How should I prepare for time management on exam day?

Preparing for effective time management on exam day is essential to maximise your performance. Here’s a plan to help you manage your time wisely during CLAT:

1. Create a Section-Wise Time Plan in Advance

Break down the total exam time across each section based on the number of questions and your comfort level. For example, if CLAT is a two-hour exam and you have five sections, allocate time to each based on its difficulty and importance. Here’s a sample breakdown for a 120-minute exam:

• English Language: 20-25 minutes
• Current Affairs and General Knowledge: 10-15 minutes
• Legal Reasoning: 30-35 minutes
• Logical Reasoning: 25-30 minutes
• Quantitative Techniques: 15-20 minutes

Make sure to leave 5-10 minutes at the end for reviewing your answers. This breakdown will help you enter the exam with a clear time structure for each section.

2. Prioritise Sections Based on Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Plan to start with a section where you feel confident and can answer quickly. This helps build momentum and confidence. For example, if Current Affairs or English is your strong area, consider starting there. Tackle challenging sections like Logical Reasoning or Legal Reasoning in the middle when you’re warmed up but still have energy. Save time-intensive sections (like Quantitative Techniques) for later if they’re not your strongest area.

3. Use Mock Tests for Time Management Practice

Practice full-length mock tests regularly under timed conditions. This helps you get accustomed to answering questions within a limited time and adjusting your pace as needed. After each mock, analyse how much time you spent on each section and identify where you need to speed up or slow down.

4. Set Time Limits for Each Question Type

Different question types may require varying amounts of time, so set limits accordingly. For example:

• Current Affairs questions should take only a few seconds each.
• Reading Comprehension passages might take 3-4 minutes total.
• Quantitative Techniques questions may require more time for calculations.

Knowing these limits will help you avoid getting stuck on any one question and maintain a steady pace.

5. Use the Process of Elimination

For multiple-choice questions, use elimination to rule out clearly incorrect options first. This speeds up your decision-making process and allows you to focus on likely answers without spending too much time on each option.

6. Stay Mindful of Time During the Exam

Keep track of your time at regular intervals during the exam. For instance, if you’re halfway through the test, check if you’re on track with your section-wise time allocation. If you notice you’re spending too long on a section, adjust your pace or move to the next one.

7. Skip and Return to Difficult Questions

If you come across a particularly difficult or time-consuming question, skip it and return to it later. Don’t spend too much time on any one question, as this can disrupt your flow and cause you to rush through other sections. Mark skipped questions so you can easily find them during your review time.

8. Use the Last 5-10 Minutes to Review

Save the final 5-10 minutes of the exam for reviewing marked or skipped questions. This time can also be used to double-check answers where you might have been unsure. Prioritise sections where you know you can make quick corrections or improvements.

9. Stay Calm and Focused

Managing time is easier when you stay calm. Practice deep breathing exercises if you feel anxious, and focus on answering each question as efficiently as possible. Staying calm will help you avoid panic and keep a clear head as you work through the paper.

In Summary:

• Create a section-wise time plan based on your strengths.
• Use mock tests to practice and refine your time management.
• Set time limits for question types to maintain a steady pace.
• Use elimination and skip difficult questions, returning to them later.
• Save time for review and stay calm throughout the exam.

With these strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to manage your time effectively on exam day, ensuring that you can answer all questions within the allotted time.