Were Pencils and Erasers Provided in the YKS 2026 Exam? Details of ÖSYM Rules

The Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS) in 2026 was held under the strict supervision of the country's assessment organization (ÖSYM), following the routine of previous years. Given the high sensitivity of this exam, which determines the academic future of millions of students, strict rules have been established regarding the security of exam sessions. One of the common questions raised in reports by media outlets such as "Güven Gazetesi" and other reputable news agencies was the status of providing stationery for candidates [1].

Stationery Supply Rules in YKS 2026 According to the official ÖSYM instructions for 2026, candidates were not allowed to bring any personal stationery into the exam centers. To maintain fairness and prevent any potential cheating, the organization provided all necessary supplies to participants in sealed packages [2]. This rule applied to all exam sessions, including TYT, AYT, and YDT, and candidates received a new package at each stage.

What Were the Contents of the ÖSYM Exam Package? The packages placed on the candidates' seats contained standard items sufficient for answering the questions. According to news reports, this package included the following [1][3]: * Two black pencils: Special pencils with the appropriate softness for filling optical answer sheets. * One eraser: High quality that leaves no trace on the paper. * One pencil sharpener: For use during the session. * Tissues: In special packaging. * Candy: To regulate candidates' blood sugar during the long exam duration.

List of Prohibited and Permitted Items in the Exam Session In addition to stationery, the rules regarding items carried by candidates were very precise. The entry of any electronic devices, including mobile phones, smartwatches, and even personal analog watches, was declared prohibited [4]. Candidates were only allowed to have the following: 1. Exam Entrance Document: Which must be obtained and printed from the AİS system. 2. Valid Identification: The original national ID card or a passport with a photo. 3. Drinking Water: In completely transparent plastic bottles without advertising labels [3].

Furthermore, the use of jewelry except for a simple wedding ring was prohibited, and candidates had to avoid wearing clothes with large metal parts that would trigger body scanners [4].

Consequences of Non-Compliance ÖSYM emphasized that carrying any prohibited item, even if not used, could lead to the complete invalidation of the candidate's exam. Inspections at the entrances of the centers were conducted using metal detectors and strict police supervision to guarantee the integrity of the 2026 exam [2]. These measures are considered part of the continuous efforts to improve educational standards in Turkey.