IB May 2026 Exam Dates, Study Calendar, and Preparation Guide
Bespoke Learning Solutions
IB Exam Preparation Specialists
February 25, 2026
The IB May 2026 examination session runs from Friday, April 24 to Wednesday, May 20, 2026. This four-week window covers all Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme subjects across three global exam zones. No exams are scheduled on May 1 (International Workers' Day).
This guide provides the complete week-by-week schedule, a structured 12-week study calendar, and details on how to prepare effectively for French B and English B exams.
IB May 2026 Exam Schedule: Week-by-Week Breakdown
The IB organizes its exam schedule into morning and afternoon sessions. Start times depend on your school's assigned exam zone (A, B, or C). Confirm your exact local times with your IB Coordinator.
Week 0: Friday, April 24
| Session | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Morning | No exams |
| Afternoon | School-based syllabus SL Paper 1, Language & culture SL Paper 1 (1h 30m) |
Week 1: April 27 – April 30
| Date | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, Apr 27 | School-based syllabus SL Paper 2, Language & culture SL Paper 2 | Language A Literature & Language and Literature Paper 1 (except English, French, Spanish) |
| Tue, Apr 28 | Language A Literature & Language and Literature Paper 2 (except English, French, Spanish) | Physics HL/SL Paper 1, Sports, Exercise & Health Science HL/SL Paper 1 |
| Wed, Apr 29 | Physics HL/SL Paper 2, Sports Science HL/SL Paper 2 | Business Management HL/SL Paper 1, Business Management HL Paper 3 |
| Thu, Apr 30 | Business Management HL Paper 2, Business Management SL Paper 2 | Computer Science HL/SL Paper 1, Environmental Systems & Societies HL/SL Paper 1 |
| Fri, May 1 | No exams (International Workers' Day) | |
Week 2: May 4 – May 8
| Date | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, May 4 | Computer Science HL Papers 2 & 3, Computer Science SL Paper 2, ESS HL/SL Paper 2 | History HL/SL Papers 1 & 2 |
| Tue, May 5 | History HL Paper 3 | Language B HL/SL Papers 1 & 2 Reading (except Eng, Fr, Sp), Language ab initio SL Papers 1 & 2 Reading, Latin HL/SL Paper 1 |
| Wed, May 6 | Language B HL/SL Paper 2 Listening (except Eng, Fr, Sp), Language ab initio SL Paper 2 Listening, Latin HL/SL Paper 2 | Psychology HL/SL Paper 1 |
| Thu, May 7 | Psychology HL Papers 2 & 3, Psychology SL Paper 2 | English A Literature & Lang & Lit HL/SL Paper 1, English B HL Paper 1 (1h 30m), English B SL Paper 1 (1h 15m), English B HL/SL Paper 2 Reading (1h) |
| Fri, May 8 | English A Lit & Lang & Lit HL/SL Paper 2, English B HL Paper 2 Listening (1h), English B SL Paper 2 Listening (45m) | Geography HL/SL Paper 1, Philosophy HL/SL Paper 1 |
Week 3: May 11 – May 15
| Date | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, May 11 | Geography HL/SL Paper 2, Geography HL Paper 3, Philosophy HL/SL Paper 2, Philosophy HL Paper 3 | Biology HL/SL Paper 1 |
| Tue, May 12 | Biology HL/SL Paper 2 | Economics HL/SL Paper 2 |
| Wed, May 13 | Economics HL Paper 1 & Paper 3, Economics SL Paper 1 | Spanish A Lit & Lang & Lit HL/SL Paper 1, Spanish B HL/SL Paper 1 & Paper 2 Reading, Spanish ab initio SL Paper 1 & Paper 2 Reading |
| Thu, May 14 | Spanish A Lit & Lang & Lit HL/SL Paper 2, Spanish B HL/SL Paper 2 Listening, Spanish ab initio SL Paper 2 Listening | Mathematics AA HL/SL Paper 1, Mathematics AI HL/SL Paper 1 |
| Fri, May 15 | Mathematics AA & AI HL/SL Paper 2 | Chemistry HL/SL Paper 1, Design technology HL/SL Papers 1 & 2 |
Week 4: May 18 – May 20
| Date | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, May 18 | Chemistry HL Paper 2 (2h 30m), Chemistry SL Paper 2 (1h 30m), Design technology HL Paper 3 (1h 30m) | Digital Society HL Paper 1 (2h 15m), Digital Society SL Paper 1 (1h 30m), Global Politics HL/SL Paper 1 (1h 15m), Global Politics HL/SL Paper 2 (1h 45m) |
| Tue, May 19 | Digital Society HL/SL Paper 2 (1h 15m), Digital Society HL Paper 3 (1h 15m), Global Politics HL Paper 3 (1h 30m) | French A Lit & Lang & Lit HL/SL Paper 1, French B HL Paper 1 (1h 30m), French B SL Paper 1 (1h 15m), French B HL/SL Paper 2 Reading (1h), French ab initio SL Papers 1 & 2 Reading |
| Wed, May 20 | French A Lit & Lang & Lit HL/SL Paper 2, French B HL Paper 2 Listening (1h), French B SL Paper 2 Listening (45m), French ab initio SL Paper 2 Listening (45m) | Mathematics AA HL Paper 3 (1h 15m), Mathematics AI HL Paper 3 (1h 15m) |
Source: Official IB Examination Schedule – May 2026 (PDF), International Baccalaureate Organization.
