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Students work together over the course of the Diploma Programme.
Challenging and captivating subjects
Diploma Programme (DP) students are exposed to an integrated and holistic curriculum.

Diploma Programme

The demanding pre-university IB Diploma Programme (DP) is recognised by over 2,000 universities worldwide. Students follow a broad, in-depth curriculum, with additional elements designed to take them beyond a traditional course of studies.

The Curriculum

Students in their final two years at the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad undertake the academically challenging International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. This internationally recognised qualification is the ideal pathway to university and beyond.  The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a fulfilling learning experience for academically strong students who are motivated and focused. The IB Diploma is recognised by universities worldwide. 

We support our DP students to excel in a holistic and comprehensive curriculum which encourages them to apply their knowledge and skills in the real world. They study languages, social sciences, experimental sciences, mathematics and the arts. 

0 %
pass rate for the
Aga Khan Academies on the
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme exams

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

TOK encourage students to formulate answers to the question “How do you know?” and to see the value of that question. TOK challenges our students to question the nature of knowledge, to recognise bias and to analyse evidence. These discussions help students to gain self awareness and an understanding of others’ perspectives, helping them emerge as critical thinkers and confident communicators.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is a core component of the IB Diploma Programme. It allows students to engage in a range of activities alongside their academic studies. As they master their chosen activities, they develop leadership and teamwork skills. They work together to guide younger students, and learn in practice how they can make a difference to others. At the Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad, Diploma students have worked on a wide range of CAS projects over the years. These includes an organic farm on campus, volunteering at a local schools and initiating independent projects which impact local communities.
Organic Farm on campus
Work on the Organic Farm on campus.

Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is an in-depth study of a topic, usually chosen from one of the student’s six IBDP subjects. It promotes academic research and writing skills, providing students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice, under the guidance of a supervisor.  This leads to a 4,000 word essay which is a formally presented and structured piece of writing.  This enables students to practise independent study, develop their research skills and hone their writing ability, giving them a head start for university.
"The academic programme at the Academy has challenged me in the best way. While the IB is rigorous, the Academy’s personalized, concept-based teaching style has enabled me to do better than what I ever thought I was capable of. Everything we learn is grounded in the real world, which has impacted me as an individual: it has taught me how to think about things independently and critically and developed in me an understanding of important values such as empathy, justice, and pluralism."
Jacintha Thota, Diploma Programme 2, Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad

Invaluable learning through the Diploma Programme

“Balancing six subjects and producing high standard work, along with the demands of CAS, TOK, and EE, is not easy. However, despite its difficulty, I believe that it is structured in such a way that any IB demand can be met. Only a little bit of hard work and determination on the part of the student is required. I was in Grade 10 when the covid-19 pandemic caused the Academy to close. That was the most daunting challenge I faced while entering the Diploma Programme.  Given the online platform, it was difficult to adjust to the new developments and become accustomed to a large number of entries. But we’re surviving through it! Personally, I found DP 1 to be much more difficult because we were virtually exposed to the DP core, and I had no idea of what we were supposed to do. However, with the help of my teachers and classmates, I was able to overcome this obstacle. DP 1 felt chaotic but enjoyable simultaneously, but after being elected as the Academy’s next president, I knew what DP 2 had in store for me. With the submission of IAs, EE, TOK, and CAS, as well as the duties and work of a president, the start of DP2 is already challenging. All I would say is that IB DP can be challenging because of the way it’s set up, but if one completes their work on time and enjoys every moment, IB can be a little fun too.” Aaniqa Hemnani, Diploma Programme 2 student, Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad
Aaniqa Hemnani is in Diploma Programme 2 at the Academy Aaniqa Hemnani is in Diploma Programme 2 at the Academy