Introduction
Mathematics is one of the most demanding IB subjects, and in May 2026, both Math Analysis and Approaches (AA) and Math Applications and Interpretation (AI) are scheduled during the most intense phase of the exam period.
Many students ask:
- When exactly are the Math papers?
- Why are Math exams split across multiple weeks?
- How do you revise effectively without exhausting yourself before Paper 3?
This guide breaks down IB Math AA and AI exam dates for May 2026, explains how the papers are structured across the timetable, and shows how to plan revision strategically using the RevisionDojo Study Planner.
IB Math Exam Structure Overview (AA vs AI)
Before looking at dates, it’s important to understand the structure.
Both Math AA and Math AI include:
- Paper 1 (non-calculator)
- Paper 2 (calculator)
- Paper 3 (HL only, investigative focus)
What differs is:
- Question style
- Application focus
- Cognitive fatigue across papers
This makes timing and spacing especially important.
IB Math AA & AI Exam Dates – May 2026
Paper 1 (HL & SL)
INSERT IMAGE HERE – WEEK 3 MATH PAPER 1 SCHEDULE TABLE
Paper 1 for both Math AA and Math AI takes place during Week 3 of the IB exam schedule.
Key characteristics:
- Long, demanding sessions
- Heavy problem-solving focus
- High mental load
This is one of the reasons Week 3 is considered the most difficult for many students.
Paper 2 (HL & SL)
INSERT IMAGE HERE – WEEK 4 MATH PAPER 2 SCHEDULE TABLE
Paper 2 follows shortly after Paper 1, usually in Week 4.
Challenges students face:
- Fatigue from previous exams
- Over-reliance on calculators
- Reduced focus due to schedule length
Students who perform best treat Paper 2 as a precision exam, not a cramming opportunity.
Paper 3 (HL Only)
INSERT IMAGE HERE – WEEK 4 MATH PAPER 3 SCHEDULE TABLE
Paper 3 is exclusive to HL students and occurs near the end of the exam period.
This paper:
- Tests deeper understanding
- Requires clear communication
- Punishes rushed thinking
By this stage, mental exhaustion is often the biggest obstacle — not content knowledge.
Why IB Math Exams Are Spread Across Weeks
The IB deliberately spaces Math papers to:
- Reduce same-day clashes
- Allow recovery between heavy exams
- Maintain fairness across time zones
However, this also means:
- Revision must be sustained
- You cannot “finish Math” early
- Poor pacing leads to burnout before Paper 3
This is where most students lose marks unnecessarily.
How to Revise for IB Math Using the Actual Exam Dates
Many students revise Math incorrectly by:
- Treating all papers as equal
- Ignoring fatigue accumulation
- Overworking before Paper 1 and crashing later
A better approach is date-driven revision.
Smart Planning With the RevisionDojo Study Planner
Using the RevisionDojo Study Planner, you can:
- Anchor each Math paper to its actual exam date
- Front-load concept mastery before Week 3
- Shift to exam-style practice between papers
- Reduce workload intentionally before Paper 3
Instead of guessing when to revise what, the planner lets you:
- See Math alongside your other subjects
- Avoid overloading Week 3
- Maintain confidence through the final week
Access the planner here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
This approach is especially effective for Math, where mental freshness matters as much as knowledge.
Common IB Math Scheduling Mistakes
- Revising Paper 1 topics only once
- Ignoring Paper 3 until the final days
- Treating calculator skills as “easy marks”
- Over-studying Math at the expense of recovery
Your revision plan must match the structure of the schedule, not just the syllabus.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
IB Math success isn’t about studying nonstop — it’s about timing, pacing, and execution.
If you want to:
- Stay sharp across all Math papers
- Avoid burnout before Paper 3
- Balance Math with your other IB subjects
Plan your revision using the RevisionDojo Study Planner:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Smart planning turns one of the hardest IB subjects into a controllable one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When are IB Math AA and AI exams in May 2026?
IB Math exams are split across Weeks 3 and 4 of the May 2026 exam period. Paper 1 typically occurs in Week 3, while Paper 2 and Paper 3 (HL only) occur in Week 4.
Are Math AA and AI exams on the same days?
Yes. Math AA and Math AI papers are scheduled at the same time for fairness, but the content differs significantly. Students should revise according to their course, not the timetable alone.
Is Paper 3 the hardest IB Math exam?
For many HL students, yes. Paper 3 requires sustained reasoning and clear explanation, which is difficult late in the exam period when fatigue is high.
How should I revise between Math papers?
Between papers, revision should shift from learning new content to:
- Reviewing mistakes
- Practising exam-style questions
- Maintaining confidence
This is where structured planning makes the biggest difference.
When should IB Math revision start for May 2026?
Ideally, Math revision should begin months before exams, with structured planning starting at least 8–10 weeks out. Early planning prevents overload during Week 3.
