The IB Diploma Timeline: Your Two-Year Roadmap

Hey there! Welcome to the IB Diploma Programme. Think of the next two years as a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a challenging journey, but an incredibly rewarding one. The key to finishing strong isn't just about working hard; it's about working smart and knowing what’s coming around the corner.

This timeline is your GPS for the entire IB journey. Use it to see the major milestones, plan ahead, and mentally prepare for the road ahead. Knowing that DP2 gets intense with deadlines means you'll understand why it's so important to get your EE research question nailed down in DP1!

By using this roadmap, you'll be able to:

Visualize your entire IB journey from start to finish.
Anticipate key pressure points and deadlines before they sneak up on you.
Pace yourself by understanding when to focus on coursework vs. exam prep.
Reduce stress by knowing what to expect and when.

DP1: Laying the Foundation

Your first year is all about building a solid base. You'll dive deep into your chosen subjects and get to grips with the three core components that make the IB unique: the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and CAS.

Beginning of Year (Sept - Oct)

The starting pistol fires! It's all about making big choices and understanding the landscape.

Finalise Your Subjects: Lock in your three Higher Level (HL) and three Standard Level (SL) subjects. Choose wisely!
Meet the Core: You'll get formal introductions to CAS, TOK, and the EE. Pay attention here—these aren't side projects; they are central to your diploma.
CAS Kick-off: Start planning your Creativity, Activity, and Service projects. Remember, CAS is about consistent engagement over 18 months.

Mid-Year (Nov - March)

The initial excitement settles, and the real work begins. Momentum is your best friend now.

The Big Question: You'll start brainstorming and identifying your research question for the Extended Essay. This is a huge step.
Research Mode: On. Once your question is approved, you'll begin the formal research for your EE.
IA First Look: Your teachers will start introducing the Internal Assessments (IAs) for various subjects.
First Test Run: Most schools hold mock or mid-year exams to check your progress. Use the feedback to guide your study.

End of Year (April - June)

You're wrapping up the first half of the marathon. The focus is on consolidating your work and preparing for the summer.

EE Plan Formalised: You'll meet with your supervisor to finalize your research plan and set goals for your first draft.
Group 4 Project: Time for the sciences to collaborate! The interdisciplinary Group 4 project often takes place here.
Summer Mocks: One last set of internal exams to benchmark your knowledge before the break.

The DP1 Lanterna Tip: Your Extended Essay topic is something you'll live with for over a year. Choose a subject you are genuinely curious about, not just one you think will score well. Your passion will be your biggest motivator when you're deep in the research and writing process.

DP2: The Final Ascent

This is where the intensity ramps up. DP2 is a balancing act between finishing major coursework, revising the entire syllabus, and preparing for university applications. Organisation is everything.

Beginning of Year (Sept - Oct)

You hit the ground running. Juggling multiple major deadlines is the name of the game.

University Apps Go Live: For many, the university application process (like UCAS) begins now. Time management is crucial.
EE First Draft: This major deadline usually falls early in the term. Your supervisor's feedback here is gold.
IA Deadlines Appear: The first wave of final IA submissions begins, often for subjects like Maths or Geography.
TOK Takes Shape: You'll work on your TOK presentation and start drafting your TOK essay.

Mid-Year (Nov - Jan)

This is arguably the most demanding period of the entire diploma. Keep your head down and tick things off the list one by one.

The Big Mocks: This is your dress rehearsal for the final exams. Take them seriously—they are the best preparation you'll get.
Final IA Push: The deadlines for the rest of your IAs (e.g., Sciences, Languages) will fall in this window.
EE Final Touches: Your final meetings with your EE supervisor will take place as you polish your essay.

The End Game (Feb - May)

The finish line is in sight! Coursework is submitted, and the focus shifts 100% to exam revision.

The 'Big 3' Submissions: Your final Extended Essay, TOK Essay, and all CAS evidence are submitted. A huge weight off your shoulders!
Study Leave: Classes end, and you enter the final, focused period of revision before exams.
Final IB Exams: This is it! From late April to late May, you'll sit the exams that you've been working towards for two years.
Graduation: You did it. Time to celebrate!

The DP2 Lanterna Tip: Use a digital or physical planner religiously. Break down every huge task (like "write TOK essay") into tiny, 1-hour steps ("review prescribed titles," "create outline for PT #3," "find 2 RLS examples"). Ticking off small wins is the best way to fight procrastination and stay motivated when you feel overwhelmed.

Manmohini Tiwari
Hi, I’m Manmohini, an IB graduate with 40 points, now studying International Relations and Global Affairs in Italy. I earned 7s in HL History and HL English A, along with an A in TOK, and I’ve been tutoring these subjects for around four years. My experience working with organisations like NATO and the United Nations has deepened my understanding of global issues — something I love bringing into my lessons to make learning more relevant and thought-provoking. I focus on helping students see connections between ideas, develop strong essay and critical thinking skills, and approach the IB with confidence and curiosity rather than stress. My lessons are interactive and tailored to each student’s goals, whether that’s improving analysis, refining writing, or mastering exam techniques. I see tutoring as more than academics — it’s about building perspective and empowering students to express themselves clearly while staying balanced.. When I’m not tutoring, you’ll usually find me hiking, playing new music, or planning my next travel adventure.

DP1 focuses on building foundational knowledge and starting major projects like the Extended Essay (EE) and CAS. DP2 significantly increases in intensity, as you must complete all coursework (IAs, EE, TOK) and prepare for final exams. Proactive planning is key to managing the jump in workload.

A great strategy is to treat DP1 deadlines, especially for the EE draft and early IAs, with the same seriousness as final submissions. Building strong, consistent study habits from day one prevents a stressful catch-up situation in DP2. A free Lanterna IB consultation can help you map out a personalised two-year plan with an expert.

The most demanding period for most students is from September to February of DP2. This is when final drafts of the Extended Essay, the TOK essay, and numerous Internal Assessments are often due. This coincides with mock exams, making time management and strategic planning absolutely essential.

We specialise in helping students navigate the IB's demands. Our expert tutors, all high-achieving IB graduates, provide targeted support for any component, from structuring your EE to mastering IA criteria or creating an effective exam revision plan. This support helps you stay on track and submit work with confidence.

Lanterna’s IB consultation is a free, 20–30 minute online call with a Student Success Expert. It's a chance for students and parents to discuss specific IB challenges, academic goals, and create a personalised plan to improve grades and reduce stress.

Yes, it is completely free and comes with no obligation to purchase tutoring. Our primary goal is to provide genuine value and a clear roadmap for your IB journey. You'll leave the call with a better understanding of your priorities and next steps, whether you choose to work with us or not.

The consultation is for any IB student (DP1 or DP2) or parent seeking clarity and confidence. It's perfect if you're feeling overwhelmed by the timeline, unsure about how to prepare for exams, need help with IAs or the EE, or simply want to ensure your current study strategies are effective for achieving top marks.

While consistent review is important throughout the two years, dedicated exam preparation should intensify after your DP2 mock exams (typically Jan/Feb). The period known as \

Absolutely. The EE and IAs are common areas where students need expert guidance. Our tutors have excelled in these components themselves and can help you with everything from refining a research question and structuring your work to understanding the complex marking criteria for any of your SL or HL subjects.

Our Student Success Experts are IB specialists who are deeply familiar with the programme's timeline, subjects, and challenges. They are your first point of contact and are trained to listen to your unique situation. During the free consultation, they'll help you identify strengths and weaknesses and architect a clear plan for academic success.

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