DSE Exam Rules: A Beginner's Guide to the Candidate Handbook, Approved Calculators and Common Breach Risks
Sitting the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (DSE) for the first time, many candidates share the same worry: breaking an exam rule by accident. The HKEAA website has an "Exam Rules" page listing the DSE exam rules by year, and a "Candidate Handbook" containing general information, information for candidates, special exam arrangements for candidates with special needs, handling of special incidents, subject-specific instructions, information on results, and an appendix listing approved calculator models. The HKEAA also announces the start date of the written exams and a series of reminders for candidates, including admission forms and identity documents, calculator labels, smart watches, electronic devices, computer barcode stickers, the writing requirements for answer books and question papers, and the radio and earphone equipment for listening exams. This article turns these official materials into checklists, explains where to look for which items, and reminds you that all rules are subject to the HKEAA's latest announcements.
This article was put together automatically from official and organisation sources. Check the latest information from the organisation concerned.
- The exam rules and the Candidate Handbook are two official documents, listed by year; check the version for the year in which you are sitting.
- The 2026 DSE written exams start on 8 April; candidates should also watch the exam timetable and bad weather arrangements.
- Bring the original admission form and original identity card; screenshots and copies are not accepted.
- Calculators must be approved models, with no writing or stickers on the body; smart watches are strictly prohibited.
- Computer barcode stickers must be affixed within the exam time; no stickers may be affixed after "stop writing" is announced.
- All rules are subject to the HKEAA's latest announcements.
- 8 AprilStart date of the 2026 DSE written examsSource: 2026 DSE點部署：應考筆試注意事項| 香港考試及評核局
- 14 daysDeadline for those whose identity cannot be verified on siteSource: 2026 DSE點部署：應考筆試注意事項| 香港考試及評核局
First, be clear: the exam rules and the Candidate Handbook are two different official documents
The HKEAA website has an "Exam Rules" page setting out the rules for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination. According to that page, the exam rules for 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 are listed separately, and some years note a revision date — for example, the 2026 rules were revised in June 2025, the 2027 rules in October 2025, and the 2028 rules in June 2026. Candidates should check the version for the year in which they are sitting.
Separately, the HKEAA website also has a "Candidate Handbook" page containing general information on the 2026 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination, information for candidates, special exam arrangements for candidates with special needs, handling of special incidents, subject-specific instructions, and information on HKDSE results. The handbook's appendix also contains the list of approved calculator models and includes the candidate instructions for 2026 Physical Education Paper 3. In other words, the exam rules and the Candidate Handbook complement each other: the former are the rule provisions, and the latter turns the rules and arrangements into guidance candidates can follow.
Exam timetable and the start of the written exams: know the key dates first
Before preparing on the exam rules, you first need to be clear about when you are sitting. According to HKEAA information, the 2026 DSE written exams start on 8 April. Candidates should keep the start date of the written exams and their own exam timetable somewhere prominent, and allow time to check the venue and subject arrangements.
The HKEAA website also provides information on "bad weather arrangements for the DSE". If bad weather occurs during the exam season, candidates should follow official announcements and rely on the HKEAA's latest information, rather than social media or what classmates say.
Must-haves for entry: original admission form and identity document
Candidates must bring the original admission form and the original Hong Kong Identity Card (or another valid identity document bearing a photograph) for the invigilator to verify identity and take attendance. The centre supervisor and invigilators will not accept information or screenshots from "Check-in Easy" or the HKDSE App, or copies of the admission form and identity card, as valid proof of identity.
Candidates whose identity cannot be verified on site must, within 14 days after the relevant subject exam, during office hours, take their admission form, identity document and the report slip to the HKEAA Wan Chai office to deal with the matter. This arrangement is closely tied to the release of results, so candidates should not treat it lightly.
Self check-in and electronic devices: Check-in Easy, mobile phones and smart watches
Candidates must complete the self check-in procedure using the "Check-in Easy" App before the announcement "check your personal belongings" has finished. After completing self check-in in the hall (a general exam centre), or before entering a classroom exam centre / special room / special exam centre, candidates should immediately switch off their mobile phones and other electronic devices. If an electronic device is found not to have been switched off during the exam, marks for the subject will be deducted, or the grade may even be lowered.
Smart watches (including those with mobile applications, wireless technology support, or only health-check functions) are strictly prohibited. If a candidate is found in possession of a smart watch during the exam, marks will be deducted, or the grade may even be lowered. Candidates must also not take photographs (including screen captures of Barcode stickers), make audio recordings or make video recordings in the exam room before, during or after the exam, nor photograph, screenshot or take away any remaining Barcode stickers; offenders will have marks deducted.
