Time Management Strategies During The Exam: When To Skip And When To Attempt

---

1. Understanding the Time Constraints of Each Exam

Before we dive into strategies, let's understand the time structure of different exams:

Clearly, each exam demands a different approach to time management. While exams like CAT and XAT give some breathing space, NMAT and SNAP require fast decision-making.

---

Also Read

1. 1. How to Start Preparation for CAT 2025?
   2. Free Resources to Prepare for CAT 2025

---

2. When to Attempt a Question

The first rule of time management in an MBA entrance exam is: Don't get emotionally attached to any question.

Even if you spent hours mastering a particular topic, if a question seems too tricky or lengthy, move on. Here’s how to decide when to attempt a question:

(A) If It’s Your Strength + Seems Solvable (Go for It!)

If you immediately recognize the concept and feel confident, attempt it.
For example, if you are good at Algebra and the question looks familiar, don’t hesitate.
Just ensure that you don’t overcomplicate the solution—stick to your methods.

(B) If It’s Medium-Level and Time-Friendly (Attempt With Caution)

Some questions seem solvable but may take extra steps.
If a question looks moderately time-consuming, attempt it only if you're ahead in time.
Keep a mental time limit of 2 minutes for CAT/XAT and 1 minute for NMAT/SNAP to decide if it's worth solving.

(C) If You Have Eliminated 2-3 Options (Attempt in Verbal & LRDI)

If you are stuck in a Verbal Ability or Logical Reasoning question, use the option elimination technique.
If two answer choices clearly don’t fit, attempting the question might be a good bet.
However, for CAT, beware of negative marking—attempt only if you’re reasonably confident.

---

Attempt Free CAT 2025 Mocks Here

---

3. When to Skip a Question

Skipping the right questions is as important as solving the right ones. Many aspirants waste time on unsolvable problems, leading to panic and loss of easy marks later.

Here’s when you should skip a question without guilt:

(A) If It’s a New or Unfamiliar Concept (Skip Immediately)

If you don’t recognize the concept at all, don’t waste time trying to figure it out.
Some exams throw in out-of-syllabus surprises—don’t panic, just skip.

(B) If It’s a Lengthy DI/LR Set (Come Back Later)

In CAT/XAT, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) sets can be time-consuming.
If a set looks too calculation-heavy or doesn’t click within 30 seconds, move on.
Pro Tip: Solve one easy set first to build confidence before tackling tougher ones.

(C) If It’s a Tricky VARC Question (Don’t Get Stuck)

Reading Comprehension (RC) and Critical Reasoning questions can be ambiguous.
If two answer choices seem equally correct, skip and return later.
Pro Tip: Avoid overanalyzing—go with the best possible choice in 90 seconds max.

(D) If It’s a Speed Breaker in Quant (Skip Quickly)

In Quantitative Aptitude, some questions are designed to slow you down.
Example: A probability or permutation question with too many variables—leave it unless you're sure.
4. How to Manage Time During the Exam?

Here are some proven strategies from toppers to maximize efficiency:

(A) The 2-Pass Approach (Best for CAT & XAT)

Pass 1: Quickly attempt all easy and medium questions first.
Pass 2: Reattempt the questions you skipped earlier, starting with the least difficult.
This ensures you don’t miss out on easy marks while managing time wisely.

(B) The 30-20-10 Rule for SNAP/NMAT (Speed-Based Exams)

First 30 minutes: Quickly solve easy questions (accuracy-focused).
Next 20 minutes: Attempt medium-level ones with moderate time spent.
Final 10 minutes: Take educated guesses on unanswered questions.

5. Handling Panic and Staying Composed

Even with great time management, panic can ruin your strategy. Here’s how to stay calm:

(A) Have a “Rescue Strategy”

If you feel stuck, take 3 deep breaths, reset your focus, and move on.
Don’t let one bad question ruin your entire section.

(B) Never Spend More Than 3 Minutes on Any Question

If a question isn’t getting solved in 3 minutes, skip it and move on.
Stubbornness kills scores—don’t let ego dictate your attempts.

(C) Keep Track of Time After Every 10-15 Minutes

If you’re spending too much time on one area, adjust accordingly.
Be flexible—if LRDI is taking longer than expected, make up for it in Quant.

Final Thoughts: Time Management = Higher Percentile

At the end of the day, MBA entrance exams are about strategy as much as they are about knowledge. By managing time effectively and choosing the right questions to attempt, you can optimize your performance without unnecessary stress.

• Know your strengths—attempt what you are good at first.
• Skip speed-breaker questions—don’t waste time where it’s not needed.
• Use a structured approach like the 2-pass method.
• Stay calm and composed—panic leads to poor decision-making.
• Remember: Your goal isn’t to solve all the questions—it’s to maximize your score. If you manage your time well, skipping the right questions will actually increase your percentile rather than reduce it.

So, when you sit for your next CAT, XAT, NMAT, or SNAP mock test, practice smart skipping and selective attempting. It could be the difference between a 95 percentile and a 99 percentile!

 

Also Read:

1. 1. GK For MBA
   2. XLRI Final Placements 2025: Highest (International) Salary exceeds 1 crore
   3. How to Start Preparation for CAT 2025?
   4. Free Resources to Prepare for CAT 2025
   5. IMT-G Interim Final Placements 2025 Report
   6. TISS HRM and LR Summer Placements Report
   7. SPJIMR Final Placements 2025
   8. IIM Mumbai Final Placements 2025
   9. IIM Bangalore Final Placements 2025