How To Make an IB Revision Timetable

If you’re preparing for IB exams, managing your time can feel like juggling six subjects, coursework deadlines, and revision all at once. That’s why knowing how to make an IB revision timetable can make such a difference.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to build a personalised plan that fits your subjects, goals, and weekly routine. You’ll also see a sample timetable and find practical tips for staying consistent, so you can focus on revising smartly and feeling confident before exams.

Key Takeaways

• The IB syllabus is large, so a structured revision timetable is essential for balancing subjects, deadlines, and rest.

• Learn how to break down each subject, set priorities, and plan weekly study blocks that suit your schedule.

• A flexible plan helps reduce stress, improve focus, and build confidence for both mock and final exams.

• Use Save My Exams resources to make your timetable more targeted and effective.

Why an IB Revision Timetable Is Essential

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is known for its breadth and depth. You study six subjects at once, usually three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), alongside Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and CAS commitments.

That means juggling a demanding mix of essay writing, problem-solving, and independent research. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to lose track or spend too much time on one subject.

A good IB revision timetable helps you:

• Balance HL and SL priorities

• Allocate realistic time for each subject

• Keep up with internal deadlines while preparing for exams

• Avoid last-minute cramming and burnout

Your timetable becomes the structure that supports steady progress, turning the IB’s workload into something you can manage confidently.

What This Guide Will Help You Do

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to make an IB revision timetable that suits your subjects, goals, and schedule. You’ll learn how to:

• Build a personalised plan based on your HL and SL subjects

• Adapt it for different stages of the year, from mocks to final exams

• Combine Save My Exams resources with your school notes

• Review and adjust your plan weekly so it stays realistic and motivating

The goal is not to create a rigid schedule. It’s about creating a flexible plan that fits your life, keeps you focused, and helps you perform at your best.

Step-by-Step: How To Make Your IB Revision Timetable

Creating your IB revision timetable doesn’t need to be complicated. The key is to make it realistic, specific to your subjects, and flexible enough to adjust as exams get closer.

Follow these seven steps to build a timetable that keeps you focused and reduces stress.

Step 1: List All Your Subjects (HL and SL)

Start by listing your six IB subjects and marking which are Higher Level (HL) and which are Standard Level (SL). HL subjects usually have more topics and carry greater exam weight, so they need more revision time each week.

For example:

This list forms the foundation of your timetable. Every revision slot will link back to one of these subjects.

Step 2: Break Each Subject Into Topics

Next, divide each subject into smaller topics. Breaking the syllabus into sections prevents overwhelm and helps you track progress.

Use your IB subject guide or Save My Exams topic lists for this step.

For example:

• IB Biology HL: Cell biology, genetics, ecology, human physiology

• IB English HL: Paper 1 analysis, Paper 2 essays, Text 1 and Text 2

• IB Maths SL: Algebra, functions, calculus, statistics

By listing every topic, you can later assign them to specific days or weeks in your timetable.

Step 3: Prioritise Based on Strengths, Weaknesses & Exam Dates

Not every subject needs the same attention. Think about:

• Which subjects or topics you find most challenging

• Which exams are coming up soonest

• Which HL papers require the most detailed preparation

It helps to colour-code your subjects:

• Red: urgent or weaker areas

• Yellow: moderate confidence

• Green: strongest subjects

This visual system makes it easier to spread your time fairly across the week.

Step 4: Choose a Format That Works for You (Digital or Paper)

Decide how you’ll record your timetable.

Digital tools like Google Calendar or Notion are great for colour-coding and reminders. A printed weekly timetable also works well if you prefer something visual on your desk or wall.

Choose whichever format you’ll actually use consistently.

Step 5: Plan Weekly Study Blocks and Breaks

IB revision works best in focused blocks. Aim for 40–60 minutes of study followed by a 10–15-minute break.

You might structure your week like this:

• Weekdays: 2–3 focused study sessions after school

• Weekends: 3–4 longer blocks with breaks

• One full rest day to recharge

Try to mix subjects each day. For example, balance an essay-based subject with a problem-solving one to stay fresh.

Step 6: Build in Time for Review and Practice Questions

Each week, include at least one block for active review and practice. Test your understanding using Save My Exams:

• Topic Questions

• Past Papers and mark schemes

• SmartMark (for Premium users) to get feedback on written answers

Active practice helps you identify weak areas early and track improvement over time.

Step 7: Adjust Your Plan Each Week

Your timetable shouldn’t be set in stone. Review it every Sunday to see what worked, what didn’t, and what’s coming up next.

