IFoA September 2026 Sitting: Your Complete Guide to In-Person Exams
We are just days away from IFOA’s September 2026 sitting!
While it is important to focus on revising the topics, it is equally crucial to familiarise yourself with the examination process. Make sure you know how to access the exam paper, which items you are permitted to carry to the exam centre, what materials are prohibited, and what to do if something goes wrong on the day.
Familiarising yourself with the exam-day procedures will help you avoid unnecessary uncertainty and ensure you are fully prepared when you arrive at the examination centre.
We’ve put together a one-stop resource for you, bringing together key information from the IFoA’s Examination Guidelines, Assessment Regulations, and nine Mini Examination Guides.
📌 Important
This is a practical summary of the official IFoA guidance, prepared as accurately as possible. Candidates are advised to read the latest IFoA regulations and policies themselves. If anything in this article differs from the official IFoA documentation, the official documentation takes precedence.
The Final Checks Before Exam Day
01. Check Your Personal Details On The IFOA Portal
Before the exam day, take a few minutes to verify your details on the IFoA Examination Portal. The IFoA will email your Examination Portal activation link approximately two weeks before the exam.
Check that the following information is correct:
✔️Your name
✔️Your ARN number
✔️Your examination details
✔️Any information relating to your examination arrangements
Taking a few minutes to complete this check will help ensure your details are correctly recorded on the IFoA Portal and can prevent unnecessary stress or last-minute issues on exam day.
02. Review Your Exam-Specific Instructions on the Examination Portal
The Examination Portal will have separate sections for each paper you are sitting. Each section contains important reference material specific to that examination, including:
$\bullet \quad$A PDF copy of the subject-specific examination instructions
$\bullet \quad$A PDF copy of the Mathematical Formulae and Symbols Notation Sheet
Take a few minutes to review these materials before exam day so that you are familiar with the relevant instructions and resources. This quick check should take no more than 10 minutes and can help you feel more prepared and confident on the main day.
📖 Remember
If you wish to use a physical copy of Formulae and Tables Book, you must bring a minimally annotated, but ideally clean copy of the Formulae and Tables 2025 edition into the exam room.
03. Collect All Relevant Documents To Carry With You On The Day Of The Exam
Only a limited number of items are permitted inside the examination centre. To avoid any last-minute confusion, gather the permitted items in advance and keep them together – preferably in a transparent plastic folder – the night before the exam.
Have the following items ready to take with you into the exam hall:
Mandatory
Photographic Identification
You must present a valid Photo ID before entering the examination hall. Make sure you carry at least one of the following accepted forms of identification in physical/original form. Photocopies and digital versions will not be accepted:
$\bullet \quad$Passport
$\bullet \quad$Driver’s licence
$\bullet \quad$Aadhaar Card
$\bullet \quad$PAN Card
A few important points to remember:
$\bullet \quad$The name on your Photo ID must match the name used for your exam registration.
$\bullet \quad$Your Photo ID must be the original document and must not be expired.
$\bullet \quad$Your photograph must be clear and sufficiently resemble your current appearance.
Required
A Blank A4 Size Paper
Carry a blank sheet of A4-sized paper with strictly the following details on top:
$\bullet \quad$Username for the examination portal
$\bullet \quad$Password to the examination portal
$\bullet \quad$Registered email address for support purposes
Pencil and/or pen (carry 2 pens, just in case), ruler and eraser should be kept in a clear folder or clear pencil case.
Highly Recommended
Non-Electronic Earplugs
Examination centres can sometimes be noisy, whether due to external sounds or the constant clicking of keyboards around you. To help minimise distractions and stay focused, we highly recommend carrying non-electronic earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, or ear defenders.
These items will be checked at the examination centre but are permitted inside the examination hall.
Permitted
A Calculator
Although Excel is available for performing calculations during the exam, you may also carry a calculator for convenience. Both basic and scientific calculators are permitted inside the examination hall, so having one with you can be useful when needed.
Optional
A Beverage & Snack
Keep a bottle of cold beverage (preferably water) strictly in a see-through bottle with no labels. This might come in handy during the exam.
You may also carry a small snack to help keep your energy levels up. However, avoid nuts and any food that may cause issues due to a strong smell, mess, or noisy packaging.
For example, an apple cut into small pieces and packed in a small, transparent container would be a suitable option.
Other Items Permitted
$\bullet \quad$Medication, as long as it is agreed with IFOA under the Access and Inclusion arrangement.
$\bullet \quad$Hand sanitiser
$\bullet \quad$A cardigan or a jumper
$\bullet \quad$A mouth covering, which must be removed at the time of photographic identification
$\bullet \quad$Religious headwear, if applicable
Exam Day: Key Things to Know
Exam day can come with its own set of challenges and, understandably, a few nerves. We’ve put together some key guidelines and practical tips to help you know what to expect, avoid last-minute surprises, and walk into the exam feeling more confident and prepared.
01. Examination Time and Arrival At Centre
All exams will begin at 9:00 AM BST, which is 1:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Arrive at the Examination Centre
We recommend arriving by 12:30 PM to allow enough time for entry and security procedures.
Deposit Your Belongings
You will first be directed to a waiting room, where you will be required to deposit your belongings. From this point on, you can only take the items permitted by the IFoA into the examination hall, as outlined above.
Complete the Security Check
You will then proceed through a security check before being directed to your examination room.
Complete the Entry Checks
Before entering the examination room, you will be asked to present your Photo ID to the invigilator and show the permitted items you wish to take into the examination hall.
Get Settled
Once the checks are complete, you will be directed to your assigned exam monitor, where you can get settled and prepare for the examination to begin.
Once You’re Seated: What to Keep in Mind
Check Your Devices
Once you are seated at your desk, take a moment to check that the keyboard, mouse, and monitor are all functioning properly. This is one of the reasons it is important to arrive at the examination centre on time, as any technical issues can then be identified and resolved before the exam begins.
Log In and Complete the Equipment Check
Log on to the Examination Platform using your username and password. Invigilators will be available to support you in case of difficulty. Once logged in, perform the Equipment Check.
Name Your Answer Document
Once the Equipment Check is complete, you will be ready to begin the exam. When the exam starts, remember to name your answer document using your ARN followed by the exam subject (for example, 898989 CP3). Do not skip this step.
Use Split-Screen Functionality If You Desire
You will not be provided with two monitors at the examination centre. However, you can use the split-screen functionality on the single monitor provided to view the exam paper and answer document simultaneously.
02. Encountering Issues During Exam
If you experience any issues during the exam, make sure to follow the procedures and guidelines set out by the IFoA. We strongly recommend familiarising yourself with these guidelines at least one day before the exam, so you know exactly what to do if something unexpected occurs.
You can find the relevant guidelines here:
Examination Handbook Mini Guide 9
We hope this guide helps you feel more confident ahead of your exams. Take some time to familiarise yourself with these key guidelines and procedures so you can avoid last-minute confusion and focus on doing your best on exam day.
Reach out to us for more assistance.
+91-9147417974 – Kolkata
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+91-8100598543 – Mumbai
Email:
praveenpatwari@actuatorseducation.com
All the best!
