Exam Tips: Why the First 15 Minutes of an Exam Can Make or Break Your Score

For most students, exam preparation revolves around finishing the syllabus, revising chapters, and solving sample or previous-year question papers. Despite all this hard work, many students still feel disappointed with their final scores. Experts believe the reason is not a lack of preparation, but poor exam-time strategy. One of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of any examination is how a student uses the first 15 minutes inside the exam hall.

These initial minutes play a decisive role in shaping the entire paper attempt. Used wisely, they can boost confidence, reduce mistakes, and significantly improve scores. Misused, they can lead to confusion, panic, and poor time management.

Reading Time Is a Scoring Opportunity

Most board and competitive exams provide a mandatory reading period before writing begins. Teachers and examiners often observe that students underestimate this time, treating it casually. However, the reading time is not meant for stress—it is meant for strategy.

Students who utilise these 15 minutes effectively tend to write more structured answers, manage time better, and attempt the paper with clarity. This is the phase where smart planning begins.

Step 1: Understand the Paper, Don’t React to It

The first rule during reading time is simple: do not panic. Students should calmly go through the question paper and understand its structure. During this phase, identify:

• Direct questions based on textbooks

• Questions with internal choices

• Long-answer questions with step-wise marking

• High-scoring sections that need proper time allocation

This approach helps students avoid spending excessive time on low-weightage questions later in the exam.

Step 2: Identify and Lock Your Strong Areas

Experts recommend marking questions that feel familiar and comfortable. These questions should be attempted first once writing begins. Starting with strong sections builds momentum and confidence, which reflects positively throughout the paper.

This technique is especially useful in lengthy papers, where mental fatigue can affect performance in later sections.

Step 3: Plan Time Before the Reading Period Ends

Poor time distribution is one of the most common reasons for incomplete papers. The reading time should be used to mentally divide the paper into time blocks. Long-answer questions must be allocated a fixed duration.

According to exam trainers, spending too much time on a single question—especially one with moderate marks—can negatively impact the overall score.

Subject-Wise Strategy Matters

The 15-minute rule applies to all subjects, but strategies vary:

• Mathematics: Decide the order of solving questions and identify problems that can be solved quickly.

• Science: Plan numerical and diagram-based questions early, as they are time-consuming but highly scoring.

• Social Studies: Secure marks first through short answers and map work.

• Languages: Carefully read writing tasks and choose formats you are most comfortable with.

What Examiners Really Look For

Examiners do not evaluate answers based only on correctness. They also focus on clarity, structure, and logical flow. Students who plan their answers tend to cover all sub-parts, reducing unnecessary loss of marks.

Education experts believe that even average students can outperform peers by managing exam time strategically.

Why These 15 Minutes Matter More Than You Think

With increasing competition and tighter cut-offs, even a small improvement can make a big difference. The 15-minute strategy does not require extra coaching or longer study hours. It only demands discipline and awareness inside the exam hall.

Making this habit part of every exam can gradually transform a student’s performance and confidence.