Calculators and other stationery: why check the approved list
In Mathematics and some science subjects, calculators are a commonly used tool. The appendix to the HKEAA Candidate Handbook contains the "Approved Calculator Models List", meaning there is an official list of calculator models to follow. According to HKEAA information, apart from Chinese Language and English Language, candidates may use an electronic calculator listed on the "Approved Calculator Models List" in all other subjects. Before buying or borrowing a calculator, candidates should check that list to confirm the model is approved, rather than choosing on the basis of reputation or habit.
There are also clear restrictions on calculator use. No writing or stickers may be applied to the calculator body, otherwise marks will be deducted, and all exam results may even be cancelled. Candidates who need a replacement calculator label may go to the HKEAA Wan Chai office between 2pm and 5pm on 13 March.
Besides calculators, the Candidate Handbook also contains "subject-specific instructions" explaining the arrangements for different subjects. As for the specific rules on other stationery, this article does not have enough official sources to explain each item, so candidates should consult the Candidate Handbook and the exam rules directly, subject to the HKEAA's latest announcements.
Answer books, question papers and computer barcode stickers: no replacements after time is up
Candidates must, within the exam time, write their candidate number and affix barcode stickers at the specified positions on the answer book and supplementary answer sheets. Specifically, candidates must write their candidate number and affix Barcode stickers at the specified positions on the answer book, the cover of the question-answer book, and all inner pages, supplementary answer sheets and graph paper.
As for question papers, candidates must, within the exam time, draw an "X" with a ballpoint pen or pencil in the appropriate question-number box on the inner pages of the answer book and on the supplementary answer sheets. Candidates must not tear out pages from the answer book or question-answer book, nor tear off supplementary answer sheets, graph paper or worksheets for use; offenders will have marks deducted, and all exam results may even be cancelled.
Time management is key: once the centre supervisor announces "stop writing", candidates will not be allowed to affix Barcode stickers afterwards. Candidates should therefore set aside time within the exam to complete this procedure, rather than leaving it to the last moment.
Listening exams and radios: requirements for earphone-type radio equipment
In the English Language listening exam, if a candidate is assigned to a centre using radio broadcasts, they should use earphone-type radio equipment capable of receiving FM radio broadcasts. Both in-ear and over-ear earphones may be used in the listening exam. Candidates should check before the exam that their radio or radio equipment is working properly, and understand the broadcast arrangements at their centre.
As for listening or exam arrangements in other subjects, candidates should consult the "subject-specific instructions" in the Candidate Handbook and the text of the exam rules; this article does not speculate.
Overview of common breach risks: a comparison table based on official information
The table below turns the points mentioned in HKEAA information into a comparison table for quick checking before the exam. The table describes the scope of the official information; the actual definition of breaches and penalties are always subject to the HKEAA's latest published exam rules and Candidate Handbook.
| Item | Key points in official information | Consequence or handling |
|---|---|---|
| Admission form and identity document | Must bring the original admission form and original identity card; screenshots or copies from "Check-in Easy" or the HKDSE App are not accepted | Those whose identity cannot be verified on site must go to the HKEAA Wan Chai office within 14 days after the exam |
| Calculator | Apart from Chinese Language and English Language, calculators on the approved list may be used; no writing or stickers on the body | Marks will be deducted, and all exam results may even be cancelled |
| Smart watch | Strictly prohibited, including models with only health-check functions | Marks will be deducted, or the grade may even be lowered |
| Mobile phones and other electronic devices | Should be switched off immediately after self check-in or before entering the exam centre | If found not switched off during the exam, marks for the subject will be deducted, or the grade may even be lowered |
| Photography, audio recording, video recording and Barcode stickers | No photography, audio recording or video recording in the exam room; remaining Barcode stickers must not be taken away | Marks will be deducted; if photos or videos are publicly shown online, the subject grade will be lowered |
| Answer books and question papers | Must draw an "X" in the question-number box on the answer book and supplementary answer sheets; must not tear out inner pages of the answer book or tear off supplementary answer sheets for use | Marks will be deducted, and all exam results may even be cancelled |
| Computer barcode stickers | Must be affixed at the specified positions on the answer book, the cover of the question-answer book, all inner pages, supplementary answer sheets and graph paper | No stickers may be affixed after "stop writing" is announced |
Unauthorised items: what should not be brought into the exam centre
HKEAA information does not list every "unauthorised item" one by one, but the official points show that smart watches are strictly prohibited and that mobile phones and other electronic devices must be switched off after check-in or before entering the exam centre. Candidates must also not photograph, audio record or video record in the exam room, or take away remaining Barcode stickers.
