IB Subjects List: All 6 Groups, Easiest & Hardest Subjects
Planning your IB subject choices? Browse every subject across all 6 groups, see which are the easiest and hardest, and find the best combinations for your career goals.
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Free notes, flashcards, AI-powered questions, and mock exams for these IB subjects.
Environmental Systems & Societies
SL & HL — 8 units, from Foundations of ESS to Human Systems & Resource Use.
Start studyingBusiness Management
SL & HL — 6 units, from Introduction to Business to Strategic Management.
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How IB Subjects Work
Every IB Diploma student takes six subjects — one from each of the six subject groups. Three are studied at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). HL subjects have more teaching hours (240 vs 150), deeper content, and longer exams.
Group 6 (The Arts) is optional — students can replace it with an additional subject from Groups 1–4. This is common for students pursuing science-heavy or humanities-heavy programmes.
Want to understand the full IB programme structure, grading system, and core components (TOK, EE, CAS)? Read our complete IB Diploma guide →
All IB Subject Groups
The IB organises subjects into six groups. Click on any Aimnova subject to start studying with free notes, flashcards, and practice questions.
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
Students study their best language (usually their mother tongue) through literature, non-literary texts, and language analysis. Develops critical reading, essay writing, and communication skills.
| Subject | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Language A: Literature | Study of literary works from different periods, styles, and cultures. | SLHL |
| Language A: Language and Literature | Analysis of both literary and non-literary texts (ads, speeches, articles). | SLHL |
| Literature and Performance (SL only) | Combines literature study with theatre performance techniques. | SL |
Group 2: Language Acquisition
A second (or third) language studied at a level matching the student's ability — from complete beginner to near-native proficiency.
| Subject | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Language B | For students with prior experience. Available in 20+ languages. | SLHL |
| Language ab initio | For complete beginners. SL only. Available in multiple languages. | SL |
| Classical Languages (Latin / Ancient Greek) | Study of classical texts in the original language. | SLHL |
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Humanities and social sciences examining how individuals, societies, and economies function. Many popular IB subjects sit in this group.
| Subject | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Business Management | Covers HR, finance, marketing, operations, and strategy. | SLHL |
| Economics | Micro and macroeconomics, international trade, and development. | SLHL |
| Geography | Physical and human geography with fieldwork component. | SLHL |
| History | In-depth study of 20th-century world history and regional topics. | SLHL |
| Psychology | Biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches to behaviour. | SLHL |
| Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) | Interdisciplinary: ecology, conservation, climate, and sustainability. | SLHL |
| Philosophy | Core themes in ethics, epistemology, and philosophy of science. | SLHL |
| Global Politics | Power, sovereignty, human rights, and international relations. | SLHL |
| Digital Society | How digital systems shape media, identity, and governance. | SLHL |
| World Religions (SL only) | Comparative study of nine major world religions. | SL |
Group 4: Sciences
Experimental sciences with emphasis on practical work, data analysis, and the scientific method. All science subjects include a Group 4 collaborative project.
| Subject | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | Cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and human physiology. | SLHL |
| Chemistry | Atomic structure, bonding, energetics, kinetics, and organic chemistry. | SLHL |
| Physics | Mechanics, waves, electricity, fields, and nuclear physics. | SLHL |
| Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) | Also counts as a Group 3 subject — the only transdisciplinary IB subject. | SLHL |
| Computer Science | Programming, algorithms, data structures, and system design. | SLHL |
| Design Technology | Product design, CAD, prototyping, and sustainable design. | SLHL |
| Sports, Exercise and Health Science | Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and sports psychology. | SLHL |
Group 5: Mathematics
Every IB student must study mathematics. Two courses cater to different interests and career paths.
| Subject | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches | Emphasis on algebra, calculus, and proof — ideal for STEM degrees. | SLHL |
| Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation | Emphasis on statistics, modelling, and technology — ideal for social sciences, business, and design. | SLHL |
Group 6: The Arts
Creative subjects developing artistic skills, critical reflection, and cultural awareness. Students may replace Group 6 with an additional subject from Groups 1–4.
