Madrid PAU Design (Diseño) exam-day guide
Madrid PAU Design (Diseño) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Official ID document
Bring the original ID required for access to the PAU (typically DNI, passport, or residence card). Confirm with the provider which document is accepted for your situation and that it is unexpired.
Exam call/schedule and seat information
Know the exact call time, building, and room for the Dibujo/Diseño sessions. Confirm with the provider or your school, since specific logistics vary by venue and year.
Printed or downloaded exam timetable
The PAU schedule lists the order of the general-phase and optional subjects. Check the day and time of your Design exam against the official document.
Black or blue ballpoint pens (several)
Write in ink. Bring at least two spare pens so a failure does not cost you time. Do not rely on pencil for final answers.
Pencil, eraser, and sharpener
Useful for rough sketches and construction lines before inking final work. Confirm with the provider whether pencil work is acceptable in any part of the answer.
Ruler, set square, and compass
Standard drawing instruments for technical and geometric content. Check the official instructions for the exam year in case any instrument is restricted.
Colour media you normally use
Coloured pencils, markers, or similar, if the exam allows colour work. Confirm with the provider the permitted materials before relying on them.
Calculator
Check the official instructions for the year and the specific subject. Bring a model that complies with any restriction on programmable or graphing calculators.
Clear pencil case or transparent bag
Some venues require transparent containers. Confirm with the provider or your school before the exam day.
Water and a light snack
Sessions can be long and back-to-back. Keep packaging simple and check venue rules on food and drink.
Watch (non-smart)
A simple watch helps you manage time if the room clock is not visible. Smartwatches and phones must stay off and stored as instructed.
Arrival plan and transport backup
Plan to arrive well before the call time. Identify a backup route and confirm with the provider what happens if you are delayed.
Plan the day
Review the official PAU instructions and the exam timetable. Confirm the room, call time, and permitted materials with the provider or your school. Practise two timed Design exercises under real conditions: read the statement, plan the composition, and finish in the allotted time. Prepare your instrument kit and check that pens, markers, and compass work.
Pack the ID, pens, drawing instruments, and any permitted colour media in one bag. Re-read the exam structure and scoring criteria so you know how the answer is judged. Sleep a full night and avoid learning new content. Check transport times and set two alarms.
Eat properly and arrive early. Keep the phone off and stored as instructed. Read the whole paper before starting, note the mark allocation, and allocate minutes to planning, execution, and a final check. Write your identifying details exactly as instructed.
Read each question twice and underline the verbs. Start with the task you can execute most confidently, but respect the mark weighting. Sketch lightly before committing to final lines. Keep answers within the space or format required. Leave a few minutes to check labels, units, and that no question is unanswered.
Rules to check
Bring the original ID required for access and keep it on the desk if instructed. Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted for your case.
Follow all instructions from the exam staff on phones, smartwatches, and personal belongings. Devices must be switched off and stored where staff indicate.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam or exchange materials. Raise your hand and wait for an invigilator if you need something.
Confirm with the provider the rules on leaving the room, toilet breaks, and returning to the exam. Do not assume a break is allowed.
Use only the materials permitted for the subject. Confirm with the provider in advance whether colour media, calculators, or specific instruments are allowed.
Write your answers in the required format and medium. Answers outside the designated space or in a non-permitted medium may not be marked.
Scoring follows the official criteria for the subject and the year. Confirm with the provider how the Design paper is weighted within the phase and how the final grade is calculated.
If you believe there is an error in the paper or a problem with materials, tell an invigilator immediately and follow their instructions rather than resolving it yourself.