Catalonia PAU Mathematics II (Matemàtiques II - CIC 2026) exam-day guide
Catalonia PAU Mathematics II (Matemàtiques II - CIC 2026) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Official photo ID
Bring the identity document you used at registration (DNI, passport, or residence card). Staff may check it at the door and again at the desk. Confirm with your centre which documents they accept for PAU candidates.
Exam admission/registration proof
Carry the proof of registration or the centre's instructions showing your assigned seat or classroom. Some centres publish lists the day before; check the official portal. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Blue or black ballpoint pens (at least two)
Mathematics II is written by hand. Bring spare pens that write clearly; avoid very light ink that scans poorly if scripts are digitised.
Pencil, eraser, and sharpener
Useful for graphs, sketches, and quick corrections. Keep the final answers in pen so nothing is mistaken for rough work.
Ruler and, if permitted, a set square or protractor
Geometry and graphing questions benefit from straight edges. Confirm with the provider which drawing instruments are allowed in the exam room.
Approved calculator
Check the current PAU rules on calculator models for Mathematics II before the exam; permitted functionality has changed in recent years. Confirm with the provider exactly which models and functions are allowed, and clear the memory beforehand if required.
Analog watch
Phones are usually not allowed on the desk and may be collected. A simple watch lets you pace the paper without relying on room clocks.
Clear water bottle and a light snack
Sessions can be long. Bring water in a transparent bottle and something small for between papers if your centre allows it. Confirm with the provider what may be taken into the room.
Printed summary of formulas you are unsure of
Use it only for last-minute revision outside the room; formula sheets are generally not provided for Mathematics II. Do not carry notes into the exam room.
Know your timetable and room
Write down the exact date, start time, and building for your Mathematics II sitting, plus arrival time requested by the centre. Confirm with the provider the day before.
Plan transport and arrival buffer
Aim to arrive well before the doors open; late entry rules vary by centre. Confirm with the provider how late arrivals are handled.
Rest and logistics the night before
Sleep, set two alarms, and prepare clothes, ID, pens, and calculator in one bag the evening before. Avoid learning new material in the final hours.
Plan the day
Do a timed full past paper under exam conditions, then mark it against the official solutions. List the two or three topics that cost you the most marks and revise only those. Re-read the exam instructions for Mathematics II, including calculator rules and answer format. Confirm your room, time, and ID requirements with your centre.
Work through a second paper focusing on your weak areas: typically calculus (limits, derivatives, optimisation, integrals), linear algebra (matrices, determinants, systems, geometry of lines and planes), and probability or statistics depending on your options. Practise writing full solutions with clear steps, because method marks matter.
Do light revision only: formula recall, standard procedures, and a short set of exercises you already know how to do. Prepare your bag: ID, registration proof, pens, pencil, ruler, approved calculator, watch, water. Check transport and set alarms. Go to bed at a reasonable hour rather than cramming.
Eat a normal breakfast and arrive early. Do not attempt a full paper; skim a one-page formula reminder. Leave your phone switched off and stored as instructed. Once seated, read the whole paper before starting and note the point value of each question.
Allocate time by marks, not by question order. Start with questions you can do confidently, then return to harder ones. Show every step, define variables, and state conclusions. Draw axes and label graphs. If a result looks wrong, check units and arithmetic before moving on. Reserve the last ten minutes to review that every question has an answer and that your name and details are correct.
Rules to check
Bring the identity document required by your centre and keep it visible on the desk if asked. Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted and what happens if you forget them.
Electronic devices, including phones and smartwatches, must normally be switched off and stored away from your desk. Confirm with the provider the exact device policy, including whether a permitted calculator may be kept on the desk.
Follow the centre's rules on leaving the room. Toilet breaks and early departure are usually restricted during the first and last part of the session. Confirm with the provider the specific timing for your centre.
Write answers in the language of instruction specified for your exam and show working. In Mathematics II, a correct final answer with no justification may not receive full marks.
Use only the calculator and materials permitted for Mathematics II. Do not share materials with other candidates or pass notes.
Scoring follows the official marking criteria for each question; partial credit is given for correct method. Read the point values and allocate effort accordingly.
If you believe there is an error in the paper or a problem with conditions, raise it calmly with the invigilator and follow their instructions; do not attempt to resolve it yourself.
Any suspected irregularity is handled under the centre's and the university's regulations. Confirm with the provider how incidents are reported and what your rights are.