IB Diploma Programme FAQ and links

Last updated 2024-12-18. The max number of sessions to attempt the IB Diploma has been lifted. For moderation, Latin and Classic Greek are included in list of courses where the SL/HL are combined for moderation, and Business Management is removed as such a pooled moderation subject. Added link to Supporting Student Choice in DP Mathematics guide, page 7.  Added link to re-mark statistics from an older IB PowerPoint. 

This is a collection of frequently asked questions on the logistics of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), backed by primarily the DP Assessment procedures 2023 on ibo.org , which may contain additional details. Information regarding specific dates may be out of date, especially in light of November results issue moved 2 weeks ahead.

Disclaimer: IB does not give deadlines to students. Students must navigate all policies and deadlines set by their schools.

TL;DR IB schools, for the most part, operate independently from IB. Assessment is standardized, but quality of instruction and internal deadlines vary greatly from school to school.

Basics

What is the IB Diploma?

The IB Diploma Programme is an enriched and internationally recognized curriculum spanning over the last two years of high school.

How is IB different from other enriched high school curricula?

The IB Diploma Program (IBDP) emphasizes on liberal arts education in which students must concurrently study a wide range of subjects at varying depths. IB encourages students to make connections across subjects as guided through a central epistemology course. Students also need to complete a university-level independent research project.

What subjects do I need to take for an IB Diploma?

All Diploma candidates are required to complete 3 Core elements^{[1, pp. 9-10]}:

• Extended essay (research project)
• Theory of Knowledge (epistemology)
• Creativity, Action, Service (extracurricular activities)

Academic subjects are divided into 6 groups^{[1, pp. 8-9]}:

1. Studies in language and literature
2. Language acquisition
3. Individuals and societies
4. Sciences
5. Mathematics
6. The arts

Diploma candidates need to take six subjects: one subject from each of Groups 1 through 5, and a sixth not from Group 5 Mathematics.^{[1, p. 45][Note]} IB also allows a second Group 1 instead of a Group 2.^{[1, p. 45]}. At the beginning of IB, students can apply for a non-regular (irregular) Diploma that is necessary to fulfill admission requirements.^{[1, pp. 12, 82]}

At least three subjects need to be taken at Higher Level (HL), and at least two subjects at Standard Level (SL). In other words, IB allows either 3 HLs and 3 SLs or 4 HLs and 2 SLs.^{[1, p. 40]}

Each subject is out of 7, and the Core elements combined are out of 3.^{[1, p. 11]}

When are IB exams? What are Anticipated subjects?

IB exams account for about 70-80% of subject grades, and are offered in May (for Northern Hemisphere) and November (for Southern Hemisphere) each year.^{[1, p. 109]} Typically, students take exams after two years of IB Diploma.

Subjects that are only offered once a year may be taken 6 months prior to the main Diploma session, called early (examination) session.^{[1, pp. 49, 51, 52]}

Under some conditions, up to two SL courses may be taken at the end of the first year as Anticipated subjects.^{[1, p. 41]}

What are internal assessments (IA)?

About 20 to 30% of each subject is graded by the school. IA is typically a single take-home essay that the student individually write on a topic of their choice. Through moderation, IB samples IAs to ensure the same standard is applied globally.

What are subject briefs, subject guides, specimen papers, subject reports and statistical bulletins?

These are documents published by IB. The first three are released with major curriculum updates; subject reports and statistical bulletins are released every session. ^{[1, p. 161]}

Subjects and core elements undergo curriculum review every 6-8 years, at different times. See this page for latest subject updates.  Two years prior to the first exams in the new curriculum, IB releases a two- or three-page subject brief, to explain the lengthy subject guide, which in turn enumerates the syllabus coverage and assessment components. The latest subject guides are listed in the Assessment procedures.^{[1, sections D1-D11]} Some time after, IB also publishes a full set of specimen papers for both SL and HL, to set expectations for the new course.

Subject reports underscore expectations, patterns, and statistics in a particular session and subject. They typically includes observed strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions for better instruction. For the Extended Essay, subject reports are released once every 3 years, most recently for the May 2024 session^{[1, p. 161]}.

General session statistics are summarized in statistical bulletins. Unlike subject reports, statistical bulletins are not useful to prepare for IAs and exams.

Subject briefs  and statistical bulletins  are available on ibo.org. Subject guides, specimen papers, and subject reports are accessible by teachers and coordinators. Though some of them can be found online.

