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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

IB Diploma Resources 2026

Free IB syllabi, past papers archive, IA guides, grade boundaries, and score calculators for all major Diploma Programme subjects.

13

Subjects Covered

6

IB Groups

45

Max Diploma Score

Extensive

Archive

Tools

IB Tools

Most searched

Popular IB Subjects

Syllabus breakdowns, IA guides, exam tips, and grade boundaries.

Directory

All Subjects by Group

📖

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

First language study — literary analysis, language in cultural context, and media texts.

🌍

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

Humanities and social sciences — history, geography, economics, psychology, and global politics.

🔬

Group 4: Sciences

Natural sciences — biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and environmental systems.

📐

Group 5: Mathematics

Two pathways: Analysis and Approaches (AA) for abstract maths, and Applications and Interpretation (AI) for applied maths.

The core

IB Core Components

Required for all Diploma Programme students — not graded separately but worth up to 3 bonus points.

🧠

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Explores the nature of knowledge across disciplines. Assessed via an exhibition and 1,600-word essay. Worth up to 3 bonus points.

📝

Extended Essay (EE)

A 4,000-word independent research essay on a self-chosen topic. Assessed A–E. Combined with TOK for up to 3 bonus points.

🤸

CAS

Creativity, Activity, Service — a non-graded but compulsory component requiring meaningful engagement over two years.

Scoring

How IB Diploma Scoring Works

The IB Diploma is scored out of 45 points. Each of your 6 subjects is graded from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest), giving a maximum of 42 subject points.

An additional 3 bonus points can be earned through combined performance in Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE).

The minimum passing score is 24 points, with no grade below 2 in any subject, no more than 3 subjects at grade 3 or below, and satisfactory completion of CAS.

Scoring Breakdown

  • 3 HL subjects21 pts (7 each)
  • 3 SL subjects21 pts (7 each)
  • TOK + EE bonus3 pts
  • Total maximum45 pts
  • Pass mark24 pts
Calculate Your Score
Study tools

Study resources

For IB Diploma students at HL and SL — past-paper questions sorted by syllabus topic, full worked solutions, and focused revision material.

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FAQs

Questions, answered.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year pre-university qualification for students aged 16–19, offered in 160+ countries. Students take 6 subjects (3 HL, 3 SL), complete Theory of Knowledge, write an Extended Essay, and complete CAS activities. Maximum score is 45 points; the pass mark is 24.

PapersDaddy provides free IB subject syllabi, topic-by-topic breakdowns, IA guides, EE and TOK advice, grade boundaries for major subjects, an IB score calculator, and a separate IB past papers archive organized by group, subject, and session.

Higher Level (HL) subjects require 240 teaching hours and are examined more deeply. Standard Level (SL) subjects require 150 hours. Students must take at least 3 HL and 2 SL subjects. HL subjects carry more weight for university admissions in competitive courses like medicine and engineering.

Each of the 6 subjects is graded 1–7, giving a maximum of 42 subject points. Up to 3 bonus points are awarded for combined performance in Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay. Total maximum is 45 points. Universities typically require 30–38 points for competitive programmes.

Mathematics Analysis and Approaches HL, Physics HL, and Chemistry HL are widely considered the most challenging due to their depth and mathematical rigour. However, difficulty is relative — subjects like History HL and English A Literature HL demand significant writing and analytical skills.

Both are respected internationally. IB offers breadth (6 subjects + core) and develops well-rounded skills, making it attractive to US universities. A Levels offer greater depth in 3 subjects and are preferred by some UK universities for specific courses. Neither is objectively better — it depends on the student's strengths and target universities.