One of the biggest struggles IGCSE students face while taking an exam is running out of time. You might know your stuff, but if you can’t finish the paper, those marks won’t show! That’s why time management during your IGCSE exam is just as important as preparing for them.
Here are some simple, yet practical tips that actually work:
1. Keep your eye on the clock
You don’t need to stare at it constantly, but stay aware. Every 10–15 minutes, check how far you’ve come and how much is left. It’s easy to get lost in a long question and then realise that half the paper is still unanswered. Don’t let time surprise you — stay in control of it.
2. Use the first 5 minutes to plan
Especially in English or essay-based exams, don’t jump straight into writing. Use your pencil to quickly plan your answer. If there’s a passage or case study, read it carefully. Those first five minutes help your brain to settle and stop you from rambling later. A quick plan in the first 5 minutes makes your answers more focused, and helps you write faster.
3. Divide your time based on marks
A 10-mark question deserves more time than a 2-mark one. Use the marks as your guide. For example, if the paper is out of 100 and you have 2 hours, that’s about 1.2 minutes per mark. It doesn’t need to be exact, but keeping this in mind helps you avoid spending too long on one part.
4. Leave time at the end
Always try to finish 10–12 minutes early so you can review. Even a quick skim can help you catch mistakes or add something you forgot. It’s better to finish slightly early than to run out of time mid-sentence.
5. Practise under real exam conditions again and again
This is something I did myself, and it made all the difference. I used to practise full past papers at home, using a timer, and with no breaks or help. It trained me to work at the right speed. If you can’t finish a past paper within time at home, forget about doing it at the exam centre. So keep practising until your timing feels natural. That’s the best way to build strong time management habits for your IGCSE exams.
To sum it up, IGCSE time management isn’t about writing faster — it’s about writing smarter. If you plan well, stay aware of the clock, and practise regularly, you’ll walk into your IGCSE exams with confidence.
Need help building better time management for IGCSE exams? Get in touch to start lessons or ask a question. Improve your scores today!