| Subject | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Arts | Studio work (painting, sculpture, photography) plus comparative study. | SLHL |
| Music | Performance, composition, and musicology. | SLHL |
| Theatre | Performance, directing, solo theatre, and research. | SLHL |
| Film | Film analysis, filmmaking, and a collaborative documentary. | SLHL |
| Dance | Performance, choreography, and movement analysis. | SLHL |
Easiest IB Subjects
Difficulty is subjective, but these are widely considered the most accessible IB subjects based on global pass rates, content volume, and student feedback:
- ✓ESS (Environmental Systems and Societies) — Smaller syllabus, no HL extension until 2026, and very scoring-friendly.
- ✓Business Management SL — Practical, real-world content with no essay-heavy exams at SL.
- ✓Visual Arts — No written exam; assessment is portfolio and comparative study.
- ✓Film SL — Creative assessments with no traditional written exam.
- ✓Sports, Exercise and Health Science SL — Straightforward content if you enjoy biology and sport.
Hardest IB Subjects
These subjects are generally considered the most challenging due to content depth, exam demands, or abstract thinking required:
- ▲Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL — Demanding calculus and proof content; the toughest IB maths course.
- ▲Physics HL — Abstract concepts, heavy maths, and extensive problem sets.
- ▲Chemistry HL — Large syllabus combining quantitative analysis with conceptual understanding.
- ▲History HL — Huge content volume and essay-based exams requiring deep analytical writing.
- ▲Language A: Literature HL — Requires exceptional close reading and essay craft.
Best IB Subject Combinations by Career
Choosing the right IB subjects depends on your university and career goals. Here are recommended combinations for the most popular career paths.
Medicine / Dentistry
Biology HL, Chemistry HL, Maths AA HL (or SL), plus a humanities subject.
Engineering
Physics HL, Maths AA HL, Chemistry HL (or SL), plus a humanities subject.
Business / Finance
Business Management HL, Economics HL, Maths AI HL (or AA SL).
Law
History HL, English A HL, Global Politics or Philosophy, plus an essay-heavy combination.
Computer Science
Computer Science HL, Maths AA HL, Physics (HL or SL).
Psychology / Social Sciences
Psychology HL, Biology (HL or SL), Maths AI SL, plus a strong Group 1 subject.
Architecture / Design
Visual Arts HL, Design Technology HL, Maths AA (SL or HL), Physics SL.
Environmental Science
ESS, Biology (HL or SL), Chemistry SL, Geography.
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Free study notes, flashcards, mock exams, and AI-powered exam practice for the subjects we cover. More subjects coming soon.
Learn How the IB Diploma Works
New to the IB? Our complete guide covers the programme structure, grading system (1–45), core components (TOK, EE, CAS), and university recognition.
IB Diploma Complete GuideFrequently Asked Questions
- Every IB Diploma student takes six subjects: one from each of the six subject groups. Three are studied at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). You may replace Group 6 (The Arts) with an additional subject from Groups 1–4.
- Yes. You can take a second science instead of a Group 6 (Arts) subject. For example, Biology HL and Chemistry HL is a common combination for aspiring medics.
- Higher Level (HL) subjects have 240 teaching hours compared to 150 for Standard Level (SL). HL covers additional content, has longer exams, and is often required by universities for related degrees.
- Most medical schools require Biology HL and Chemistry HL. Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches, SL or HL) is also recommended. Check specific university requirements — some want Maths HL.
- ESS is the only transdisciplinary IB subject — it counts as BOTH Group 3 (Individuals and Societies) and Group 4 (Sciences). This can free up a slot for an additional subject.
- Most schools allow subject changes within the first few weeks of the programme. After that, it becomes difficult because you will have missed content. Speak to your IB coordinator as early as possible.
- There is no universally "easy" combination — choose subjects that match your strengths and career plans. However, combining subjects you enjoy with balanced workloads (not all essay subjects or all STEM) generally works well.
- The IB offers over 30 subjects across the six groups, plus the option to study subjects from the school-based syllabus. The exact number varies as the IB periodically introduces or retires subjects.
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