If your child is about to choose a curriculum, the IB Diploma can sound like a mystery: six subjects, three letters (TOK, EE, CAS), and a score out of 45. It is simpler than it sounds. This guide explains how it is built, how it is scored, and what kind of student it suits.
| The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year pre-university course for ages 16 to 19. Students take six subjects, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, plus Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS. The maximum score is 45 points. |
The six subject groups
Students pick one subject from each of the first five groups. For the sixth, they choose an arts subject or a second subject from groups 1 to 4 or group 5.
| No. | Group | Examples |
| 1 | Studies in language and literature | English A, Hindi A, and other first languages |
| 2 | Language acquisition | French B, Spanish B, Hindi B and other second languages |
| 3 | Individuals and societies | History, Economics, Geography, Psychology, Business Management |
| 4 | Sciences | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Design Technology |
| 5 | Mathematics | Analysis and approaches, or Applications and interpretation |
| 6 | The arts | Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, Film. Or a second subject from another group. |
Subject lists vary by school. Ask the school which subjects it offers before you plan.
Higher Level and Standard Level
A student takes three subjects, or sometimes four, at Higher Level (HL) and the rest at Standard Level (SL). HL courses go deeper and have more teaching time. The IB recommends about 240 hours for HL and 150 hours for SL.
Which subjects to take at HL is one of the biggest choices in the programme, because universities often name HL subjects in their offers. Our post on SL versus HL walks through it.
The core: TOK, the Extended Essay and CAS
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK). A course on how we know what we know. It is assessed through an exhibition and an essay.
- The Extended Essay (EE). An independent research paper of up to about 4,000 words on a topic the student chooses.
- CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). Projects and experiences outside the classroom over the two years. CAS is not graded, but a student must complete it to earn the Diploma.
How the 45 points are built
Each of the six subjects is graded from 1 to 7. That gives up to 42 points. TOK and the Extended Essay together can add up to 3 more points, which makes 45.
| Extended Essay ↓ / TOK → | TOK A | TOK B | TOK C | TOK D |
| EE grade A | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| EE grade B | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| EE grade C | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| EE grade D | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
An E in either TOK or the Extended Essay means the Diploma is not awarded, whatever the total.
What it takes to pass
The IB asks for at least 24 points. But 24 points alone does not guarantee the Diploma. The IB’s passing criteria also include these conditions:
- CAS has been completed.
- No grade E in TOK or the Extended Essay, and no “N” (no grade) in any subject or core element.
- No subject graded 1, no more than two grades of 2, and no more than three grades of 3 or below.
- At least 12 points from Higher Level subjects, and at least 9 points from Standard Level subjects. There are separate counts for students who take four HL subjects or two SL subjects.
- No academic misconduct penalty.
Read the IB’s passing criteria page for the full list. Rules can be updated.
How it is assessed
Most subjects mix coursework and exams. Coursework, called internal assessment, is marked by the teacher and checked by the IB. Exams are sent to IB examiners. The weight of each part differs by subject.
Exam and results dates
- May 2027 session. Exams start on 23 April 2027 and run to about 18 or 19 May. The IB gives each school its own timetable, so your coordinator holds the exact dates.
- May 2027 results. Available to candidates from 12:00 GMT on 6 July 2027. Schools receive them a day earlier.
- November 2026 session. 23 October to 12 November 2026, for schools and students who use that session.
What students usually score
The IB publishes statistics after each session. Recent sessions have had an average Diploma total of around 30 to 31 points. A 45 is rare. A good score depends on the university: some ask for 24 to 30, and the most selective ask for 38 or more. Always check the university’s own page.
Who it suits
The IB tends to suit students who:
- like keeping maths, a language, a science and a humanity going at the same time,
- are comfortable writing and researching, because the Extended Essay and internal assessments need it,
- can plan their own time across several long projects,
- want to keep options open in many countries.
It can be harder for students who want to go deep in only two or three subjects, which is closer to the A-level model. It is also a heavy workload in the final year, so students who already struggle with planning may need support early.
After the IB
Universities in many countries accept the IB. In the UK, offers are often written in IB points, sometimes with specific HL grades. In the US and Canada, strong HL results can support credit or placement at some universities. Each university sets its own score and subject requirements.
For India, the IB Diploma can be a route to JEE, NEET and Indian universities too, with an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities. We cover the details in our post on international-board students and Indian entrance exams.
Frequently asked questions
How many points do you need to pass the IB Diploma?
At least 24 points out of 45, and the student must also meet the IB’s other conditions. Examples are completing CAS, avoiding an E in TOK or the Extended Essay, and meeting the minimum points at Higher Level and Standard Level.
What is the difference between Higher Level and Standard Level?
Higher Level courses go deeper and have more teaching time, about 240 hours against about 150. Students take three subjects, or sometimes four, at Higher Level.
Do TOK and CAS count towards the score?
TOK and the Extended Essay together can add up to 3 points. CAS has no grade and no points, but it must be completed to earn the Diploma.
Is the IB harder than other curricula?
It is broader, with more subjects and a heavy core, but difficulty depends on the student. Students who like breadth and planning often do well. Those who prefer depth in a few subjects may prefer A-levels.
When are IB results released?
For the May session, candidates can see results from 12:00 GMT on 6 July 2027. Schools get them a day earlier. The IB shares the November session date with schools.