What is the Extended Essay (EE)?

The Extended Essay is a 4000-word research essay that students individually write under the guidance of a supervisor.^{[1, p. 9]} The EE may be written on any IB subject^{[1, pp. 236]}, or it can be a World Studies Extended Essay, which spans across subjects to analyze one of six designated global themes.^{[1, p. 239]} The EE response languages are limited to what is specified in section D7.3 of the Assessment procedures.

What is RPPF?

The EE/RPPF is a mandatory^{[1, p. 234]} component of the EE where students reflect on their research journey. This Form is marked for engagement and should be a candid self-review of the writing process at 3 different times.

What is Theory of Knowledge (TOK)?

The Theory of Knowledge is an introductory epistemology course that delves into the generation, transfer, and utilization of knowledge. The course assessment consists of an exhibition, and a take-home essay on one of six prompts for that particular exam session.^{[1, pp. 246-247]}

Exhibition is graded by school and essay is graded by IB, with the essay weighed twice as much.^{[2, p. 3]}

What is PPF?

It is a mandatory^{[1, p. 247]} supplement to the TOK essay, but it is not graded. As there are only 6 prompts per session, the Planning and progress form (TK/PPF) helps to explain to IB that you did not plagiarize or collude with others in the writing process.^{[1, p. 247]} It documents 3 meetings with your teacher.

What is Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)?

CAS encourages students to regularly create, exercise, and volunteer over the course of IB in the hope of building a healthy lifestyle and develop social responsibilities. Under a framework approved by IB, individual schools are responsible to assign complete/incomplete status to each student's CAS.^{[1, p. 254]} Schools may impose additional requirements, such as a minimum number of hours or reflections.

Can I take IB courses without doing the Diploma?

Yes, you can. Good performance on HL courses may earn university credits. To receive an IB certificate, students must follow all policies, and submit internal assessments on time.

What are time zones?

To mitigate students colluding internationally, IB sets different exams to people in different geographic time zones as grouped by the local standard time, disregarding any daylight saving time.^{[1, p. 109]} "Time zone" also refers to the version of the exam in an exam session.

Current time zones have been in effect from May 2023 exams.

Can I self-study IB?

Students need to attend class^{[1, p. 73]} so schools can mark and authenticate^{[1, pp. 127-128]} the Internal Assessment and other non-exam assessments. In addition to IB courses offered by your school, you may take a school-supported self-taught Literature SL^{[1, p. 173]}, or online courses primarily via Pamoja^[3]. The quality of instruction varies by the school, so in practice some students have to learn parts of the syllabi on their own or with a tutor.

What does the IB coordinator do?

The coordinator oversees the implementation of IB at each IB World School. Most students' request to IB, such as course registration, IA submission, accessibility requests, transcript requests, enquiry upon results, and appeals all go through the school coordinator. To learn about the duties of a coordinator, and the relationship between IB and IB world schools, see Rules for IB World Schools on ibo.org 

How much does the IB Diploma cost?

It depends on the school. IB charges a one-time fee of $738 per student for the entire program^[4][Note], but individual schools may charge different amounts. The fee only covers the final exams, and not instruction or implementation costs. Schools can be private, public, or in other ways subsidized by governments or donors. So best to confirm the amount with your school.

Is the same quality of teaching present in all IB World Schools?

No, IB only maintains the same quality of assessment globally.

"Schools are responsible for the quality of support provided, for the teaching of the IB programme(s), their internal assessments and their predicted grades."^{[5, §5.2]} "Schools must ensure that teachers of the IB programme(s) are knowledgeable about the curriculum and assessment requirements."^{[5, §5.5]} "Schools must ensure that teachers and administrators receive IB-recognized professional development as required."^{[5, §5.7]} "Schools must accept visits from representatives of the IB regarding their implementation of the IB programme(s)."^{[5, §7.4]} "The IB will conduct unannounced inspections of schools during periods of examinations."^{[5, §7.6]} "Authorization to offer IB programme(s) may be withdrawn by the IB, in its sole discretion, for any reason."^{[5, §13.1]}

Diploma Requirements

What score is needed to get the IB Diploma?

