Time Management in the Exam Hall: A Plan for a Three-Hour Paper

Students often lose marks not because they do not know the answers but because they run out of time. A plan made before you enter the hall solves this.

Before the paper starts

• Reach the centre early with your admission slip, ID, pens, pencils, ruler and a clean eraser.
• Read the instructions on the paper carefully, including which questions are compulsory and how many to attempt.
• Use the reading time, if any, to mark the questions you are surest about.

Divide the time by the marks

A good rule is to spend roughly one minute per mark. If a question is worth 10 marks, give it about 10 minutes. Write the finishing time next to each section at the start so you can see at a glance if you are late.

Choose the order wisely

• Start with the questions you know best. They build confidence and bank marks.
• Do not spend too long on one hard question. Mark it, move on, and return if there is time.
• Keep objective (multiple-choice) questions quick. Do not agonise over one.

Presentation counts

Write clearly, leave margins, and number each answer exactly as in the question paper. Underline key terms. A neat paper makes the examiner's job easier.

Do not leave blanks

Where you are unsure, write whatever you know: a definition, a formula or the first step. Partial marks are often given for it, while a blank earns nothing.

Practise it

Do at least three timed practice papers before the exam. Time yourself and see where you are slow. Our past papers page lists papers to practise with.