Board Exam Stationery Checklist — What to Carry and What NOT to Carry

In short: The night before your board exam is not the time to discover you do not have a working pen. Every year, students face avoidable stress because they forgot their admit card, brought a banned calculator, or did not carry a spare pen. This checklist covers everything you must carry, everything you should carry as backup, and everything that can get you disqualified. Board-specific rules for CBSE, UP Board, Bihar Board, and other state boards are included.

The Essential Checklist (Must-Carry Items)

1. Admit Card

This is non-negotiable. Without it, you may not be allowed to enter the exam hall.

• Print two copies — keep one in your bag as backup
• Check details: Name, roll number, exam centre, subject code
• If details are wrong: Contact your school immediately. Do not wait until exam day
• Keep it in a transparent folder or the front pocket of your bag where you will not lose it

2. School ID Card

Most boards require the school ID card along with the admit card for identity verification:

• CBSE requires the admit card and school ID
• Some state boards accept Aadhaar card as alternative ID
• Keep the ID in the same folder as your admit card

3. Pens

Carry at least 3 pens:

• 2 blue ballpoint pens — your primary and backup (most boards require blue ink for answers)
• 1 black pen — for diagrams, headings, and underlining (optional but useful)

Pen rules:

• CBSE: Blue or royal blue ink. Black ink is acceptable for diagrams
• UP Board: Blue ink for answers. Black for diagrams
• Bihar Board: Blue ink
• Most state boards: Blue ink for writing, black for diagrams

Do NOT carry:

• Gel pens that smudge (unless you are sure they dry quickly)
• Red ink pens (reserved for examiners)
• Pens with tiny writing that is hard to read

Test your pens the night before. Write a paragraph to confirm they flow smoothly and do not skip.

4. Pencils and Eraser

Carry:

• 2 HB pencils (sharpened) — for MCQ bubbling, diagrams, and construction
• 1 good quality eraser — that actually erases cleanly without smudging
• Pencil sharpener — in case a pencil breaks

Why pencils matter:

• MCQ answer sheets often require pencil marking
• Geometry constructions must be done in pencil
• Map work is best done in pencil first, then outlined in pen
• Rough work in Science diagrams is easier in pencil

5. Ruler and Geometry Box

Carry:

• 15 cm ruler (transparent preferred) — for underlining, drawing tables, straight lines
• Geometry box with compass, protractor, divider, and set squares — for Maths construction questions

Construction questions carry 3-4 marks in Maths. Without a compass and ruler, you cannot attempt them. This is literally leaving free marks on the table.

6. Water Bottle

• Transparent/clear bottle — many exam centres require transparent bottles
• No labels or paper wrapping on the bottle
• Stay hydrated during a 3-hour exam. Dehydration causes headaches and reduces concentration

The Smart Backup Kit

These items are not strictly required but experienced exam-takers carry them:

Extra Stationery

• 2 additional pens in a different colour of blue (in case your primary pens run out)
• Correction pen/whitener — some boards allow it, some do not. Check your board's rules:
  • CBSE: Whitener/correction fluid is generally discouraged but not prohibited for minor corrections
  • UP Board: Not officially encouraged
  • Best practice: Strike through errors with a single line instead of using whitener

Watch

• Simple analog or digital watch — to track time during the exam
• Smart watches are BANNED across all boards
• Your phone will be confiscated, so you cannot rely on it for time
• Wall clocks in exam halls may not be visible from every seat

Small Transparent Pouch

• Keep all stationery in a transparent pouch or pencil box
• Opaque bags or pencil cases may be checked or not allowed inside the exam hall
• Transparent = no suspicion = no delays at the entrance

Handkerchief/Tissues

• For wiping hands (sweaty palms can smudge ink)
• For cleaning the desk surface
• Keep it in your pocket, not the desk

Light Snack

• Some boards allow a small snack (glucose candy, dry fruit)
• Useful for exams that extend past lunch time
• Keep it in your pocket, not on the desk
• Check your exam centre's specific rules

What NOT to Carry — Items That Can Get You Disqualified

Strict Prohibitions Across All Boards

The Calculator Question

CBSE Class 10 and 12: Calculators are NOT allowed for any subject.

State board rules vary:

• UP Board: Not allowed
• Bihar Board: Not allowed
• Karnataka Board: Not allowed for SSLC
• Some state boards allow basic calculators for specific subjects (check your board's official rules)

Rule of thumb: Unless your board explicitly allows a calculator for the specific subject, do not carry one. If caught with an unauthorized calculator, it is treated as unfair means.

Your Phone — The Most Common Problem

Every board strictly prohibits mobile phones inside the exam hall.

