What Happens If You Miss an IB Exam?

Missing an IB exam is a stressful situation, but it doesn’t automatically mean failure. Each year, some students are unable to attend exams because of illness, family emergencies, accidents, or other serious disruptions. The IB understands this and has an adverse circumstances policy to cover such situations.

In this guide, we’ll break down when you can still get a grade, what counts as a valid reason for missing an IB exam, how special consideration works, and what to do if you need to resit, all in clear, student-friendly steps. If you’ve missed (or think you might miss) an IB exam, the most important thing is to tell your IB coordinator immediately. They will guide you through the next steps and contact the IB on your behalf.

Key Takeaways

• Missing an IB exam doesn’t automatically mean failure -  the IB has policies to support students.

• If you’ve completed enough assessments, you may still receive a grade through the missing mark procedure.

• Valid reasons include illness, family emergencies, mental health crises, or serious disruptions (with evidence).

• If you don’t qualify, you can resit the subject in the next May or November session.

• Always inform your IB coordinator immediately - they handle applications and next steps.

When Can You Still Get a Grade After Missing an IB Exam?

Missing one exam paper doesn’t always mean losing the entire subject. Under the IB’s “adverse circumstances” policy, you may still be awarded a grade if you’ve already completed enough of the other required assessments.

This is called the “missing mark procedure.” The IB uses the work you’ve submitted, such as your Internal Assessments (IAs), essays, and any other exam papers you did sit, to calculate a final grade. They combine this with global grade data to make the result as fair and reliable as possible.

The missing mark procedure can only be applied if:

• You’ve completed a substantial amount of the assessment for that subject.

• The reason for missing the paper is valid and beyond your control (e.g. illness, family emergency, accident).

If these conditions are met, the IB may award you a grade for the subject without you needing to sit that specific exam.

Valid Reasons for Missing an IB Exam

The IB understands that sometimes students may be unable to sit an exam for reasons beyond their control. These are called adverse circumstances, and they include:

• Illness: A sudden medical emergency, which could include circumstances such as flu, food poisoning, or appendicitis (a doctor’s note would usually support this).

• Family emergencies: For example, the death of a close relative or a serious crisis at home.

• Mental health issues: severe anxiety, panic attacks, or another mental health condition that prevents you from attending (your case would need professional documentation).

• Accidents or natural disasters: For example, being hospitalised after an accident, or caught in extreme weather or travel disruption that makes it impossible to reach the exam.

Some reasons are not accepted under IB rules. These include oversleeping, mixing up your timetable, being underprepared, or long-term conditions that were already known about before the exams.

If your situation fits the valid categories, the IB coordinator at your school or college can submit all relevant details to the IB and apply for special consideration on your behalf. Every case is judged individually.

How to Apply for Special Consideration

If you miss an exam, you cannot apply to the IB yourself. The process must go through your school’s IB coordinator, who will contact the IB and submit the evidence on your behalf.

Here’s how it works:

1. Tell your IB coordinator immediately, as soon as you know you’ve missed or will miss an exam.

2. Provide evidence: This could be a doctor’s note, a hospital record, or official confirmation of the emergency (for example, a death certificate or police/incident report).

3. School submits the application: Your IB coordinator will send the evidence to the IB within the official deadline.

4. IB reviews your case: The assessment team decides whether your situation qualifies as adverse circumstances.

Applications typically need to be submitted within 10 days of the missed exam, so acting quickly is vital.

What If You Don’t Qualify for Special Consideration?

Sometimes an absence doesn’t meet the IB’s criteria for adverse circumstances. In these cases, the IB cannot award you a grade for that subject.

If you don’t qualify, you still have options:

• Resit in the next session: IB exams run every May and November. You can re-enter for the missed subject at the next available sitting.

• Focus on other components: If you’re only missing one subject, you may still complete your other exams and earn certificates for them.

• Talk to your IB coordinator about your next steps: They can guide you on re-entry, university applications, or alternative routes.

Although it’s disappointing, missing one exam does not end your future plans. Many students go on to succeed after retaking in the following session.

Can You Resit an IB Exam?

Yes. If you miss an exam or don’t achieve the grade you hoped for, you can resit an IB subject in the next available session (May or November).

Key things to know about IB resits:

• Coursework typically carries over, meaning you usually won’t need to redo Internal Assessments (IAs), the TOK essay, or the Extended Essay unless required.

• You can retake just one subject, multiple, or the full Diploma; it's up to you.

• Registration must be completed through your school; your coordinator will handle the process.

• Universities accept resits. Many universities recognise that students may face setbacks and will consider resit grades in their applications.

For a complete step-by-step breakdown, consult our Guide to IB Exam Resits.

Resitting gives you a fresh chance to show your ability and secure the grades you need for your diploma or university plans.

How Will Missing an IB Exam Affect Your University Offer?

If your school successfully applies for special consideration, the IB may award you a grade using the missing mark procedure. In that case, universities will treat it like any other IB result. Your offer isn’t automatically at risk just because you missed a paper.

If you don’t receive a grade and need to resit in the next session, things depend on your chosen university:

• Some universities will allow you to defer your place until you have your resit results.

• Others may ask you to reapply in the next admissions cycle, particularly for very competitive courses.

• Most universities are flexible if you can provide clear evidence of illness, family emergency, or another valid reason for missing the exam.

The most important step is to contact your university as soon as possible. Admissions teams are accustomed to handling unexpected situations and will inform you of your options.

Staying Calm and Taking Action

Missing an exam can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean your future is ruined. What matters most is how you respond in the days that follow.

Here are some steps to help you stay in control:

• Focus on what you can control. Inform your IB coordinator, provide any necessary documents, and follow their guidance.

• Look after your wellbeing. Talk to parents, teachers, or a school counsellor if you’re feeling anxious. Missing an exam can be upsetting, but support is there if you need it.

• Plan your next steps. Whether that’s waiting for a decision from the IB, preparing for a resit, or contacting universities, break tasks into manageable pieces.

• Keep perspective. One missed exam doesn’t erase the hard work you’ve done in the IB. Many students recover from setbacks like this and still pursue their university studies or chosen career paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get a Grade If I Miss One Paper but Sit the Others?

Yes. If you’ve completed a substantial part of the assessment, for example, your Internal Assessment and at least one exam paper, the IB may still award you a grade using the missing mark procedure. 

Your coordinator must apply for this.

What Counts as an Invalid Reason for Missing an IB Exam?

Reasons such as oversleeping, mixing up your timetable, or being underprepared are not accepted as valid reasons. 

The IB only considers circumstances that are sudden, serious, and outside of your control.

How Do I Know If Special Consideration Was Approved?

Your IB coordinator will receive the decision from the IB and pass it on to you. 

The outcome will not be directly communicated to students by the IB.

Final Thoughts

Missing an IB exam is stressful, but it doesn’t mean failure. With IB’s policies, many students still receive a grade, and if not, resits give you another chance. The key is to act quickly by speaking to your IB coordinator and following their guidance.

For help with revision and exam preparation, explore Save My Exams’ IB resources, including exam-style questions, revision notes, and past papers, to give yourself the best chance next time.

References:

IBO, Adverse circumstances policy, 2023 (opens in a new tab)