Preparing for the May 2025 IB Exams

IB Diploma exam season is fast approaching. Whether you’re in your final year and looking to gear yourself up for the exams, or you want to support someone going through the process, the dates of each exam should be in big letters in your diary by now!

Exams are naturally a scary process. But, you can tackle this fear by preparing as effectively as possible. At this stage, you’ll be far through your content-learning journey, and will be thinking about the logistics of those last few weeks ahead of the big days.

This article will take you through everything you need to know to be prepared. This includes: the exam schedule for the upcoming International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme exams in May 2025; the best strategies for coping with this potentially stressful period; and, all the practical information you need to be ready to step into the exam hall, including stationery and IB rules.

When are the May 2025 exams?

The May 2025 IB exams span from 25 April to 232 May. The exact timing of the exam depends on where you are in the three different exam zones: A, B, and C. Broadly, here's how the countries are classified:

• Exam Zone A is Asia and Australia (UTC +12 to UTC +3.5)
• Exam Zone B is Europe and Africa (UTC+3 to UTC+0)
• Exam Zone C is the Americas (UTC -1 to UTC -10).

There is some overlap, so make sure to check your specific time zone and ask your DP coordinator which zone you are in.

Exams are either in the morning session or the afternoon session, and the specific times of them will depend on where you are in the world. For example, exams in Zone A starts between 9:00 to 10:00, but those in Zone C can start as early as 9:30. So you should also check this with your DP coordinator.

There are no exams on the weekends (Saturday and Sunday), but there may be exams on holidays which are particular to your country. For instance, the UK has bank holidays on 1 May and 8 May, but IB students will unfortunately have exams on these days.

You can find the specific schedules for the exams here. Below, we’ve summarised the full IB Exam Schedule 2025:

Source: IB May 2025 exam schedule

How can I prepare myself for exam week?

Exams are always a challenging time, and the final IB exams are especially so, since they are quite tightly packed into a few weeks. Here are some tips to help you get through:

1. Start now

The earlier you start preparing for your exams, the better. Make a study plan that works for you, including time for breaks and self-care. Start by reviewing your notes, textbooks, and previous exams. Use study guides, flashcards, and other study aids to help you understand the material better.

2. Stay organised

Organisation is key to a more peaceful exam season. Keep track of your exam dates using a calendar, and prioritise your revision over the next few months accordingly. Remember to also schedule time to relax during the exam season. Taking breaks, to exercise or just chill, will do wonders for your mental health, and this will ultimately improve your performance.

3. Sleep

One of the most frequent pieces of advice given to exam-takers is to get enough sleep. This maxim can be a bit of a double-edged sword, as the more you know that you need sleep, the more stressful it can be when your nerves keep you awake. Your main takeaway should be that rest is important. So, timetable in your 8 hours, and do not be tempted to cram the night before the exam. Set yourself a peaceful night-time routine and be kind to yourself. But, if you do find your nerves keeping you awake, you will still be fine! You can absolutely perform well, even if you do feel a bit tired. You’ve probably been operating off a sleep deficit for most of the IB!

4. Look after yourself

Try to find a balance between eating foods that make you happy, with making sure that you’re eating healthy foods which will help you fuel your brain and body for optimal performance. The most important thing is that you remember to eat, and you eat what makes you feel good.

5. Look after your friends

When everyone is individually stressed, this can create an environment of hyping each other up. Try to avoid talking about revision and exams with your friends, as it’s naturally very hard to avoid comparing yourself to others. Support each other and, of course empathise with each other as you’re going through the same experience, but be mindful about talking about the IB all day everyday.

6. Seek help if you need it

This may be academic or pastoral help. If you’re confused about content knowledge, talk to your teachers or a private IB tutor.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, and finding that your anxiety is becoming overwhelming, then take the steps to seek the help you need. Your school should have support systems in place, with people to talk to about the nerves that you’re facing.

Remember, thousands of students have got through this before and come out the other end, so you will get through this too!

Have a look at our comprehensive set of IB Resources that include IB Study Notes, IB Past Papers and IB Practice Questions, developed by expert IB teachers and examiners!

Practical Information for IB Exams

First, remind yourself of all the key information about the IB, especially how your grade will be calculated and what proportions different papers contribute. You can refresh your memory through our IB Subject Guides which you can find in our IB Blog Menu. Then, think forward to the exam days themselves. Find the rules and regulations for IB exams here.

Below, we will address some common questions about the IB Exam Day:

When should I arrive for my IB exams?

Students must arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the published start time. Your schools will give you more guidance on when and where to arrive, as they will have specific procedures.

What should I bring to take my IB exams?

Here are a few items that are generally advised to be brought in:

• At least 1 pen (blue or black ink)
• A ruler

Depending on the course requirements and the exam format, the following items are also generally permitted to be brought in:

• Pencils for drawing and for multiple choice papers
• General stationery, e.g. erasers, coloured pencils, rulers and geometry instruments are allowed.
• Clear pencil cases to carry stationery
• Calculators that have been cleared beforehand
• Water bottle without label

Making sure that your brought in items conform to the above rules will ensure a smooth and stress-free exam-taking process.

What am I not allowed in the IB exam halls?

The list of prohibited items is here. This includes:

• All bags, pocketbooks, and other belongings should be left at the front of the exam room.
• No text books, note books, or instruction books are to be brought into the exam room.
• No food or drink (other than water) are to be brought into the exam room.
• No cell phones or other electronic devices (including earbuds and smart watches) are to be brought into the exam room (unless silenced and left in a bag).
• Having an electronic device on your person during exams is considered a breach of rules. The IB says students with a device on them will receive “no grade” on the exam.

What happens if I need a bathroom break?

Students are not permitted to leave the examination within the first 60 minutes, or the last 15 minutes. If you require a bathroom break outside of these times, raise your hand to inform an invigilator.

Is there a dress code for IB exams?

The IB does not specify a dress code for their exams. This is therefore a school decision, so check with your teachers to see if there are specific regulations. You may have to wear your normal school uniform or follow the usual school dress code. Try to decide ahead of time which clothes will make you most comfortable on the day.

What should I do after the exam?

The IB forbids bringing exam materials outside of the exam room, and also prohibits discussion of the exam in the 24 hours after the exam.

Conclusion

IB exam season can feel overwhelming, but thorough preparation can ease much of the anxiety. By familiarising yourself with the May 2025 exam schedule, following structured revision strategies, and maintaining your physical and mental health, you'll set yourself up for success. Remember to stay organised, get adequate rest, and support your peers through this shared experience. Knowing the practical exam-day requirements, such as stationery guidelines and prohibited items, can also help you enter the exam hall with confidence. Ultimately, thousands of IB students successfully navigate this challenging period each year—you will too. Good luck—you've got this!