How much time is needed to solve questions in CBSE exams?

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ime management is a critical skill when it comes to excelling in CBSE board exams. Knowing how to allocate your time effectively for questions of varying mark values can make a significant difference in your overall performance. In this article, we will explore the approximate time requirements for solving 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 marks questions in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology, English, Hindi, and Computer Science.

 

FOR CLASSES XI & XII
TOTAL TIME FOR EACH PAPER: 180 MIN (3 HOURS)
		PHYSICS/CHEMISTRY/ BIOLOGY
Question	TIME TO SOLVE/WRITE PER QUESTION	NO. OF QUESTIONS	TIME  (In Minutes)
1 MARK	2 Min	16	32
2 MARKS	5 Min	5	25
3 MARKS	7 Min	7	49
4 MARKS	10 Min	2	20
5 MARKS	13 Min	3	39
		33	165
Remaining 15 minutes can be used to review and adjust the time as per complexity of the questions.
		MATHEMATICS
Question	TIME TO SOLVE/WRITE PER QUESTION	NO. OF QUESTIONS	TIME (In Minutes)
1 MARK	1 Min	20	20
2 MARKS	5 Min	5	25
3 MARKS	7 Min	6	42
4 MARKS	8 Min	3	24
5 MARKS	13 Min	4	52
		38	163
Remaining 17 minutes can be used to review and adjust the time as per complexity of the questions.
		COMPUTER SCIENCE
Question	TIME TO SOLVE/WRITE PER QUESTION	NO. OF QUESTIONS	TIME (In Minutes)
1 MARK	2 Min	18	36
2 MARKS	5 Min	7	35
3 MARKS	7 Min	5	35
4 MARKS	10 Min	2	20
5 MARKS	13 Min	3	39
		35	165
Remaining 15 minutes can be used to review and adjust the time as per complexity of the questions.

1-Mark Questions

1-mark questions are usually short and straightforward, often requiring brief answers or quick calculations. For these questions, allocate approximately 1 to 2 minutes each. The key is to be concise and precise in your response.

2-Mark Questions

2-mark questions may demand a bit more explanation or calculations than 1-mark questions. On average, spend around 3 to 5 minutes on each 2-mark question. Ensure your answers are clear and well-structured.

3-Mark Questions

3-mark questions typically require a more comprehensive response. You might need to delve deeper into the topic, provide detailed explanations, or perform in-depth calculations. Plan to dedicate approximately 5 to 7 minutes per 3-mark question. Use this time wisely to showcase your understanding of the subject matter.

4-Mark Questions

4-mark questions tend to be source based/case based/passage based/integrated units of assessment. Allocate roughly 8 to 10 minutes for each 4-mark question. It’s crucial to break down the problem systematically and present a coherent solution.

5-Mark Questions

5-mark questions are the most intricate and demanding. They often require a thorough understanding of the subject and can involve extended calculations, extensive explanations, diagrams, or graphs. Plan to spend approximately 10 to 13 minutes on each 5-mark question. Take your time to present a comprehensive and well-structured response.

Practical Time Management Tips

1. Practice: Regularly practice solving questions under timed conditions to improve your time management skills.
2. Prioritize: If unsure about a question’s difficulty, prioritize based on marks and come back to challenging questions later.
3. Stay Calm: Maintain composure during the exam and manage your time wisely. Don’t let one challenging question disrupt your overall rhythm.

Effective time management is a key component of success in CBSE board exams. By understanding the approximate time requirements for different mark value questions across subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology, English, Hindi, and Computer Science, students can refine their time management strategies. Remember, practice and familiarity with subject matter will further enhance your ability to manage your time effectively and perform at your best on exam day.