Exam Day Checklist for Computer-Based Tests
06 Oct 2026 · TestMint Team
The short answer: prepare documents and travel the day before, arrive early, follow the centre's procedures, spend the first minutes of the test reading instructions and check the interface, then follow the plan you have rehearsed. If something goes wrong, tell the invigilator at once.
The night before
- Documents: admit card or hall ticket (printed), a valid photo ID of the type named in the notification, and any other documents required.
- Route: know how to reach the centre, how long it takes and what to do if transport is delayed.
- Items: pen and any other items the notification allows. Leave out anything that is prohibited, such as phones, watches or notes, unless the rules say otherwise.
- Clothes: comfortable and compliant with the centre's rules.
- Sleep: an early night with two alarms.
Rules differ between exams and centres, so read the instructions on your admit card and the notification carefully rather than relying on this list alone.
The morning of the exam
- Eat a normal meal and drink water.
- Check the documents against the list one more time.
- Leave early enough to arrive well before the reporting time on your admit card.
- Avoid last-minute revision of new material; read one page of formulas at most.
At the centre
- Join the queue for document checks. Have your admit card and ID in hand.
- Expect security checks and a seating or locker procedure.
- Follow the instructions of the invigilators; ask if you do not understand.
- Use the restroom before you are seated, if the schedule allows.
- Do not discuss answers or rumours with other candidates.
The first five minutes at the computer
When you reach your seat, before the timer starts (if the system gives you a pause) or in the first minute:
- Check that your name and details on the screen are correct.
- Read the instructions on section movement, marking and review rules, even if you have read them before.
- Test the mouse and keyboard and the screen's visibility.
- Locate the timer, the question palette and the mark-for-review feature.
- Take two slow breaths and recall your plan in one line.
Practise these actions on a mock first: see how to practise for computer-based exams.
During the exam: the plan
- Follow your section order and checkpoints.
- Do rough work on the sheets provided, with question numbers noted.
- Apply your time ceiling and guess policy.
- In the last five minutes, return to marked questions and check that you have not left easy answers blank.
- Submit only when you are sure that you are finished, following the screen's instructions.
The habits come from rehearsal: see how to attempt a mock test like the real exam and section-wise time management.
If something goes wrong
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| The computer freezes or restarts | Raise your hand and tell the invigilator at once; note the time. Follow the centre's procedure on time compensation, which is set by the conducting body |
| The mouse or keyboard fails | Tell the invigilator immediately; ask for a replacement |
| The question is displayed incorrectly | Tell the invigilator; do not wait until the end |
| You feel unwell | Tell the invigilator; ask what is allowed under the rules |
| You realise you answered the wrong question number | Return and correct it if the interface allows |
Rules about compensation for lost time are set by each exam's conducting body. Read the notification beforehand and do not assume.
After the exam
- Do not replay every question. Note down what went well and what to improve while it is fresh, if you have further stages.
- Check the official website for the answer key, objection process and result dates.
- If another stage follows, start preparing within a few days.
Common mistakes
- Arriving late or without the right ID.
- Not reading the instructions on section movement.
- Staying silent about a technical issue.
- Trying a new strategy on the day.
- Leaving easy questions blank at the end by accident.
Rehearse with a free mock test on a similar interface, and read the last-week plan for the days before.
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