Introduction
IB History is one of the most writing-intensive subjects in the Diploma Programme. Success depends not only on historical knowledge, but on timing, stamina, and exam technique.
In the May 2026 exam session, History papers are clustered in a way that can quickly overwhelm students who do not plan carefully — especially those taking History at HL.
Students frequently ask:
- When are the IB History exams in May 2026?
- Are HL and SL exams on the same days?
- Why do the History exams feel so close together?
- How do I revise without burning out my writing ability?
This article explains the IB History exam dates for May 2026, breaks down each paper, and shows how to plan revision strategically.
IB History Exam Structure Overview
IB History assesses historical knowledge, analysis, and evaluation across multiple papers.
The structure is:
- Paper 1 (HL & SL): Source-based questions
- Paper 2 (HL & SL): Essay questions on world history topics
- Paper 3 (HL only): In-depth regional history essays
Each paper places heavy demands on writing clarity and speed, which makes fatigue a major risk factor.
IB History Exam Dates for May 2026
Paper 1 (HL & SL)
Paper 1 is typically scheduled during Week 2 of the IB May 2026 exam session.
Paper 1:
- Tests source analysis skills
- Requires precise interpretation
- Is shorter but mentally intense
Students often underestimate Paper 1 because it feels different from essay writing, but weak technique can cost many marks.
Paper 2 (HL & SL)
Paper 2 follows shortly after Paper 1, also during Week 2.
Paper 2:
- Requires extended essay responses
- Tests depth of historical understanding
- Rewards structured arguments and evaluation
For many students, this is the most demanding History paper due to the writing load.
Paper 3 (HL Only)
Paper 3 is taken only by HL students and is scheduled later than Papers 1 and 2.
This paper:
- Requires multiple long essays
- Tests in-depth regional knowledge
- Demands sustained concentration
Paper 3 is often where fatigue has the greatest impact on performance.
Why IB History Exams Are So Exhausting
History exams are difficult because they require:
- Continuous writing
- Clear argumentation
- Accurate factual recall
- Consistent evaluation
When students are tired, essay quality drops quickly — even if content knowledge is strong.
Common History Scheduling Mistakes
Students frequently:
- Focus too much on content memorisation
- Neglect essay structure practice
- Revise History too late
- Ignore Paper 3 until the final weeks
These mistakes are almost always planning-related.
How to Plan IB History Revision Around the Exam Dates
Strong History revision should:
- Begin essay practice early
- Rotate topics rather than cramming
- Practise under timed conditions
- Reduce revision intensity before long exam days
History rewards clarity and structure, not last-minute memorisation.
Using the RevisionDojo Study Planner for IB History
The RevisionDojo Study Planner helps History students manage writing-heavy revision across multiple weeks.
Using the planner, you can:
- Schedule essay practice well before exams
- Avoid stacking History with other writing-heavy subjects
- Protect energy for long exam days
- Maintain consistency through Paper 3
Instead of reacting to deadlines, you plan around them.
Access the planner here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Strong arguments come from steady preparation.
Why History Performance Often Drops Late
Teachers often observe:
- Strong Paper 1 performance
- Weaker evaluation in later essays
This usually happens because students run out of mental stamina, not because they lack knowledge.
Good planning preserves writing quality across all papers.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
If you want to perform well in IB History in May 2026:
- Know when each paper happens
- Practise essays early and often
- Protect energy for long writing exams
Use the RevisionDojo Study Planner to build a History revision plan that matches the IB timetable:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Clear structure leads to strong historical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When are IB History exams in May 2026?
IB History exams typically take place during Week 2 of the May 2026 exam session, with HL students sitting an additional Paper 3 later.
Are History HL and SL exams on the same days?
Yes. HL and SL students sit Papers 1 and 2 on the same days, with HL students completing Paper 3 separately.
Which IB History paper is the hardest?
For many students, Paper 2 or Paper 3 is the hardest due to the length and evaluation required.
Is IB History mostly memorisation?
No. While factual knowledge is important, exam success depends heavily on analysis, argument structure, and evaluation.
When should I start revising IB History for May 2026?
Ideally 8–10 weeks before exams, with early emphasis on essay technique rather than pure content memorisation.
