Why the Right IB Resources Make All the Difference

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is one of the most demanding pre-university qualifications in the world. With six subjects across different groups, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), IB students face an extraordinary workload.

The difference between students who thrive and those who merely survive often comes down to one thing: using the right resources effectively. This guide curates the best IB study resources available in 2026, organised by category and subject, so you can spend less time searching and more time learning.

Official IB Resources: Start Here

IB Programme Resource Centre

The official IB resource centre (accessible through your school) contains:

• Subject guides — the definitive document for each subject’s content and assessment
• Past papers — official examination papers with mark schemes
• Teacher support materials — including specimen papers and examiner reports
• Assessment criteria — for Internal Assessments, TOK, and EE

How to access: Ask your IB coordinator. Schools pay for access, and students can usually view materials through their teacher.

IB Examiner Reports

Available through the Programme Resource Centre, these reports reveal:

• Common mistakes students make
• What examiners are looking for in high-scoring answers
• Areas where candidates consistently perform poorly
• Specific advice for improving answers

Pro tip: Read examiner reports for your subjects from the last 3 years. They’re the closest thing to having the examiner tell you exactly what to do.

IB Subject Guides

Every IB subject has a detailed guide specifying:

• All content to be covered
• Internal Assessment requirements
• Assessment objectives and criteria
• Recommended teaching hours per topic

Use them as checklists during revision. If a topic is in the guide, it can appear on the exam.

Free Online IB Resources

General IB Resources

IB Documents (iblibrary) One of the most comprehensive collections of IB study materials, including past papers, mark schemes, and subject reports.

• Coverage: All IBDP subjects
• Cost: Free
• Best for: Past paper practice

Revision Village (Free tier) Known for excellent IB Mathematics resources, Revision Village offers:

• Prediction questions based on exam trends
• Topic-by-topic practice questions
• Video solutions for past papers
• Cost: Free tier available; paid plans for full access
• Best for: IB Maths AA and AI

IB Flashcards and Anki Decks The Anki community has created extensive IB-specific flashcard decks for:

• Biology HL/SL
• Chemistry HL/SL
• Psychology HL/SL
• Economics HL/SL
• History topics

How to use: Download Anki (free), then search for IB decks. Use spaced repetition daily for 15-20 minutes.

Subject-Specific Free Resources

IB Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

BioNinja

• Coverage: IB Biology HL and SL
• Strength: Clear, concise notes with excellent diagrams
• Cost: Free
• Best for: Quick revision and visual learners

Richard Thornley’s YouTube Channel

• Coverage: IB Chemistry HL and SL
• Strength: Detailed video explanations of every topic
• Cost: Free
• Best for: Understanding difficult chemistry concepts

Chris Doner’s Physics Videos

• Coverage: IB Physics HL and SL
• Strength: Clear explanations with worked examples
• Cost: Free
• Best for: Physics problem-solving techniques

MSJChem

• Coverage: IB Chemistry
• Strength: Exam-focused video lessons with past paper walkthroughs
• Cost: Free on YouTube
• Best for: Exam technique and content review

IB Mathematics

Revision Village

• Coverage: Maths AA and Maths AI (HL and SL)
• Strength: Questionbank with video solutions, prediction exams
• Best for: Structured practice and exam preparation

ExamSolutions

• Coverage: Pure mathematics topics overlapping with IB
• Strength: Step-by-step video solutions
• Best for: Understanding specific mathematical techniques

Desmos Graphing Calculator

• Essential for IB Maths (allowed in exams)
• Practice using it for Paper 2 questions
• Free online or as an app

IB English

LitCharts / SparkNotes

• Coverage: Most set texts studied in IB English
• Strength: Plot summaries, character analysis, themes
• Caution: Use as supplements, not substitutes for reading the texts

Thinkib.net English Pages

• Coverage: IB English A: Literature and Language & Literature
• Strength: Student-written analyses and IO examples
• Best for: Understanding assessment expectations

IB Economics

EconplusDal (YouTube)

• Coverage: IB Economics HL and SL
• Strength: Clear diagrams and real-world examples
• Best for: Understanding economic theory and diagram drawing

