Concours INP-HB Cycle Ingénieur exam-day guide
Concours INP-HB Cycle Ingénieur · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Convocation / convocation letter
Bring the printed convocation you received when registering. If you did not receive one or lost it, contact the concours office before the exam; do not assume a digital copy will be accepted. Confirm with the provider whether a printout is mandatory.
Valid national ID or passport
Bring the original piece of identification used in your registration (CNI, passport, or other accepted document). Check that it is not expired. A photocopy is generally not accepted; confirm with the provider which IDs are valid.
Several black or blue ballpoint pens
Bring at least three pens of the same colour, plus a spare. Answers written in pencil or erasable ink may not be graded. Confirm with the provider whether only black ink is allowed.
Pencil, eraser and sharpener
Useful for rough work and for any multiple-choice answer sheet that requires pencil shading. If the provider supplies materials, bring your own as backup.
Non-programmable scientific calculator
Many engineering-school concours allow a basic scientific calculator but ban programmable or graphing models. Check the official notice for the authorised list; if unsure, bring a simple non-programmable model and confirm with the provider.
Ruler, compass and set square
Geometry and technical-drawing sections may require them. Bring a graduated ruler and a basic geometry set; verify the authorised list in the convocation.
Wristwatch (non-connected)
Exam rooms do not always have a visible clock. A simple analogue or digital watch helps you manage time. Smartwatches and connected devices are usually prohibited; confirm with the provider.
Clear water bottle and small snack
Stay hydrated and keep energy up during a long session. Bring a transparent bottle with the label removed and a quiet snack. Check whether food and drink are allowed in the room.
Printed map and transport plan
Locate the exact campus and building in advance. Plan at least two routes and note travel time. Arrive early; late entry rules are strict and vary by session.
Review the official notice and candidate instructions
Re-read the convocation and the concours rules on authorised materials, timing, and conduct the day before. Rules can change between sessions; rely on the current official document.
Rest and logistics check
Sleep well the night before, set two alarms, and prepare your bag the evening before. Confirm with the provider whether a parent or companion may wait on site.
Plan the day
Stop learning new topics. Review your summary sheets, formula lists, and past mistakes. Do one timed mini-simulation per day, then correct it carefully. Re-read the official notice for authorised materials and schedule. Prepare your ID, convocation, and stationery in one bag. Check transport times and, if needed, book accommodation near the centre. Avoid all-nighters.
Do a light review only: key formulas, method checklists, and a few easy exercises to stay confident. Pack your bag with ID, convocation, pens, pencil, calculator, geometry set, watch, water, and snack. Lay out clothes. Confirm the start time and the exact room or building. Set two alarms. Sleep at your usual time; do not try to cram a new chapter.
Eat a normal breakfast and avoid heavy or unfamiliar food. Leave with enough margin to arrive at least 30–45 minutes early. At the centre, find the room list, check your name, and locate the toilets. Keep your phone switched off and stored as instructed. Listen carefully to the invigilator's instructions before the paper is distributed.
Read the whole paper for two to three minutes and note the mark allocation. Start with questions you can do confidently, then return to harder ones. Watch the clock and keep a reserve of 5–10 minutes to check your name, candidate number, and that all answers are transferred. If a question blocks you, move on and come back. Write clearly and show working where marks are awarded for method. Ask the invigilator only for administrative issues, not for content help.
Rules to check
Bring the original convocation and a valid ID. Candidates without the required documents may be refused entry; confirm with the provider what to do if a document is lost.
Arrive before the stated start time. Late candidates may be admitted only at the invigilator's discretion and generally receive no extra time; confirm the exact late-entry policy with the provider.
Mobile phones, smartwatches, connected devices, and any unauthorised notes must be switched off and stored out of reach. Possession during the test may be treated as cheating.
Use only authorised materials. Programmable or graphing calculators, printed notes, and electronic dictionaries are usually banned; check the official list and confirm with the provider before the exam.
Follow invigilator instructions at all times. Do not communicate with other candidates, exchange materials, or leave your seat without permission.
Breaks and toilet visits are usually limited and may be escorted. Raise your hand and wait for permission; time lost is generally not made up. Confirm the provider's policy on breaks.
Write only in the spaces provided and do not remove any part of the paper. Any attempt to take materials out of the room may lead to disqualification.
Scoring and penalties: marks may be awarded for method as well as final answers, and some sections may be negatively marked. Read the instructions on the paper and confirm the marking rules with the provider.