The IB has now confirmed that the TOK requirements and deadlines remain the same for the 2026 examination session. As of December 2025, there have not been any new curriculum changes or assessment updates to TOK or policy revisions. This is significant for the IB students, teachers, and coordinators because it gives stability in the new cycle of academic planning.
Though the IB are currently undertaking a range of Diploma Programme long-term reviews, these are currently unrelated to TOK. As a consequence, the 2026 session will not be subject to any changes in the structure of TOK that was initiated in the 2020 curriculum review.
Current TOK Structure Confirmed for 2026 Session
The IB TOK course continues with two official assessment components. The IB has not announced any changes to these components for 2026.
TOK Exhibition (Internal Assessment)
The Exhibition goes under the same rules:
- Students choose one IA prompt from the officially prescribed list of prompts.
- Each student selects three objects relevant to the TOK prompt.
- A written commentary explains how the objects relate to the chosen knowledge question.
- The Exhibition is internally assessed by teachers and moderated by IB.
- Most schools schedule this component during Year 1 of the DP.
Object selection rules, reflection style, and the submission format remain unchanged.
TOK Essay (External Assessment)
The TOK essay remains the same:
- Students select one of the six Prescribed Titles issued by the IB.
- The essay should not be longer than 1,600 words.
- An academic-style argumentation, with clear reasoning, is needed.
- Schools should upload the essays using the digital submission platform.
- This essay is externally marked by IB examiners.
No new criteria have been issued, no new weightings, and no new formats for prescribed titles.
TOK Deadlines for May and November 2026
Although the IB does not publish specific internal school deadlines, global submission deadlines do fall on the same date every year. While schools have their own internally set dates, the general outline below applies to most schools offering the IB.
May 2026 Session
TOK Exhibition: School-set deadline, usually between August and December 2025
TOK Essay Draft 1: January–February 2026
Final TOK Essay Upload to IB: Early April 2026
Results Release: 6 July 2026
November 2026 Session
TOK Exhibition: School-set deadline, typically March–June 2026
TOK Essay First Draft: Around August 2026
Final TOK Essay Upload: Mid-October 2026
Results Release: 2 January 2027
These timelines align with IB’s regular submission cycle. No updated dates have been issued for the 2026 year.
No changes in the TOK curriculum have been announced yet. December 2025 Update.
At the time of the most recent review, the IB has not changed any requirements in TOK. The following aspects are still identical to:
- TOK Exhibition object rules
- TOK Essay marking criteria
- IA prompt list structure
- Prescribed Titles format
- Assessment weightings
- Digital submission system
- Academic integrity expectations
From 2023–2025, the IB was working on projects like community awards, diversity projects, and school development initiatives. None of these projects changed TOK in any way.
This ascertains that students preparing for May and November 2026 can continue studying with current guides without anticipating sudden changes.
Conclusion
As of December 2025, the International Baccalaureate has confirmed that the TOK requirements and deadlines remain the same for the 2026 exam session. Both the TOK Exhibition and the TOK Essay will continue with the existing structure, marking criteria, and submission process. No updates have been introduced, and students are able to use the existing TOK Guide. The timing and relevance of publishing this update are opportune, as students and teachers preparing for 2026 assessments are starting their academic planning. This confirmation provides clarity and ensures that everyone can work with confidence for the upcoming session.