The Diploma is awarded only when all requirements have been met.^[11] They are:

1. Total score is 24 or higher.
2. CAS is completed.
3. D or better is obtained in both EE and TOK.
4. All subjects received a 2 or higher.
5. A maximum of two subjects scored 2.
6. A maximum of three subjects scored 2 or 3.
7. HL total score is 12 or higher. If the student takes four HLs, top three count.
8. SL total score is 9 or higher when taking three SL subjects, or 5 or higher when taking two.
9. IB did not issue a category 3 penalty (no Diploma) for academic misconduct.^[Note]

In particular, there is no condition that allows students to bypass any of the requirements above. There have been students who scored over 40 but were not awarded the diploma.^[6][7]

What is the TOK/EE matrix?

TOK and EE collectively are out of 3. Students must obtain a D in both core elements to be eligible for the Diploma. This is the table, or matrix as IB calls it, for points allocations.^{[1, p. 148]} N means no grade.

Course Selection

How are Group 1 courses different?

Language and Literature studies fictional and non-fictional texts in a wide range of written, spoken, visual, and oral forms, while looking at the roles of both language and literature in society. In contrast, Literature studies only fictional texts of various written forms, with an emphasis on literary analysis.

There is also a literature and performance SL course, though this is not as widely offered. It combines literature with theatre.

Students may also opt to take one school-supported self-taught (SSST) Literature SL in any language supported by IB and for which the school or the student can find a supervisor/tutor.^{[1, p. 173]} It is the only course in IB that does not require a formal presence of a teacher throughout the course, with the school mainly performing administrative duties, and the supervisor/tutor meeting with the student usually several times a month.

Which Group 2 courses can I take?

Schools are prohibited from placing students into Language B classes that are clearly too easy for them.^{[1, p. 46]} Ab initio languages are accessible to all beginners. SL is for students who can have short conversations and read basic materials in the language. HL is for those who have higher confidence and proficiency in the language.

Students may also take classical languages, with dictionaries allowed on assessments.^{[1, p. 183]}

What is the Group 4 project?

The Group 4 project, now renamed to collaborative sciences project, is a mandatory component of each Group 4 science course, graded on a complete/incomplete scale. It is an collaborative interdisciplinary project involving students from different Group 4 subjects, and take one to two school days. Each candidate only has to complete one Group 4 project, even if taking multiple science subjects.

How are Group 5 courses different?

IB has a Supporting Student Choice in DP Mathematics guide, page 7  which has a table that breaks down specific math course to take for desired undergraduate majors and countries.

Analysis and Approaches (AA) emphasizes complex problem solving in a narrower scope, both with and without a graphing calculator. There are extensive algebra and calculations done by hand.

Applications and Interpretation (AI) emphasizes knowledge and simple applications in a broader scope, with a graphing calculator available on all exams. There is only limited and straightforward algebra done by hand.

In both courses, HL is an extension of SL.

Here is an unofficial outline of the syllabi coverage, grouping topics into themes while excluding some one-off discussions. The same theme may be covered in AI and AA with different focuses and at varying depths, so the table is not representative of the overlap or difficulties among the courses.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs tend to favor Analysis and Approaches HL.

I am taking a seventh subject in addition to the Diploma. Does IB count the top six eligible grades towards my Diploma?

No. The student must clearly identify the non-Diploma subject, during course registration.^{[1, pp. 68, 147]}

It is end of IB Year 1, can I still change my subjects?

This is fine with IB, but schools may set earlier deadlines.

Grading

What criteria are my work graded against?

In assessments broken down to criteria or markbands, examiners use a "best-fit" approach, meaning the most apt descriptor is used.^{[8, pp.157-160]} Not all requirements for a descriptor need to be met in order for it to be best-fit. In assessments involving markschemes (answer keys), IB may require certain words, steps, or details. A correct final answer does not necessarily mean full marks.

Assessment criteria and markbands can be found in the respective subject guides. Markschemes and past papers are available for purchase on Follett IB Store .

How are grades calculated? What are the differences between marks, grades, and points? Are IB grades curved?

The IA mark awarded by the teacher, prior to moderation, is called the raw mark^{[1, p. 152][Note]} or final mark^{[1, p. 93]}. Final in the sense that different teachers of the same subject and school need to calibrate their grading.

Suppose a student was awarded 49 out of a possible 80 marks on a paper worth 40%. The scaled mark would be 24.5 out of 40.

The scaled marks from different components in the subject are added together^{[8, pp. 187-188]}, then rounded^[Note], to obtain the total scaled mark.

