Panhellenic Economics & Informatics exam-day guide
Panhellenic Economics & Informatics · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID (passport or national ID card)
Bring the original document, not a photocopy. The name must match your registration exactly. If you have changed your name or are unsure which ID is accepted, confirm with the provider before exam day.
Admission letter / registration confirmation
Print or download the confirmation showing your candidate number, test centre, and session time. Some centres check it at the door; keep it with your ID. If your confirmation has not arrived 48 hours before the test, contact the provider immediately.
Writing instruments (pens, pencils, eraser)
Bring at least two blue or black ballpoint pens and two pencils plus an eraser. Do not rely on the centre supplying stationery. Check whether the provider permits pencil sharpeners; if unsure, bring a spare pencil instead.
Non-programmable calculator
Economics papers often require numerical work. Bring a basic non-programmable calculator with fresh batteries. Programmable or graphing calculators are commonly prohibited; confirm the permitted model list with the provider. Note: this item is needs_review.
Clear water bottle with no label
Staying hydrated helps concentration. Remove the label in advance. Some centres allow only transparent bottles; if you are unsure, ask the invigilator on arrival rather than risk having it confiscated.
Analog watch (no smart features)
Many exam rooms do not have a visible clock, and phones are not allowed at your desk. A simple analog watch lets you pace yourself. Smartwatches and fitness trackers must be removed. Confirm with the provider whether any watch is permitted.
Layered clothing
Exam halls can be cold or warm. Wear layers you can remove without disturbing others. Avoid clothing with large logos or slogans that might breach conduct rules.
Small snack for after the test
You may not be allowed to eat during the exam. Bring a snack to have after the session, especially if you have a long journey home or a second paper later.
Review centre rules on personal items
Bags, phones, and notes usually must be left in a designated area. Confirm with the provider what is allowed at your desk and whether lockers are available. Do not bring valuables you cannot store safely.
Plan your route and arrival time
Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before the start, as registration and ID checks take time. Check transport disruptions the day before. If you are late, entry may be refused; confirm the provider's late-arrival policy in advance.
Rest and sleep plan
Do not plan to learn new material in the final 24 hours. Protect your sleep, especially the night before. Fatigue is a bigger risk than a missing fact.
Emergency contact and provider phone number
Save the exam centre or provider contact in your phone and write it on paper in case your phone battery dies. If something goes wrong on the day, call immediately rather than waiting.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: print your admission letter, check the test centre address and travel route, and verify the start time. Re-read the provider's exam-day rules on ID, calculators, and personal items. Do one final light review of formula sheets and key definitions, but stop heavy study. Prepare your bag with ID, stationery, calculator, water, and watch. Eat and sleep normally.
Do a short, low-stress review of your own summary notes for economics (e.g., elasticity, market structures, macroeconomic indicators) and informatics (e.g., data types, algorithms, spreadsheet functions). Do not attempt new topics. Check transport again and set two alarms. Charge your phone and any devices, but plan to leave them outside the exam room. Go to bed at your usual time.
Eat a proper breakfast and drink water. Re-check your bag against the checklist: ID, admission letter, pens, pencils, eraser, calculator, water bottle, watch. Leave early enough to arrive 30–45 minutes before the start. Avoid discussing topics with other candidates, as it can increase anxiety. At the centre, follow staff instructions for ID checks and seating.
Read all instructions and check the number of pages. Allocate time according to marks: for example, if the paper is 120 minutes and 100 marks, aim for roughly one minute per mark plus reading time. Answer the questions you find easiest first to build confidence, then return to harder ones. For economics, show working and label diagrams clearly; for informatics, state assumptions and check units. Leave 5–10 minutes to review that you have answered every required question and filled in any answer sheet correctly.
Rules to check
Bring original photo ID that matches your registration name. If you are unsure which documents are accepted, confirm with the provider before exam day.
Personal items such as bags, phones, smartwatches, and notes must be stored away from your desk. Do not keep a phone on your person; even a silent phone can lead to disqualification. Confirm the provider's policy on storage.
Calculators must be non-programmable and may be subject to inspection. If the provider has a permitted-models list, check it in advance. Do not assume any calculator is allowed.
Breaks are usually not permitted during the exam. If you need to leave the room for medical reasons, raise your hand and follow invigilator instructions; lost time is not normally added back. Confirm the provider's policy on supervised breaks.
Scoring is based only on what is written in your answer booklet or answer sheet. Write legibly and in the required language. Answers outside designated areas or on additional sheets may not be marked unless the provider allows it.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam, and do not look at others' work. Any suspected misconduct will be handled under the provider's rules, which may include cancellation of your result.
If you believe there is an error in the paper or a disturbance in the hall, report it to the invigilator immediately. Do not wait until after the exam, as some issues can only be resolved on the day.
Follow all instructions from invigilators, including when to start and stop writing. Writing after the stop signal may result in a penalty. If you are unsure about any rule, ask before the exam begins.