IB Results Day for May 2026: July 6, 2026.
Key Dates for Language B Students
English B Exam Dates – May 2026
| Date | Session | Component | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, May 7 | Afternoon | Paper 1 (Writing) HL / SL | HL: 1h 30m, SL: 1h 15m |
| Thursday, May 7 | Afternoon | Paper 2 Reading Comprehension HL / SL | 1h |
| Friday, May 8 | Morning | Paper 2 Listening Comprehension HL / SL | HL: 1h, SL: 45m |
Need help preparing for English B? Our English tutoring sessions cover Paper 1 writing, reading comprehension, and listening practice with experienced IB educators.
French B Exam Dates – May 2026
| Date | Session | Component | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, May 19 | Afternoon | Paper 1 (Writing) HL / SL | HL: 1h 30m, SL: 1h 15m |
| Tuesday, May 19 | Afternoon | Paper 2 Reading Comprehension HL / SL | 1h |
| Wednesday, May 20 | Morning | Paper 2 Listening Comprehension HL / SL | HL: 1h, SL: 45m |
French B Exam Intensive – Limited Spots Available
Our IB French B Exam Intensive is a focused small-group programme led by a certified IB examiner. Covering Paper 1 writing, exam technique, and language refinement — designed for students sitting the May 19–20 exams.
12-Week IB Study Calendar (March – May 2026)
This study calendar works backward from the exam window. It is designed for students balancing multiple IB subjects. Adjust the weekly focus based on your personal exam dates and weaker areas.
Phase 1: Content Consolidation (Weeks 1–4, March 2–27)
Goal: Close knowledge gaps and finalize all internal assessments.
| Week | Dates | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Mar 2–6 | Audit your syllabus coverage for each subject. Identify weak topics using past paper diagnostics. Submit final IA drafts. |
| Week 2 | Mar 9–13 | Deep review of Group 3 (Individuals & Societies) and Group 4 (Sciences) content. Create condensed revision notes for each topic. |
| Week 3 | Mar 16–20 | Deep review of Group 1/2 (Languages) and Group 5 (Mathematics) content. For French B and English B, build thematic vocabulary lists across all five prescribed themes. |
| Week 4 | Mar 23–27 | Complete TOK essay revisions. Review Extended Essay final draft. Begin first round of timed past papers (1 per subject). |
Phase 2: Past Paper Intensive (Weeks 5–8, March 30 – April 24)
Goal: Build exam technique, timing, and familiarity with mark schemes.
| Week | Dates | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Week 5 | Mar 30 – Apr 3 | Complete 2–3 timed past papers per subject. Analyze mark schemes after each paper. Track recurring errors in an error log. |
| Week 6 | Apr 6–10 | Focus on Paper 1 technique for Languages (text types for writing). Practice Paper 2 reading comprehension under timed conditions for English B and French B. |
| Week 7 | Apr 13–17 | Full mock exam week. Simulate real exam conditions for your highest-weighted subjects. Review all papers against official mark schemes and examiner reports. |
| Week 8 | Apr 20–24 | Targeted revision of persistent weak areas. Light review of early-exam subjects (Physics, Business Management). Prepare all exam materials (calculator, pens, ID). |
Phase 3: Exam Execution (Weeks 9–12, April 27 – May 20)
Goal: Maintain peak performance across the four-week exam window.
| Week | Dates | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Week 9 | Apr 27 – May 1 | Exams begin. Review notes for upcoming subjects only. Prioritize sleep (8+ hours). Light revision between exams. No new content. |
| Week 10 | May 4–8 | English B exams on May 7–8. Final listening practice in the days before. Review text type conventions for Paper 1. Read sample Paper 2 passages for timing. |
| Week 11 | May 11–15 | Mathematics and Science exams. Focus revision on formula sheets and key problem types. |
| Week 12 | May 18–20 | French B exams on May 19–20. Final listening and reading practice. Review thematic vocabulary. Last exam day is May 20. |
How to Prepare for IB English B and French B Exams
Language B exams test productive and receptive skills across five prescribed themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization, and sharing the planet.
