May 2026 IB Exam Calendar

The May 2026 IB examination session is scheduled to begin on April 24, 2026, and will conclude on May 20, 2026. This period covers all major subject groups and includes both morning and afternoon testing sessions.

While the dates are consistent globally, the specific start times depend on your school's assigned time zone (Zone A, B, or C). It is essential to confirm the exact local start times with your IB Coordinator to ensure you arrive on time.

The IB often separates the "Big Three" languages—English, French, and Spanish—from other Language A and B subjects to manage the high volume of candidates. These subjects typically have dedicated slots later in the calendar to avoid major scheduling conflicts.

The 2026 calendar starts with subjects like Physics, Sports, Exercise & Health Science (SEHS), and Business Management in the final week of April. Following these, subjects like History and Psychology typically appear in early May.

Effective preparation involves scheduling your revision backwards from your exam dates, focusing on your mistakes through an error log, and practicing past papers under timed conditions. Maintaining a balanced life with consistent sleep and exercise is also crucial for long-term retention.

Our free 20–30 minute consultation is led by a Student Success Expert. We help you build a personalized study plan, identify your top priorities, and suggest next steps to hit your target grades. There is absolutely no obligation to purchase tutoring after the session.

Lanterna tutors are high-achieving IB graduates who have aced the very exams you are taking. They provide "insider" knowledge on mark schemes, time management, and complex subject material across all SL and HL subjects, helping you compress months of revision into productive weeks.

Yes. Our Student Success Experts can help you design a strategic revision schedule that accounts for "heavy" days. We teach you how to balance high-intensity study blocks so you can walk into every exam feeling confident and refreshed, rather than burnt out.