You cannot use gel pens in exams primarily because most exam papers are now scanned and sent electronically for marking, and gel pens often do not scan correctly. This can lead to your answers being illegible or incomplete for the examiners.
Why Black Pens Are Required
- Scanning Issues: As exam papers are often scanned and sent for electronic marking, the ink needs to be easily readable by the scanning technology.
- Gel Pen Ink: Gel pen ink can sometimes be too light, too glossy, or have a different chemical composition, which doesn't scan well. This results in faint or missing content in the scanned images, making it difficult for examiners to grade your work accurately.
- Blue Pen Issues: Similar to gel pens, blue ink can also cause problems with scanning, resulting in poor image quality for electronic grading.
The Importance of Using a Black Pen
Using a black pen ensures:
- Clear Scans: The black ink provides the best contrast against white paper for scanning, resulting in clear and easy-to-read images.
- Accurate Grading: Clear scans mean examiners can view your work without any difficulty, ensuring fair and accurate grading.
- Compliance with Rules: Examination boards stipulate the use of black pens to maintain standardization and avoid any issues during the scanning process.
Recommended Exam Stationery
Here's a recap of what's typically recommended for exams:
| Item | Allowed/Not Allowed | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Black Pen | Allowed | Scans clearly, ensures easy reading for electronic marking. |
| Gel Pen | Not Allowed | May not scan well, leading to poor quality digital images of your answers. |
| Blue Pen | Not Allowed | Similar to gel pens, blue ink can also cause issues with the scanning process. |
| Pencil Case | Clear | Helps with visual inspection and ensures no unauthorized items are brought into the exam hall. |
Summary
Using a black pen is not just a suggestion but a requirement for exams. It is essential to ensure your exam paper is scanned correctly, allowing your answers to be seen clearly by examiners. The use of gel pens and blue pens is prohibited due to potential scanning problems and poor readability. Ensure you adhere to these guidelines to avoid any issues with your exam marking.
