With schools around the world working on different calendars, plus subject combinations, exam zones and new changes like digital-paper pilots, things get a little confusing. If you’re studying IB in Singapore (or any country, really), knowing the official schedule, what “session” your school follows, and how to plan early can save you a TON of stress.
In this blog, we will discuss the IB schedule for the year 2026, alongside the key deadlines you should be aware of.
2026 IB Exam Schedule — What You Should Know
The IB offers two main exam sessions: the May session and the November session.
- The May 2026 session runs from 24 April to 20 May 2026.
- The November 2026 session is scheduled for October 26 to November 13, 2026 (for many schools; exact dates may vary slightly by zone/school).
Exam Timing
- There are two shifts in a day for the exam: morning and afternoon.
- IB is a global exam, and the exam timing varies according to the exam zone (e.g. Zone A, B, or C)
- Example: For some zones, morning could begin at 9:00 AM or 9:30/10:00 AM local time — so you must check with your school coordinator to know your zone.
Key IB Deadlines You Should Know (Internal & External)
Even though written exams are the main event, the IB Diploma Programme has major internal deadlines. These deadlines are set by the IB Exams, but final submission dates depend on your school.
Here are the important ones students in Singapore should keep track of:
1. Extended Essay (EE) Deadlines
Schools usually have internal deadlines such as:
- Choosing your EE subject and research question (around March–May of DP1)
- First draft submission (around September–November of DP2)
- Final submission (typically mid-February for May session / mid-August for November session)
2. TOK (Theory of Knowledge) Deadlines
- TOK Exhibition submission usually occurs in DP1 or early DP2 (varies by school).
- TOK Essay final submission to IB is generally in March for the May session and in September for the November session.
3. Internal Assessments (IAs)
Every subject has one or more IAs, and schools set internal timelines for them.
Typical submission windows:
- Most IAs are completed between October and February for May session students.
- For the November session students, most IAs are completed by June–August.
4. CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)
- CAS is ongoing and must be completed and signed off on before you receive your diploma.
- Final reflections and interviews usually conclude a few weeks before the exam session begins.
5. Official IB Registration & Fee Deadlines
Schools must register students for the exam session months in advance.
For students, this matters because:
- Changing subjects late can incur high fees.
- Missing the registration window may lead to penalties or delayed entry.
6. Mock Exams
While not part of official IB deadlines, mocks are important and usually held:
- In January–March for the May session students
- In July–September for the November session students
Mocks help teachers finalise predicted grades and help you understand your readiness level.
What IB Students Should Know
- The global IB schedule doesn’t account for local holidays — so even if there’s a public holiday in Singapore, that doesn’t guarantee a break.
- Not all schools use both sessions. Some schools stick to May, some to November — so confirm with your IB coordinator which session your school is using.
- In 2026, IB is continuing its digital-exam pilot programme for select subjects (languages, some humanities/sciences), in certain participating schools.
- Because IB is global, the organisation tries to spread out “popular” subjects across the exam window so students don’t get overloaded with heavy papers on the same day.
What You (as a Student in Singapore) Should Do to Stay On Track
- Check early which session your school follows — May or November.
- Get the official IB 2026 PDF schedule from your teacher/coordinator as soon as possible.
- Note down your exam zone and exact times in your planner.
- Plan your study schedule around the 4–5 weeks of exams.
- Be ready for digital-paper mode if your school is participating.
- Don’t count on public holidays being free — IB doesn’t shift for local holidays.
How The Princeton Review Can Help
If you’re stressed about your IB exams prep, the right guide, like The Princeton Review Singapore, is what you need. With years of experience and a strong reputation, we will help you reach your target scores.
Here’s how we help:
Subject-Specific Tutoring
Our experts offer subject-specific tutoring to help you master the subjects where you need major help. With us, you will learn the concepts well and develop critical thinking, which will allow you to use these concepts in real problems.
Guidance from experts
Our experts provide guidance at every step of the IB journey. With our strategies, your prep will become efficient, and scores will definitely improve.
Time-Management & Study Planning
With six subjects, CAS, IAs, EE, and TOK, IB students need strong planning. The Princeton Review helps you build weekly study routines, revision schedules, and balanced preparation plans.
Our experts will help you with time management skills, which will not only help you in the exam but also help you manage all the core components alongside the main coursework.
Exam Strategies
At Princeton Review, we teach strategies to increase your exam scores. Our experts will provide you with preparation strategies for taking the exam based on your individual strengths and weaknesses.
Feedback from experts
The highly qualified and experienced experts will provide constant support. Their feedback will help you improve your scores and boost your confidence.
Conclusion
It is no secret that IB presents numerous challenges to its participants, but with strategic planning — including keeping track of your exam schedule, confirming your session and registered zone; obtaining an official timetable, and monitoring the various primary IB-related deadlines throughout your DP1 and DP2 — you can successfully navigate the rigours of IB without experiencing undue levels of stress.
For a comprehensive plan to help you with your IB experience and educational success, reach out today to The Princeton Review so that we can provide you with timely information and ensure you are prepared to take your IB exams through our resources, including expert faculty.