What Are IB Digital Exams?

The world has shifted quickly towards digital ways of working and learning. Many workplaces, universities and institutions now use technology for tasks that once relied on paper, and the IB is beginning to follow the same path.

From 2026, some IB exams (opens in a new tab) will move from paper to computer, bringing in a new era of digital assessments. This might sound like a big change. But the aim is simple: to make exams more accessible, more secure and more aligned with the digital skills students already use every day.

In this guide, you’ll learn what IB digital exams are, how they’ll work, and what the new format means for you. You’ll also find practical advice on preparing so you can approach digital exams with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• IB digital exams will begin rolling out from 2026, starting with selected subjects and schools.

• Instead of writing on paper, students will complete exams on school-approved laptops or desktops using a secure exam platform.

• The content and difficulty of digital exams will match current paper exams to ensure fairness during the transition.

• Preparing early matters. Getting confident with typing, on-screen navigation and digital working-out tools will help you perform at your best.

What Are Digital Exams in the IB?

IB digital exams are assessments completed on a computer instead of on paper. For these exams, you sit in your school’s exam hall as usual, but you work through the paper on a secure digital platform rather than writing in an answer booklet.

Digital exams are designed to keep the core of IB assessment the same, while changing how you interact with the exam. The IB has made it clear that the content, difficulty and marking standards will remain equivalent to paper-based exams during the transition.

Key features of IB digital exams include:

• On-screen questions, which may include text, images or interactive elements

• Typed answers for essays and structured responses

• Special digital tools for subjects that need diagrams, working-out or annotations

• Secure exam software that locks the device and prevents access to other applications

• Offline or controlled-network testing, depending on the school infrastructure

For students, the most significant difference is the shift from handwriting to typing, and getting used to navigating an exam on screen. Otherwise, the academic expectations stay the same.

When Will IB Digital Exams Start?

The IB will begin rolling out digital exams in 2026, starting with a small number of subjects and schools. This is the first phase of a long-term transition, and paper exams will continue to run alongside digital ones for several years.

What we know so far:

• 2026 will be the first exam session where digital exams are available.

• Only selected subjects and participating schools will use the digital format at first.

• The rollout will expand gradually across later sessions, depending on school readiness and subject suitability.

• Full adoption across all subjects is expected to take well into the 2030s

What this means for you:

Your experience will depend on your school’s plans. Some schools may adopt digital exams early, while others will stay with paper for longer. Your IB coordinator will be able to confirm whether any of your subjects will be digital during your exam session.

Which Subjects Will Have Digital Exams?

The IB has confirmed that only a small selection of subjects will initially move to digital exams, starting in 2026. A full subject list has not yet been published, but the IB has released enough information to give a general idea of what to expect.

What we know so far

• A limited group of subjects will be part of the initial digital rollout in 2026.

• These subjects will be drawn from areas that naturally suit on-screen assessment, such as:

  • Language and Literature

  • Language Acquisition

  • Some humanities subjects

• Early reports suggest that some schools may pilot digital versions of:

  • English A: Language and Literature

  • Spanish Language and Literature

  • English B (SL)

These subjects are examples from early pilot schools and are not confirmed for all schools.

Subjects likely to remain paper-based (for now)

Some subjects depend heavily on handwritten workings or diagrams and will move to digital later in the rollout. These may include:

• Mathematics AA and AI

• Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

• Visual Arts (due to portfolio elements)

• Design Technology and other practical subjects

What this means for students

Because the IB has not yet released a complete official list, the most reliable source of information is your school. Schools must opt in and ensure they have the necessary technology, meaning:

• Not all schools will offer digital exams in 2026

• Not all subjects will be digital in every school

• Your IB coordinator can confirm which of your subjects (if any) are going digital during your exam session

How Will IB Digital Exams Work?

IB digital exams will take place in school, using secure exam software on approved devices. The goal is to mirror the fairness and structure of paper exams while using technology to deliver and submit your work.

The Technology Involved

• Devices: You will sit the exam on a laptop or desktop computer. Some schools will provide devices. Others may ask you to use your own, provided it meets security and compatibility requirements.

• Exam software: The IB will use a secure assessment platform (currently developed in partnership with RM, a major digital assessment provider that works with schools and exam boards internationally).

  • It runs in a locked-down mode, so you cannot access the internet, files, or other applications.

  • It includes built-in tools for typing responses, navigating questions, and (in some subjects) drawing or annotating.

Security and Anti-Cheating Measures

To ensure fairness, digital exams use strict security protocols:

• Exams run in a restricted environment to prevent cheating.

• Schools may run the exam offline or on a local network, reducing the risk of internet problems.

• Invigilators supervise in the same way as paper-based exams.

• Auto-save features protect your work throughout the exam.

• Backup devices will be available if something goes wrong.

Internet Access During the Exam

Most IB digital exams will not rely on internet access during the test itself.
Instead:

• Schools download the exam paper securely before the exam.

• Your answers are saved locally throughout.

• After the exam, your school uploads your responses to the IB for marking.

This prevents technical issues, such as slow Wi-Fi or outages, from affecting your exam.

