IB Physics Past Papers and Revision Resources

How to identify the paper, session and variant

IB papers are named by subject, paper number and level. Paper 1, Paper 2 and, in some subjects, Paper 3 are separate examinations, and many papers are set for either Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL).

IB examinations take place in the May and November sessions, and some papers are set in more than one time zone (TZ1, TZ2) in the same session.

Check the level (SL or HL), the paper number and the time zone, and use the papers that match the level you take.

Attempt a paper under timed conditions

Choose a paper that matches your course, set the time allowed on the front page, and work without notes. Stopping early to look something up hides the gaps you are trying to find.

Write the formula, substitute the numbers with units, and then give the answer to a sensible number of significant figures.

Sketch a quick diagram for forces, circuits or waves before calculating, as it prevents sign and direction errors.

Give calculation questions a rough time per mark, and move on when a derivation stalls; a clean return later is cheaper than a long struggle now.

Checking your answers

No mark schemes have been added for Physics yet. Until they are, ask your teacher to check your work or look for the matching mark scheme on IB's website.

Notice how method marks and answer marks are separated, and how follow-through marks reward correct working built on an earlier slip.

Typical slips are a wrong unit prefix, a rounding step taken too early, a missing direction for a vector, and an explanation that restates the question.

Keep an error log and plan your revision

After each paper, write down every lost mark in a log. Record whether a mark was lost through a wrong formula, a unit or prefix conversion, a rounding slip, or an explanation that did not link cause and effect.

Then turn the log into a short weekly plan: choose two or three topics, revise them from your notes, and test them with fresh questions. Spread the papers you have across several weeks instead of attempting them all at once.

A good week pairs one timed paper with two calculation drills on the weakest topic and a short session of rewriting definitions from memory.

Practise one topic at a time, such as electricity, motion or waves, and mix in calculation-heavy and explanation-heavy questions.

Check that the syllabus version matches

IB subject guides are revised on a cycle, with a first-assessment year, so confirm that your guide version matches the papers you practise. Internal assessment work is not part of past papers.

How do I find the correct IB Physics paper?

Check three things on the paper: the session and year, the paper number, and the variant or level when there is one. IB papers are named by subject, paper number and level. Paper 1, Paper 2 and, in some subjects, Paper 3 are separate examinations, and many papers are set for either Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL).

Which Physics syllabus version should I choose?

IB subject guides are revised on a cycle, with a first-assessment year, so confirm that your guide version matches the papers you practise. Internal assessment work is not part of past papers.

Where can I find the matching mark scheme?

No mark schemes have been added for this subject yet. Check IB's website or ask your teacher, and see the list above as new files are added.

Are all IB Physics past papers on this page?

No. This page lists only the files that have been added so far, and some sessions may be missing. For the full official list, use IB's own website.

Should I use Standard Level or Higher Level papers?

Use the papers that match the level you take. Check the level (SL or HL), the paper number and the time zone, and use the papers that match the level you take.

Are these files endorsed by IB?

No. The papers are published by International Baccalaureate. Trinity Tutors is an independent tutoring service and is not endorsed by or affiliated with the board, and it cannot promise any particular grade or result.

Should I memorise formulae for Physics?

Learn which formulae the syllabus expects you to recall and which are given on the paper; check the syllabus and the front of a recent paper to see what is provided.

Can a tutor help me with Physics?

You can browse a Physics tutor or contact us with the board, level and topics that cost you marks, and we will say honestly whether we have a suitable tutor.