Considering students' performance, teachers' feedback and examiners' impressions,^{[8, pp. 177, 184, 191]} IB makes grade boundaries for total scaled marks per subject per level per time zone per session such that each 1-7 grade reflects a similar level of achievement globally and year over year.^{[8, pp. 109, 180-183]} IB assigns grade boundaries, starting with 2/3, 3/4 and 6/7, to the distribution of subject final marks.^{[8, p. 191]}

The final grade out of 45 is the student's points score^{[8, p. 216]} or points^{[1, p. 11]}. In particular, points refer to both the Diploma score out of 45, and the grade in each subject or in the Core.

When is the IA actually due? My school makes us finish them early!

Students must follow all internal deadlines for IA, EE, TOK, and other assessments. If no work is submitted by the internal school deadline, IB does not award a grade.^{[1, p. 97]} "Schools are responsible for ... their internal assessments."^{[5, §5.2]} "The IB is entitled to refuse to mark or moderate assessment submissions if a candidate has acted in an irresponsible or unethical manner in connection with that part of the assessment."^{[1, 24]}

Beware that individual teachers have different leniency towards internal deadlines. If you ever need an extension, negotiate for it before the internal deadline.

Which are equivalent percentages for each 1-7 grade?

There are 3 percentages you may care about.

The total scaled marks in a subject, from your official results, are used to calculate grades. For most subjects, the 6/7 boundary starts near 70-80%. Grade boundaries differ by subject, level, time zone, and session.

Prior to the final exams, schools may express class performance percentages to 1-7 scale. These percentage cutoffs vary greatly among schools: school whose assessments are easier than IB exams will have higher cutoffs, vice versa.

Once IB has awarded a grade, individual schools may choose to convert 1-7 grades back to percentages. This also depends on the school or school district.

In summary, conversion between percentage and 1-7 grades depends on the context. Ask your school for details; do not use percentages from a different school.

What are predicted grades (PG)?

Predicted grades typically refer to forecasted grades^{[9, p. 18]}, ie grades used in university applications prior to final grades.

IB itself designates predicted grades as the single set of grades submitted along with IA marks. IB uses them to check errors in grading, and these are not used in calculations for candidates affected by adverse circumstances."^{[1, p. 90]}

What is moderation?

Through moderation, IB ensures IAs are graded at the same standard globally.^{[1, p. 91]} Depending on the class size, 5 to 10 samples are selected by IB for moderation.^{[1, p. 93]} IB may require additional samples at its discretion.^{[1, p. 88]} For many subjects where the SL and HL IAs are marked against a common assessment criteria, the classes are pooled for a combined sample of 5 to 10 IAs.^{[1, p. 94]}

IB allows a small margin of error in the teachers' marks.^{[8, p. 170]} When IB awards marks differ than this threshold, IB will adjust teachers' marks for all students to reflect IB standards.^{[8, p. 166]}

How many works are selected?

This shows the number of works selected per school.^{[1, pp. 92-93]}

IB will require additional samples when IB is unsatisfied with the linear regression^{[8, pp. 237-243]} between submitted and moderated marks, or if they spot irregularities in the grading.

When there are multiple teachers for the same subject, IB requires teachers to standardize their grading prior to submit marks to IB.^{[1, p. 92]}

Most subjects other than Groups 2 and 5 combine SL and HL moderation, meaning all SL and HL students are treated as members of a single class that determines the minimum sample size.^{[1, p. 94]} Subjects that combine SL and HL into a single class include

1. Language and Literature, Literature
2. Classical Greek, Latin
3. Digital society, Economics, Geography, Global Politics (exclude HL extension oral), History (disregard HL options), Philosophy, Psychology
4. Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, "Sports, exercise, and health science"
5. none
6. Film, Music: experimenting with music, Theatre

What are remarks, or enquiry upon results?

When IB issues results, there are 5 enquiry upon results EuR categories:^{[1, pp. 150-153]}

Category 1 re-mark

For one student at the school, IB remarks all external assessments in a one subject. However, if a component was marked by the Principal Examiner then it will not be remarked. The subject grade may increase, decrease, or stay the same.

