Pompey had to settle for a point in their final game before the Christmas break, despite twice taking the lead at Exeter.
They forged ahead when Harrison Brook (pictured) converted a cross from Alfie Bridgman, only for Michael Lilley to level.
Charlie Bell then scored from the penalty spot following a foul on Kristian Dawson, but again Lilley found the target to ensure the spoils would be shared.
Professional development phase coach Liam Daish said: “It was an early start on Saturday for the long trip to Exeter, but we got off to a great start.
“We did really well down the left and it was a great cross from Alfie and then a neat finish from Harrison.
“At that point we were looking pretty much in control, only to concede an equaliser late in the first half.
"It was an early start on Saturday for the long trip to Exeter, but we got off to a great start."
“Charlie took his penalty well to restore our lead, but we didn’t deal with the ball in our penalty box properly and that allowed our opponents to level again.
“There were chances for us to score again and it was a good game overall – it usually is when we face Exeter.
“It was a positive performance from the lads and we were looking for a response to the disappointment of our cup exit against Bromley earlier in the week.
“We had injury problems again, though, and were without our top scorer Harry Anderson because of his groin problem.”
Pompey: Manderson; Setters, Kaba, Cadman, Rew (Spurway 65); Jewitt-White, Bell; Dawson, Lee (Payce 46), Bridgman; Brook