Remarking vs Retaking IB Exams (2025)
A Practical Guide to Choosing the Right Option for You
Understand how IB remarking works, when it’s worth it, and whether you should request a remark or register for a retake.
Didn’t get the IB score you needed? You’re not alone - and you still have options.
The two most common are:
Request an IB exam remark (Enquiry Upon Results, or EUR)
Retake the IB exam in a future session
This page focuses on IB exam remarking - how it works, what it costs, when it’s worth it, and how it compares to retaking.
Whether you’re one mark off a 7 or just shy of the diploma, we’ll help you understand your next steps and how to make the right call.
Need guidance on whether you should request a remark?
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What Is IB Exam Remarking? (aka Enquiry Upon Results)
IB exam remarking — officially called an Enquiry Upon Results (or EUR) - is when you ask the IB to have one or more of your exam papers re-marked by a different examiner.
This applies only to Category 1 EUR, which means:
The original marking is reviewed again from scratch
The remark is done by a senior IB examiner who hasn’t seen your paper before
What can be remarked?
You can request a remark for:
External assessments, like your final exam papers
You can’t request a remark for:
Multiple-choice papers
Internal Assessments (IAs) — unless your school requests a re-moderation (a different process)
How long does it take to remark?
The average turnaround is about 2 to 3 weeks, but it can take longer during peak times.
How much does it cost to remark?
The fee is around €80–€120 per subject, depending on your IB school or exam center.
If your grade changes, the fee is refunded. If it stays the same, you pay the full amount.
What are the possible outcomes of remarks?
There are two outcomes after a remark:
Your grade changes (the fee is refunded to your school)
Your grade stays the same (you pay the fee)
What’s the success rate of remarks?
The odds of your grade going up depend on:
How close you were to the next boundary
The subject (essay-based subjects like English, History, and Economics are more subjective and more likely to shift)
If you were 1–2 marks away from the next grade boundary in a written paper, a remark may be worth it.
But keep in mind - a remark is a full re-mark, not just a check for clerical errors. It can help in borderline cases, but it’s not a guaranteed boost.
Need help deciding whether to request a remark?
Get expert feedback from an IB tutor before you commit.
Is IB Remarking Worth It?
A remark can be worth it - but only in the right circumstances.
In general, it’s most worth considering if:
You’re just 1–2 marks below a grade boundary
The subject involves subjective marking (e.g. English, History, Economics)
Important: You're not at risk of dropping below a critical threshold (like failing the diploma)
Because the entire paper is re-marked from scratch, there’s always a small chance your grade could go down - which means remarking is lower risk if you’re comfortably above the passing line, and just hoping to bump up a grade.
When is IB remarking not worth it?
You're more than 2–3 marks below the next grade
The subject is mostly objective (e.g. Math, Sciences with structured mark schemes)
Important: You’re already on the edge of failing, and a downgrade could cost your diploma
If you're unsure, talk it through with someone who knows the IB marking system inside out.
Speak to a tutor for honest, expert advice
What About IB Exam Retakes?
IB retakes are when you sit the exam again in a future session - usually the following November or May. Unlike remarking, which reviews the original paper, a retake means preparing, re-registering, and taking the exam again from scratch.
Key facts about retaking:
There’s no longer a limit on the number of sessions in which you can retake
You can choose to reuse your original Internal Assessment (IA) or submit a new one (check with your school or coordinator)
You’ll need to register with your IB coordinator and pay exam fees (typically similar to the original fees)
Timeline
May session students can usually retake in November
November students typically wait until the following May
Should you consider a retake?
Retakes require more time and effort - but they can offer a bigger potential reward, especially if:
You need a significant score increase
You didn’t meet diploma requirements
You’re applying to universities with higher entry thresholds
It’s not a small commitment - but with the right support, a retake can be a turning point. If you think a retake is for you but still have questions, check out our page on retakes where we outline the entire process in detail.
Need a personalized guidance for your IB exam retake?
Don’t hesitate to reach out to an expert. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Remarking vs Retaking: How to Decide
Not sure which route makes more sense for your situation? Here’s a quick comparison to help you weigh the options:
| Consider a Remark if… | Consider a Retake if… |
|---|---|
| You’re within 1–2 points of a higher grade | You need to raise your grade by several points |
| The subject is essay-based or subjective | You didn’t pass the diploma or need to hit 24+ total |
| You need a fast result (e.g. uni offer pending) | You have time to restudy and improve |
| You’re confident in your original performance | You want to redo your IA or multiple subjects |
Still unsure? Some students request a remark first - and plan to retake if the result doesn’t change.
Talk to an expert IB tutor to figure out your best option
Your Next Steps After IB Results: Remarking or Retaking
If you’re considering a remark or retake, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Act fast — IB deadlines come quickly, especially for remark requests.
Double-check the fees and refund policy with your school.
Let your university know if an offer depends on your final grade.
Have a plan for retakes — including time to revise, retake the IA (if needed), and register.
Don’t go it alone — talk it through with someone who’s helped students through this before.
Need Help With IB Remarking or Retakes?
Whether you’re thinking about a remark, planning a retake, or just unsure what to do - we can help.
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