IB Diploma Chemistry Syllabus 2026: First Assessment 2025 Complete Guide

IB Diploma Chemistry Syllabus 2026: First Assessment 2025 Update

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme Chemistry syllabus was significantly revised for First Assessment 2025 (i.e. students who began the IB Diploma in 2023 onwards are assessed on this new syllabus from 2025). Students studying IB Chemistry in 2026 are fully under this updated framework.

IB Chemistry Syllabus Structure (First Assessment 2025)

The new IB Chemistry syllabus is organised around a conceptual approach rather than a purely content-based one. The syllabus is built around three themes:

Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL)

Both SL and HL share the same core content structure, with HL students covering additional depth (AHL — Additional Higher Level content) in each topic.

The Five Organising Concepts

• 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?

Key Changes from the Old IB Chemistry Syllabus

• Content is now organised by Structure and Reactivity themes instead of numbered topics (old Topics 1–21)
• Greater emphasis on Nature of Science (NOS) integrated throughout
• Internal Assessment (IA): Remains as an individual scientific investigation (20% of grade), but with updated assessment criteria
• Prescribed Practicals replaced by a more flexible practical programme
• The Options component has been removed — all content is now compulsory core or AHL
• New Linking questions in exams that require students to connect Structure and Reactivity concepts

Assessment Format (2026)

SL Students:

• Paper 1A: Multiple choice (20 marks)
• Paper 1B: Data-based questions (20 marks)
• Paper 2: Short answer and extended response (90 marks)
• Internal Assessment (IA): 25 marks

HL Students:

• Paper 1A: Multiple choice (40 marks)
• Paper 1B: Data-based questions (40 marks)
• Paper 2: Short answer and extended response (90 marks)
• Paper 3: HL extension (60 marks)
• Internal Assessment (IA): 25 marks

IB Chemistry vs Singapore H2 Chemistry (9729)

For Singapore students taking IB Chemistry at international schools, note that the IB First Assessment 2025 syllabus differs significantly from the Singapore H2 Chemistry 9729 syllabus in structure, though many content areas overlap (bonding, energetics, kinetics, organic chemistry). Tuition materials must be specifically tailored to the IB format.

Achievers Dream specialises in Singapore Cambridge O-Level and A-Level Chemistry. We do not currently offer IB Chemistry tuition. For IB Chemistry 2026 resources, refer to the official IBO Diploma Chemistry page. If you are also studying Singapore A-Level Chemistry, contact us to find out how we can help.