Agrégation exam-day guide
Agrégation · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Convocation (summons) and photo ID
Bring the convocation you received after registration and a valid photo ID (national identity card or passport). The exact ID accepted and whether a photocopy suffices must be confirmed with the rectorat or the exam centre; do not assume. Keep both in a single transparent folder.
Convocation details checked: centre address, room, reporting time
Re-read the convocation for the exact address, building, room and the reporting time, which is usually earlier than the start of the written paper. Check transport routes and travel time in advance, and plan to arrive with a margin. If any detail is unclear, contact the exam centre before the day.
Black or blue pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener
Written papers are handwritten. Bring several pens of the same dark ink, pencils for diagrams or rough work, an eraser and a sharpener. Confirm with the provider whether correction fluid or erasable pens are allowed; if not stated, avoid them.
Clear pencil case or transparent bag
Many centres require a transparent container for stationery. If your convocation does not say, use a clear pencil case or a transparent bag to avoid problems at the door.
Analogue watch (no smart watch)
A simple analogue or non-connected digital watch helps you pace yourself if the room clock is not visible. Smart watches and connected devices are almost always forbidden; confirm the provider's rule on watches.
Food and water for a long session
Written sessions can last several hours. Bring a small snack and a bottle of water, but check the centre's policy: some rooms allow water only in a clear bottle, and some do not allow food at the desk. Confirm with the provider.
No phone or connected device at the desk
Switch off and leave your phone, earphones and any connected device in your bag or, if required, at the collection point designated by the invigilators. Do not keep them on your person during the test.
Authorised texts or documents, if your option allows them
Some options permit specific printed texts (for example certain literature or language options). Check the official instructions for your option and bring only what is explicitly authorised, unannotated unless stated otherwise. If unsure, confirm with the provider.
Summary sheet of key formulas, dates and references
Prepare a one-page revision sheet for last-minute review before entering the room. Leave it in your bag during the test; it must not be at your desk unless the instructions authorise it.
Strategy notes for each paper
Write a short plan for each paper: time allocation, order of questions, and how you will handle a question you cannot answer. Review it the evening before so you do not improvise under pressure.
Travel and accommodation confirmed
If the centre is far from home, book accommodation and transport early and confirm the booking. Keep tickets and reservation details with your convocation.
Provider rules confirmed in advance
Before the day, confirm with the provider: accepted ID, reporting time, authorised materials, break policy, and rules on water and food. Policies vary by centre and option; do not rely on hearsay.
Plan the day
Switch from learning new material to consolidating. Review your summary sheets, re-read your own corrected exercises and past papers, and practise a timed section under exam conditions. Check the convocation again, confirm transport and accommodation, and prepare the checklist items you will pack. Protect your sleep: do not study late into the night.
Pack your bag with the convocation, ID, pens, watch, water and snack. Re-read the official instructions for your option and the centre's rules. Do a light review only: key formulas, dates, references and your strategy notes. Set two alarms, check the weather and travel time, and go to bed at a reasonable hour.
Eat a proper breakfast and arrive at the centre with a comfortable margin before the reporting time. Keep your phone switched off in your bag. Find the room, listen carefully to the invigilators' instructions, and check that your desk materials are complete. Use the minutes before the start to breathe and re-read your strategy notes mentally, not to cram new content.
Read the whole paper first and allocate time per section. Start with questions you can answer confidently, then return to harder ones. Write legibly and structure long answers with a short plan. Watch the clock at fixed checkpoints and keep a few minutes at the end to check your name, page numbering and any required formatting.
Rules to check
Follow the convocation and the invigilators' instructions exactly. Reporting times, room rules and authorised materials are set by the exam centre; if anything is unclear, confirm with the provider before the day rather than guessing.
Bring the photo ID specified by the provider and keep it on your desk throughout the session. If you do not have the required ID, you may be refused entry; check the accepted documents in advance.
Phones and connected devices must be switched off and stored away from your desk. Keeping a device on your person during the test is generally treated as a serious breach; confirm the centre's storage arrangements.
Breaks are usually not permitted during a written session, and leaving the room may end your participation. Confirm the provider's policy on toilet breaks and medical needs, and plan accordingly.
Use only the stationery and documents explicitly authorised for your option. Do not bring annotated texts or notes into the room unless the instructions allow them.
Write in the language and format required by each paper, and follow instructions on page numbering and candidate identification. Papers that do not meet formal requirements may be penalised; confirm the marking rules with the provider.
Scoring is set by the jury and the official regulations; do not rely on unofficial mark schemes or hearsay about pass marks. Focus on answering the paper as set.
If you believe there is a problem with the conditions of the test (noise, missing pages, incorrect timing), raise it calmly with the invigilator at the time and note it afterwards; do not wait until the end of the session.