In other words, candidates should not bring into the exam centre anything that could affect the running of the exam or that has communication or camera functions. As for special arrangements for individual subjects, candidates should consult the "subject-specific instructions" in the Candidate Handbook and the text of the exam rules, subject to the HKEAA's latest announcements.
How to use the Candidate Handbook to prepare: a simple order of checking
The Candidate Handbook is organised by topic, including general information, information for candidates, special exam arrangements for candidates with special needs, handling of special incidents, subject-specific instructions, and information on results, with an appendix listing approved calculator models. First-time candidates can check in the following order to reduce omissions.
- Step 1: Read "general information" and "information for candidates" first to grasp the overall rules and the day's flow.
- Step 2: Check the "subject-specific instructions" to see whether the subjects you are sitting have special requirements.
- Step 3: Check the "Approved Calculator Models List" in the appendix, and check whether there is any writing or sticker on the calculator body.
- Step 4: If you have special needs or are worried about special incidents, read the relevant sections in advance.
- Step 5: Before the exam, watch the HKEAA website for announcements on bad weather arrangements.
- Step 6: Put the original admission form, original identity card and required stationery ready in advance so nothing is forgotten on exam day.
How Maths preparation relates to the exam rules
For Maths candidates, familiarity with the exam rules cannot replace mathematical ability, but it can reduce unnecessary risk. At the same time, everyday Maths preparation should proceed step by step: build a foundation in the four operations and word problems at primary level, grasp the basic concepts of algebra and geometry at junior secondary level, and only then gradually tackle DSE question types at senior secondary level.
Sprout Classroom (sproutclassroom.com) is a free Hong Kong Maths learning website offering short courses from Primary 1 to Secondary 6, led by the cartoon online tutor Sprout. It has no tutoring centre, no human tutors, and is not recognised by the Education Bureau or the HKEAA. The website can serve as an aid for everyday Maths practice, but exam rules and exam centre arrangements should still be based on information published by the HKEAA.
- Free Maths learning: learning modes from Primary 1 to Secondary 6
- Maths tutoring guide: prices, how to choose, the 18 districts and online tutoring
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the DSE exam rules and the Candidate Handbook?
Both are on the HKEAA website. The site has an "Exam Rules" page listing the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination rules by year, for example the rules for 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029; it also has a "Candidate Handbook" page containing general information, information for candidates, special exam arrangements for candidates with special needs, handling of special incidents, subject-specific instructions, information on results, and an appendix listing approved calculator models.
Where can I check the approved calculator list? Can the body have stickers?
The appendix to the HKEAA Candidate Handbook contains the "Approved Calculator Models List". Apart from Chinese Language and English Language, candidates may use an electronic calculator on the list in all other subjects. No writing or stickers may be applied to the calculator body, otherwise marks will be deducted, and all exam results may even be cancelled. If you need a replacement calculator label, you may go to the HKEAA Wan Chai office between 2pm and 5pm on 13 March.
What identity document should I bring on exam day?
Candidates must bring the original admission form and the original identity card (or another valid identity document bearing a photograph). Invigilators will not accept information or screenshots from "Check-in Easy" or the HKDSE App, nor copies of the admission form and identity card. Candidates whose identity cannot be verified on site must, within 14 days after the relevant subject exam, during office hours, take their admission form, identity document and the report slip to the HKEAA Wan Chai office to deal with the matter.
What are the rules on mobile phones and smart watches in the exam centre?
Candidates must complete self check-in using the "Check-in Easy" App before the announcement "check your personal belongings" has finished. After completing self check-in, or before entering a classroom exam centre / special room / special exam centre, they should immediately switch off their mobile phones and other electronic devices; if found not switched off during the exam, marks for the subject will be deducted, or the grade may even be lowered. Smart watches are strictly prohibited, and those found in possession will have marks deducted, or the grade may even be lowered.
What should I do if I forget to affix a computer barcode sticker?
Candidates must, within the exam time, write their candidate number and affix Barcode stickers at the specified positions on the answer book, the cover of the question-answer book, and all inner pages, supplementary answer sheets and graph paper. Once the centre supervisor announces "stop writing", candidates will not be allowed to affix Barcode stickers afterwards, so it is best to set aside time within the exam to complete this.
Are the exam rules updated every year?
The HKEAA website lists the exam rules by year, and some years note a revision date — for example, the 2026 rules were revised in June 2025, the 2027 rules in October 2025, and the 2028 rules in June 2026. Candidates should check the version for the year in which they are sitting, and follow the latest announcements.