Time management during exams is a vital skill that can greatly affect a student’s performance. Many students face the challenge of knowing the answers but not being able to complete the paper on time. This often results in lost marks—not because of a lack of knowledge, but because of poor planning and time usage. With the right techniques and preparation, students can learn to manage their time wisely and perform better in their examinations.
1. Read the Entire Paper First
The first few minutes of an exam are extremely important. As soon as you receive the question paper, take 5 to 10 minutes to read through all the questions carefully. Identify which ones are easy, which ones are tough, and which require more time. This helps you mentally organize your approach to the exam. Avoid the mistake of jumping straight into writing without understanding the overall layout of the paper.
2. Allocate Time Based on Marks
One of the smartest ways to manage your time is by dividing it according to the marks each question carries. For example, if the exam is 100 marks and 3 hours long (180 minutes), you can spend roughly 1.8 minutes per mark. A 10-mark question would take around 18 minutes, and a 5-mark question about 9 minutes. This ensures that you don’t waste too much time on low-mark questions or spend too little time on high-mark ones.
3. Start with the Questions You Know Best
It’s always a good idea to begin with the questions you are most confident about. These questions can be answered quickly and correctly, which boosts your confidence and saves time for other sections. Answering easy questions first also ensures that you secure those marks early in the paper. However, be careful not to spend too much time on any single question, no matter how easy it seems.
4. Stay Aware of the Clock
Keep checking the time regularly as you write. A good habit is to check every 20–30 minutes to ensure you are on track. If you find yourself spending too long on one question, stop and move on. Time management is about balance—you must be strict with yourself to leave enough time for all sections of the paper.
5. Outline Answers Before Writing Long Responses
For essay or long-answer questions, quickly write an outline or a few keywords before you begin. This helps organize your thoughts and makes the actual writing process faster. A well-planned answer takes less time to write and is more likely to be clear and logical.
6. Avoid Getting Stuck
Sometimes you may not immediately know the answer to a question. Instead of wasting time, skip it and come back later. Mark it clearly so you can find it quickly. Many students lose valuable time trying to recall one answer, when that time could be better used answering other questions they do know.
7. Reserve Time for Final Review
Always keep the last 10 minutes of the exam for review. Use this time to check for spelling and grammar mistakes, complete any unfinished answers, and make small improvements. You may also find that you missed a question or left something incomplete. This final step can help improve your paper and boost your score.
Conclusion
Time management is more than just keeping an eye on the clock—it’s about being prepared, planning well, and staying calm under pressure. By reading the paper carefully, allocating time smartly, writing efficiently, and reviewing your work, you can perform your best in any exam. Practicing mock tests at home under timed conditions can help develop this skill over time. Remember, the better you manage your time, the more marks you’re likely to gain.