PSLE candidates should follow the current SEAB rules and the instructions issued through their school. SEAB confirms the required stationery, approved equipment, prohibited items, reporting guidance and Access Arrangement letter requirement. This checklist includes only requirements stated in those official sources.
Key takeaways
- Read the current SEAB rules and the latest instructions issued through the school.
- Check SEAB’s current approved calculator and dictionary lists.
- Bring the stationery listed by SEAB and remove prohibited items.
- Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time.
What should go into the PSLE bag?
The PSLE bag should contain only required documents and permitted equipment. Exact requirements vary by paper, so check the school notice and SEAB candidate rules before every component.
Use this preparation list:
- Black, preferably, or dark blue ballpoint pens
- 2B pencils
- Soft erasers and sharpeners
- Standard rulers, protractors and set-squares without formulas
- An approved scientific calculator for Mathematics Paper 2 or Foundation Mathematics Paper 2
- An approved dictionary for the permitted Mother Tongue composition papers
- Spare batteries for an approved calculator or electronic dictionary
- The approved Access Arrangement outcome letter, if applicable
- A water bottle
| Paper or situation | Confirmed item |
|---|---|
| All written examinations | Black or dark blue ballpoint pens, 2B pencils, soft erasers, sharpeners and standard mathematical instruments |
| Mathematics Paper 2 or Foundation Mathematics Paper 2 | A scientific calculator model on SEAB’s approved list |
| Permitted Mother Tongue composition papers | An approved dictionary that meets the current SEAB conditions |
| Approved Access Arrangements | The official Access Arrangement outcome letter |
SEAB requires candidates to check their belongings, including folders, pockets, pencil cases and jackets, before entering the examination venue. Candidates must remove unauthorised electronic devices, reading materials, notes and other prohibited items.
What must candidates check before entering the examination venue?
Candidates must check their belongings before entering the examination venue. SEAB specifically names folders, pockets, pencil cases and jackets. These items must not contain electronic devices, reading materials, notes or other unauthorised items.
If Access Arrangements were approved, the candidate must bring and show the official outcome letter before each examination.
What should parents check the night before?
The night-before check should remove morning decisions. Confirm the paper, reporting time, route, permitted equipment and wake-up time. Pack everything, test the calculator if required and then stop academic work at a sensible hour.
- Read the latest school message.
- Check the official paper and reporting time.
- Test pens, pencils and approved equipment.
- Pack the approved Access Arrangement outcome letter, if applicable.
- Set two alarms if helpful.
- Prepare breakfast and transport arrangements.
- Keep the final review short and familiar.
How early should a candidate arrive?
SEAB’s PSLE checklist tells candidates to allocate enough travel time to report at least 30 minutes before the examination begins. Extra time reduces stress and allows schools to complete the required procedures.
If a major train disruption occurs, inform the school and continue towards the school. SEAB advises PSLE candidates affected by a train disruption that they will receive the full paper duration if they arrive before the paper ends. Follow live school and transport instructions.
What should stay at home?
Items that are not permitted or not needed should stay at home. This includes unapproved electronic devices, notes and equipment that does not appear on current approved lists. Check every calculator and dictionary model instead of assuming it is allowed because the child used it for school practice.
What can parents say on examination morning?
Keep the message short and steady. Remind the child to read instructions, manage time and move on when stuck. Avoid last-minute predictions, comparisons or a rapid quiz at the school gate.
A helpful line is: “You have prepared. Read carefully, show your working and take one paper at a time.”
For preparation before examination day, use the PSLE countdown plan and 2026 PSLE dates guide. Practice materials are available in Open Paper’s Primary 6 collection.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child bring any calculator to PSLE?
No. Use only a calculator model on SEAB’s current approved list for a paper that permits calculator use. Check the model number carefully before examination day.
What stationery does SEAB confirm candidates should bring?
SEAB lists black, preferably, or dark blue ballpoint pens, 2B pencils, soft erasers, sharpeners and standard mathematical instruments. The mathematical instruments must not contain formulas or formula sheets.
What items does SEAB prohibit?
SEAB prohibits unauthorised electronic devices, study notes, books, papers, formula sheets, instruction leaflets and unapproved calculators or electronic dictionaries. Candidates must check all belongings before entering the examination venue.
How early should my child reach school?
SEAB’s candidate checklist advises allocating enough travel time to report at least 30 minutes before the examination starts. Follow the school’s stated reporting time if it requires an earlier arrival.
What happens if there is a train disruption?
Inform the school and continue making your way there. SEAB provides specific national-examination guidance for major train disruptions, including arrangements for candidates who arrive late.
Sources
- SEAB PSLE information hub, accessed 7 August 2026
- SEAB PSLE rules and regulations, accessed 7 August 2026
- SEAB Train Disruption Advice, accessed 7 August 2026
Next step
Print or save the school checklist, pack together with your child and keep the morning routine calm. The goal is not a perfect morning. It is a prepared child who reaches school with time to settle.