Bagrut Economics exam-day guide
Bagrut Economics · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Official photo ID (teudat zehut or passport)
Bring the original document, not a photocopy. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a school-issued ID is sufficient, since rules can vary by institution.
Bagrut admission slip / exam authorization
Print or download the slip showing your exam number and the list of exams you are registered for. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory or a digital version is accepted.
Black pens (at least two)
Answers are normally written in black ink on the official answer sheets. Bring spare pens and a pencil for rough work or diagrams.
Pencil, eraser, and ruler
Useful for graphs, tables, and calculations in the economics paper. Keep them in a clear pencil case if transparent cases are required.
Calculator (approved model)
Economics papers involve calculations (elasticity, GDP, multipliers, index numbers). Confirm with the provider which calculator models are permitted and whether programmable or graphing calculators are banned.
Clear water bottle
Stay hydrated during a long written exam. Labels may need to be removed; confirm with the provider whether drinks are allowed at your desk.
Watch (non-smart)
A simple analogue or digital watch helps you pace yourself if the exam hall clock is not visible. Smart watches and phones are normally prohibited.
Formulas and definitions sheet (if permitted)
Some exams allow a formula sheet or glossary supplied by the examiner. Confirm with the provider what reference material is provided and what you may bring yourself.
Know your exam number and centre address
Write your exam number and the exact room/centre on your admission slip. Check transport and arrival time in advance.
Review the official instructions for the paper
Check the number of questions, whether there is a choice, and the weighting of sections. Confirm with the provider the exact structure of your specific questionnaire (e.g., micro/macro modules).
Leave prohibited items at home
Phones, smart watches, notes, and bags are usually collected or banned from the desk. Confirm with the provider the policy on storing personal belongings.
Plan for breaks and food
Bring a light snack for before/after the exam if allowed on site. Confirm with the provider whether food is permitted in the hall and whether there are scheduled breaks.
Plan the day
Review your summary sheets for the core topics: scarcity and opportunity cost, demand and supply, elasticity, market structures, national accounts (GDP, GNP), inflation and index numbers, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy, balance of payments, and exchange rates. Do past-paper style questions under timed conditions and mark your own work against the mark scheme. Identify two or three weak areas and revise only those.
Practise graph drawing and calculations: shifts versus movements along curves, price ceilings and floors, tax incidence, multiplier calculations, real versus nominal values, and CPI-based adjustments. Write out the formulas from memory and check them. Confirm the exam centre location, start time, and what you are allowed to bring.
Do a light review of definitions and key diagrams only. Prepare your bag with ID, admission slip, pens, pencil, eraser, ruler, approved calculator, water, and watch. Check transport times and set two alarms. Avoid learning new material; sleep at your normal time.
Eat a normal breakfast and arrive at the centre early (aim for at least 30–45 minutes before the start, or as instructed). Leave phones and smart devices at home or in the designated storage. Re-read your one-page summary of formulas and definitions, then put it away before entering the hall.
Read the instructions and the whole paper. Note the number of questions, any choice, and the marks per section. Allocate time proportionally to marks, leaving about 10 minutes at the end to check. Write your exam number and personal details exactly as instructed.
Answer the questions you find easiest first to secure marks, then return to harder ones. Show working for calculations, label all graphs (axes, curves, equilibrium points), and use economic terminology precisely. For essay or analysis questions, define terms, use a diagram, explain the mechanism, and evaluate. Watch the clock at each section boundary.
Check that every required question has been attempted, that your exam number is on every sheet, and that units and signs in calculations are correct. Make sure graphs are labelled and conclusions match your analysis. Do not erase working unless you are replacing it with a clear correction.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID and admission slip. If you forget either, ask the invigilator immediately; do not assume you will be allowed to sit the exam. Confirm with the provider what the fallback procedure is.
Electronic devices, including phones, smart watches, and programmable calculators, are normally prohibited at the desk. Confirm with the provider which calculator models are approved and where devices must be stored.
Write in the required ink and on the official answer sheets. Answers written outside the designated areas or in pencil where ink is required may not be marked.
Follow the invigilator's instructions on timing, breaks, and leaving the hall. If you need to leave temporarily, raise your hand and wait to be accompanied; confirm with the provider whether toilet breaks are allowed during the exam.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam or attempt to view others' work. Suspected cheating can lead to disqualification of the paper.
Scoring: marks are awarded for method and reasoning as well as final answers, so show calculations and label diagrams. Check the mark allocation on the paper to judge how much detail each question needs.
If you believe there is a printing error or an ambiguous question, note it and answer as best you can; report it to the invigilator after the exam. Confirm with the provider the procedure for appeals or special consideration.
Arrive on time; candidates arriving late may be admitted at the invigilator's discretion but will not receive extra time. Confirm with the provider the exact late-arrival policy for your centre.