What to do:

• Leave your phone at home if possible
• If you must carry it to the exam centre, hand it to a parent/guardian outside
• Some centres have phone collection counters — deposit it there
• Do NOT carry it inside the exam hall even if it is switched off. If found during checking, your exam will be cancelled regardless of whether it was on or off

Bags and Pouches

• Large bags are typically not allowed inside the exam hall
• Keep only stationery in a transparent pouch
• Books, notes, bags are left outside or in designated areas
• Do not leave valuables in your bag outside

Board-Specific Rules

CBSE Board Exam Rules

• Admit card and school ID are compulsory
• Blue/black ink for writing (blue preferred)
• Pencil for diagrams and MCQ bubbling
• No calculator, no mobile phone, no smart watch
• 15 minutes reading time before the exam starts — you cannot write during this time
• Students arriving more than 30 minutes late may not be allowed to enter
• Transparent water bottle allowed

UP Board Exam Rules

• Admit card and one government-issued ID
• Blue ink pens for answers
• No calculator
• No mobile phones or electronic devices
• Strict checking at entry — metal detectors used at many centres
• Water bottle must be transparent and label-free
• Additional answer sheets available on request from the invigilator

For detailed exam day information, see the board exam rules and guidelines.

Bihar Board Exam Rules

• Admit card compulsory
• Registration card may also be required
• Blue ink pens for writing
• No electronic devices of any kind
• Bihar Board has strict measures against unfair means — CCTV cameras in many centres
• Transparent stationery pouch recommended

State Boards (General Rules)

Most state boards follow similar rules:

• Admit card + ID proof compulsory
• Blue/black ink for writing
• Pencil for diagrams
• No phones, no smart watches, no calculators (unless specified)
• Transparent water bottle
• Arrive 30-45 minutes before exam time

The Night-Before Checklist

Complete this checklist the night before every exam:

Stationery (lay everything out on your desk)

• 3 blue pens (tested and working)
• 1 black pen (for diagrams)
• 2 sharpened HB pencils
• Eraser (tested — does it erase cleanly?)
• Sharpener
• 15 cm ruler
• Geometry box (compass, protractor, divider)
• Transparent stationery pouch

Documents

• Admit card (2 copies)
• School ID card
• Any additional ID required by your board

Personal Items

• Transparent water bottle (filled)
• Watch (analog/digital, NOT smart watch)
• Light snack if allowed
• Handkerchief

Verify

• Check exam centre address and route
• Confirm exam timing (morning/afternoon)
• Set alarm (arrive 30-45 minutes early)
• Confirm the subject being examined tomorrow

Remove from Bag

• Mobile phone
• Any printed or handwritten notes
• Calculator (unless specifically allowed)
• Any electronic device

What to Do If You Forget Something

If you forget your admit card

• Many boards allow entry with school ID and a declaration from your school
• Call your school principal or exam coordinator immediately
• You may need to submit a duplicate admit card application at the centre
• This situation is stressful and avoidable — always carry two copies

If your pen runs out mid-exam

• Raise your hand and ask the invigilator. They usually have spare pens
• Other students may have spares they can lend (ask quietly)
• If you carried 3 pens as recommended, this should not happen

If your compass breaks during a Maths exam

• Ask the invigilator for help
• Ask a neighbouring student (after the exam starts, you may be able to borrow)
• In the worst case, draw the construction as accurately as possible freehand and write a note: "Compass was not available"

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a gel pen instead of a ballpoint pen?

Most boards do not specify the type of pen — only the ink colour (blue/black). Gel pens are technically allowed. However, gel pens smudge more easily, especially for left-handed writers. Ballpoint pens are safer because they dry instantly and do not smudge.

Is a calculator allowed for any board exam?

For CBSE Class 10 and 12, calculators are NOT allowed for any subject. Some state boards allow basic calculators for specific higher secondary subjects. Always check your board's official exam guidelines.

What happens if my phone rings during the exam?

If a phone is found in the exam hall (even switched off), it is treated as unfair means. Your exam for that subject is likely to be cancelled, and you may face additional penalties depending on your board's rules.

Can I carry an extra answer sheet from home?

No. Answer sheets and supplementary sheets are provided by the exam centre. You cannot use your own paper. If you need additional sheets during the exam, raise your hand and the invigilator will provide them.

Should I reach the exam centre early?

Yes. Arrive 30-45 minutes before the exam starts. This gives you time for: security checking, finding your seat, settling down, and handling any last-minute issues (wrong centre, missing admit card copy, etc.).

What if I am running late to the exam centre?

Most boards allow entry up to 30 minutes after the exam starts. After that, entry is typically denied. If you are running late, go directly to the centre — do not stop to collect forgotten items. Reaching late but getting in is better than missing the exam.

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