When the invigilator announces the end of your GCE paper, stop writing or working on your answers immediately. Close the answer booklet if applicable. SEAB’s 2026 secondary GCE rules say candidates must not remove examination materials or stationery without permission.
If you are wondering whether you can keep the question paper, follow the instructions given for that specific paper. Ask examination staff if the instruction is unclear. Treat answer booklets and extra answer sheets as items to account for before you leave.
- Stop when the invigilator announces the end.
- Close the booklet if applicable.
- Follow the collection instructions for every document.
- Ask before removing any examination materials.
What to do when time is called
Put down your pen or stop working at the announcement. Follow the instructions for the paper while staff collect the scripts or direct candidates through the electronic process. If you realise something is unclear, speak to the invigilator and follow their directions.
Practise stopping when a mock timer sounds. This makes the end-of-paper step familiar and gives you a reason to use the final minutes for checking rather than leaving essential writing until after time is called.
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Check the materials at your desk
The secondary GCE rules list examples of materials that must not be removed without permission, including answer booklets, writing paper and storage devices. The rule covers examination materials generally. A question paper should leave the venue only if staff permit it.
Suppose you used an additional sheet for one answer. Before time ends, make sure it is identified as required by the paper. At collection, follow the instructions for submitting it with the rest of your work. Ask if you are unsure which sheet an invigilator needs.
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Use authorised practice materials afterward
If you want material for later revision, check what is officially available for your exam and year. The authorised past-year papers guide explains how to find legitimate published collections.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I finish one more line after the announcement?
SEAB’s rule requires candidates to stop immediately when the end is announced.
What if I want to keep unused writing paper?
Follow the instructions and ask before removing any examination materials.
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Official information
Consult SEAB’s 2026 Rules and Regulations for GCE N(A), N(T) and O-Level candidates, particularly the provisions on stopping work and removing examination materials. Guidance checked on 8 November 2026.