For the first year in its history, the International Baccalaureate (IB) has issued results to over 4,500 Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme students in India, without students sitting for a final examination.
May 2020 examinations were cancelled for IB scholars
Back in March 2020, the IB, with the considerable advisement from stakeholders across the globe including schools, students, universities and government bodies, determined the most responsible, safe and ethical way forward was to cancel the May 2020 examinations for the DP and CP, as well as the Middle Years Programme (MYP) eAssessment, in response to this extraordinary pandemic.
Indian IB scholars surpass global average
Results for the 4,662 IB scholars in India were released on July 6, 2020, revealing a strong performance with an average DP score of 31.98, surpassing the global average of 29.90, and a pass rate of 85.84%.
Dr Siva Kumari, Director General at the International Baccalaureate, said: “I would like to share my heartfelt congratulations with all 2020 Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme graduates for their efforts over the last two years.
Dr Siva Kumari, Director General International Baccalaureate
“An IB education has always been about more than results and this year students have had to deal with a level of global disruption that has never been experienced before.
“Every IB graduate should be proud of their achievements, not just in reaching this milestone, but in the great flexibility and commitment they have shown in overcoming such obstacles. We know that the IB has prepared them to be better learners for life — to be better, more critical thinkers, better at formulating excellent questions and finding the answers, and better suited to adapting to our ever-changing world.
“We at the IB wish this year’s graduates all the best for successful and fulfilling futures.
“We know that they will continue to make positive differences to the world as they progress in their lives and the many “new normals”.”
Course Certificate issued for all enrolled students
Following the cancellation of the May 2020 examinations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IB made a commitment that its students would receive their results in July, and they would receive a grade at subject level and be awarded the Diploma or Certificate. In order to achieve this, IB World Schools were asked to upload all internal assessment work and predicted grades. This meant that every enrolled DP and CP student who would have taken the May 2020 examinations and has completed all elements of the programmes’ core elements, has been issued with a Course Certificate which reflects their standard of work.
Universities confirm, IB results will be adequate for admissions
IB’s global recognition team has been having regular conversations with universities and government bodies around the world since the start of the pandemic to ensure that all IB students are not at a disadvantage when applying to university. 400 institutions, from over 50 different countries, with representation from each of the continents, confirmed that IB results will be adequate for admissions this year and students will be treated fairly.
Stefanie leong, Head of Development and Recognition, IB Asia Pacific
“Many universities are having to make similar adaptations when awarding their degrees, as final university examinations have been cancelled in many countries, so there is full cooperation within the difficult circumstances we all find ourselves in. We have also been in dialogue with ministries of education, education regulators and other similar bodies across the world to ensure that they too are confident with our approach and that students will be appropriately recognised,” says Stefanie Leong, Head of Development and Recognition, IB Asia Pacific.
“Our global recognition team is available to support schools with specific recognition or admissions queries. Students who experience issues with submitting their IB transcript to their university of choice should inform their programme coordinator who will pass the information on to the IB support team,” she adds.
