IB subject statistics
IB Arabic ab initio grade distribution and average grade, May 2026
By Michael Thompson - Head of Teaching Excellence; 15 years as an IB Coordinator
Short answer: In May 2026, IB Arabic ab initio students averaged 4.7 at SL (391 students). 14.3% scored a 7, and the most common grade was 6.
This page summarises how candidates performed in IB Arabic ab initio in the May 2026 session. The figures come from the IB's official statistical bulletin for that session. They are provisional, and a final version will follow later in the year.
In May 2026, 391 candidates sat Arabic ab initio at SL, with a mean grade of 4.7. Below we look at what that mean and the spread of grades suggest, and what they might mean for choosing and preparing the subject.
Key figures
| Level | Students | Mean grade | Share of 7s | vs May 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL | 391 | 4.7 | 14.3% | no change |
Grade distribution, May 2026
| Grade | Standard Level |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.5% |
| 2 | 9.2% |
| 3 | 15.6% |
| 4 | 17.1% |
| 5 | 17.4% |
| 6 | 23.5% |
| 7 | 14.3% |
Aiming for a 6 or 7 in Arabic ab initio?Get matched with a tutor
What the mean and the distribution show
A mean grade of 4.7 sits in the upper middle of the 1-7 scale. The distribution is weighted towards the higher grades. Grade 6 is the most common result at 23.5%, followed by grade 5 at 17.4% and grade 4 at 17.1%. Grade 7 was awarded to 14.3% of candidates. Adding up grades 5, 6 and 7 shows that more than half of all candidates reached grade 5 or above. At the lower end, grade 3 accounts for 15.6%, grade 2 for 9.2% and grade 1 for 1.5%. The percentages are shares of all candidates, and they add up to slightly less than a full total because the remainder received no grade.
HL versus SL
The May 2026 data contains only an SL entry for Arabic ab initio, so there is no HL result to compare it with. Any statement about differences between the levels would therefore be guesswork. Everything on this page applies to SL candidates only.
Change compared with May 2025
The SL mean grade in May 2025 was 4.7, and it is 4.7 again in May 2026, so the mean did not move. Beneath the steady mean, the spread shifted a little: grade 6 rose from 19.3% to 23.5% of candidates, while grade 7 slipped from 15.6% to 14.3%. A stable mean for one session pair is a useful signal, but it does not show a long-term trend.
What this means for subject choice and preparation
A mean of 4.7 together with a sizeable share of grades 5, 6 and 7 suggests that good results are realistic in this subject for candidates who work consistently. Possible reasons include motivated beginners and a clearly defined syllabus, though the data cannot confirm any cause. The spread still matters: 9.2% of candidates received grade 2 and 1.5% grade 1, so a lack of regular practice can show up in the result. Arabic uses a different script and, for many learners, an unfamiliar sound system. It is sensible to build reading, writing and listening routines early rather than relying on revision late in the course.
Key takeaways
- In May 2026, 391 candidates took Arabic ab initio at SL, with a mean grade of 4.7.
- Grade 6 was the most common result at 23.5%, and 14.3% of candidates achieved grade 7.
- More than half of all candidates reached grade 5 or above.
- The SL mean was 4.7 in May 2025 and is 4.7 in May 2026, so it did not change.
- The May 2026 figures are provisional, and no HL entry appears in the data.
Frequently asked questions
- What was the mean grade in IB Arabic ab initio in May 2026?
- The mean grade at SL was 4.7 in May 2026, based on 391 candidates. The figure comes from the IB's provisional bulletin, and a final version will follow later in the year.
- Did Arabic ab initio results change compared with May 2025?
- The SL mean grade was 4.7 in May 2025 and 4.7 in May 2026, so it was unchanged. The distribution moved a little underneath: grade 6 rose from 19.3% to 23.5%, and grade 7 fell from 15.6% to 14.3%.
- Is there an HL result for Arabic ab initio?
- No. The May 2026 data contains only an SL entry for this subject, so no HL figures or HL versus SL comparison can be given.
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