Introduction: Exam time is a period for students where not only knowledge but also time management is tested. How much hard work you have done, how much preparation you have done – all these are incomplete until you are not able to write them on the answer sheet in the given time.
Many students complain that “the questions came, but the time was not enough.” This problem is not only of preparation, it is of time management. Today in this article, we are sharing 10 such effective tips, with the help of which you can use the exam time wisely.
Read the question paper carefully before starting the exam
As soon as the exam starts, it is a common mistake to sit down to write the answers in panic. Experts say that in the first 5 minutes of the exam, you should read the entire question paper carefully.
This will help you understand how seriously to take which question, which question is easy for you and which will take more time. With this strategy, you can make a priority list of your answers.
Categorize questions – easy, medium, difficult
While studying, divide the questions into three categories:
- Easy questions – whose answer is immediately known
- Medium questions – require a little thinking but are possible
- Difficult questions – require thought or deep thinking
- This way, you will solve easy questions first, then medium, and finally difficult questions. This will increase your confidence and also save time.
Allocate time for each question
If you have a 3-hour (180 minutes) exam and you have to solve 6 questions, then you should not directly give 30 minutes to each question. Save 10–15 minutes at the beginning and end for planning and revision.
Example:
- Reading the question: 10 minutes
- Each answer: around 25 minutes
- Finally revision: 10–15 minutes
This way you can set a maximum time limit for each question and keep an eye on the clock accordingly.
Break down long answers into points
This way, it keeps you focused, and an option is open for the examiner. Whenever writing essays or detailed answers, it is good to divide the answers into paragraphs or bullet points.
This method makes your writing fast and clear, which saves time.
Don’t waste time on stuck questions
If you come across a question that is taking you too much time, then instead of stopping there, leave it and move on. Spending too much time on such questions can be detrimental to the rest of the answers Try to solve it at the end when you have extra time.
Keep an eye on the clock – but don’t panic
To manage time, make the clock your friend, not your enemy. Check the time status every 15-20 minutes and track yourself whether you are going according to your plan or not.
But keep in mind, don’t be afraid by looking at the clock. The purpose of keeping an eye on time is control, not panic.
Do pre-time planning – practice with mock tests and timer
From the very first day of the exam, make it a habit to solve mock tests or old question papers within the time limit. This will give you a prior experience of how to use time in the actual exam.
Set a timer and challenge yourself to complete the answer in the given time. This practice will also strengthen your confidence.
Write the answer briefly, clearly and to the point
It is important to write the answer directly, without stretching the matter. The examiner has limited time, so giving point-wise answers and headings not only makes it easier to read, but also saves time.
By using points and diagrams, you can make a greater impact in fewer words.
Check yourself in between while writing the answer
After every 2–3 answers, take a 1-minute break and see if you are following your time table or not. If you have spent more time, write the next answers a little briefly.
This self-inspection will help you keep your speed balanced.
Keep the last 10 minutes for revision
Many times we write the answer correctly, but small mistakes like spelling mistakes, forgetting to write the question number or leaving an incomplete answer – these become the reason for deducting marks.
So, keep 10 minutes at the end of the exam for revision. This time can be the biggest weapon to improve your score.
Additional Tips:
- Stay calm and have confidence in yourself
- Pay attention to paper cleanliness – neat writing can increase marks
- Write the correct question number and part clearly in the answer sheet
- Use blue or black pen equally
- Take a deep breath before more difficult questions and do not stress
Conclusion:
Success in exams is not achieved only by bookish knowledge, but by the art of presenting that knowledge on time and correctly. If you follow the above 10 tips, you will not only improve your score but will also be full of confidence during the exam.
