Study planning
IB Study Planner
An IB Diploma timetable has to hold more than exam revision. Six subjects, internal assessment and the Diploma Programme core can all create deadlines at once, so the plan needs separate lanes for assessed work, current learning and exam practice.
A useful IB study planner tracks six subjects and the DP core in one deadline map, then schedules separate blocks for current coursework, permitted internal-assessment work and exam preparation. Give extra time to close deadlines and weak high-impact subjects, but keep every subject visible and use the official schedule supplied by your school coordinator.
Make it a calendar: use the free planner to turn this structure into dated study sessions.
Build my study planMap the whole Diploma Programme workload
The IB Diploma Programme curriculum contains six subject groups plus the core: theory of knowledge (TOK), the extended essay (EE), and creativity, activity, service (CAS). The IB uses both internal and external assessment, and most courses include final written examinations. Your calendar should show each type of work rather than hiding everything under a subject name.
| Lane | What belongs here | Example calendar block |
|---|---|---|
| Current learning | Lessons, reading, problem sets and retrieval | Biology HL: retrieve Topic X, then answer five questions |
| Assessment | Permitted work on internal or externally assessed components | Check the brief and complete one approved milestone |
| DP core | TOK, EE and CAS deadlines or reflections | EE: prepare questions for the next supervisor meeting |
| Exam practice | Timed responses, problems, data or sample papers | Economics SL: timed data-response section and correction |
A repeatable IB planning routine
- Collect: put coordinator, teacher and subject deadlines in one list.
- Label: mark each item as current learning, assessed work, core or exam preparation.
- Break down: turn the nearest deadlines into milestones that fit one session.
- Balance: reserve recurring blocks for every subject, then add weight for urgency and confidence.
- Review: update the next seven days using completed work and teacher feedback.
Do not turn HL into the only priority
HL courses have greater scope, but the IB awards subject points across both HL and SL courses. Keep SL subjects on the weekly plan and prioritise using actual evidence: deadline proximity, assessment weight, current confidence and recent performance.
Keep assessed work inside the rules
Internal assessments, TOK work and the extended essay have authentication and supervision requirements. A planner can reserve time and track milestones, but it should not generate assessed content or replace guidance from your teachers, EE supervisor or programme coordinator.
Use the correct IB examination schedule
The IB runs May and November examination sessions and publishes official schedules. Ask your coordinator which session and schedule apply to you, then use your own registered subjects and local school deadlines when entering dates.
Turn the workload into a calendar
Add each IB subject separately in My Study Plan and use the notes in subject names only when they help you distinguish HL and SL. Enter the dates that matter to your school, protect rest time and export the finished plan as a colour PDF or calendar file.
Sources and useful next reading
IB Diploma Programme curriculumIB: understanding DP assessmentOfficial IB DP and CP exam schedules
My Study Plan is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization.
Common questions
How do I organise an IB study timetable?
Track six subjects and the DP core in one deadline map, separate assessed work from exam revision, and review the next seven days every week.
Should IB HL subjects get all my study time?
No. HL courses have greater scope, but SL courses still contribute subject grades. Use deadlines, confidence and recent performance to decide the extra time each subject receives.
Where should TOK, CAS and the extended essay go in the plan?
Give each core component its own milestones and dates rather than hiding it under a subject. Follow instructions from your coordinator, TOK teacher and EE supervisor.
About this guide: My Study Plan is a free, rules-based study planner operated by Reefwatch. This page gives a practical ib study planner and links to official sources for programme or assessment details.