Introduction
One of the most stressful — and misunderstood — questions IB students ask is:
“What time do IB exams actually start?”
The confusion usually comes from:
- Exam zones
- Morning vs afternoon sessions
- School timetables not matching the IB schedule
- Friends in other countries starting at different times
Understanding IB exam start times for May 2026 is essential, not just for logistics, but for sleep, revision planning, and performance on exam day.
This guide explains:
- When IB exams start in May 2026
- How morning and afternoon sessions work
- Why start times differ by exam zone
- How to plan your routine properly
IB Exam Sessions Explained
IB exams are scheduled in two sessions:
- Morning session
- Afternoon session
These session labels are the same worldwide, but the clock time they correspond to depends on your exam zone.
This means:
- “Morning” does not mean the same time everywhere
- Start times are fixed by zone
- Schools do not choose start times themselves
Typical IB Exam Start Times by Zone
While exact times are confirmed by schools, the IB uses standardised start windows.
In general:
- Morning exams start between early and mid-morning local time
- Afternoon exams start early-to-mid afternoon local time
Your school will provide:
- Reporting time
- Exact exam room entry time
- Seating instructions
You should always plan your day around IB times, not school bell schedules.
Why IB Exam Start Times Differ
IB exams run simultaneously worldwide for security reasons.
To make this possible:
- Students in different regions start at different local times
- Exams align globally, not locally
- Time zones are balanced using exam zones
This prevents:
- Early access to exam content
- Unfair advantages
- Leaks across regions
The variation exists to protect fairness, not to inconvenience students.
Morning Exams: What Students Need to Know
Morning exams:
- Require earlier wake-ups
- Demand mental alertness early in the day
- Are often underestimated by night-owl students
Common mistakes include:
- Staying up late revising
- Skipping breakfast
- Not practising focus in the morning
If you have multiple morning exams, your routine must adjust before exams begin, not during the exam period.
Afternoon Exams: What’s Different?
Afternoon exams:
- Can feel easier mentally
- Are affected by earlier fatigue
- Still require disciplined mornings
Students often:
- Waste the morning
- Over-revise right before the exam
- Enter the exam tired rather than focused
Afternoon does not mean relaxed — it means different preparation.
How Exam Start Times Affect Performance
Start times influence:
- Sleep quality
- Focus duration
- Stress levels
- Time management
Students who ignore timing often:
- Feel rushed
- Make careless errors
- Underperform relative to ability
High-scoring students adapt their routine early and stick to it.
How to Prepare for Your IB Exam Start Times
You should:
- Confirm your exam zone early
- Know whether your exams are morning or afternoon
- Adjust sleep at least one week in advance
- Practise exam-style work at the same time of day
Routine consistency matters more than last-minute revision.
Planning Exam Days With the RevisionDojo Study Planner
The RevisionDojo Study Planner helps students plan revision around real exam start times, not generic schedules.
With the planner, you can:
- See which days require early starts
- Reduce revision load before morning exams
- Avoid cramming before afternoon sessions
- Protect energy across multiple exam days
Instead of reacting to exam days, you plan for them calmly and strategically.
Access the planner here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Planning around time is one of the simplest ways to improve performance.
Common Start-Time Mistakes to Avoid
- Revising late before morning exams
- Ignoring fatigue before afternoon exams
- Comparing start times with students in other countries
- Assuming all exams start at the same time
These mistakes are avoidable with early planning.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Knowing what time your IB exams start is not just logistical — it’s strategic.
If you want to:
- Avoid exam-day panic
- Protect sleep and focus
- Perform consistently across all papers
Use the RevisionDojo Study Planner to align your revision with your actual exam start times:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Strong routines produce strong results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time do IB exams start in May 2026?
IB exams start at different local times depending on your exam zone. Morning sessions generally begin in the morning and afternoon sessions begin later in the day, with exact times confirmed by schools.
Are IB exam start times the same worldwide?
No. Exams are synchronised globally, but local start times differ to account for time zones and exam security.
Can schools change IB exam start times?
No. Schools must follow IB-assigned start times for their exam zone.
Should I revise differently for morning vs afternoon exams?
Yes. Morning exams require earlier sleep and morning focus practice, while afternoon exams require controlled mornings and energy management.
How early should I adjust my sleep schedule?
At least one week before your first morning exam. Sudden changes during exam week often harm performance.
