What Is the IA in the IB DP Programme?
The Internal Assessment (IA) is a major component of your final IB Diploma Programme (DP) grade. It is an individual project or investigation that forms a key part of the IB course assessment. Unlike final exams, the IA is assessed by your teacher and then moderated by the IB.
Each subject has its own IA format. In the sciences, students design and carry out experiments. In the humanities, students explore a focused research question through analysis and argument. Regardless of the subject, the IA tests your ability to apply what you've learned in a practical, real-world context.
The IA is important not only for academic success but also for personal and intellectual growth. It helps students develop essential skills such as critical thinking, research, and academic writing. It also provides a unique opportunity to explore a topic that genuinely interests them, leading to deeper engagement with the material. Perhaps most importantly, it cultivates independence—a skill that will serve students well into university and beyond.