SEAB recommends a blue or black ballpoint pen for written answers in PSLE and GCE examinations. For PSLE, its FAQ recommends a 0.5 mm tip. Use a sharp 2B pencil for shading a personalised multiple-choice answer sheet or drawing diagrams, and follow any specific instruction for the paper.
If you need to change a written answer, cross it out neatly and rewrite it. SEAB advises candidates against correction tape or fluid because it can affect legibility or damage scripts. Check your exam year’s candidate rules for any additional restrictions.
- Pack blue or black ballpoint pens for written answers.
- Have a sharp 2B pencil for the designated tasks.
- Practise correcting an answer with a neat strike-through.
- Read the paper instructions for any task-specific directions.
Choose a pen for ordinary written answers
SEAB’s FAQ recommends a 0.5 mm blue or black ballpoint for PSLE and a blue or black ballpoint for GCE written answers. The guidance is intended to help candidates produce readable answers. It also says candidates are not penalised simply for using a pen or pencil that differs from its recommendations.
Read the instructions for your particular examination and paper, including rules that may apply to particular types of ink or writing instruments. Pack a working spare that meets the applicable instructions. Try both pens on practice paper to see whether the writing stays clear at your usual speed.
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Know where the 2B pencil belongs
SEAB recommends a sharp 2B pencil for shading the personalised multiple-choice answer sheet and for diagrams. Read the directions on the question paper or answer sheet before starting. A booklet may contain more than one kind of task.
Practise checking the question number against the answer row while shading. If you notice that you skipped a question, pause and check the surrounding rows. This small habit can prevent a misplaced mark from affecting several answers.
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Correct an answer clearly
If you change a pen-written answer, draw a clear line through the original and write the replacement neatly. Follow any instructions about where to write if the first answer has taken up the available space. Keep the final response easy to identify.
For example, if the last line of a calculation contains the wrong value, strike out the incorrect value clearly and write the corrected line in the space allowed. Check that the final answer still corresponds to the question number.
SEAB warns that correction tape or fluid can make responses hard to read, cover other writing or cause pages to stick. Read the current rules for your exam and practise making corrections without those products.
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Do a short pencil-case check
Choose the pens and pencil you will use, then do a short mixed practice session. Write a few lines in pen, draw a diagram in pencil and shade an answer where the practice materials call for it. Use the same correction method you intend to use in the exam.
If the paper also allows a calculator or dictionary, check that separately. The calculator guide and dictionary guide explain how to check the actual model or edition.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 0.5 mm recommendation the same for every GCE paper?
SEAB’s general FAQ names a 0.5 mm tip for PSLE. For GCE it recommends blue or black ballpoint and you should follow the specific paper instructions.
Can I write all answers in 2B pencil?
Use the writing method specified for the task. SEAB recommends ballpoint for ordinary written responses and a sharp 2B pencil for the designated tasks.
What should I do if I make a mistake in pen?
Cross out the original neatly and rewrite it in accordance with the paper instructions.
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Official information
Consult SEAB’s official writing-instruments and correction-fluid FAQs, along with the Rules and Regulations for your examination year. Guidance checked on 8 November 2026.