Ask yourself:

• Did I spend enough time on HL subjects?

• Are there topics I need to revisit?

• Do I need more rest or lighter evenings this week?

Making small adjustments keeps your timetable realistic and sustainable.

How Much Time Should You Spend on Each IB Subject?

There’s no single rule for how long to revise each IB subject, but a good starting point is:

• HL subjects: 5–6 hours per week

• SL subjects: 3–4 hours per week

You can adjust these depending on your strengths and how close you are to exams.

Essay-heavy subjects like English, History, or Psychology need regular writing and planning practice.

STEM subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, or Maths benefit from shorter, frequent sessions focused on problem-solving and past-paper questions.

Here’s a general guide to help balance your time:

Remember, consistency matters more than cramming. A few focused hours each day are worth more than last-minute all-nighters. Find out more in our guide to how long to revise for IB.

Revision Timetable Example (Template or Visual)

Here’s a sample timetable layout you can adapt for your own week. You can recreate this using a spreadsheet, calendar, or notebook – whatever keeps you organised!

Example A: General Revision Timetable

This layout works for any subject mix. Spread your workload evenly, rotate topics, and keep evenings manageable.

Example B: Subject-Specific IB Revision Timetable

This example alternates HL and SL subjects, mixes essay-based and problem-solving sessions, and includes review time. You can adjust blocks for your own subjects and priorities.

Top Tools and Resources to Help You Stick to Your Plan

Once your timetable is ready, use tools and resources that make it easy to stay on track. The best study plans work because they combine structure with support.

Digital Tools

• Google Calendar or Notion: Ideal for colour-coding HL and SL subjects and setting reminders.

• Trello or Todoist: Ideal for tracking progress and checking off completed topics.

• Forest app: Helps you stay focused during study blocks by timing sessions and reducing phone distractions.

Save My Exams Resources

Save My Exams makes it simple to add targeted practice into your weekly plan. You can include:

• Topic Questions: Add a few each day to test your understanding and improve exam technique.

• Revision Notes: Use these to review key content before moving on to practice questions.

• Mock Exams: Schedule one in your weekend blocks to build exam stamina.

• SmartMark (Premium): Upload written answers to get detailed feedback and compare your responses with mark schemes.

These tools help turn your timetable from a simple plan into a system that actively supports your progress and confidence. 

Use the revision tips in our Learning Hub for further strategies and advice.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Many IB students create revision timetables that look good on paper but don’t work in practice. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid:

• Overloading your days: Trying to revise every subject every day leads to burnout and reduced focus.

• Skipping breaks: Regular rest improves memory and concentration. Plan at least one break every hour.

• Ignoring HL priorities: Higher Level subjects need more consistent attention. Give them extra time each week.

• Leaving no flexibility: Build in catch-up slots for unexpected schoolwork or revision that takes longer than expected.

• Avoiding weak topics: It’s tempting to revise what you already know. Focus on weaker areas early while you have time to improve.

• Forgetting review sessions: Include at least one “review and test” block each week to check progress and identify gaps.

Your timetable should feel realistic, not overwhelming. If it starts to feel too heavy, scale back slightly. Consistent progress matters more than perfection.

If you’re feeling stressed, download our exam anxiety relief kit to get further advice and recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours a day should I revise for the IB?

During term time, aim for around two to three hours a day on weekdays and four to six hours across the weekend. As exams get closer, you can increase this slightly, but always plan at least one rest day each week.

Should I revise every subject every week?

Yes, but not equally. Higher Level subjects usually need more study time. Try to cover each subject at least once per week, even if it's just a short session, so nothing is forgotten before exams.

When should I start using a revision timetable?

Start as early as you can, ideally at least three months before your exams. Creating a light version during term time helps you stay organised and reduces last-minute stress later.

What’s better: a daily or weekly revision plan?

A weekly plan works best for most IB students. It gives you the flexibility to adjust for changing deadlines, schoolwork, and energy levels, while still keeping a clear overview of your goals.

Final Thoughts

Your IB revision timetable is your key to taking control of your study time. It should enable you to approach your exams with confidence. Start simple, stay consistent, and adjust each week based on your progress. 

Once you’ve built a timetable that fits your subjects and goals, you’ll revise more effectively and balance your time to cover everything you need to study. The result? Feeling fully prepared for your IB exams. 

Ready to get started? Explore Save My Exams IB resources to find revision notes, topic questions, and exam-style papers for every subject.