Published on: October 30, 2026

Choosing IBDP subjects is one of the first big decisions a family faces before Grade 11, and it can feel high-stakes. Which subjects should my child take, how do Higher and Standard Level differ, and will the choices keep their future options open? Subject selection in the IB Diploma means picking one subject from each of six groups, deciding Higher or Standard Level for each, and matching those choices to a child's goals. The guide below walks through the whole decision in plain terms.

The Six IB Subject Groups Explained

The IB Diploma is built around six subject groups, and a Learner usually chooses one subject from each. The groups make sure a child studies languages, humanities, sciences, mathematics, and the arts, giving the Diploma its signature breadth. Understanding the groups is the first step in planning a strong combination.

A Learner may replace the Group 6 arts subject with a second subject from Groups 1 to 5, which allows combinations like two sciences. That flexibility is useful for a child aiming at a science-heavy degree.

How Many Subjects Do IB Diploma Learners Take

An IB Diploma Learner takes six subjects in total, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, alongside the core. The core adds Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service, which run across the two years. Together these make up the full IB Diploma Programme.

The six subjects are each scored out of 7, and the core can add up to 3 more points, for a maximum of 45. The balance of three Higher and three Standard Level subjects is what a family plans carefully. Some Learners take four Higher Level subjects where their goals call for it.

HL vs SL and How to Decide

Higher Level and Standard Level differ in depth, teaching time, and how universities read them. A Higher Level subject is studied in greater depth over more hours, while a Standard Level subject covers the essentials. The key point is to take Higher Level in the subjects most central to a child's intended degree.

A fuller treatment is available in the guide on how to choose HL and SL subjects. The sensible approach is to match Higher Level choices to the degree a child is leaning towards.

Choosing Between Mathematics AA and AI

Mathematics in the IB comes in two courses, and the choice between them is one of the most important a Learner makes. Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (AA) is more algebraic and calculus-focused, while Mathematics Applications and Interpretation (AI) is more statistical and applied. The right choice depends on the degree a child is aiming for, so it deserves careful thought.

Neither course is simply better than the other, and AI is widely accepted and valued for its statistical strength. Always confirm the exact maths requirement with each target university, since requirements vary. Guide on Mathematics AA versus AI explores this choice in more detail.

JBCN Parel's IBDP Subject Menu by Group

JBCN Parel offers a wide menu across all six IB subject groups, which lets Learners build combinations suited to a range of goals. The published menu covers languages, humanities, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. The current options by group are listed below.

• Group 1, Language and Literature: English Language and Literature.
• Group 2, Language Acquisition: Hindi B, French B, Spanish ab Initio, French ab Initio.
• Group 3, Individuals and Societies: Economics, Business Management, Psychology.
• Group 4, Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Design Technology, Environmental Systems and Societies.
• Group 5, Mathematics: Mathematics AA, Mathematics AI.
• Group 6, the Arts: Visual Arts.

You can see the full list of subjects here.

Matching Subject Choices to University and Career Goals

The strongest subject combination is the one that matches a child's likely degree while keeping sensible options open. University courses often require specific Higher Level subjects, so planning backwards from the goal avoids closed doors. The pointers below show how common goals shape choices.

• Medicine: Chemistry HL is required by virtually every medical school, usually with Biology HL.
• Engineering: Physics HL with Mathematics AA is the standard combination for competitive courses.
• Economics or business: Economics or Business Management, often with Mathematics suited to the course.
• Computer science: Computer Science or Physics HL, typically paired with Mathematics AA.
• Humanities and law: strong Language and Literature with a relevant Group 3 subject.

Read guides on the best IB subjects for engineering and the best IB subjects for medicine.

When to Start Planning Subject Selection

Subject selection goes more smoothly when a family starts thinking about it well before Grade 11. Early planning lets a Learner keep the right options open and avoid last-minute pressure. The sequence below sets out a sensible timeline.

• Grade 9 and 10: notice a child's strengths and interests across subjects.

• Early Grade 10: explore possible university directions with school counsellors.

• Mid Grade 10: shortlist Higher Level subjects tied to likely degrees.

• Late Grade 10: confirm the Maths course and finalise the combination.

• Ahead of Grade 11: review choices with counsellors before locking them in.

Take the Next Step

Subject selection is far easier with a counsellor who knows both the IB and the universities your child is aiming for. If you want help mapping a combination, the admissions team can connect you with the guidance that supports this decision. A single planning conversation can save a family months of uncertainty.

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