In the May 2026 session the IB ran its first live online Diploma and Career-related Programme exams, with a limited group of pioneer schools — reported at roughly 3,000 students across more than 60 schools — sitting selected papers on screen.
The rollout is phased across subject groups from 2026 to 2029, with the full transition expected in the early 2030s. From November 2026, all IB World Schools can opt into online exams for selected subjects, beginning with Language and Literature and Language Acquisition.
Paper stays, for now
Students can choose digital or paper for eligible subjects: the paper is identical and grade boundaries are set so a candidate should achieve the same result either way. It is a deliberately cautious design, and it mirrors Cambridge International’s own move to on-screen exams for schools across Europe, the Middle East and the US.
Sources
AACRAO — IB launches online IBDP exams in 2026 · WhichSchoolAdvisor — IB launches online IBDP exams in 2026
