How Long Do IB Exams Last?: Full Breakdown

Planning your IB exam prep and wondering exactly how long you'll be sitting in the exam hall? You're not alone. Understanding exam durations helps you prepare mentally and plan your revision strategy.

IB exams vary quite a bit in length depending on your subject and level. Some papers last just 45 minutes, whilst others stretch to a full 2 hours 30 minutes. Knowing what you're facing helps you build exam stamina.

So, how long do IB exams last? This guide breaks down the exact timings for every IB exam paper, so you know precisely what to expect on exam day.

Key Takeaways

• IB exams range from 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes per paper, depending on the subject and level you're taking.

• Each subject typically has 2 papers for SL students and 3 papers for HL students, though this varies by subject.

• Total exam time per subject can reach 6+ hours when you add all papers together, so exam stamina matters.

• HL exams are generally longer than SL exams and often include an additional paper testing extended content.

IB Exam Format Overview

Most IB subjects split their assessment across multiple papers, each testing different skills or content areas.

• Paper 1 usually contains multiple-choice or short-answer questions covering a broad range of topics from the syllabus.

• Paper 2 typically involves longer, more detailed questions requiring extended responses and deeper analysis.

• Paper 3 (in some subjects only, mainly for HL students) often focuses on options, extended content, or practical work depending on the subject.

The exact format varies between subjects (opens in a new tab), but this general structure applies across sciences, humanities, and languages.

SL exams are shorter than HL exams and often have fewer papers, reflecting the reduced content and teaching hours.

All timing standards are set globally by the IB Organisation, so exam lengths are the same regardless of which country you're studying in.

Full Breakdown of IB Exam Timings by Subject

Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

Mathematics

Languages (English)

Individuals & Societies

Arts

Are There Breaks Between IB Exam Papers?

Papers might be scheduled back-to-back on the same day or spread across different days, depending on your school's exam timetable and the IB's official schedule.

• When two papers are scheduled in one session (like morning or afternoon), there's usually a short supervised break of about 10-15 minutes between them.

• During these breaks, you typically can't leave the exam room or access any study materials. It's just a quick breather before continuing.

If papers fall on different days, you obviously get much longer to rest and prepare between them. Check your specific exam schedule early so you know what to expect.

Schools follow the official IB exam timetable, which maps out which subjects sit on which dates. You can find the current schedule (opens in a new tab) on the IB Organisation website or through your IB coordinator.

For more information about when your specific exams will take place, check out our IB exam dates guide.

How IB Exam Duration Affects Revision Planning

Knowing exam lengths helps you practice under realistic conditions. Don't just study content - train for the actual exam experience. Use Save My Exams IB revision resources to help you.

Long exams require serious mental stamina. You need to maintain focus and performance quality for 2+ hours straight, which takes practice.

Use past papers under timed conditions to build your exam endurance. Start with shorter sessions and gradually work up to full paper lengths.

HL students face particularly long exam sessions - 5 hours or more per subject means you need strategies for maintaining concentration throughout.

Plan your exam day carefully. Eat properly beforehand, stay hydrated, and know exactly how long each paper lasts so you can pace yourself.

Time management within exams becomes crucial for longer papers. Practice allocating time to different sections and sticking to your plan under pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of exams do IB students sit in total?

IB students typically sit 15-25 hours of exams in total, depending on their subject combinations and whether they're taking SL or HL courses. A student taking three HL and three SL subjects will be on the higher end of this range, whilst those with more SL subjects face slightly less exam time.

Are HL exams longer than SL exams?

Yes, HL exams are significantly longer than SL exams. HL courses usually have an additional paper (Paper 3) and longer timings for Papers 1 and 2. This reflects the additional content and depth required at Higher Level.

Can exams be scheduled on the same day?

Yes, it's very common to have two or even three exam papers scheduled on the same day, especially during the busy middle weeks of the May exam session. You might sit one paper in the morning session and another in the afternoon. Your school's exam timetable will show you exactly which papers fall on which days.

Final Thoughts

Understanding exam timings is about more than just knowing when to show up. It's about preparing your mind and body for the stamina required to perform well under pressure.

The variation in exam lengths across subjects means your revision strategy should account for the different demands each exam places on you.

Print out your personal exam timetable with durations for each paper. Keep it somewhere visible whilst you revise so you're constantly aware of what you're building towards.

Remember, exam length doesn't always correlate with difficulty. A 45-minute paper can feel just as challenging as a 2-hour one if the questions are tough.

Build your exam stamina gradually through timed practice. By exam day, sitting through your longest papers should feel manageable because you've trained for exactly that experience.

References

• IB current exam schedules (opens in a new tab)

• May 2025 exam schedule (opens in a new tab)