Category 1 report

After Category 1 re-mark, this request first returns all external assessments with mark breakdown in each component (essentially Category 2B). If the coordinator responds with specific complaints or questions citing the returned material, the examiner will then write a report explaining the grade awarding and justifying their stance. Category 1 report must be initiated within a month of re-mark, and the coordinator response must be completed within 30 days of receiving the assessments.

Category 2A

For all students at the school, IB returns the same one externally assessed component in one subject, with mark breakdown.

Category 2B

For one student at the school, IB returns all externally assessed components in one subject, with mark breakdown in each component. Typically, IB sends a .zip folder of .pdf documents.

Category 3 re-moderation

If the mean of class IA marks before and after moderation vary by at least 15% of the maximum mark, the coordinator can request that the IA be re-moderated. Grades will not be lowered as a result of a Category 3.

Other than Category 1 report, these categories can be requested within 8 weeks of receiving results. Category 1 re-mark fees can be refunded upon a grade change.^{[1, p. 153]}

Most re-marks do not result in a higher grade out of 7. A re-mark cost about the same as a retake in a future exam session. See re-mark statistics from an older IB PowerPoint.  Multiple choice papers and IAs are not re-marked. Results with 1 scaled mark below the boundary has about 25-40% chance for the re-mark to be successful, depending on the subject.

What are retakes?

If you are not happy with IB grades, you can resit exams in a future session. Six-month retake registration is due 3 weeks after the issue of results.^{[1, p. 63]} In a retake subject, all exams must be re-sit.^{[1, p. 72]} EE and Group 6 external components may allow revised work ^{[1, p. 73]}. An RPPF must be submitted with the EE retake.^{[1, p. 237]}

If the subject assessment has not changed, students can choose to carry-over their (moderated) IA marks and other non-exam components, such as the Group 1 HL Essay.^{[1, pp. 72-73]} If the student writes a new IA, the retake must be registered at a school where the student attends or attended class.^{[1, p. 73]} Only new, not revised, IAs can be submitted.^{[1, p. 73]}

TOK retakes must be on the new essay prompts for the retake session.^{[1, p. 248]}

Not all subjects are available in both May and November sessions, or in all response languages. Refer to Sections C1.5 through C1.7 of Assessment procedures for details.

For six-month retakes, students cannot change subjects, other than the EE subject^{[1, p. 237]}, but may change the fourth HL to a third SL.^{[1, p. 72]} For History HL students, the Option cannot be changed in six-month retake.^{[1, p. 73]}

Because students must receive instruction in each Diploma subject, changing subjects in a retake is only practically possible when year 1 Anticipated candidates changing SL(s) for their main Diploma session in year 2.^{[1, p. 69]}

Students have an unlimited number of retake sessions.^{[private IB document]}Anticipated SLs can be retaken in the main Diploma session^{[1, p. 31]}, or in a subsequent retake session.

The higher grade in a valid retake^{[1, p. 31]}, and the newer grade in a re-mark^{[1, p. 33]}, contribute to the Diploma.

Key dates

IB does not set deadlines for when students need to submit their non-exam work. That is left to each school. This section is about various deadlines that schools have no control over.

All dates are in IB Year 2, unless stated otherwise. The first date is for a May Diploma session, and in parentheses is for November Diploma session. If schools mandate earlier due dates, students must adhere to those instead.

Registration

In May sessions, special request subjects are assessed in a language only available via special request, including school-supported self-taught Literature SL. The availabilities are listed in C1.5 through C1.7 of Assessment procedures.

Registration entails finalizing the subjects, levels, response languages, the EE subject, and options for Group 6 Arts subjects and History HL.

Post-exam deadlines

In early 2024, IB moved the November results release date from Jan 2 to Dec 16. It is unknown if any other dates are moved forward as a result.

^A Universities must have your exact name, birthday, and exam session as your IB records. A few universities require physical copies, to be sent on a later date. Candidates must not share their personal code and/or PIN to universities.

^B Coordinators and candidates receive results on a staggered basis. In May, candidates receive them 24 hours after coordinators. In Nov, candidates receive them 6 or more hours after. Candidates should check the precise time with their coordinators, rather than all log on at the same time. Please check that your personal code and PIN work at least 1 business day before Jul 6 / Dec 16. If the account is locked due to unsuccessful login attempts, it is unlocked after 30+ minutes.

^C The six-month retake withdrawal deadline is only for those who are yet to receive their Category 1 or Category 3 remark or re-moderation results.

What if ...?

What if I have a learning disorder or physical impairment?

