subjects
- Avoid overloading Week 3
- Stay focused through Paper 3
Instead of guessing how to revise, you follow a clear structure.
Access the planner here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Structured planning leads to clearer evaluation.
Why Economics Performance Drops Late in Exams
Teachers often notice:
- Strong early essays
- Declining evaluation quality
- Rushed diagrams
This usually happens because students peak too early and run out of mental energy.
Planning revision across the full schedule prevents this drop.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
If you want to perform strongly in IB Economics in May 2026:
- Understand when each paper happens
- Revise different skills separately
- Protect energy for evaluation-heavy questions
Use the RevisionDojo Study Planner to build an Economics revision plan that matches the IB timetable:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Clear structure produces clear economics answers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When are IB Economics exams in May 2026?
IB Economics exams typically take place during Week 3 of the May 2026 exam session, with HL students sitting an additional Paper 3 later.
Are Economics HL and SL exams on the same days?
Yes. HL and SL students sit Papers 1 and 2 on the same days, with HL students completing Paper 3 separately.
Which IB Economics paper is the hardest?
For many students, Paper 1 is the hardest due to the level of evaluation required under time pressure.
Do I need to memorise real-world examples?
You need to understand how to apply theory to context, but memorisation alone is not enough. Application and evaluation are key.
When should I start revising IB Economics for May 2026?
Ideally 8–10 weeks before exams, with early focus on essay structure and data response technique.
