A draft pad is a general-purpose glue-top notepad (plain or ruled, used for rough work, notes, and calculations). An exam pad is specifically designed for examinations — it has a card backing board, perforated sheets for easy tear-off, and single-line ruling. Hero Notes manufactures both in A4 size in bulk for schools, offices, and exam boards.
The Difference at a Glance
| Feature | Draft Pad | Exam Pad |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | General notes, rough work, calculations | Examination answer sheets |
| Ruling | Plain (unruled) or single-line ruled | Single-line ruled |
| Backing | No backing board | Stiff card backing board |
| Sheet type | Regular, tear-off | Perforated for clean tear-off |
| GSM | 55 GSM | 60 GSM |
| Sheets per pad | 50 sheets | 40 sheets |
| Size | A4 (210×297 mm) | A4 (210×297 mm) |
| Typical buyer | Offices, students, engineers | Schools, exam boards |
| Carton qty | 100 pads/carton | 100 pads/carton |
What Is a Draft Pad?
A draft pad (sometimes called a writing pad, notepad, or scratch pad) is a glue-top pad of paper used for:
- Rough calculations and workings
- Meeting notes
- Memos
- Engineering and technical rough work
- Classroom rough-work during lessons
Draft pads are available in two ruling options:
Plain (unruled): No lines on the paper. Used when the user draws diagrams, does calculations, or needs unrestricted writing space. Common in engineering, architecture, and design contexts.
Ruled (single-line): Standard horizontal ruling. Preferred for meeting notes, memos, and structured writing.
Both are available from Hero Notes in A4 size, 50 sheets, glue-top binding.
What Is an Exam Pad?
An exam pad is a purpose-built product for school and institutional examinations. Key differences from a draft pad:
Card backing: Each exam pad has a stiff card board backing. This means students can write on the pad while holding it — without a desk surface underneath. This is essential during exams where students sit in rows with no individual desks.
Perforated sheets: Each sheet is perforated near the top edge so it tears off cleanly and evenly. Teachers collect answer sheets, and the clean tear ensures no ragged edges.
Higher GSM: At 60 GSM (vs. 55 GSM for draft pads), exam pad paper is slightly heavier — more suitable for the ballpoint pen pressure typically used during exams.
Exam pads are used by:
- Schools: internal exams, class tests, mocks
- Examination boards: public examinations
- Coaching centres: weekly and monthly tests
- Corporate training: assessments and evaluations
Who Buys Draft Pads vs. Exam Pads in Bulk?
Draft pad bulk buyers:
- Corporate offices (meeting notepads)
- Engineering and architecture firms
- Government departments
- Banks and financial institutions
- Stationery retailers serving office buyers
Exam pad bulk buyers:
- Schools (purchase in quantity based on student count × exams per year)
- Examination boards and boards of education
- Coaching centres and tuition academies
- Stationery distributors who supply schools
Ordering Exam Pads for Schools: How to Calculate Quantity
A quick formula for school exam pad ordering:
Number of students × Number of exam sessions per year × Average pads per exam session
Example: A school with 500 students, 4 formal exam sessions per year, using 1 pad per student per session:
500 × 4 × 1 = 2,000 exam pads per year
At 100 pads per carton and MOQ of 5 cartons (500 pads), a 2,000-pad annual requirement is 20 cartons — a reasonable bulk order.
Bulk Pricing and MOQ
| Product | Pcs per Carton | MOQ | Min. Pcs |
|---|---|---|---|
| A4 Draft Pad (Plain) | 100 pads | 5 cartons | 500 pads |
| A4 Draft Pad (Ruled) | 100 pads | 5 cartons | 500 pads |
| A4 Exam Pad | 100 pads | 5 cartons | 500 pads |
Both products are available separately or combined in a single order. View full specifications and exam pad details.
WhatsApp Hero Notes to get a bulk quote for draft pads, exam pads, or both.