Jason Welker’s Economics Course

• Coverage: Full IB Economics syllabus
• Strength: Comprehensive video lessons with practice activities
• Best for: Complete course review

IB History

InThinking History

• Coverage: IB History HL and SL topics
• Strength: Detailed topic guides and essay plans
• Caution: Some content behind paywall
• Best for: Essay structure and historiography

ActiveHistory.co.uk

• Coverage: Many IB History topics
• Strength: Interactive activities and source analysis
• Best for: Engagement with source material

Paid IB Resources Worth the Investment

Kognity

• What it is: Digital textbook platform endorsed by the IB
• Coverage: Most IBDP subjects
• Strengths: Interactive content, practice questions, progress tracking
• Cost: School subscription (check if your school has access)
• Best for: Comprehensive study alongside or instead of traditional textbooks

Revision Village (Paid Plans)

• What it is: IB Maths-focused platform with expanding subject coverage
• Strengths: Prediction exams, detailed solution videos, topic questionbank
• Cost: Individual subscription plans available
• Best for: IB Maths students who want structured exam practice

Save My Exams (IB Section)

• What it is: Exam-focused revision platform
• Coverage: IB Sciences and Maths
• Strengths: Topic questions, mark schemes, revision notes
• Cost: Free tier + paid plans for full access
• Best for: Targeted topic practice

Tutopiya (IB Resources + Tutoring)

• What it is: Comprehensive IB study platform with extensive AI-powered resources that go beyond traditional providers like Save My Exams
• Coverage: IBDP Mathematics (AA and AI), IBDP Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), IB MYP Mathematics, IB MYP Sciences
• Strengths: Instant AI feedback on question practice; diagnostic assessments powered by AI with automated grading and marking; predictive analytics to identify weak areas and target revision; past papers, practice questions, and revision materials — all enhanced by AI for personalised learning — plus one-on-one tutoring with IB specialist tutors
• Cost: Resources platform available on a subscription basis (separate from tutoring) — more affordable than Revision Village and Save My Exams; free trial lesson available for tutoring
• Best for: Students who want AI-powered practice with instant feedback, diagnostic insights, and expert tutoring — at a more affordable price than competitors

ManageBac

• What it is: Learning management system used by many IB schools
• Note: Not a study resource per se, but invaluable for tracking deadlines, CAS hours, and assignment submissions
• Access: Through your school

IB Textbooks: Which Ones to Use

The Best Textbooks by Subject

Subject	Recommended Textbook	Publisher
Biology HL/SL	Allott & Mindorff	Oxford
Chemistry HL/SL	Neuss	Oxford
Physics HL/SL	Tsokos	Cambridge
Maths AA	Haese & Harris	Haese Mathematics
Maths AI	Haese & Harris	Haese Mathematics
Economics	Tragakes	Cambridge
English A: Literature	Various (text-dependent)	—
History	Various (topic-dependent)	Cambridge/Oxford
Psychology	Crane & Hannibal	Oxford
Business Management	Lomine, Meredith & Ménard	Oxford

Textbook study tip: Don’t just read your textbook — actively engage with it:

• Highlight key definitions
• Annotate diagrams
• Attempt end-of-chapter questions
• Create summary notes in your own words

Building Your IB Study Toolkit

Essential Digital Tools

1. Anki (Flashcards)

• Spaced repetition for long-term retention
• Create your own cards or download community decks
• Free on desktop, paid on iOS, free on Android

2. Notion or OneNote

• Organise notes by subject and topic
• Create linked databases for cross-referencing
• Collaborate with study group members
• Free for students

3. GoodNotes or Notability (iPad)

• Annotate PDFs and past papers
• Handwrite notes with Apple Pencil
• Organise all subjects in one app
• Paid apps, worth the investment

4. Forest App

• Focus timer that gamifies study sessions
• Plant virtual trees while you study
• Great for Pomodoro technique implementation
• Free tier available

5. Google Scholar

• Essential for Extended Essay research
• Find academic sources for IAs and TOK
• Set up alerts for topics you’re researching
• Free

