All You Need to Know about the IB Results Remark Procedure

What Is the IB Enquiry Upon Results (EUR)?

After receiving your IB Diploma results, you may feel that one or more of your grades do not reflect your performance. The IB offers a formal process called Enquiry Upon Results (EUR) — commonly known as a "remark" — that allows you to request a review of your assessed work. Understanding how this process works, what it costs, and when it is worth pursuing can make the difference between accepting a disappointing grade and securing the score you need for university admission.

For a broader perspective on your IB journey, read our guide on how to achieve your IB diploma.

The EUR process is available for all IB Diploma subjects and is managed through your school's Diploma Programme (DP) coordinator. The IB does not accept remark requests directly from students or parents — your coordinator must submit the request on your behalf.

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IB Results Day 2026: Key Dates

For the May 2026 examination session, here are the important dates to know:

• IB Results Day: Typically the first week of July 2026 (exact date confirmed by the IB closer to the session).
• EUR Request Window: Opens on results day and closes approximately September 15, 2026 — giving you roughly 10 weeks to decide.
• EUR Response Time: Results of your remark are typically returned within 18 calendar days for Category 1 requests and longer for other categories.

For the November 2026 session, results are released in January 2027 with a corresponding EUR window. Always confirm exact dates with your DP coordinator, as deadlines are strict and non-negotiable.

The Three EUR Categories Explained

The IB offers three categories of EUR, each serving a different purpose. Understanding which one you need is the first step.

Category 1: Re-mark of External Components

This is the most commonly requested category and what most students mean when they say "remark." A senior IB examiner — different from the original marker — re-marks all of your externally assessed components for a subject. This includes exam papers (Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3 where applicable) and any externally assessed written work like the HL Essay or Extended Essay.

Key details about Category 1:

• The re-mark covers all external components in the subject — you cannot request a re-mark of just one paper.
• Your grade can go up, stay the same, or go down. This is important: requesting a remark carries a risk of a lower grade.
• Written consent from the candidate (or legal guardian for candidates under 18) is required because of the possibility of a grade decrease.
• If your grade changes (up or down), the fee is refunded.

Category 2: Return of Marked Work

This category allows you to receive copies of your marked examination scripts so you can see exactly how your work was assessed. This is useful if you want to understand where you gained or lost marks before deciding whether to request a Category 1 re-mark. Category 2 does not change your grade — it is purely informational.

Category 3: Re-moderation of Internal Assessment

If your school believes the moderation of internally assessed work (such as the IO, Science IAs, or Math IA) was unfair, the DP coordinator can request a re-moderation. This is a school-level decision, not an individual student request, because internal assessment moderation affects the entire cohort. If the IB agrees that moderation was inconsistent, grades may be adjusted for all affected students in that subject at your school.

How Much Does an IB Remark Cost?

EUR fees vary by category and are set annually by the IB. As a general guide for 2026:

• Category 1 (re-mark): Approximately $100–120 USD per subject. The exact fee depends on your school's region and any additional administrative charges your school may apply.
• Category 2 (return of scripts): Approximately $15–25 USD per subject component.
• Category 3 (re-moderation): Approximately $50–75 USD per subject.

Refund policy: If a Category 1 re-mark results in a grade change — whether up or down — the fee is fully refunded. If the grade stays the same, the fee is not refunded. This means there is no financial penalty for requesting a re-mark if your grade does change, but you should be prepared to lose the fee if it does not.

When Is It Worth Requesting a Remark?

Not every disappointing grade warrants a remark. Here are the situations where requesting a Category 1 EUR is most likely to be worthwhile:

Strong Indicators to Request a Remark

• Your grade is 1–2 marks below the next grade boundary. If your total scaled score is very close to the boundary above, a re-mark has a reasonable chance of pushing you up. Ask your coordinator for your component scores — some schools can access this information.
• The grade is significantly below your predicted grade and mock performance. If you consistently scored a 6 in mocks and your teacher predicted a 6, but you received a 4, something may have gone wrong in marking.
• You need a specific grade for university admission. If the difference between a 5 and a 6 determines whether your university offer is met, the cost of a remark is worth the potential outcome.
• Your internal assessment scores seem inconsistent with your external scores. A large gap between your IA marks and exam marks could indicate a moderation issue (Category 3) or a marking anomaly.