IB offers exams in a range of accessible media. IB may also approve a 25% time extension in exams. See Section C6 of the Assessment procedures and Access and inclusion policy. .

Upon approval, IB also offers a "split session" arrangement in which a candidate of significant mental or health impediments could opt to split the main diploma session into two.^{[1, p. 133]}

What if my school goes against IB rules?

"The sole responsibility for any shortcomings in the implementation or quality of teaching of the IB programme(s) is borne by the school."^{[5, §3.1.b]} If your school violated an explicit rule established by IB, you can contact IB . Otherwise, IB cannot change a school's policies. In particular, IB cannot extend your school's internal deadlines or fire staff members. Schools should have an internal complaints procedure and IB requests that you go through that first, especially for general complaints.

In May 2024, the contact link (previously whistleblowing link) has been divided into two links:

• Academic integrity concerns  for facilitating or tolerating academic dishonesty or misconduct, or otherwise compromising assessment integrity.
• Feedback about services  for a violation of IB rules, such as discrimination, unsafe learning environment, unavailability of coordinator during results release period, gross coordinator incompetency (eg does not speak English, French or Spanish) and violations of other minimal standards as set below in the Programme standards and practices , Rules for IB World Schools  and possibly other documents.

What if I want to dispute an IB decision?

There are five types of appeals in IB decisions, paraphrased as follows.^{[1, p. 38]}

1. Against IB marking; regarding moderation or a Category 1 report
2. Against a decision that affirmed an academic misconduct
3. Against a decision that rejected special consideration to a student
4. Against a decision that restricted inclusive assessment arrangements
5. Against some other decision that affected IB results

What if I have too many official IB exams scheduled for a single day?

When you have over 6.5 hours of exams in a single day, or 4 hours or more exam in a single morning or afternoon, or 4 subjects in a day, your exams will be rescheduled.^{[1, pp. 111-112]} Conflicts with other exams may be eligible for rescheduling as well.^{[1, p. 111]} Let your coordinator know as soon as you become aware of this.

What if there is a power outage in the exam?

If depends on the circumstances. Typically during short outages, students have the full remaining time.^{[1, p. 107]}

Other emergencies are discussed on pages 105 to 108 in the Assessment procedures.

What if my calculator batteries run out during the exam?

Students cannot share calculators. IB allows you to bring multiple calculators, but recommend you bring extra batteries instead.

What if I fall sick during exam weeks or my submitted exam papers are lost?

In the Assessment procedures, pages 97-98 have acceptable and unacceptable reasons for missing work, page 140 have acceptable and unacceptable adverse circumstances.

Under acceptable circumstances, IB may assign grades if at least 50% of marks are available.^{[1, p. 98]}

The Missing Mark Procedure for DP outlines a process in which the missing component mark is estimated via the student's other available marks and the global average of these other components.^{[8, pp. 221-222]}

If the student overcomes significant adversity during exams and complete all papers, IB may opt to round the final mark up by 2.^{[8, p. 130]}

Academic Honesty

The following information is from IB Academic Integrity policy. Always refer to this document for the full context.

What citation style to use?

While IB does not mandate particular citation styles, use one that is prevalent amongst research journals of the subject. Both in-text citations and bibliography are required.

For citation guidelines provided by IB as a reference, see Effective citing and referencing.  Just to reiterate, this is only a recommendation; IB generally tolerates minor errors when each reference identifies the source.

I forgot to cite a sentence. Will I still get my Diploma?

IB tolerates minor citation mistakes, such as 40 consecutive words without in-text citation that highly resemble another source.^{[10, p. 31]}

Does IB check each of my submitted work for plagiarism?

IB checks all work they receive via their plagiarism checking software.^{[1, p. 26]} Your schools is also responsible to check all your submitted work for plagiarism and other academic misconducts.^{[1, pp. 26-28]}

It probably does not take long to run your work through software.

What happens when IB suspects plagiarism in my work?

If IB is suspicious of plagiarism or other academic misconduct, an investigation is initiated. IB requests written statements from you, your school, and possibly other parties, before issuing a decision.^{[10, pp. 18, 23-24]}

The investigation findings may be appealed^{[1, p. 38]}, at a hefty fee, of course.

The penalties for academic misconducts are outlined in Appendix 2.2 of the Academic integrity policy.

When happens when IB does not suspect plagiarism?

