DP Mathematics

IB Diploma mathematics: the new syllabus at a glance

Both IB Diploma maths courses have been revised together and share the same timeline, structure, exam weightings and internal assessment criteria. What differs is the focus: AA centres on functions, calculus and proof, while AI centres on modelling, statistics and technology.

Which resources should you buy? Match the resource to your students’ exam year. Students starting the Diploma in August 2027 or later need resources written for the new courses (first assessment 2029). Students sitting exams in 2027 or 2028 should continue with resources for the current courses.

Math AA vs Math AI: which course is right for your students?

How the topics compare (recommended teaching hours)

Both courses share five topic areas, weighted differently.

How IB Diploma maths is assessed from 2029

The exam structure and weightings are the same for both courses:

The key difference is technology: AA Paper 1 is non-calculator, while every AI paper requires technology.

The new mathematical exploration (IA)

Both courses share the same new IA criteria, built on the four stages of the mathematical inquiry process, and they apply at both SL and HL:

• A: Problem specification (4 marks)
• B: Abstraction (6 marks)
• C: Computation (4 marks)
• D: Interpretation (6 marks)

These replace the current exploration criteria, so IA guidance written for the current courses won’t match the new marking. Look for resources written for first assessment 2029.

Building your IB maths department’s resources for 2027

• Check the first-assessment year on every resource: “first assessment 2029” for the new courses
• Choose by course and level: AA and AI resources aren’t interchangeable, and HL books cover content SL students don’t need
• Plan for both exam formats: AA students need non-calculator practice, AI students need strong GDC and technology skills
• Update IA support: new criteria mean new exemplars and guidance
• Consider digital access: eBooks and online courses support classroom display, homework and remote learning

Frequently asked questions

When does the new IB Diploma maths syllabus start?
The new AA and AI guides are released in February 2027. First teaching is August 2027, and first exams are in May 2029.

Are both IB maths courses changing?
Yes. Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation have both been revised on the same timeline, with shared exam weightings and the same new IA criteria.

Is the new syllabus for students taking exams in 2027 or 2028?
No. Students examined up to and including November 2028 stay on the current courses and should use current-course resources.

What’s the difference between IB Math AA and Math AI?
AA focuses on functions, calculus, algebra and proof, and includes a non-calculator paper. AI focuses on modelling, statistics and real-world applications, with technology required in every paper.

Which IB maths course is harder?
Neither is simply harder; they suit different strengths. AA HL is generally recommended for students planning mathematics, physics or engineering degrees, so check university entry requirements when advising students.

What’s the difference between SL and HL?
SL has 150 recommended teaching hours and two exam papers. HL has 240 hours, additional HL-only topics, and a third exam paper.

Has the IB maths internal assessment changed?
Yes. The mathematical exploration still counts for 20% and 30 teaching hours, but it’s marked against four new criteria: problem specification, abstraction, computation and interpretation