Can You Fail an IB Exam and Still Get the Diploma?

This is a more complicated question than it first appears. The grading structure for IB is multifaceted and complex. So, while the simple answer is, “Yes, you can fail an IB exam and still be awarded the full Diploma”, it’s important to understand the details.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) evaluates a candidate’s performance holistically based on total points and specific minimum criteria, not individual subject pass/fail status. To earn the Diploma, a student must balance performance across their six subjects and successfully complete all core components (TOK, EE, and CAS). This article explains the critical difference between failing a subject (scoring a 1 or 2) and failing the Diploma. 

It details how a strong score in other areas, such as meeting the 24-point minimum and the 12-point HL requirement, can successfully compensate for a single low grade, provided the strict grade pattern rules and core requirements are met.

Key Takeaways

• Failing a subject does not equal Diploma failure. Strong overall performance can compensate for a single low subject score, provided minimum thresholds are met.

• The Diploma is awarded based on total points and grade pattern rules, not individual subject pass/fail status.

• You need a minimum of 24 points overall and at least 12 points from your three best Higher Level (HL) subjects to earn the Diploma.

• Failing a core component (e.g. a Grade E in TOK or EE or an uncompleted CAS) results in automatic Diploma failure, regardless of subject scores.

• If you are not awarded the Diploma, you have options: For example, requesting a remark for scores close to the higher grade boundary or retaking selected subject exams in a future exam session.

What Counts as “Failing” an IB Exam?

In the IB, you don’t pass or fail individual exams the way you might in other systems. Instead, each subject receives a final grade from 1 to 7 (seven being the highest). The Diploma is awarded (opens in a new tab) based on your combined total across six subjects plus core points from TOK and EE (up to a maximum of 3 points). 

Here’s how failing a subject and failing the Diploma differ:

• Failing a subject: This usually means scoring a 1 or 2 in a subject. A 3 is a low grade, but not automatically considered a “fail”. Although, it can contribute to you not passing your Diploma if your overall grade pattern breaks the rules (more on this later).

• Failing the Diploma: Failing the Diploma is different. In simple terms, this means you did not meet one or more of the official IB award criteria, such as your combined points totalling below 24, not having enough HL points, disqualifying grade patterns or missing core requirements.

Please note: You can fail an exam but still pass the Diploma. Conversely, you can also pass your subjects and still fail the Diploma if you miss a core requirement or violate one of the grade pattern rules. 

Understanding the full Diploma requirements will show you exactly how this works.

IB Diploma Requirements: The Basics

To earn the IB Diploma, you need to earn a minimum of 24 points (out of a maximum of 45). In simple terms, the higher your overall score, the better. However, there are numerous caveats and additional requirements:

• Higher Level (HL) Requirement: You need to earn a minimum of 12 points minimum from your best three HL subjects. For example, 4 + 4 + 4 = 12 (pass), 6 + 3 + 3 = 12 (pass), 5 + 4 + 2 = 11 (fail). Even if you score 24+ overall, you cannot earn the Diploma if your HL total is under 12. You also need to score at least 9 points in SL subjects, unless you are registered for two SL subjects - in this case, the minimum total is 5 points.

• Core Requirements (TOK, EE and CAS): You must successfully complete Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). A failure in CAS = automatic Diploma failure. TOK and EE are awarded A–E grades that combine to produce 0–3 bonus points. An E in either TOK or EE will result in a Diploma fail.

• “N” Grade: An N means “no grade awarded”. This is usually because of missing work or academic misconduct. Any N in any subject or core component = automatic Diploma fail.

• Grade Pattern Rules: These are specific thresholds you have to meet. For example, no score of a grade 1 in any subject (HL + SL), no more than two grade 2s across all subjects (HL + SL), and no more than three grade 3s or below across all subjects (HL+SL).

Can You Fail a Subject and Still Pass Overall?

In many cases: Yes. Failing a subject usually means scoring a 2. This is not ideal, but will not automatically mean that you fail the Diploma. You can still pass, provided you:

• Meet the 24-point minimum.

• Meet the 12-point HL minimum.

• Avoid disqualifying grade patterns (e.g. too many low scores).

• Complete TOK, EE and CAS.

