IB Chemistry Past Papers
Free SL & HL past papers, specimen papers and practice resources for the IB Diploma Chemistry course — including the new 2025 syllabus.
⚠️ New syllabus alert: IB Chemistry was restructured in 2023, first examined May 2025. There are no more Options and no more Paper 3. Prioritise May 2025 onwards papers and the official specimen papers below — older papers are still useful for topic-matched practice.
📄 Exam Structure (2025 Syllabus)
Paper 1 (36%)
Multiple-choice + data-based questions.
SL: 1h 30m · 55 marks
HL: 2h · 75 marks
Paper 2 (44%)
Short-answer + extended-response.
SL: 1h 30m · 50 marks
HL: 2h 30m · 90 marks
Scientific Investigation (20%)
Internal assessment, ~10 hours.
24 marks · same for SL & HL
📚 The Six Strands
Both SL and HL study the same six strands — HL adds extra depth within each:
- Structure 1: Models of the particulate nature of matter
- Structure 2: Models of bonding and structure
- Structure 3: Classification of matter
- Reactivity 1: What drives chemical reactions?
- Reactivity 2: How much, how fast and how far?
- Reactivity 3: What are the mechanisms of chemical change?
📥 Past Paper Sources
🏛️ Official IB Store
Buy individual official past papers & mark schemes (~$3.99 each). May 2025 exam packs available now.
🏛️ IB Questionbank
The IB’s official question bank — build custom exams from hundreds of official questions & markschemes.
📝 SaveMyExams
Free IB Chemistry past papers (SL & HL), revision notes and topic questions aligned to the new syllabus.
🎓 Revision Village
Past papers 2016–2026 with step-by-step video solutions by IB teachers (free + premium).
📖 PrepScholar Guide
Guide to finding IB Chemistry past papers — free and official sources explained.
✏️ Exam Papers Practice
IB Chemistry SL past papers — first PDF free, full collection on subscription.
🎯 How to Use Past Papers Effectively
- Start with the specimen papers — they show exactly what the new 2025 format looks like.
- Do May 2025 papers under timed conditions — Paper 1 rewards speed and accuracy.
- Use older papers topic-by-topic — match questions to the six strands above.
- Study the mark schemes — IB awards marks for specific phrasing; learn the command terms.
- Track your Paper 1 vs Paper 2 balance — many students neglect data-based questions.
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