A new school year always starts with the same scramble: a long list of supplies, a tight budget, and shops running out of the basics. This checklist breaks down exactly what most students in Pakistan need — from primary school to college — so you can buy everything in one go without forgetting the small items that always get left behind.
Print or screenshot this list before you shop. Buying everything in one order also means you pay delivery once instead of making repeat trips.
1. Writing essentials
These are the items students use every single day, so it is worth buying a small surplus at the start of the term rather than running out mid-month.
- Ball pens (blue and black) — keep a few spares; they run out fastest
- Pencils (HB for everyday writing, 2B for sketching and rough work)
- An eraser and a good-quality sharpener with a shavings case
- A scale or ruler (15 cm for the pencil case, 30 cm for the desk)
- Highlighters for revision and marking important notes
- A reliable fountain pen with spare ink for students who prefer one
2. Notebooks and paper
Match the notebook to the subject. Single-line registers suit languages and most theory subjects, while four-line copies help younger children with handwriting, and squared notebooks are useful for maths and science diagrams.
- Subject registers in the page count your school recommends
- A rough notebook for working out problems and quick notes
- Loose A4 sheets and a few file folders for handouts and assignments
- Sticky notes and page markers for fast revision
3. Geometry and maths tools
From around Class 4 onwards, a geometry set becomes a permanent part of the bag. A sturdy box that keeps everything in one place saves a lot of last-minute panic before maths class.
- A complete geometry box (compass, divider, protractor, set squares)
- A clean, unmarked ruler kept just for diagrams
- A scientific calculator for senior classes (check if your exam board allows it)
4. Art and colour supplies
Younger students need colours for almost every subject, while older art and design students need a slightly more serious kit. Buy what the syllabus actually asks for rather than the biggest set on the shelf.
- Colour pencils and wax crayons for primary classes
- Markers and sketch pens for projects and charts
- Watercolours or poster colours with brushes for art periods
- Glue, safety scissors, and coloured paper for craft work
5. Bags, lunch, and the daily carry
The bag and lunch gear take the most daily wear, so it is worth choosing comfort and durability over the cheapest option. A well-padded bag protects a child's back, and a leak-proof lunch box saves a lot of mess.
- A school bag with padded straps sized to the child's age
- A leak-proof lunch box and an insulated water bottle
- A pencil pouch to keep small items together inside the bag
- A name tag or label for items that are easy to lose
How to shop smart and spend less
- Buy daily-use items (pens, pencils, notebooks) in slightly larger quantities to avoid repeat trips
- Reuse last year's geometry box, bag, or bottle if they are still in good shape
- Order everything together so you pay delivery once
- Use Cash on Delivery so you can check the order before paying
At AR Book Mart you can find almost everything on this list in one place, with delivery in 2–7 working days across Karachi and 50+ cities in Pakistan, and Cash on Delivery available nationwide.