Introduction
One of the most confusing parts of the IB exam period is seeing exams scheduled on public holidays.
Students often ask:
- “Why don’t exams stop for holidays?”
- “Isn’t this unfair?”
- “Can schools move exams because of holidays?”
The short answer is: IB exams operate independently of national holidays — and there are clear reasons why.
The IB Is an International Programme
The IB operates across:
- Hundreds of countries
- Different cultures
- Different national calendars
A public holiday in one country may be a normal school day in another.
Designing a timetable around all holidays would be impossible.
Why National Holidays Can’t Be Considered
Public holidays:
- Vary by country
- Change year to year
- Differ by region
If the IB avoided every national holiday:
- Exam sessions would become unmanageable
- Security risks would increase
- Fairness would be compromised
Global consistency takes priority.
Why Schools Still Hold Exams on Holidays
Schools are required to:
- Follow the IB exam timetable exactly
- Open campuses when exams are scheduled
- Provide supervision regardless of holidays
This is not a school choice — it is an IB obligation.
Does Sitting an Exam on a Holiday Affect Grading?
No.
IB exams are:
- Marked anonymously
- Standardised globally
- Assessed without knowledge of when or where you sat the exam
Timing affects experience, not grading.
The Biggest Mistake Students Make
The biggest mistake is treating a holiday exam as unfair or abnormal.
This mindset:
- Increases stress
- Reduces focus
- Distracts from preparation
The exam is still assessed exactly the same way.
How to Plan Around Holiday Exams
Students should:
- Expect exams on any scheduled day
- Avoid relying on holidays for rest
- Plan recovery around the full exam period
- Protect sleep and routines
Planning removes the shock factor.
How High-Scoring Students Handle Holiday Exams
Strong students:
- Treat holiday exams as normal exam days
- Maintain routines
- Avoid emotional reactions
- Focus on execution
Consistency beats resentment.
Using the RevisionDojo Study Planner
The RevisionDojo Study Planner helps students:
- Plan revision without relying on holidays
- Protect recovery time realistically
- Avoid last-minute surprises
- Stay consistent across the exam period
Plan with clarity here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Public holidays don’t pause IB exams — but good planning makes that irrelevant.
Use the RevisionDojo Study Planner to:
- Plan ahead
- Reduce frustration
- Perform consistently
Start planning here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can IB exams be moved because of public holidays?
No. National holidays are not valid reasons for rescheduling.
Do schools have a choice about running exams on holidays?
No. Schools must follow the IB timetable exactly.
Are holiday exams marked differently?
No. All exams are marked using the same global standards.
Should I revise less because it’s a holiday?
No. Treat exam days the same regardless of holidays.
