When you walk into an IB exam hall, you’re not just carrying stationery. You’re carrying momentum. And the fastest way to lose it is a small, avoidable problem at the door: the wrong watch, a forgotten calculator, a phone left in a pocket “because it’s off.”
This guide is a calm, practical IB exam checklist: what to bring to each session, what to leave at home, and how to pack so your brain can focus on marks instead of logistics.
The fast IB exam checklist (use this every session)
Bring only what helps you write the paper cleanly and confidently.
Must-have for every IB exam session
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2--3 black or blue pens (approved)
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Pencil (when diagrams/graphs are allowed)
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Eraser + ruler
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School-issued ID or entry details (if your school requires it)
Strongly recommended
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Clear water bottle (label removed if your school asks)
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A simple watch (non-smart) if permitted by your school
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Spares: extra pen, extra pencil
For a broader run-through of exam logistics, keep this saved: IB Exam Day Checklist: The Ultimate Guide.
What to bring to every IB exam (the true essentials)
Most exam-day stress isn’t about not knowing the content. It’s about losing time and composure early. The basics prevent that.
Bring pens you trust. Bring backups. If you rely on a specific grip or ink flow, don’t “experiment” on exam day.
If you want a calmer routine that starts the night before, borrow the structure from Perfect Night-Before Routine for IB Exams. It’s built around the same idea: reduce decisions, reduce surprises, protect focus.
Subject-specific IB materials (only if clearly allowed)
Some IB exams allow additional items, but the rule is simple: if it’s not explicitly allowed by your school, assume it’s not permitted.
Examples that are commonly relevant depending on subject and paper:
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An approved calculator (for subjects/papers where calculators are permitted)
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Mathematical instruments (ruler, protractor, compass) where required
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A dictionary only when explicitly permitted for that exam
If you’re doing timed practice before the real session, it helps to rehearse with the same kit you’ll use on the day. RevisionDojo makes that kind of rehearsal easy through its Questionbank, Mock Exams, and Predicted Papers, so your setup becomes automatic and familiar. You can build your practice loop using the platform overview in RevisionDojo App: The Smarter Way to Prep for IB Exams.
What NOT to bring into an IB exam room
This is where students accidentally create risk.
Avoid bringing:
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Mobile phones (even switched off)
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Smartwatches or any device with notifications/communication
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Notes, revision materials, or loose paper
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Non-transparent pencil cases (if your school requires clear cases)
The important part: “I forgot it was in my pocket” is still a problem. The IB treats exam security seriously because fairness depends on it.
The biggest mistake: packing “just in case”
The trap is thinking more items equals more safety. It doesn’t. It creates more things to explain, more things to misplace, and more chances to start the exam with your heart racing.
A better approach is to pack like a pilot: a short checklist, the same order every time, no surprises.
The night-before IB exam reset (5 minutes)
Do this once and you’ll feel the difference in the morning.
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Pack your bag fully (don’t leave it to morning)
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Remove prohibited items from pockets and side compartments
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Put spares where you can reach them quietly
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Set out clothes, water bottle, and ID
If you’re also trying to manage revision in the final stretch, pair this with a simple schedule like IB: How to Study in the Last 24 Hours (No Panic) or the longer approach in IB: The Last 2 Weeks Before Exams (What Matters).
A calmer IB exam day starts with a smaller bag
A good IB exam session begins before you enter the room. Pack the essentials. Remove anything questionable. Then let your attention move back to what actually earns marks.
When you’re ready to turn preparation into performance, RevisionDojo helps you run the full exam loop in one place: Study Notes to clarify, Flashcards to retain, AI Chat to get unstuck, a targeted Questionbank to sharpen weaknesses, and realistic Mock Exams plus Predicted Papers to rehearse under time. Start with planning your weeks and sessions here: RevisionDojo Study Planner.
