Click here to explore thousands of examiner marked IA, EE and TOK exemplars!
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is known for its rigour and high standards. While the program is designed to ensure students succeed at university, not everyone may achieve the results they hope for in all their chosen subjects. This post is here to outline what happens if you fail an IB subject and what you can do moving forward.
What Happens if You Fail an IB Subject?
IB subjects are graded on a scale of 1-7, with 7 being the highest. A subject is considered failed if the student receives a score lower than 3. To pass and earn the IB Diploma, students should meet the below requirements:
At least 24 points have been obtained.
Complete all the CAS requirements.
A grade from A-D has been obtained for both the TOK and the EE. A grade of E is considered a failing grade.
A grade of at least a 2 has been awarded in all subjects.
There are no more than two grade 2s awarded (SL or HL).
There are no more than three grade 3s or below awarded (SL or HL).
A total of at least 12 across HL subjects. If 4 subjects are taken at HL, the highest 3 grades will count towards this requirement.
A total of at least 9 across SL subjects. If 2 subjects are taken at SL, a total of at least 5 across both subjects must be obtained.
Scenarios of Failing a Subject
Single subject failure with 24 points or above: If your total score is above 24 but you have failed only 1 subject, you may still be eligible to receive the IB Diploma. This is reviewed on a case-by-case basis so you will need to discuss this with your school's IB coordinator.
Failing multiple subjects: If you score below 3 on more than 2 subjects or your overall score is below 24 points, the IB Diploma will not be awarded.
Failing the DP core: A grade of E on either the TOK or EE (or both) results in failing the DP core and the IBDP as a result. The IB Diploma will not be awarded even if your total score is above 24 points.
What to Do After Failing
Reassessment: The most viable option is to retake the IBDP in a subsequent session to see if you can improve your score and pass the IBDP. The IB holds sessions every 6 months (May and November), so you could either retake the IB within 6 months if you feel ready or within a year if you need more time to prepare.
Requesting a remark: If you have missed the passing grade only by a few points, you could request a remark to see if a different examiner scores you higher. However, you should be mindful that remark requests could lead to your grade going up, down, or staying the same.
We hope this guide has provided you with some useful information on what happens if you fail an IB subject. For more help with IB content, you can browse through our library of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify, as well as other guides available on our blog.
The Fast Track To Your
Best IB Coursework & College Essays
All content on this website has been developed independently from and is not endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization. International Baccalaureate and IB are registered trademarks owned by the International Baccalaureate Organization.