Quick answer
The enhanced DP Language B course launches in February 2027, begins first teaching in August 2027 and has first assessment in May 2029. The IB says there are no changes to the assessment model or assessed components: Paper 1 and Paper 2 remain the same in the new course, while wording in two individual-oral descriptors is revised for clarity.
The official 2029 timeline
The IB's Language B update, last updated in April 2026, states that the enhanced course launches in February 2027, starts first teaching in August 2027 and reaches first assessment in May 2029. Students sitting an earlier session should continue to use the documents for their own course.
If your exam is in May 2029 or later, label your notes and downloaded material by syllabus version. That prevents an older blog post, teacher handout or specimen file from being treated as evidence about a new course document.
- Course launch: February 2027
- First teaching: August 2027
- First assessment: May 2029
The assessment model does not change
The important correction to many early assumptions is that the IB explicitly describes continuity in the assessment model. Its update says there are no changes to the assessment model or assessed components, and that all aspects of the external assessments—Paper 1 and Paper 2—remain the same as in the current course.
For the individual oral, the IB reports a wording revision to the second descriptors in level 5–6 of criteria B2 and C for clarity and accessibility. Treat the new subject brief and guide as the source of truth for the exact wording used with your cohort.
English practice in Nektar
Build your English while English B is in preview.
IB English B sets and assessments are not available yet. Use Nektar’s existing General English tools for reading and vocabulary practice, and use official IB material for exam tasks.
What the enhanced course is trying to improve
The curriculum review focuses on clearer language, stronger links to IB language tenets, critical thinking and conceptual understanding. The IB also describes new teacher support materials for areas including formative assessment, reflection, listening and reading comprehension, and unit planning.
For a student, that is a reason to follow the new course material—not a reason to throw away the core habits behind good Language B work. Understanding audience and purpose, reading for evidence, listening for meaning and responding flexibly in conversation remain central.
How to prepare without studying the wrong syllabus
Keep exam-format claims tied to the current official brief for your session. If you use an older specimen, record what skill you are practising rather than assuming every label and descriptor is identical. Ask your coordinator which guide the class is following.
Use the SL vs HL guide for the current course map and the official-material study plan for a revision workflow.
Frequently asked questions
When is the first assessment for the updated Language B course?
The IB states that the first assessment is May 2029, after first teaching begins in August 2027.
Does English B get a completely new Paper 1 and Paper 2 in 2029?
The IB's April 2026 update says there are no changes to the assessment model or assessed components and that the external assessments remain the same.
What changes in the individual oral?
The IB reports revised wording in the second descriptors in level 5–6 of criteria B2 and C for clarity and accessibility. Use the new guide for the exact wording.
English practice in Nektar
Build your English while English B is in preview.
IB English B sets and assessments are not available yet. Use Nektar’s existing General English tools for reading and vocabulary practice, and use official IB material for exam tasks.