The Ideal Study Setup

Based on what high-scoring IB students consistently recommend:

1. Primary notes: Handwritten or typed summary notes for each topic (creating these IS the revision)
2. Flashcards: Key definitions, formulae, and concepts in Anki
3. Past papers: Minimum 5 years of papers per subject, worked through under timed conditions
4. Mark schemes: Study these as carefully as the papers themselves
5. Examiner reports: Highlight recurring feedback

Subject Group Strategies

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

Resources focus: Text analysis, essay structure, Individual Oral preparation Key resource: Your texts themselves. Re-read them multiple times with different analytical lenses. Supplement with: LitCharts for context, past paper essays for structure models

Group 2: Language Acquisition

Resources focus: Vocabulary building, comprehension practice, writing formats Key resource: Authentic materials in the target language (news, podcasts, films) Supplement with: Duolingo for vocabulary, news websites in target language

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

Resources focus: Content knowledge, essay technique, data analysis Key resource: Subject textbook + past papers Supplement with: YouTube channels for visual learning, news sources for current examples

Group 4: Sciences

Resources focus: Content mastery, calculation skills, IA preparation Key resource: Textbook + past papers + topic-specific YouTube videos Supplement with: BioNinja/MSJChem, simulation websites for practicals

Group 5: Mathematics

Resources focus: Problem-solving practice, GDC skills, formula application Key resource: Revision Village + Haese textbook Supplement with: Past papers (most critical resource for Maths)

Group 6: The Arts

Resources focus: Portfolio development, technical skills, analytical writing Key resource: Teacher guidance + exemplar work from previous years Supplement with: Gallery/museum visits, online collections, art analysis frameworks

TOK, EE, and CAS Resources

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

• TOK textbook (your school will recommend one)
• The Philosopher’s Toolkit by Baggini & Fosl — excellent for understanding key concepts
• TED Talks — great for real-life examples of knowledge questions
• Past prescribed titles with examiner guidance

Extended Essay (EE)

• Google Scholar for academic sources
• Your school librarian — an underutilised resource
• EE exemplars — your school should have examples graded A-E
• The official EE guide — read the assessment criteria carefully before starting

CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)

• ManageBac for logging reflections and evidence
• Local volunteering organisations for Service opportunities
• School clubs and societies for Creativity and Activity
• CAS project planning templates (available from IB)

Creating an Effective IB Study Plan

The 18-Month Plan

Months 18-12 before exams (start of IB2/Year 13):

• Organise all notes from IB1
• Begin creating summary sheets topic by topic
• Start Extended Essay research and writing
• Complete CAS requirements

Months 12-6:

• Finish all Internal Assessments
• Complete first pass of revision notes
• Begin past paper practice (1 paper per subject per month)
• Submit Extended Essay

Months 6-3:

• Intensive revision phase
• Past papers under timed conditions (2-3 per subject per month)
• Focus on weak areas identified through practice
• TOK essay and presentation preparation

Final 3 months:

• Daily past paper practice
• Review all summary notes weekly
• Focus sessions on highest-weighted papers
• Light revision in the final week — don’t burn out

How Tutopiya Complements Your IB Resources

Even the best resources need expert guidance to use effectively. At Tutopiya, we offer extensive IB resources powered by AI — past papers, practice questions, revision materials, and more — all enhanced to deliver personalised, exceptional learning experiences tailored to your needs.

Our IB specialist tutors help you:

• Navigate the overwhelming volume of IB content with personalised study plans
• Master exam technique through past paper practice with expert feedback
• Prepare Internal Assessments that meet IB criteria
• Build confidence in your weakest subjects
• Optimise your study time — focus on what will earn you the most marks

Our tutors cover all six IB subject groups, plus TOK and Extended Essay support.

Start Your IB Success Journey Today

The IB Diploma is a marathon, not a sprint. Having the right resources — and the right support — from the beginning makes the journey manageable and the outcome rewarding.

Book a free trial lesson with an IB specialist tutor and discover how Tutopiya can help you achieve the score you’re capable of.

Your IB journey deserves expert support. Let’s make it count.

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