Here are some worked examples:

Scenario 1: SL Fail but Diploma Pass

Subject scores: 6 (HL), 6 (SL), 5 (HL), 4 (HL), 3 (SL), 2 (SL)

Total points: 6 + 6 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 2 = 26 → meets requirement

HL points: 6 + 5 + 4 = 15 → meets requirement

Low score pattern: One 2 → allowed

Core Requirements (TOK, EE and CAS) achieved → meets requirement

Result: Diploma awarded

Scenario 2: HL Fail but Diploma Pass

Subject scores: 7 (HL), 5 (HL), 2 (HL), 5 (SL), 4 (SL), 4 (SL)

Total points: 7 + 5 + 2 + 5 + 4 + 4 = 27 → meets requirement

HL total: 7 + 5 + 2 = 14 → meets requirement

Core Requirements (TOK, EE and CAS) achieved → meets requirement

Result: Diploma awarded

Scenario 3: SL Fail leading to Diploma Fail

Subject scores: 4 (HL), 5 (HL), 5 (HL), 4 (SL), 3 (SL), 2 (SL).

Total points: 4 + 5 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 2 = 23 → does not meet requirement

HL points: 4 + 5 + 5 = 14 → meets requirement

Core Requirements (TOK, EE and CAS) achieved → meets requirement

Result: Diploma not awarded

Scenario 4: HL Fail leading to Diploma Fail

Subject scores: 4 (HL), 4 (HL), 2 (HL), 5 (SL), 5 (SL), 5 (SL)

Total points: 4 + 4 + 2 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 25 → meets requirement

HL total: 4 + 4 + 2 = 10 → does not meet requirement

Core Requirements (TOK, EE and CAS) achieved → meets requirement

Result: Diploma not awarded

Retakes and Remarking: What to Do If You Miss the Mark

If you do fail the Diploma, you still have options. Many students earn the Diploma on their second attempt, sometimes without too much extra work. 

Here are your options:

• Requesting a Remark: If you are close to the next grade boundary, you can request a remark. “Close” is a subjective word, but it probably means a maximum of 4 marks away from the higher grade. There tends to be greater grade variation in essay-based subjects (e.g. English, History, Economics), so remarking is often a sensible course of action. The opposite is true of subjects where the grading is more formulaic (e.g. Mathematics, Physics). Your IB Coordinator will be able to guide you through what’s prudent.

• Retaking Exams: You can retake any subject in a future exam session (May or November). Many students find that retaking one or two subjects is enough to meet the Diploma criteria. It is likely you will end up studying independently for this exam (or exams), so having access to the best resources is key.

• Redoing or Completing TOK/EE: If the issue is core-related (e.g. a missing TOK essay, or a missing EE, or an E grade either TOK or EE that disqualifies you), you can resubmit these components with guidance from your school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fail a HL subject and still pass the IB Diploma?

Yes, as long as you meet the criteria set out above. The main things to know is that your HL points have to total 12 points or more and that your total score needs to be 24 or more.

Do I have to retake the whole Diploma if I fail one exam?

No. You can request a remark, retake just the subject you failed, or resubmit core components (if that was the issue). The only time students choose to retake the whole Diploma is if they want significantly higher grades or they failed in multiple areas.

How many points do I need from HL subjects?

You need at least 12 points from your best three HL subjects. (It’s “best three” as some candidates opt for four HL subjects.)

Final Thoughts

Yes - you can fail an IB exam and still earn the Diploma. The IB assesses the whole Diploma, not isolated performances. Strong results in other subjects, solid HL scores, and completed core components can fully compensate for a weak grade. 

If you’re worried about one subject, please bear in mind that most students who think they’ve “failed” actually pass once the full grading criteria are applied.

References

• Save My Exams - IB Grades Explained for Students: https://www.savemyexams.com/learning-hub/exam-guides/ib-grades-explained/

• Save My Exams - IB Revision: https://www.savemyexams.com/dp/

• International Baccalaureate - DP passing criteria: (opens in a new tab)https://www.ibo.org/about-the-ib/what-it-means-to-be-an-ib-student/recognizing-student-achievement/about-assessment/dp-passing-criteria/ (opens in a new tab)

• International Baccalaureate - Assessment principles and practices - Quality assessments in a digital age: (opens in a new tab)https://www.ibo.org/contentassets/1cdf850e366447e99b5a862aab622883/assessment-principles-and-practices-2018-en.pdf (opens in a new tab)

• What Happens if You Fail an IB Subject?: (opens in a new tab)https://www.clastify.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-fail-an-ib-subject (opens in a new tab)