How to Manage Time During UTME 2025 CBT Exam

1. Understand the Exam Duration  

Note that the total duration of the exam is typically two hours. 

Knowing exactly how much time is allocated to each subject can help you plan your approach to each section. 

Break down each section into smaller time intervals to ensure that you don’t spend too much time on any one part, leaving enough for the other sections.

Being familiar with the exam duration also means you can practice mock exams under similar conditions, this helps build stamina and prepares you mentally to stay focused and sharp throughout the entire two-hour exam period.

2. Divide Time Based on Subject Allocation  

Since you’re going to be sitting for three subjects in addition to the compulsory Use of English, it’s important to allocate your time strategically to ensure that you cover all areas thoroughly.

First, know the total duration of the exam, which is typically 2 hours. 

From this, you can distribute time for each of the four subjects. 

Use of English is compulsory and usually has a slightly larger number of questions, you can consider allocating more time to this section, depending on its structure. 

For the other three subjects, divide the remaining time equally or adjust slightly based on how confident you feel about each subject. 

Allocate your time effectively to avoid getting bogged down in a single subject, allowing you to tackle each one with a balanced and composed approach.

3. Start with Easier Questions First  

Starting with easier questions first is a smart strategy to manage your time effectively during the UTME 2025 CBT exam. 

When you begin with questions that you find more straightforward, you can quickly build momentum and gain confidence, which can set a positive tone for the rest of the exam.

Tackling easier questions also ensures that you secure those marks early on, this approach helps you avoid spending unnecessary time on tough questions right away, which can leave you feeling stuck and rushed later. 

Additionally, this strategy minimizes the risk of leaving questions unanswered. 

Starting with easier questions optimizes your time and mental clarity, setting you up for a confident and systematic approach to tackle the more demanding ones.

4. Avoid Spending Too Much Time on Difficult Questions  

Avoiding spending too much time on difficult questions is essential for managing your time effectively during the UTME 2025 CBT exam.

While it’s important to give each question your best effort, getting stuck on a particularly challenging one can waste valuable time that can be better spent on questions you can answer more confidently. 

If you encounter a tough question, don’t linger on it for too long. 

Instead, mark it and move on to the next one, this ensures that you don’t fall behind on the rest of the exam, and it gives you the chance to return to the difficult question with a fresh perspective later.

5. Use the Flag Option for Review  

Note that the UTME CBT platforms provide a flag feature that allows you to mark questions you find difficult or want to revisit later. 

This option helps you stay focused on the questions at hand without losing valuable time trying to figure out the tough ones. 

By flagging questions, you create a mental checklist, enabling you to complete the rest of the exam without distraction. 

Once you finish the other sections, you can go back to the flagged questions with a clearer mind and more time to think through your answers. 

This way, you avoid rushing through the exam and ensure that you address the most challenging questions thoroughly.

6. Track Time Regularly  

Tracking time regularly during the UTME 2025 CBT exam can gauge whether you’re moving too slowly or need to speed up to stay on track. 

Set mental time checkpoints for each section or subject, ensuring that you’re progressing at the right pace. 

For instance, check the time every 30 minutes to ensure you’ve completed a substantial portion of the exam. 

This helps you identify if you need to adjust your approach, such as speeding up on easier questions or dedicating more time to a challenging section. 

By keeping an eye on the time throughout the exam, you ensure that you don’t run out of time before completing all the questions, giving you the best chance to succeed.

7. Avoid Panicking When Time is Short  

Avoiding panic when time is short is vital for maintaining composure and focus during the UTME 2025 CBT exam. 

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed as the clock ticks down, but panicking can only cloud your judgment and slow you down.

Instead, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’ve prepared well, if you notice that time is running out, shift your focus to the easier questions or those you’ve already flagged for review, ensuring you can still maximize your score. 

Stay calm and trust your ability to complete the exam efficiently.

8. Review Your Answers if Time Permits  

Once you’ve answered all the questions, any remaining time should be used to carefully revisit flagged or uncertain answers.

This gives you an opportunity to spot and correct any mistakes, especially those made due to rushing or misreading a question. 

Start by reviewing the sections where you feel less confident and ensure that your answers align with the question requirements. 

Reviewing also helps you catch questions you have skipped accidentally.

9. Submit Before Time Runs Out  

Submitting before time runs out is crucial to ensuring that all your answers are recorded during the UTME 2025 CBT exam. 

Note that the exam system is going to automatically end when time is up, but relying on this can be risky, as technical glitches or last-second errors can prevent your answers from being properly saved. 

To avoid losing your hard work, aim to complete the exam and review your answers a few minutes before the timer hits zero. 

Submitting early also gives you peace of mind, knowing that you’ve successfully completed the process without the stress of a last-minute rush.