IB DP Class 12 Arts

IB DP Class 12 Arts Exam Pattern 2026-27

Complete HL & SL Assessment Structure — Psychology, History, Visual Arts & Languages

Understand the exam pattern, paper types, marking scheme, and assessment criteria for IB DP Arts final examinations. Your complete guide to IB DP Arts exam pattern.

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IB DP Arts Assessment Overview 2026-27

Subject	Paper 1	Paper 2	Paper 3	IA
Psychology	25%	25%	20% (HL only)	20%
History	30%	30%	20% (HL only)	20%
Visual Arts	30%	30%	20% (HL only)	20%
Languages	25%	25%	25% (HL only)	25%

Note: HL students have additional Paper 3 for all Arts subjects. Weightages vary between subjects.

IB DP Psychology Exam Pattern 2026-27

HL & SL

Paper	Type	SL Duration	HL Duration	SL Marks	HL Marks
Paper 1	MCQ	45 min	60 min	30	40
Paper 2	Essay	90 min	120 min	50	60
Paper 3	HL Extension	N/A	75 min	N/A	45

Note: Paper 3 is only for HL Psychology students.

IB DP History Exam Pattern 2026-27

HL & SL

Paper	Type	SL Duration	HL Duration	SL Marks	HL Marks
Paper 1	Source-based	60 min	75 min	25	35
Paper 2	Essay	90 min	120 min	50	60
Paper 3	HL Extension	N/A	120 min	N/A	60

Note: Paper 3 is only for HL History students.

IB DP Visual Arts Exam Pattern 2026-27

HL & SL

Component	Type	SL Weightage	HL Weightage
Comparative Study	Art Analysis	30%	20%
Process Portfolio	Studio Work	40%	40%
Exhibition	Final Show	30%	40%

Note: HL students have more complex requirements for all components.

IB DP Languages Exam Pattern 2026-27

HL & SL

Paper	Type	SL Duration	HL Duration	SL Marks	HL Marks
Paper 1	Guided Analysis	90 min	120 min	50	70
Paper 2	Essay	90 min	120 min	50	70
Paper 3 (HL only)	HL Extension	N/A	120 min	N/A	60

Note: Paper 3 is only for HL Language students.

Internal Assessment (IA) - Arts Subjects

Psychology IA

• Experiment/Study: Replication or design
• Report: Written report
• Weightage: 20% (HL & SL)

History IA

• Historical Investigation: Research project
• Report: Written report
• Weightage: 20% (HL & SL)

Visual Arts IA

• Portfolio: Studio work and process
• Exhibition: Final presentation
• Weightage: 20% (HL & SL)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many papers are there in IB DP Arts subjects?

IB DP Arts subjects typically have 3 external papers for HL and 2 for SL, plus an Internal Assessment (IA). Assessment structures vary by subject.

What is the difference between HL and SL exam patterns?

HL exams include Paper 3 (extension topics), are longer, and have more marks. SL exams have only Paper 1 and Paper 2.

How can StudyDecode help me with IB DP Arts exam preparation?

StudyDecode provides comprehensive exam preparation for IB DP Arts students. We help you understand the exam pattern, practice past papers, and develop exam strategies. Book a free consultation to know more.