If you are an IB student, it is important to know how you will be graded. You cannot prepare effectively without understanding the grading system and the overall exam structure. If you don’t know this, starting your preparation can feel like a waste of time. At The Princeton Review Singapore, we tell our students that to succeed on any exam, the first step is to look closely at the exam and the course you plan to take.
Structure of the Diploma Programme
Diploma Programme curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, including theory of knowledge, creativity, activity, service, and the extended essay.
A candidate must take and complete the assessment components for six subjects, together with these core elements:
- theory of knowledge (TOK)
- the extended essay (EE)
- creativity, activity, service (CAS).
Students need to take at least one subject from each of these groups:
- Studies in Language and Literature – Your first language (Language A)- IB Language A is available in over 50 languages. Commonly offered languages
- English
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Chinese (Mandarin)
- Japanese
- Korean
- Hindi
- Language Acquisition – A second language. Given below are the list of common languages. However, each school offers a different set of languages, which may be categories under either Language B-which is a language for which a student has prior experience or Language ab initio-for languages which a student have low prior experience
Modern languages
- English (HL only)
- French (SL or HL)
- German (SL or HL)
- Spanish (SL or HL)
- Chinese (SL or HL)
- Japanese (SL or HL)
Classical languages
- Latin
- Classical Greek
- Individuals and Societies – Humanities and social sciences. Options available are-
- Business management
- Digital society
- Economics
- Geography
- Global politics
- History
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Social and cultural anthropology
- World religions (SL only)
- Sciences – Experimental sciences. Options available are-
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Design Technology
- Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) – can be taken under Group 3 (Individuals and Societies) or Group 4, offered at Standard Level only.
- Sports, Exercise and Health Science –
- Food Science and Technology – SL only
- Astronomy
Students taking Group 4 subject also participate in the Group 4 project, a mandatory, interdisciplinary collaboration exercise that emphasizes the processes of scientific investigation and teamwork.
- Mathematics – Math courses at various levels. Following options are available-Analysis & Approaches, Applications & Interpretation.
- The Arts – Options available are-
- Dance
- Film
- Music
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
Students can pick two courses from the Studies in Language and Literature group, as long as they are in different languages. This can take the place of the Language Acquisition course.
Some courses, like Environmental Systems and Societies, count in more than one subject group. This gives students more flexibility when choosing their six subjects.
To keep things fair, rules prevent students from selecting courses with too much overlapping content.
Not sure what to choose? Talk to your DP coordinator or check the DP Handbook of Procedures
How is the diploma outcome calculated?
The diploma points are calculated by adding together the grades achieved from each of the six subjects and the core. Students receive a grade of 1-7 for each subject and up to three points for the core elements (EE and TOK). Standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) subjects are equally valued in determining the student’s final points. To earn a diploma, students must get at least 24 points and meet the conditions listed below.
The highest score a student can reach is 45 points. The maximum points of 45 is obtained from 6 (subjects) times 7 (top grade) plus 3 points from the core.
Core points matrix
For TOK and the EE, students receive a grade from A to E. The third element of the core, CAS, does not receive a grade. Completion is assessed by the school.
Students can earn between zero and three points toward the overall diploma points. The number of points is determined using the table shown below.
| EE Grade | ToK A | ToK B | ToK C | ToK D | ToK E |
| A | 3 points | 3 points | 2 points | 2 points | Failing condition – diploma not awarded |
| B | 3 points | 2 points | 2 points | 1 point | Failing condition – diploma not awarded |
| C | 2 points | 2 points | 1 point | 0 points | Failing condition – diploma not awarded |
| D | 2 points | 1 point | 0 points | 0 points | Failing condition – diploma not awarded |
| E | Failing condition – diploma not awarded in all cases | Failing condition – diploma not awarded | Failing condition – diploma not awarded | Failing condition – diploma not awarded | Failing condition – diploma not awarded |
- The table shows the total bonus points a student can earn for their Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (ToK) grades. These points range from 0 to 3.
- Students can earn a highest of 3 points by combining the two components: (EE and ToK).
- Scores in the E column indicate failing conditions for the IB Diploma. If either the EE or ToK receives an E grade, the diploma will not be awarded, regardless of the other grades.
- The closer both grades are to an A, the more bonus points a student can earn, up to 3.
- Points decrease as the grades fall. A score of 0 means no bonus points. However, it still counts as passing.
- The grades from the Extended Essay and ToK can add important points to the total for the diploma. This motivates students to perform well in both areas.
Conditions for achieving the diploma
A student can only receive an IB Diploma if the following conditions are met.
- CAS requirements are met.
- The student has achieved at least 24 total points.
- Student has received a grade of at least 2 in all subjects
- Students have not received an E in either TOK or the EE.
- There are no more than two grade 2s awarded (SL or HL).
- There are no more than three grade 3s or below awarded (SL or HL).
- The student has at least 12 points on HL subjects. (For students who register for four HL subjects, the three highest grades count).
- Students have at least 9 points on SL subjects. (Candidates who register for two SL subjects must be awarded at least 5 points at SL).
Final Thoughts
At The Princeton Review Singapore, we tell our students that the first step to IB success is understanding how the program works. It’s not just about the six subjects you select. Key components like Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) are all important sections that may have an overall impact on your final score.
After you understand the grading system, the point system, and the requirements to pass, you can study more effectively. You can figure out what is most important. You can steer clear of common mistakes. You can make a useful study plan that will help you focus on getting results. That is the clarity we aim to give every student who walks through our doors.
At The Princeton Review Singapore, we make this process clearer and easier for students. With experienced IB teachers and helpful resources, we support students worldwide. Our goal is to help you understand the IB system and master it as well. Our students use top tools like Kognity and Revision Village, the leading IB Maths resource. This advantage leads to better results. On average, they score higher than the global IB average.
Whether you need to break down TOK, refine your EE, or review tough Math topics, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If your goal is to reach your full IB potential and aim for top scores, The Princeton Review Singapore is the trustworthy partner to help you achieve that.