For students who are dissatisfied with their IB results—whether due to unexpectedly low grades or missing out on university entry requirements—the International Baccalaureate offers two primary recourse options: requesting a remark or opting for a retake. Understanding the policies, deadlines, and strategic considerations behind these decisions is essential for navigating the post-results process effectively.

The IB Remark Process

The Enquiry Upon Results (EUR) service allows students to request a review of their exam scripts and/or internal assessments (IAs) if they believe an error may have occurred in the marking or moderation process.

Types of Remark Services

• Category 1 Remark (EUR1): A re-mark of externally assessed components (e.g., exam scripts). The entire paper is re-marked by a senior examiner, not just selected sections. 
• Category 1A: A re-moderation of internal assessments (IAs) if the school believes the moderation was incorrect. 
• Category 2: A return of the candidate’s original marked script, without re-marking. This is often used for review or teaching purposes. 

Important: Marks may go up, down, or remain unchanged after a remark. Grade changes are only made if the new mark crosses a grade boundary.

Eligibility and Process

• Who Can Apply: Any student who sat for IB examinations can request a remark via their school’s IB coordinator. 
• Timeline: For May session exams, the typical deadline is early July; for November sessions, early December. 
• Fees: Remarks incur a fee per subject per candidate. Fees are refunded only if the remark results in a grade change. 
• Turnaround Time: Results are typically released within 15 to 20 days of submission. 

IB Retake Options

If a remark does not yield the desired improvement—or if students are seeking substantial score increases—they may register to resit their exams in a future session.

Key Facts About Retaking IB Exams

• Exam Sessions: The IB offers two sessions annually—May and November. Students can register for the session following their original exam. 
• Subject Selection: Students may retake one or more subjects. They are not required to retake all components of the diploma. 
• Number of Attempts: IB allows up to three examination sessions in which a student may attempt to receive the diploma, though individual schools or universities may impose their own limits. 
• University Policies: Many institutions accept improved grades from retake sessions. However, competitive universities may request an explanation for delays or multiple attempts. 

Tip: Always verify university-specific policies on resits and final transcript submissions.

Registration and Fees

• Registration: Students must register through their IB coordinator. Some schools may charge administrative fees in addition to IB’s standard fees. 
• Component Retakes: Students may choose to retake the entire subject or only specific externally assessed components (e.g., Paper 1 or 2). IA scores may be carried forward if not resubmitted. 

November vs May Retakes – Strategic Considerations

• University Entry Deadlines: If you’re targeting university entry in September (Northern Hemisphere), a November retake may allow time for offers to be updated. 
• Syllabus Changes: Certain subjects—like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Philosophy—will undergo syllabus changes in May 2025. If you sat for the old syllabus in May 2024, retaking in November 2024 is advised to avoid adapting to a new curriculum. 
• Preparation Time: Consider your available time to revise and whether you require tuition or structured support. Some students benefit from an additional full year of study before resitting. 

Summary: Choosing the Right Option

Option	Best For	Risks & Considerations
Remark	Minor discrepancies near a grade boundary	Grades can go down; non-refundable if unchanged
Retake	Significant gaps in performance; multiple low scores	Requires extended prep; may delay university plans

Final Advice

Both remark and retake options have helped students gain crucial extra points for university admission or diploma qualification. However, both routes involve cost, time, and uncertainty.

Before proceeding:

• Speak with your IB coordinator to assess feasibility. 
• Review mark breakdowns and subject grade boundaries to inform your decision. 
• Check whether your target universities accept revised results or resits. 
• If retaking, plan ahead to ensure sufficient preparation—especially if you are juggling national service, internships, or other commitments. 

Need Help Navigating the IB Remark or Retake Process?

We provide academic consultations, retake support programs, and customised tutoring to help you maximise your outcomes. Reach out for a free consultation or contact us here .