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.

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.

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

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.

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:

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.