Nothing.

What is the "balance of probabilities" approach?

In the "balance of probabilities" approach, IB may impose a penalty when they find a misconduct has happened more likely than not.^{[10, p. 4]}

Can I upload my IA to a forum, after I receive my Diploma?

Maybe. IB treats this as misconduct if it is "likely" for others to copy your work.^{[10, p. 31]} Since IB can investigate academic misconduct after the issuance of results^{[10, p. 24]}, you should be diligent in how you share your work. For excellent works, publish in one of several research publications for high school students that are available online.

Can I use artificial intelligence to help me write my essay?

Yes.^{[10, p. 53]}All texts generated by AI tools need to be cited in-text and in the bibliography.^{[10, p. 54]} Grammar tools and paraphraser AIs are forbidden for Group 2 Language acquisition subjects.^{[10, p. 55]} Students cannot write the IA in one language then translate it using software or AI.^{[10, p. 55]} The work cannot be "heavily" edited by AI or other software or people.^{[10, p. 32]} Presenting AI writing as one's own is academic misconduct, which leads to no grade.^{[10, p. 55]}

Copyright

Who owns my work?

[Not legal advice.]

Copyright is the right to reproduce the whole or a part of a product or work. The owner and the copyright owner may be different, think of the owner and copyright owners of your smartphone. Similarly, you the student owns the copyright of all your work submitted to IB^{[1, p. 27 §6.2]}, but your exam papers are properties of IB.^{[1, p. 27 §6.7]}

Furthermore, IB has a non-exclusive, permanent right to reproduce your work without attribution and without royalties, but this does not otherwise restrict your rights as the copyright owner and does not restrict what you choose to do with your work.^{[1, p. 27 §6.2]} If your work is commercially or academically valuable and you would like to waive IB of their non-exclusive right, you can make the request before the end of the month of your final examinations.^{[1, p. 104]}

Notes

1. ^ IB phrases it as one subject from each group, with Arts subject can be replaced with one of the other group. Because IB only allows one Mathematics subject, the sixth subject is rather from any group other than Group 5 Mathematics.
2. ^ $123 x 6 = $738. Core is free for Diploma candidates. There is no longer any candidate registration fee.
3. ^ Some penalties still allow a Diploma to be awarded. However at its discretion, IB can give a harsher penalty for a lower offense.
4. ^ Among IB communities, the raw mark often refers to the actual mark of any component, to contrast the component scaled mark.
5. ^ There are many credible sources backing that rounding is done only at the end after scaled marks are added up, to the nearest whole number mark, but none of the sources is a public IB document.

References

1. Diploma Programme Assessment procedures 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230515200917/https://ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/assessment/pdfs/dp-assessment-procedures-2023-en.pdf 
2. Theory of Knowledge subject brief. https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/core-tok-2022-en.pdf 
3. DP online. https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/dp-online/ 
4. Assessment fees and services. https://www.ibo.org/become-an-ib-school/fees-and-services/assessment-fees-and-services/ 
5. Rules for IB World Schools. https://ibo.org/contentassets/93f68f8b322141c9b113fb3e3fe11659/rules-for-ib-world-schools-en.pdf 
6. May 2019 DP Statistical bulletin. https://www.ibo.org/contentassets/bc850970f4e54b87828f83c7976a4db6/dp-statistical-bulletin-may-2019.pdf 
7. May 2016 DP Statistical bulletin. https://www.ibo.org/contentassets/bc850970f4e54b87828f83c7976a4db6/dp-statistical-bulletin-may-2016-en.pdf 
8. Assessment principles and practices—Quality assessments in a digital age. https://www.ibo.org/contentassets/1cdf850e366447e99b5a862aab622883/assessment-principles-and-practices-2018-en.pdf 
9. Programme standards and practices 2020. https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/become-an-ib-school/pdfs/programme-standards-and-practices-2020-en.pdf 
10. Academic integrity policy. https://ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/shared-resources/pdfs/academic-integrity-policy-en.pdf , Rev Mar 2023.
11. DP passing criteria https://www.ibo.org/about-the-ib/what-it-means-to-be-an-ib-student/recognizing-student-achievement/about-assessment/dp-passing-criteria , Rev May 2024
12. New release date set for November 2024 examination results https://www.ibo.org/news/news-list/new-release-date-set-for-november-2024-examination-results , Feb 2024