When a Remark May Not Be Worth It

• You are 5+ marks below the next boundary. A re-mark typically results in small adjustments (1–3 marks), so a large gap is unlikely to be bridged.
• You felt the exam went poorly. If you know you struggled with the exam, the grade may be accurate. A remark is not a second chance — it is a check on marking accuracy.
• The grade does not affect your university place or career plans. If the outcome makes no practical difference, the fee and stress may not be justified.

What Are the Success Rates for IB Remarks?

The IB does not publish official remark success rates, but based on available data and educator reports, approximately 10–15% of Category 1 re-marks result in a grade increase. A smaller percentage (roughly 2–5%) result in a grade decrease. The majority — around 80–85% — result in no grade change.

These numbers mean that remarks are not a guaranteed path to a higher grade, but for students who are close to a grade boundary, the odds are meaningful enough to justify the cost — especially when university offers are at stake.

If this is feeling like a lot to take in, that's completely normal. Many students find it helpful to work with an experienced IB tutor who can provide clarity tailored to their situation. Get in touch →

Step-by-Step: How to Request an IB Remark

Here is the exact process to follow after results day:

• Step 1: Review your results carefully on results day. Note any grades that seem inconsistent with your expectations.
• Step 2: Contact your DP coordinator immediately. They can access your component-level scores and help you assess whether a remark is likely to be productive.
• Step 3: Decide on the EUR category. For most students, this will be Category 1. If you want to see your papers first, request Category 2, but be aware this uses time from your EUR window.
• Step 4: Provide written consent. Because your grade can go down, the IB requires your signed agreement (or your parent/guardian's if you are under 18).
• Step 5: Pay the fee through your school. Your coordinator submits the request to the IB on your behalf.
• Step 6: Wait for results. Category 1 re-marks typically take 18 days. Your coordinator will inform you of the outcome.
• Step 7: If your grade changes, the IB automatically updates your transcript. Your school and any universities you have applied to are notified of the revised grade.

What Happens If Your Grade Goes Down?

This is the risk that stops many students from requesting a remark. If the re-marking examiner awards fewer marks than the original examiner, your grade can decrease. The new (lower) grade becomes your official result, and there is no further appeal against it within the standard EUR process.

However, grade decreases are relatively rare (2–5% of re-marks) and are typically small adjustments. If you are concerned, request Category 2 first to see your marked scripts — this gives you more information to make an informed decision before committing to a Category 1 re-mark.

Tips for Maximising Your Chances

• Act quickly. The EUR window is limited. Start the process within the first week of results to give yourself maximum time.
• Talk to your teacher. They know your work and the marking criteria. Their professional opinion on whether your grade seems fair is valuable input.
• Consider requesting Category 2 first. Seeing your marked papers can help you decide whether a Category 1 re-mark is likely to succeed.
• Focus on subjects where you are close to a boundary. Do not request re-marks for every subject — target the ones where a small mark change could shift your grade.
• Inform your university. If your university offer depends on your IB results, let the admissions office know you have requested a remark. Many universities will hold your place while the EUR is processed.

How a Tutor Can Help After Results Day

Navigating results day and the EUR process can be stressful, especially when university offers are on the line. An experienced IB tutor can help you interpret your component scores, assess whether a remark is worth pursuing, and prepare for any retake options if needed.

At ++tutors, our IB specialists support students through results day and beyond. Whether you need help understanding your scores, deciding on a remark, or preparing for a retake session, we provide personalised guidance tailored to your situation. Explore our IB support packages to get the help you need.

For effective group preparation strategies, see our guide on how to run study groups.

While waiting for results, consider exploring summer CAS project ideas or our guide to planning CAS projects.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the IB Remark Procedure