Suncity International Academia

FAQs - IBDP

Is the IB Diploma Programme recognised in India?

The number of students completing the IB and applying to higher education institutes in India has grown substantially in the past few years. We maintain a current list of universities with written statements recognizing the IB Diploma Programme, which can be downloaded from the ‘‘Guidance on university recognition in India (2016)’’ guide at http://www.ibo.org/about-the-ib/the-ib-by-country/i/india/

The written statements are an evidence of the awareness and support by these universities. It can be useful to take print outs of recognition policies to admission officers as they may be unaware or new to the IB Diploma programme. Prior to commencing the DP, students and parents must be familiar with the required subject combinations and levels required for the course of study. Please check the university/college website, make direct contact with the university/college and talk to the DP coordinator and college counsellor at the school for college specific details.

What are the prospects of IB Diploma students getting admission into Indian universities?

A number of universities in India give provisional admission on the basis of predicted grades as the admissions in most Indian universities are completed by end of June and the Diploma Programme results are declared on July 6. The percentage of transcript requests to Indian universities from IB schools in India has increased substantially from 44% in 2014, 46% in 2015 & 49% in 2016.

The most popular higher education destinations in India are University of Mumbai, University of Delhi, NMIMS University, University of Pune, Christ University, Ashoka University, Manipal University and VIT University. Students must talk to their IB Diploma programme coordinator or college counsellor at their school to help them through the process of admission to such universities.

Please consult the following link for more information : India Recognition Guide Jan - 2017

Can IB Diploma students appear for entrance examination for admission to professional courses like medicine and engineering?

The IB Diploma Programme is recognized by most universities in India and students can take the entrance test for professional courses. Most of the entrance tests are conducted in the month of April/May, since the IB exams are also in the month of May, students need to balance the preparation of the entrance exams along with the May IB Diploma Programme examinations.

Will a migration certificate be automatically issued once a school or a graduate submits a transcript request for a university in India?

The migration certificate will be automatically generated for schools to download and give to the students once the request for an Indian transcript is made through the secure online system (IBIS) by the IB coordinator.

I want to do medicine in India. Can I take three sciences within the IB Diploma programme?

There is a requirement to study three sciences (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) for studying medicine in India. The IB gives permission to students to take the three sciences. Students can explore two options; the first option is to take an additional science subject as an ‘extra’ certificate. Although this will come with extra work, the overall score for this extra course will not count towards the IB diploma score, and therefore the utility of taking the extra course is simply to satisfy the entrance requirements for the university requiring three sciences. The second option is to apply for a non-regular IB diploma, thus allowing three sciences to be completed, usually in lieu of a group 3 (Individuals and societies) subject. A candidate may be authorized to take a non-regular diploma only if the proposed higher education course allows no other alternative. The student must contact the IB coordinator at the school to proceed with this request. Please note that this request must be submitted to the IB organization (via the IB coordinator) at least 18 months prior to the examinations. Taking three sciences only helps meet the minimum entry requirements for studying Medicine in most colleges; students often will have to sit the entrance test which may require additional tutorials.

What are the benefits of the IB Diploma Programme?

Most importantly, perhaps, the IB Diploma Programme fosters the spirit of learning through inquiry and discovery – the finding out of the ‘why’, not just learning of the ‘what’. Its balanced combination of Arts and Science subjects avoids premature specialization, while its international perspective encourages students to learn about their own culture and those of others. Universities and employers thus know that the successful IBDP student is intelligent, well-organized, hard-working, internationally aware and capable of the critical and creative thinking that the 21st century demands.

A distinguishing characteristic of the Diploma Programme is a concern with the whole educational experience of each student. The learner profile and the core are positioned at the centre of the programme reflecting the priority given to it. The core requirements of theory of knowledge (TOK), the extended essay and creativity, action, service (CAS) broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding in real-life contexts.

Do I have to be a brilliant all-rounder to undertake the IB Diploma Programme?

No, although it helps! The IB Diploma Programme is accessible to a wide range of students. It requires a willingness to persevere with a range of subjects, but this gives the breadth of education that universities appreciate. It is important to select your best subjects for Higher Level: these should be chosen on the basis of what you are good at, what you enjoy most and what you may need for your future career, e.g. Mathematics and Physics are essential for aspirant engineers. Your Standard Level subjects may also be those that you enjoy and in which you are succeeding, but may be the ones in which you are less confident – we are not all brilliant mathematicians or linguists!

How does the IB grade a student’s work?

The candidates are graded on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest) points in each of their subjects: HL and SL. For HL subjects Grades 4 to 7 are deemed ‘Pass’, whereas for SL subjects Grades 3 to 7 are deemed ‘Pass’. 3 more points may be awarded for the Extended Essay (EE) and work on the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course. Thus, the maximum score possible is 45. Subject to satisfactory marks in all parts of the Diploma, it may be awarded for a minimum of 24 points.

Do IB Diploma Programme graduates earn transfer credits at overseas universities?

Yes. Considering the rigour and standing of the IBD Programme, universities in the US generally award advanced placement credits to IBDP graduates. Students who have scored high grades (grade 5 or above) in Higher Level IBDP courses stand a good chance of earning such university credits, resulting in saving six months to one year. However, such credits vary from university to university.