The Geneva-based International Baccalaureate (IB) will no longer hold its May 2020 examinations scheduled between 30 April and 22 May for the diploma programme and the career-related programme. The move will impact more than two lakh students across the globe.

In a letter sent out to the IB examiners community on Sunday (March 22), the board pointed to the global Coronavirus infections as an “extraordinary pandemic” and said it was focusing on “ethical and responsible action in these trying times”.  Considering the advice provided by “all its stakeholders across the globe including schools, universities and qualification bodies, we have determined the most responsible and ethical way forward”, read the board’s letter.

The letter added, “Depending on what the student registered for, they would be awarded a diploma or course certificate. This is based on the student’s submitted coursework and the established assessment expertise, rigor and quality control already built into the programmes. 

In India, 169 schools offer one or more of the four IB programmes with 168 offering the diploma programme and one school offering the career-related programme. Both programmes are offered to students between 16-19 years of age.