Is the IB Computer Science IA still marked out of 34?

Only through the November 2026 session. From May 2027 the IA is marked out of 30: Problem specification 4, Planning 4, System overview 6, Development 12, Evaluation 4.

Do I still need a client for my CS IA?

Not under the May 2027 syllabus — the client requirement is removed. Documentation is capped at 2,000 words plus a 3-minute video.

Which criterion is worth the most in the 2027 CS IA?

Development, at 12 of 30 marks — 40% of the total.

IB Computer Science IA Changes 2027 — What Changed and How to Check Your Project

From the May 2027 session the IB Computer Science IA is a computational solution marked out of 30, down from 34, with a new criterion structure. Documentation is capped at 2,000 words (excluding code and diagrams) plus a 3-minute video, and the former client requirement is removed.

The new criteria (marked out of 30)

Criterion	Marks
A: Problem specification — the problem and success criteria	4
B: Planning	4
C: System overview	6
D: Development — appropriate techniques, sources acknowledged	12
E: Evaluation — against the success criteria	4

What changed from the 34-mark rubric

Total 34 → 30; Development stays at 12 marks — now 40% of the grade.
New first criterion: Problem specification (4). Success criteria set here are what Evaluation tests against.
Functionality and extensibility of product (4) no longer exists as a separate criterion; Planning drops 6→4, Evaluation 6→4.
Client requirement removed; documentation capped at 2,000 words plus a 3-minute video.

Sessions through November 2026 keep the current rubric (Planning 6, Solution overview 6, Development 12, Functionality and extensibility 4, Evaluation 6 = 34). IBLens grades both: set Exam session to May 2027 in the analyzer for the new criteria. Check your CS IA · Psychology IA 2027