In an important move for education worldwide, the International Baccalaureate has just announced that Digital Exams are coming to the IB Diploma Programme, starting with selected subjects in 2026. This move marks one of the most important assessment changes in the history of the IB. Many students, parents, and schools are now preparing for what this transition will mean for testing, learning, and classroom planning.
Why IB is moving towards digital exams
The International Baccalaureate organization said this move to digital exams is about keeping pace with the world’s technological transformation. It strives to provide examination sessions that are as similar to the way that students of the 21st century do research, learn, and communicate.
According to the IB, digital assessments will bring more efficiency, accessibility, and reliability to the exam process. Emphasis has been placed on creating a modern testing system that mirrors real-world communication tools, supporting more interactive question types.
Which Students Will Have Digital IB Exams?
The digital assessment pilot will begin in 2026 with selected IB Diploma Programme subjects. The selection of subjects for digital testing will be progressively announced to ensure schools are well-prepared.
Students currently in the early stages of their IB coursework may well be the first cohort to experience this format when they reach their final exams. Schools should expect detailed implementation guidelines during 2025–2026.
What Digital Exams Will Look Like?
The upcoming digital exam format for the IB Diploma will be based on structured digital testing. Candidates will complete a test using a secure computer interface, without having to write on paper.
Key features include:
1. Digital question format
Questions may include:
- multiple-choice
- short response boxes
- typed essays
- drag-and-drop questions
- interactive elements depending on the subject
The aim is to test the understanding in a precise, organized, and standardized way.
2. Secure Testing Environment
The IB has confirmed that all exams will run on locked, controlled software, which prevents students from accessing other files or the internet during testing.
3. Accessibility Features
The digital exam system will support:
- Adjustable text size
- digital highlighting
- On-screen calculators (for specific subjects)
- easier traversal
These accessibility features reflect the IB’s mission to support diverse learning needs.
4. Quicker and More Accurate Evaluation
Digital exams allow examiners to read typed text more easily and evaluate structured responses with higher consistency. The IB expects this change to improve marking accuracy and reduce errors.
How Students Can Prepare for the 2026 Digital IB Exams
1. Practice Typing Skills
Many subjects will require long-form typed responses. Students accustomed to writing by hand should start practicing typing essays, analysis and extended responses.
2. Familiarize Yourself with Digital Tools
- typing mathematics using digital notation
- inserting diagrams or using on-screen tools where necessary
- navigating digital test platforms
3. Use Digital Past Papers (When released)
Before its official launch, the IB is expected to release sample digital assessment materials. Students are encouraged to practice with these tools to avoid last-minute exam stress.
4. Schools Will Provide Digital Mock Exams
Pilot schools will administer mock digital tests to acclimate students. Students should take the mock assessments seriously, as this will be just like the real testing experience.
Benefits of IB Digital Exams
Digital exams let students type their responses clearly, which can reduce handwriting-related issues and aid speedier, more accurate marking. The digital format also introduces accessibility functions such as text size that can be changed, onscreen highlighting, and built-in calculators-which make sure a broader range of students perform comfortably under assessments. Meanwhile, schools and examiners alike benefit from the speedier distribution of scripts, secure digital storage, and reduced reliance on printed papers. The shift is now in alignment with how students already learn and study, including the way they work, in this digital-first world; such a shift would thus make the assessment experience more relevant and future-ready, all while supporting global sustainability through reduced paper usage.
Conclusion
Digital exams in the IB Diploma Programme represent a significant milestone in the history of global education. From 2026, IB students will have an increasingly modern, accessible, and interactive exam environment. Though this shift entails some preparation for students and schools alike, this transition is designed to be aligned with current digital learning trends and expectations in the global workplace.
Students who start early to equip themselves by enhancing digital skills, practicing typed responses, and familiarizing themselves with digital tools will adjust easily to the new format. The shift of digital exams that the IB Diploma undergoes is the future in terms of academic assessment, while IB carefully undertakes several steps for a successful global roll-out.