Galicia PAU Physics / Física 2º Bachillerato CIUG exam-day guide
Galicia PAU Physics / Física 2º Bachillerato CIUG · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
DNI or valid passport
You must present official photo ID. The exact documents accepted (DNI, passport, driving licence) are set by the CIUG and your centre; if you are unsure whether a document is accepted, confirm with the provider before exam day.
Exam admission slip / matrícula documentation
Bring the document that proves you are registered for the PAU (resguardo de matrícula or equivalent). The format and whether a printed copy is required vary by centre; confirm the exact requirement with your school or the CIUG.
Blue or black pens (at least two)
Write in blue or black ink. Bring spare pens and a pencil for any rough work or diagrams. Do not use erasable ink or correction fluid unless the instructions for your year explicitly allow it.
Pencil, eraser, sharpener
Useful for graphs, free-body diagrams, and rough calculations. Keep rough work clearly separated from your final answers.
Scientific calculator
A non-programmable scientific calculator is normally allowed in Physics. Programmable or graphing calculators are typically restricted. The definitive list of permitted models is published by the CIUG for each exam session; confirm the current list with the provider.
Ruler and protractor
Bring a ruler for drawing force vectors and a protractor for angles. These are low-risk items and useful for the graphical parts of problems.
Watch (non-smart)
A simple analogue or digital watch helps you manage time. Smartwatches and phones must be switched off and stored away; do not rely on them for timing.
Clear water bottle
A transparent bottle with no label is usually acceptable. Confirm local rules with your centre if you are unsure.
Review constants and formula sheet policy
The PAU Physics paper may include a sheet of constants or formulas, or may expect you to know them. Check the official instructions for your session and confirm with the provider; do not assume a formula sheet will be provided.
Know the exam location and start time
Check the venue, room, and reporting time on your admission documents. Arrive early; late entry rules are set by the tribunal and should be confirmed with the provider.
Check permitted materials list for your session
The CIUG publishes instructions on allowed calculators and materials. This can change between years, so verify the current list with the provider rather than relying on older information.
Plan transport and backup
Have a backup route or contact in case of transport problems. Arriving late can affect your ability to sit the exam; confirm the late-arrival policy with the provider.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: venue, room, reporting time, and the exact ID and materials you need. Re-read the official CIUG instructions for the current session and check the permitted calculator list. If anything is unclear, contact your school or the CIUG now, not on exam day.
Do a full timed past-paper or mock under exam conditions. Focus on the structure of the Galicia Physics paper: typically you choose between options, and problems combine mechanics, fields, waves, electricity, and modern physics. Mark which topics cost you the most time and plan your answer order.
Review your formula sheet and constants, but do not try to learn new material. Practise unit conversions, significant figures, and vector decomposition. Check that your calculator is in the correct mode (degrees vs radians) and that you know how to use it for the operations you need.
Pack your bag: ID, admission documents, pens, pencil, eraser, ruler, protractor, calculator, spare batteries if needed, water. Charge nothing you cannot bring; leave smart devices at home or switched off. Confirm your transport plan and set two alarms.
Do a light review only: key formulas, common pitfalls (sign conventions, units, rounding), and the instructions for the exam. Sleep early. Avoid cramming new topics; fatigue costs more marks than one extra formula.
Eat a normal breakfast and arrive at the venue with time to spare. Keep your phone switched off and stored. Check you have your ID and admission documents before leaving. Once seated, read the cover instructions carefully: number of questions, choice rules, and time allowed.
Read the whole paper and choose your questions according to the stated options. Start with the questions you are most confident about to secure marks, but leave enough time for the longer problems. Note the mark allocation if it is given and allocate time proportionally.
For each problem, write down the data, the formula, the substitution, and the result with units. Show working: method marks are often available even if the final number is wrong. Draw diagrams for forces, fields, and circuits. Keep an eye on the clock and move on if a question is consuming too much time.
Check units, significant figures, and whether your answer is physically reasonable. Make sure every chosen question has an answer and that you have not left blank spaces where working is expected. Verify that your name and details are on the answer booklet as instructed.
Rules to check
Bring official photo ID. The exact documents accepted are set by the CIUG and your centre; if you are unsure, confirm with the provider before exam day.
Follow the instructions on the cover of the paper about how many questions to answer and whether you must choose between options. Answering more questions than allowed may not gain extra credit and can waste time.
Electronic devices, including mobile phones and smartwatches, must be switched off and stored away during the exam. Bringing unauthorised devices or materials can lead to disqualification; confirm the exact policy with the provider.
Only permitted calculators and materials may be used. The CIUG publishes the list for each session; check it in advance and confirm with the provider if your model is not clearly listed.
Write your answers in the format required by the tribunal (usually in the answer booklet provided). Show your working clearly; method marks are typically available even when the final answer is incorrect.
Breaks and leaving the room are usually restricted during the exam. If you need to leave for an emergency, raise your hand and follow the invigilator's instructions; confirm the centre's policy in advance.
Scoring is based on the official marking criteria for the PAU Physics paper. Partial credit is commonly awarded for correct method, so structure your answers logically and include units.
Any special arrangements (extra time, separate room, medical needs) must be requested and approved before the exam through the official channel. Confirm the deadlines and evidence required with the provider.