IB Biology Practice Test 2026 — Free IB Biology Exam Prep Questions
IB Diploma Programme Biology is a two-year course examined at Standard Level or Higher Level, with results used for university admission and credit worldwide. Our practice questions are written in the style of Paper 1A multiple choice and Paper 1B data-based questions and cover all four themes of the new syllabus: Unity and diversity, Form and function, Interaction and interdependence, and Continuity and change. Paper 2 and the internal assessment are not included.
A plant cell has a solute potential of −750 kPa and a pressure potential of +250 kPa. It is placed in a sucrose solution with a water potential of −600 kPa. Which describes the net movement of water?
IB Biology format, scoring & key facts
Written examination papers in the May and November sessions, registered through an IB World School. Paper 1 (1A and 1B) is taken in one sitting; calculators are permitted on all papers. Totals above are for HL (SL: 30 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours of exams).
| Course | Biology guide for first assessment 2025: themes A–D across molecules, cells, organisms and ecosystems; no Paper 3 or options |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 (36%) | SL 1 h 30 min, 55 marks (30 MCQ + 25 marks data-based); HL 2 h, 75 marks (40 MCQ + 35 marks data-based) |
| Paper 2 (44%) | SL 1 h 30 min, 50 marks; HL 2 h 30 min, 80 marks. Section A data-based and short answer, Section B extended response |
| Internal assessment (20%) | Scientific investigation, 10 hours, same at SL and HL |
| Multiple choice | Four options (A–D); no marks deducted for wrong answers |
| Calculator | Permitted on all papers |
| Grades | 1–7 per subject |
| Teaching time | 150 hours SL, 240 hours HL |
Facts last verified Oct 17, 2026. Source: ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/university-admission/pdfs/subject-guides/biology-guide.pdf. Always confirm details with IB before your exam.
When can you take the IB Biology?
Two examination sessions a year, May and November, on dates set by the IB exam schedule.
What the IB Biology covers
Every PrepBanq IB Biology test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Unity and diversityWater, nucleic acids, cell structure, diversity, evolution, conservation; HL adds origins of cells, viruses, classification and cladistics. Weight follows HL teaching hours; the IB publishes no exam weighting per theme. | 18% | ~7 | 27 questions → |
Form and functionBiomolecules, membranes, organelles, specialization, gas exchange, transport, adaptation and niches; HL adds muscle and motility. | 22% | ~9 | 33 questions → |
Interaction and interdependenceEnzymes, respiration, photosynthesis, neural signalling, body systems, defence against disease, populations, energy and matter; HL adds chemical signalling. | 27% | ~11 | 40 questions → |
Continuity and changeDNA replication, protein synthesis, mutation, cell division, water potential, reproduction, inheritance, homeostasis, natural selection, stability and climate change; HL adds gene expression. | 33% | ~13 | 50 questions → |
How to register for the IB Biology
Retake policy
You can retake the subject in a later examination session at an IB World School that accepts you; the highest grade counts towards the diploma.
Score release
May-session results are released in early July (6 July 2026 for candidates).
Credential renewal
Grades are reported on your IB transcript.
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IB Biology FAQ
How many questions are on the IB Biology?
The IB Biology has 40 questions and you have 4 hours 30 minutes to finish. Question types: Paper 1A: four-option multiple choice (SL 30, HL 40; no penalty for wrong answers). Paper 1B: four data-based questions on experimental work. Paper 2: Section A data-based and short-answer questions; Section B extended-response questions (SL answer 1 of 2, HL 2 of 3). Plus an internally assessed scientific investigation (20%)..
How long is the IB Biology exam?
Testing time for the IB Biology is 4 hours 30 minutes.
What is the passing score for the IB Biology?
IB Biology passing standard: No pass mark per paper: each subject is graded 1–7 using boundaries set each session. The diploma requires at least 24 of 45 points plus other conditions. Score range: Subject grade 1–7.
How much does the IB Biology cost?
The IB Biology registration fee is Set by your IB World School (the IB charges schools a per-subject assessment fee). Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the IB Biology?
The IB Biology covers Unity and diversity (about 18%), Form and function (about 22%), Interaction and interdependence (about 27%), Continuity and change (about 33%).
Who administers the IB Biology?
The IB Diploma Programme Biology Exam (SL/HL) is administered by IB. Delivery: Written examination papers in the May and November sessions, registered through an IB World School. Paper 1 (1A and 1B) is taken in one sitting; calculators are permitted on all papers. Totals above are for HL (SL: 30 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours of exams)..
Can you retake the IB Biology?
You can retake the subject in a later examination session at an IB World School that accepts you; the highest grade counts towards the diploma.
Is there a free IB Biology practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free IB Biology practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real IB Biology formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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