Catalonia PAU Technical Drawing (Dibuix Tècnic II)
Proves d'Accés a la Universitat (PAU) – Dibuix Tècnic II (Catalonia)
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
Dibuix Tècnic II is the technical drawing subject examined in the Proves d'Accés a la Universitat (PAU) in Catalonia, the university entrance assessment taken by students finishing batxillerat and by other candidates seeking a university place. It is a subject-specific paper: it tests graphical competence rather than memorised theory, so it matters most for candidates heading into architecture, engineering, design or building-related degrees, where it often serves as a weighted subject in the admission mark. The paper is practical and time-pressed. Candidates work on paper with instruments, solving construction problems in plane geometry, resolving dihedral projection exercises, drawing sections and developments of solids, applying normalisation conventions to views and dimensioning, and producing axonometric or perspective representations. Marks are awarded for the correctness of the construction as much as for the final result, so visible auxiliary lines, accurate tangency points and clean layout all count. The most effective preparation is regular timed drawing practice with a good set square, compass and sharp pencils, working through each domain in turn, then sitting complete past papers under exam conditions and reviewing errors against the standard constructions. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with the official examining body; always confirm the current structure, duration and scoring rules on the official university access website before your exam.
What you'll study
About Catalonia PAU Technical Drawing (Dibuix Tècnic II) preparation
What does the Dibuix Tècnic II exam actually look like?
It is a written paper combining graphical construction problems with, where the format allows, a short multiple-choice section. You draw on paper with instruments. Options and structure can change between sittings, so check the current model and instructions published by the official university access body.
Do I need to know the theory, or just be able to draw?
Both, but theory serves the drawing. You must know definitions and properties well enough to choose a construction quickly, then execute it precisely. Examiners reward correct reasoning shown through auxiliary lines, not just a plausible-looking final figure.
How long is the exam?
Timing is set by the official body and can vary by sitting. The paper is deliberately tight for the amount of drawing required, so practise with a timer. Confirm the duration for your year on the official website rather than relying on older candidates' memories.
Is it a hard subject to score well in?
It rewards precision more than inspiration. Candidates lose marks through faint construction lines, missing tangency points, poor page layout and unfinished exercises, not usually through not knowing the method. Clean instruments, sharp pencils and a disciplined order of work convert knowledge into marks.
Can I resit if I do badly?
Retake arrangements belong to the official access procedure and differ between candidates and years. Check the current rules on the official university access site, including how many sittings are allowed and whether the mark can be improved in a later call.
In what order should I study the topics?
Start with plane geometry constructions and tangencies, since they underpin everything else. Then move to dihedral geometry, followed by solids, sections and developments. Add normalisation, then axonometric and perspective systems, and finish with full timed papers mixing all domains.
What are the most common mistakes candidates make?
Leaving construction arcs without marking centres, drawing tangencies by eye, overcrowding the sheet so labels become unreadable, and spending too long on one problem. Also common: ignoring the stated scale, and failing to indicate hidden edges or cutting planes in projection exercises.
How much drawing practice do I need per week?
Consistency beats long sessions. Two or three focused sessions a week, each solving one or two constructions to full precision, plus a complete timed paper every few weeks, builds both speed and accuracy. Review each error against the standard construction before moving on.
Does this page give me the official exam dates or fees?
No. Registration deadlines, fees and exam dates are published each year by the official body responsible for university access in Catalonia. Use their website as the only authoritative source, and treat this page purely as independent study support.