IB Exam Resit Dates 2026/27: Key Dates & Deadlines

Didn’t quite get the IB results you were aiming for? Don’t worry—resitting your IB exams can be your second shot at success. Whether you're hoping to meet the conditions of a university offer, secure a dream apprenticeship, or simply prove what you’re capable of, this is your chance to improve. 

In this guide, we explain the key IB exam resit dates for 2026 and 2027, including when the next exam sessions take place, when results are released, and what deadlines you need to know.

Key Takeaways

• IB students can resit exams in the next available exam session, which takes place either in May or November each year.

• The November session is commonly used for resits, especially for students who sat their exams in the May session.

• IB exam registration deadlines are usually set by your school’s IB coordinator, so check with them early if you plan to resit.

• IB resit results are typically released in early July for the May session and mid-December for the November session.

When are IB exam resits?

You can resit your IB exams in the next available exam session. The International Baccalaureate (opens in a new tab) runs two exam sessions each year, in May and November.

These sessions usually follow this pattern:

• May session: Typically for students in the Northern Hemisphere

• November session: Primarily for students in the Southern Hemisphere and students resitting exams

So, if you sat your IB exams in the May session and want to improve your results, you can usually resit them in the November session of the same year. 

The November 2027 exam session is scheduled to run from Friday 22 October 2027 to Friday 12 November 2027, according to the current IB examination schedule (opens in a new tab) (subject to confirmation).

IB DP Maths resit dates 2026

Whether you’re resitting Maths AA or Maths AI, now is the time to rethink your revision strategy. Check out our IB Maths revision tips and resources. 

IB DP English resit dates 2026

If you’re retaking IB English, it’s a good opportunity to refine your exam technique and strengthen your analysis skills. To improve your revision strategy, check out our expert Nick Redgrove’s top tips on how to revise for IB English Literature. 

IB DP Biology resit dates 2026 

If you’re retaking IB Biology this is a good opportunity to strengthen your understanding of key concepts and practise applying them under exam conditions. Check out our comprehensive IB Biology revision resources to help you prepare effectively.

IB DP History resit dates 2026

If you’re resitting IB History, focusing on exam technique and practising past paper questions can make a big difference. To help boost your IB History grades, check out our expert tips on revising for IB History. 

IB DP Spanish resit dates 2026

IB exam resit dates for other subjects

We’ve covered the resit dates for some of the most popular IB subjects, but if you’re planning to retake a different course, you can find the full IB exam timetable for November 2026 (opens in a new tab) on the official IB website.

Your school’s IB coordinator will also be able to confirm the exact dates and times for each exam you plan to resit.

How to prepare for IB resits

After months of work preparing for your IB exams, the thought of doing it all again might feel overwhelming. But resits give you the chance to refine your revision strategy, fill gaps in your knowledge, and walk into the exam feeling more confident. 

Here’s how to make the most of your IB resits.

Create a revision timetable

Start by creating a revision schedule that works for you. Think about your classes, study time, breaks, part-time work, and other commitments.

Here are a few ways to approach it:

• Focus on the subjects or papers you struggled with most last time

• Spread revision across several weeks rather than cramming just before the exam

• Build in time for past papers and mock exams, especially under timed conditions

With the right preparation, revision will feel much more manageable.

Rethink your revision strategy

The IB is not just about memorising information. It is about understanding complex ideas, connecting concepts, and applying your knowledge in exam conditions.

Instead of passive revision, try using active techniques such as:

• Active recall – test yourself on key concepts without looking at your notes, one of the best memorisation techniques of all

• Flashcards – to practise key terms and definitions

• Practice papers – become familiar with IB command terms and exam timing

• Spaced repetition – revisit topics regularly to strengthen long-term memory

• Mind mapping – link ideas together and see the bigger picture

• Teaching a topic aloud (the Feynman Technique) to see if you can explain it clearly

Adapting your revision strategy can make a big difference when preparing for a resit. For further details, consult our complete guide to IB retakes. And explore our Learning Hub for plenty more revision tips and strategies.

What is the deadline for IB resits?

The deadline for IB resits depends on which exam session you are registering for.

If you are planning to resit exams in the November session, registration usually takes place during the summer, often around July.

If you plan to resit exams in the May session, registration normally happens earlier in the year, typically in January or February.

Exact deadlines can vary slightly between schools, so the best step is to speak with your school’s IB coordinator as early as possible to confirm your registration date.

When is IB resit results day?

If you resit your IB exams in the November 2026 session, you will receive your results on 16 December 2026 from 9.00 pm GMT.

If you choose to resit your exams in the May 2027 session, results will be released on IB results day in early July 2027.

Your school’s IB coordinator will confirm how to access your results and guide you through the next steps if you plan to resit again or send your results to universities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I resit IB exams?

You can resit IB exams more than once if you want to improve your results. The IB previously limited candidates to three exam sessions, but this rule changed in 2023, and there is now no fixed limit on the number of resits.

However, each resit requires a new exam entry through an IB World School, so you should discuss your options with your school’s IB coordinator before registering.

What happens if I do worse in an IB resit?

If you score lower in a resit, it will not replace your previous higher result. The IB keeps a record of both grades, but your highest grade counts towards your final diploma score.

Universities may still see both results, so it is worth preparing carefully before choosing to resit an exam.

Do you have to pay to resit IB exams?

Yes. Most students need to pay a resit fee for each subject they retake.

The exact cost can vary depending on your school and country, so you should check with your IB coordinator to confirm the fee and payment process.

Ace your IB exams with Save My Exams

Resits are not setbacks. They are an opportunity to improve your results and show what you are capable of.

Whether you want to meet a university offer, strengthen your final diploma score, or simply improve a subject grade, Save My Exams can help you prepare with confidence.

Join over 2 million students who use Save My Exams to revise smarter. You’ll get access to high-quality, teacher-written revision resources, including concise revision notes, exam-style questions, and flashcards tailored to your IB subjects.

Explore our IB Revision Resources to start improving your exam performance today.

References:

• IB November 2026 examination schedule FINAL VERSION All exam zones (A, B, C) (opens in a new tab)