Paper 1 (Writing)
Paper 1 requires you to produce a written text in response to a prompt. You choose from three tasks, each linked to a different text type (blog post, speech, article, letter, report, and others). Strong answers demonstrate a clear sense of audience, purpose, and register.
Preparation tip: Practice writing at least one text type per week under timed conditions. Use the IB text type conventions checklist to self-assess before submitting to a tutor. For more detail on writing technique, see our guide to scoring a 7 in IB French B.
Paper 2 (Reading and Listening Comprehension)
Paper 2 is split into two parts. The reading comprehension section presents authentic texts with questions that test understanding at multiple levels. The listening comprehension section uses audio recordings of conversations, interviews, or presentations.
Preparation tip: Build daily listening habits with authentic media. For French B, use France Inter podcasts, TV5Monde clips, and RFI Journal en français facile. For English B, use BBC Learning English, TED Talks, and NPR podcasts. Timed practice with past papers is essential for both reading and listening.
One-on-one tutoring sessions focused on exam technique for IB Language B.
Expert French B Exam Prep – Bespoke Learning Solutions
Our French tutoring is led by a certified IB examiner and curriculum developer with 20 years of international teaching experience across France, Singapore, and Canada.
What you get:
- One-on-one sessions tailored to SL or HL requirements
- Targeted Paper 1 writing workshops covering all text types
- Paper 2 reading and listening drills using authentic French-language materials
- Thematic vocabulary building across all five IB prescribed themes
- Individual Oral (IO) preparation with feedback on structure, register, and cultural references
- Practice with past papers and detailed mark scheme analysis
Your French B exams are on May 19–20. Start preparation now to give yourself the strongest foundation heading into the exam.
IB French B Exam Intensive (May 2026)
A focused small-group programme for students sitting the May 2026 IB French B exams. Led by a certified IB examiner. Limited to 10 students per cohort.
- Paper 1 writing workshops with real exam prompts
- Exam technique and time management strategies
- Language refinement across all five prescribed themes
Expert English B Exam Prep – Bespoke Learning Solutions
Our English tutoring supports students at both SL and HL levels. Sessions are designed to strengthen writing precision, reading speed, and listening accuracy.
What you get:
- One-on-one sessions adapted to your current level and target grade
- Paper 1 writing practice across all text types with detailed feedback
- Paper 2 reading comprehension strategies for vocabulary inference and text analysis
- Listening comprehension training with graded audio materials
- Individual Oral (IO) coaching with structured practice sessions
- Exam technique workshops focused on timing and mark scheme alignment
Your English B exams are on May 7–8. Time is limited — secure your sessions early.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do IB May 2026 exams start and end?
The May 2026 session starts on Friday, April 24, 2026 and ends on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. No exams are held on May 1.
Are the IB May 2026 exam dates the same worldwide?
The dates are identical globally. Start times vary by exam zone (A, B, or C). Your school will confirm which zone applies to you.
When are IB May 2026 results released?
Results for the May 2026 session are expected on July 6, 2026.
Can I reschedule an IB exam?
Rescheduling requires formal approval from the IB Assessment Division in Cardiff. Your school must apply on your behalf. It is only granted in exceptional, documented circumstances.
How many papers does IB French B have?
French B has Paper 1 (writing), Paper 2 Reading (reading comprehension), and Paper 2 Listening (listening comprehension). The Individual Oral (IO) is assessed internally by your school. The IO contributes 25% of your final grade at SL and 20% at HL.
How many papers does IB English B have?
English B follows the same structure as French B: Paper 1 (writing), Paper 2 Reading (reading comprehension), Paper 2 Listening (listening comprehension), and the Individual Oral (IO) assessed internally.
Related Articles
- How to Score a 7 in IB French B: Your Ultimate Guide
- Complete Guide to IB French B Internal Assessments: SL & HL
- Using AI Podcast Tools to Boost Listening Skills in IB French B
- Revolutionizing IB Exam Prep with AI-Powered Reasoning
Ready to Prepare?
The IB May 2026 exam window is less than two months away. Students who start structured revision early consistently outperform those who leave preparation to the final weeks.
All sessions are delivered online. We work with IB students worldwide.
Exam dates sourced from the official IB examination schedule. Always confirm your personal schedule with your IB Coordinator.
References
International Baccalaureate Organization. (2025). Examination Schedule – May 2026. https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/may-2026-examination-schedule.pdf
International Baccalaureate Organization. (2023). Language B Guide: First Assessment 2020. https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/language-acquisition/language-b/