What are the benefits of the IBD Programme?

Most importantly, perhaps, the IBD Programme fosters the spirit of learning through questioning and discovery – the finding out of the 'why', not just the learning of the 'what'. Its balanced combination of Arts and Science subjects avoids premature specialization, while its international perspective encourages students to learn about their own culture and those of others. Universities and employers thus know that the successful IBDP student is intelligent, well-organized, hard-working, internationally aware and capable of the critical and creative thinking that tomorrow's world demands.

Do I have to be a brilliant all-rounder to undertake the IBD Programme?

No, although it helps! The IBD Programme is accessible to a wide range of students. It requires a willingness to persevere with a range of subjects, but this gives the breadth of education that universities appreciate. It is important to select your best subjects for Higher Level: these should be chosen on the basis of what you are good at, what you enjoy most and what you may need for your future career, e.g. Mathematics and Physics are essential for aspirant engineers. Your Standard Level subjects may also be those that you enjoy and in which you are succeeding, but may be the ones in which you are less confident – we are not all brilliant mathematicians or linguists!

How does the IB grade a student's work?

The candidates are graded on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest) points in each of their subjects: HL and SL. Grades 4 to 7 are deemed 'Pass'. 3 more points may be awarded for the Extended Essay (EE) and work on the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course. Thus, the maximum score possible is 45. Subject to satisfactory marks in all parts of the Diploma, it may be awarded for a minimum of 24 points.

Is the IBDP recognised by universities worldwide?

Yes, recognised and welcomed. It is, of course, sensible to check with universities before applying, but the list of countries recognizing the IB Diploma is long. Check the IB website: www.ibo.org

Is the IBDP recognized in India?

Yes. The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) recognizes the IB Diploma as equivalent to the Plus Two (10+2) Class of the Senior Secondary School, which is the eligibility criterion for admission to the undergraduate courses in India. The IB issues Indian equivalent percentages for the IBDP grades to those students who intend to apply to Indian universities.

What are the prospects of IBDP graduates gaining admission to Indian universities?

In most Indian universities admissions are over by mid-June. However, the IBDP results are declared only on July 6. While overseas universities grant admission on the basis of predicted grades, most Indian universities require the final mark sheets issued by the Board. On our part, the School writes to colleges to which students seek admission, providing details like students' predicted grades, evidence of AIU recognition and the IBDP results timelines. The Mumbai University issues Provisional Statement of Eligibility Certificates to IBDP students, which facilitates the admission of students to the various colleges and professional institutions affiliated to Mumbai University without the submission of the final grade results issued by the IB, on the grounds that the IB declares results late vis-à-vis the University's admission timelines.

As per announcement made by Mumbai University in January 2008, the IB Diploma students with Physics and Mathematics at Higher Level and Chemistry at Standard Level are eligible to apply for Bachelor of Engineering (except for Chemical Engineering) at colleges affiliated to it. Similarly, those IB Diploma candidates with Mathematics at HL, Chemistry at HL and Physics at SL are eligible to apply for Bachelor of Chemical Engineering. Further, the IB Certificate holders will also be eligible to apply for various courses under the faculty of Arts/Commerce/Science at colleges affiliated to Mumbai University.

The IBDP students from our first seven batches have gained admissions to leading colleges which include St. Xavier's College, H.R. College, K.C. College, Poddar College, Ramnarain Ruia College, N.M. College, Jai Hind College, Sophia College, K. J. Somaiya, Government Law College, Pravin Gandhi College of Law, D Y Patil College of Engineering and others in Mumbai; FLAME (Foundation for Liberal and Management Education) and Symbiosis in Pune; Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi; Government Law College in Bangalore; Stella Maris in Chennai; St. Joseph's College Bangalore; Jindal Global Law School in Sonepat - Haryana and Institute of Hotel Management Aurangabad.

Will an IBDP student be able to appear for the entrance examinations for admission to professional courses like engineering, medicine, management, law, etc., in India and with what chance of success?

While the IB learning methodology equips students to do well in the entrance examinations, the IB course structure and load requires students to devote substantial time to their IBDP studies. Therefore, they may not be able to commit sufficient time to rigorously prepare for, and do well in, these competitive entrance tests. Further, some of these entrance examinations are scheduled during May, which is when the IBDP final exams are in progress.

Do IBDP graduates earn transfer credits at overseas universities?

Yes. Considering the rigour and standing of the IBD Programme, universities in the US generally award advanced placement credits to IBDP graduates. Students who have scored very high grades (grade 5 or above) in Higher Level IBDP courses stand a good chance of earning such university credits, resulting in saving six months to one year. However, such credits vary from university to university.

Further information on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme may be found at www.ibo.org