What Students Can and Cannot Do During the Exam

You can:

• Type your responses in the built-in editor

• Navigate questions using on-screen tools

• Highlight, flag, or review questions

• Adjust accessibility settings (e.g., text size)

You cannot:

• Open other programs, websites or files

• Use your own notes or digital tools (unless permitted under normal exam rules)

• Access calculators or dictionaries beyond what the IB allows

What About Maths and Science Working?

This varies by subject and by school, but generally:

• Some subjects will include on-screen equation editors or drawing tools.

• Others might allow uploading images of handwritten working.

• Some subjects may remain paper-based until digital tools are fully supported.

Ask your IB coordinator how your specific subjects will handle calculations, diagrams or lab-based questions.

Pros and Cons of Digital Exams

Digital IB exams may bring some challenges, but these are definitely accompanied by new opportunities. Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of IB (opens in a new tab), said, “We believe this change will give our students the capabilities and confidence to make a real difference in an increasingly digital world.”

Advantages of Digital Exams

• Typing can be faster than handwriting
  Many students find they can express ideas more quickly and clearly when typing, especially for essay-heavy subjects like English or Global Politics.

• Clearer, more legible responses
  Markers will no longer need to interpret students’ handwriting. This will reduce the risk of lost marks due to unclear presentation.

• Improved accessibility
  Digital exams allow adjustments such as text size, colour contrast and screen settings, helping students with specific learning needs.

• More interactive question formats
  Over time, the digital platform may allow the IB to include videos, datasets, simulations, or interactive diagrams, especially in the sciences.

• Environmental and logistical benefits
  No printing and fewer physical papers will reduce the exams' environmental footprint. Digital script submissions will be instant, helping streamline the process.

Challenges and Concerns

• Typing speed differences
  If you type slowly, long-answer subjects may feel more challenging. You’ll need to practise and build up your skills.

• Screen fatigue
  Working on a computer for up to two hours can cause eye strain or tiredness, especially if you are not used to it.

• Technical issues
  Although schools will have backup plans, device crashes, power failures, or software glitches can still create stress.

• Digital inequality
  Some schools have stronger infrastructure than others. This means the experience may vary between exam centres.

• Less intuitive for maths and sciences
  Showing working, drawing graphs or laying out equations can feel less natural on-screen if you have limited experience using digital tools.

How to Prepare for IB Digital Exams

Preparing for digital exams means getting familiar with the new exam format and developing the practical skills you’ll rely on during the assessment. Here are the most important steps to take.

Practise typing under timed conditions

If you normally handwrite essays, start typing your practice answers now. Work on building both speed and accuracy. Many students gain several minutes simply by becoming more confident typists.

Get familiar with your school’s digital platform

Ask your IB coordinator whether your school will offer practice papers or demo versions of the exam software. The more familiar the layout feels on exam day, the calmer you will be.

Learn how to show working digitally

For maths or science subjects, practice using digital tools such as:

• equation editors

• drawing or annotation tools

• digital graphing methods

Some schools may allow photo uploads of handwritten working for specific tasks. Check what applies to your subjects.

Get further revision tips for IB Maths in our Learning Hub.

Build screen stamina

Digital exams mean more time looking at a screen. During revision, mix in sessions where you work entirely on a laptop to prepare for the on-screen environment. 

Include short breaks when studying to reduce eye strain.

Prepare for digital exam logistics

Before your first digital mock or practice run, make sure you know:

• how to log in

• how your answers are saved

• how to check or submit your script

• who to call if something goes wrong

This helps to remove unnecessary stress on the day.

Stay focused on core exam skills

While the exam format may be changing, the fundamentals are not. Clear explanations, strong analysis, good structure and precise workings matter just as much as ever. 

Your revision should still focus on mastering the course content and practising past papers. Save My Exams has a wide range of expert-written IB revision materials to help you, including revision notes, exam questions, and past papers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will all IB exams be digital from 2026?

No. Only a small number of subjects will move to digital exams in the first rollout. 

Paper-based exams will continue for many subjects until at least the early 2030s. Most students will experience a mix of formats during the transition.

Do I need to bring my own device to IB digital exams?

It depends on your school.

Many schools will provide locked-down laptops or desktops that meet IB requirements. Others may use a “bring your own device” system, but only if the device is pre-approved. Check with your IB coordinator well in advance of your first digital exam.

Can I still write working-out in maths exams?

Yes. You will still need to show your reasoning, but the method depends on your school’s digital platform. Options may include:

• typing equations using an equation editor

• drawing diagrams with built-in tools

• uploading images of handwritten working (if permitted)

Always confirm the process with your school so you can practise in the correct format.

What the Digital Shift Means for You

Digital exams are a big change, but the essentials stay the same. Your subject knowledge, exam technique and ability to stay calm under pressure will always matter more than the format. As long as you understand how digital exams work and practise using the tools, you’ll be just as ready as you would be for paper exams.

Save My Exams will continue to update resources and create digital-friendly revision materials to support you through this change. With the right preparation, you can approach digital exams with confidence and focus on what really matters: doing your best.

References

• Digital examinations for the DP and CP - International Baccalaureate® (opens in a new tab)