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If your IB exams are coming up and you’re unsure about what to bring – or what’s not allowed – you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll cover everything you should bring to your exams and what you should avoid bringing to ensure a smooth session.
What to bring for an IB Exam?
Writing tools
- Pens: Always carry at least two black or blue ink-based pens. Having a backup ensures that if one stops working, you can switch seamlessly without disrupting your rhythm or causing unnecessary stress. Avoid water-based pens, as they may not scan properly.
- Pencils: Bring a pencil for subjects like Biology, where you may need to make sketches. Pencils are also essential for MCQ exams, as you’ll need to transfer your answers to an answer sheet. Make sure your pencils are 2B or 2HB; other types may not be read properly by the scanning machine.
- Erasers and sharpeners: A clean eraser will help you keep your work neat, and a sharpener will ensure that your pencils are always ready.
- Rulers and other geometric tools: It also may be a good idea to bring a ruler or other geometric tools, especially for subjects where you may be asked to create sketches.
- Highlighters: You may also wish to bring highlighters to help you highlight important information in the source materials provided. However, make sure you use them only on materials that won't be marked by the IB.
Calculator
- A calculator is required in certain subjects while it is prohibited in others. Generally speaking, you'll need a calculator for Mathematics and the Sciences.
- The IB also only permits the use of certain calculator brands/types.
- To check the subjects in which calculators are permitted and the types of calculators accepted by the IB, click here.
- Before the exam, your calculator must be cleared or, if your model allows, set to exam mode.
- Your school is also obligated to clear all calculators after each exam. This will occur in the IB-mandated post-exam 2-hour quarantine that has been recently introduced to prevent any cross-timezone academic dishonesty.
- To ensure that your exam runs smoothly, make sure to check whether your calculator is fully charged the night before. It may also be a good idea to bring spare batteries to the examination room with you.
Water and snacks
- Make sure to bring yourself a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated during the exam. The water must however be carried in a clear, see-through bottle, with no labels.
- Snacks are not permitted in the exam hall, however, if you have a short quarantine break in between Papers, you may leave a small snack (like a protein bar) in the quarantine room.
Watches
- Students are not permitted to wear smartwatches in any exam. As of 2025, you are no longer permitted to bring a wristwatch to the examination hall, even if it is merely an analogue clock.
Pencil cases
- Many students prefer to keep their exam essentials – such as pencils, pens, highlighters, and other tools – organised in a pencil case. During exams, you’re welcome to bring these items in a pencil case as long as it is completely transparent.
- There are no other specific requirements, so if you don’t have a clear pencil case, a simple see-through plastic pouch or zip-lock bag is perfectly acceptable.
Comfort items
- In order to promote student wellbeing, the IB also permits candidates to bring a comfort item, such as a small plushie or a small gift from relative.
What NOT to bring into an IB exam
The IB prohibits students from bringing the following into the exam hall:
- Electronics (phone, tablet, laptop, etc.) other than an IB-approved calculator
- Food
- Drinks other than water
- Loose papers or study notes
- You are not permitted to bring your own formula booklets or other materials. All materials needed for the exam will be provided to you by the IB
- Backpacks/purses
- Books/guides
- Correction tape
We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify and other guides available on our blog.
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