Introduction
IB Psychology is often seen as a “content-heavy” subject, but in reality, exam success depends just as much on timing, structure, and stamina as it does on memorisation.
In the May 2026 exam session, Psychology papers are scheduled in a way that can catch students off guard — particularly HL students who face multiple papers testing very different skills.
Students commonly ask:
- When are the IB Psychology exams in May 2026?
- What order are the papers in?
- Are HL and SL exams on the same days?
- How should revision be planned across biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches?
This article explains the IB Psychology exam dates and paper order for May 2026, and how to revise strategically around them.
IB Psychology Exam Structure Overview
IB Psychology assesses understanding through a combination of short-answer and extended response questions.
The structure is:
- Paper 1 (HL & SL): Core approaches and research methods
- Paper 2 (HL & SL): Optional topics essays
- Paper 3 (HL only): Qualitative research methodology
Each paper requires different revision strategies, which makes awareness of paper order essential.
IB Psychology Exam Dates for May 2026
Paper 1 (HL & SL)
Paper 1 is typically scheduled during Week 2 of the IB May 2026 exam session.
Paper 1:
- Tests biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches
- Requires structured short answers and essays
- Demands accurate use of studies and terminology
Because this paper comes relatively early, students must complete core content revision well before exams begin.
Paper 2 (HL & SL)
Paper 2 usually follows shortly after Paper 1, also during Week 2.
Paper 2:
- Focuses on optional topics
- Requires deeper evaluation
- Tests flexibility in essay writing
Students who focus only on core approaches often struggle here due to lack of preparation for options.
Paper 3 (HL Only)
Paper 3 is taken only by HL students and is usually scheduled later than Papers 1 and 2.
This paper:
- Focuses on qualitative research
- Tests research design and evaluation
- Is very different from essay-based papers
Because it feels unfamiliar, Paper 3 is often neglected until too late.
Why the Order of Psychology Papers Matters
The paper order affects:
- Revision focus
- Cognitive fatigue
- Risk of confusion between topics
Students who revise everything simultaneously often:
- Mix up studies
- Use inappropriate research
- Lose clarity in evaluation
Structured sequencing improves accuracy.
Common Psychology Scheduling Mistakes
Students often:
- Revise Paper 1 content too late
- Ignore optional topics until after Paper 1
- Underestimate Paper 3
- Confuse essay command terms
These mistakes are rarely about intelligence — they are about planning.
How to Plan IB Psychology Revision Around the Paper Order
Strong Psychology revision should:
- Prioritise core approaches early
- Separate option revision clearly
- Practise essay structure regularly
- Leave Paper 3 for targeted, lighter preparation
Psychology rewards clarity and organisation, not volume alone.
Using the RevisionDojo Study Planner for IB Psychology
The RevisionDojo Study Planner helps Psychology students manage multiple content streams across different papers.
Using the planner, you can:
- Schedule core and option topics separately
- Avoid revising the wrong content at the wrong time
- Balance Psychology with other essay-based subjects
- Stay consistent through all papers
Instead of revising randomly, you revise with purpose.
Access the planner here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Clear planning leads to clear psychological evaluation.
Why Psychology Grades Drop Under Exam Pressure
Teachers often notice that students:
- Know the studies
- Struggle to apply them correctly
- Lose evaluation depth
This usually happens due to mental overload, not lack of knowledge.
Good planning preserves clarity.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
If you want to perform strongly in IB Psychology in May 2026:
- Understand the paper order
- Revise core and options separately
- Protect energy for essay-heavy days
Use the RevisionDojo Study Planner to build a Psychology revision plan that matches the IB timetable:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Psychology success comes from structure, not stress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When are IB Psychology exams in May 2026?
IB Psychology exams typically take place during Week 2 of the May 2026 exam session, with HL students sitting an additional Paper 3 later.
Are Psychology 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 Psychology paper is the hardest?
For many HL students, Paper 3 is the hardest due to its focus on qualitative research rather than essays.
Is IB Psychology mostly memorisation?
No. While memorising studies is important, exam success depends heavily on application, structure, and evaluation.
When should I start revising IB Psychology for May 2026?
Ideally 8–10 weeks before exams, with early focus on core approaches and structured essay practice.
