Time Management in IGCSE Maths Exams
Running out of time is one of the biggest reasons students underperform. With the right pacing strategy, you can attempt every question and still have time to check your work.
Per-Mark Pacing
Calculate the time per mark for each paper. Paper 1: 45 seconds/mark. Paper 2: 54 seconds/mark. Papers 3 and 4: 1.5 minutes/mark. Use these as benchmarks.
Tips
- Write time checkpoints on the front of your paper
- A 4-mark question should take no more than 4–6 minutes
- Glance at your watch every 5 questions
When to Skip
If you cannot see how to start a question within 30 seconds, circle it and move on. Spending 5 minutes on a question worth 2 marks is poor time investment.
Tips
- Circle skipped questions clearly so you find them later
- Never leave a skipped question unanswered at the end
- Return to skipped questions with fresh eyes
The Final 10 Minutes
Reserve the last 10 minutes of every exam for checking. Re-read questions you found tricky, verify calculations, and ensure no question is blank.
Tips
- Check that every answer has correct units
- Re-read question instructions for anything missed
- Verify arithmetic on questions worth the most marks
Key Takeaways
- Know your seconds-per-mark for each paper
- Skip and return rather than getting stuck
- Always reserve 10 minutes for checking
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if I still run out of time?
If time is running low, scan remaining questions for easy parts. Many multi-part questions have a simple part (a) worth 1–2 marks — answer those first to pick up quick marks.
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