If you’re taking the IB Exam in 2026, you’re probably feeling that mix of excitement and stress that every IB kid knows too well. Don’t worry — once you understand the exam dates clearly, planning becomes so much easier.
In this blog, we will discuss the IB exam dates schedule in a student-friendly manner so that you can strategies your prep accordingly.
IB Exam Dates 2026 (Singapore)
- Main May 2026 IB exam session:
24 April 2026 (Friday) to 20 May 2026 (Wednesday)
A few key things you should know:
- There are no examinations on 1 May 2026 (Labour Day, observed by IB globally).
- The session spreads across almost 4 weeks, giving breathing room between subjects like Maths, Sciences, and Humanities.
- Schools in Singapore usually fall under Zone 3, which decides the local timings for morning and afternoon papers.
- There’s also a November 2026 session, which runs from late October to mid-November, but most Singapore IB schools follow the May schedule.
2. November 2026 Session (Less Common in Singapore)
Some IB schools globally follow the November cycle — this is more common in Australia, New Zealand, South America, and a few international schools.
Singapore has very few schools using the November IB cycle, but it still exists as an option in the global system.
Expected Exam Window:
21 October 2026 – 15 November 2026
Although the exact dates are not known, you can estimate the exam dates around this timeline only.
If you’re in Singapore, this session might apply to you if:
- You’re a private candidate
- Your school offers an alternate calendar.
- You’re re-sitting subjects.
Why do some students choose November?
- More time to prepare after Year 2
- Better alignment with Southern Hemisphere academic calendars
- Good option for retakes
- Fewer clashes with SAT deadlines
Why Knowing Your Dates Early Actually Helps
IB isn’t like other exams where you can cram everything in the last two weeks. You’ve got:
- Internal Assessments (IAs)
- Extended Essay
- TOK Essay & TOK Exhibition
- CAS reflections
- Mock exams
- And then finally… the actual exams
Once you know your exam timeline, you can plan backwards:
- Block out revision periods.
- Space out subjects that need more memorising.
- Prioritise weak areas early.
- Avoid burnout.
Honestly, having clarity on dates is one of the most underrated forms of stress management during IB.
Quick Preparation Tips for IB Students in Singapore
Here are a few things we always advise IB students:
1. Secure the full timetable early
Your school will share the customised 2026 schedule. Save it, print it, stick it over your study table.
2. Make a weekly revision plan
Especially for subjects like Math AA, Chem, Bio, and History — spacing out revision really helps.
3. Take breaks without guilt
IB is intense. Breaks aren’t optional; they’re necessary.
4. Stay updated through your IB coordinator
Timings and exam zone info can shift slightly — always double-check.
5. Complete your EEs early.
It’s better to submit your EEs early, so that it doesn’t become a burden for you at the end. Also, writing it beforehand helps to write the Essay with a relaxed mindset, covering each point.
How The Princeton Review Can Support IB Students (Especially in Singapore)
Since many IB students also take the SAT or plan university admissions right after IB, here’s where The Princeton Review becomes super useful — especially if you’re juggling IB + SAT + Uni Apps (which is the reality for most Singapore students).
What The Princeton Review Offers:
- High-quality SAT prep that aligns well with the new Digital SAT format
- Realistic practice tests that help IB students manage timing pressure
- Tutors experienced with international students, including those in Singapore.
- Flexible prep options — online, in-person, fast-track, weekend batches
- College admissions guidance, which pairs well with the IB workload
IB students are already overloaded, and The Princeton Review helps simplify one part of your journey — the SAT and admissions planning — so you’re not burning out before university even starts.
Think of it as:
IB = heavy academics
SAT/Admissions = strategy + planning
When handled together properly, you get a much smoother application journey.
Final Thoughts
IB prep can be overwhelming, but you, as a student, should be very much aware of the exam schedule. Make a clear plan with strong strategies to strengthen your prep and trust The Princeton Review as your IB prep expert. Our expert trainers, certified after a rigorous selection process, have supported score improvements for many students and provide effective strategies to plan and approach the overwhelming IB exams.