IB points and diploma requirements
The IB Diploma is scored out of 45. Reaching 24 points is necessary to pass, but it is not enough on its own: there are several other conditions. Here is how the points add up and every rule that decides whether you get the diploma.
On this page
Where the 45 points come from
- Six subjects, graded 1 to 7: up to 42 points.
- Theory of knowledge (TOK) and the extended essay (EE): each is graded A to E, and the two grades combine into 0 to 3 core points.
- CAS: no points, but it must be completed.
Your subject grade comes from your exam papers and your internal assessment together. In Maths and Physics, for example, the internal assessment is 20% of the grade.
The usual conditions for passing
The IB publishes the exact conditions in its assessment procedures, and it can update them, so check the current rules with your IB coordinator. As usually summarised, a candidate receives the diploma only if:
- the total is at least 24 points;
- there is no grade 1 in any subject;
- there are no more than two grade 2s;
- there are no more than three grades of 3 or below;
- the HL subjects total at least 12 points (for three HL subjects);
- the SL subjects total at least 9 points (or 5 for candidates with two SL subjects);
- there is no E in TOK or the extended essay;
- CAS has been completed;
- there is no “N” (no grade) in any component, and no finding of academic misconduct.
Does this student pass?
HL: 4, 4, 3. SL: 5, 4, 3. TOK C and EE C, giving 1 core point. CAS complete. Total = 4 + 4 + 3 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 1 = 24.
- Total is 24: the minimum is met.
- No 1s or 2s. Grades of 3 or below: two (the HL 3 and the SL 3), within the limit of three.
- HL total = 11, which is below 12.
- So this student does not receive the diploma, despite having 24 points.
Raising the total
The same student wants a safe margin. Where is the quickest gain?
- Raising the HL 3 to a 4 adds a point and brings the HL total to 12, fixing the failing condition.
- Improving the internal assessment in that subject is often the most controllable route, since it is done before the exams.
- A better extended essay can also add core points.
What scores mean for university
- Universities set their own offers, often as a total (for example 34 to 40 points) plus minimum grades in HL subjects.
- For engineering, physics or maths, offers often specify grades in Maths AA HL and Physics HL.
- In India, check each university's admission rules for IB students, which can include converting IB grades to percentages.
Predicted grades
Your teachers send predicted grades to universities before your exams. Strong internal assessments, steady test results and good mock exams all support higher predictions.
How the core points are worked out
TOK and the extended essay are each graded A (highest) to E. The IB combines the two grades using a published matrix to give 0, 1, 2 or 3 points. For example, two A grades earn the full 3 points, and two C grades earn 1. An E in either one means no diploma, whatever the points total. Check the current matrix with your coordinator, since it is the IB's to set.
How subject grades are decided
- Grade boundaries are set each session: the IB decides how many marks are needed for each grade after looking at the papers and the results, so a 7 does not need the same percentage every year.
- Internal assessment is moderated: your teacher marks your IA, and the IB checks a sample from your school and can move the marks up or down for the whole group.
- All components count: missing an internal assessment can lead to no grade in that subject, which fails the diploma.
The practical lesson is that steady work on each internal assessment protects your total before you sit a single exam.
More questions
Can I re-sit IB subjects?
Yes. Candidates can usually retake subjects in a later session to raise grades. Ask your coordinator about the options and deadlines.
Is 24 points a good score?
It is the minimum to pass, if every other condition is met. Most universities ask for more, often in the 30s or above, with specific HL grades.
Common mistakes
- Thinking 24 points is a guaranteed pass: the HL, SL and grade conditions also apply.
- Neglecting an SL subject that could fall to a 2.
- Treating TOK and the EE as minor: an E in either fails the diploma.
- Leaving CAS records incomplete.
Practice questions
Try each one before opening the answer.
Q1. Scores HL 6, 6, 5; SL 5, 5, 4; core 2. What is the total?
Show answer
Q2. Can you pass with 30 points and a grade 1 in one subject?
Show answer
Q3. What is the most core points you can earn?
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Frequently asked questions
What is a good IB score?
It depends on your goals. Many selective universities make offers in the high 30s to 40s, while the minimum to pass is 24 with the other conditions met.
What happens if I fail the diploma?
You receive course results for the subjects you completed, and you can usually retake in a later session. Ask your coordinator about the options.
Are the passing rules the same every year?
They change rarely, but the IB can update them. Always check the current rules with your school.
Key takeaways
- Six subjects at 1 to 7, plus up to 3 core points: 45 maximum.
- 24 points is the minimum, not the only condition.
- No 1s, at most two 2s, at most three scores of 3 or below.
- HL at least 12, SL at least 9.
- No E in TOK or EE, and CAS complete.