Many students keep asking how to manage time during board exams, because the syllabus looks huge, the days feel short, and the pressure keeps increasing. The good thing is that time can be managed easily when you follow a simple plan. You don’t need big rules or fancy tricks. You just need a clear routine that works for you.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to manage time during Class 12 board exams in the simplest way. You will learn how to plan your study hours, how to complete your syllabus on time, how to revise daily, and how to stay calm during exams.
Also Read: Important Formulas of Physics Class 12th
Why Time Management Matters During Class 12 Boards
When you know how to manage time during board exams, your mind becomes relaxed. You finish your chapters on time. You do not rush at the last moment. Moreover, you get more confidence while writing the paper.
Most students waste time without realising it. Indeed, small actions like checking phone notifications, worrying, and jumping between subjects take away many hours. Good time management saves you from this.
1. Make a Simple Daily Plan
Many students make very big timetables that look nice but do not work. You need a simple plan you can follow every day.
Here is the easiest daily routine for Class 12 board exam preparation:
Morning (best for theory or problem-solving)
- Wake up early.
- Study the hardest subject first.
- Use 2–3 hours for deep study.
Afternoon
- Revise what you learned in the morning.
- Solve 3–5 questions or examples.
Evening
- Take one easy subject.
- Read NCERT again and make short notes.
Night
- Do a light revision for 20–25 minutes.
- Plan the next day.
This routine is simple and helps you understand how to manage time during board exams without stress.
Also Check: Class 12th Maths NCERT Book
2. Study in Small Blocks (Not Long 5-Hour Sessions)
Your mind gets tired after long hours. So, instead of studying for 5–6 hours at once, break the time into small blocks.
Use this pattern:
- 40 minutes study
- 10 minutes break
This method is used by many toppers. It keeps your mind fresh and increases your speed. Furthermore, you remember things better. This is one of the best time management tips for board exams.
3. Finish NCERT First — Don’t Jump to Too Many Books
One common mistake students make is using 3–4 books for one subject. This wastes a lot of time.
NCERT is enough for most Class 12 subjects, especially for CBSE board exams.
Follow this order:
- NCERT
- Examples + In-text questions
- Previous year questions
- One reference book (only if needed)
This reduces confusion and saves time. Moreover, you complete your chapters faster.
4. Make Short Notes Daily to Save Time Later
Short notes help you revise fast, especially during the last 15 days before exams. Write small notes for formulas, dates, definitions, diagrams, and key points.
These notes will save many hours during revision. When board exam days come, you do not have to read the full book again. You can simply open your short notes and revise quickly.
This is a powerful technique for how to manage time during board exams when you have very less time.
Also Read: How to Score 90+ in Physics Class 12th
5. Use Study Slots for Each Subject (Not Random Studying)
Students often study whichever subject they “feel” like. This wastes time. Instead, use dedicated slots.
Like this:
- Monday: Physics + English
- Tuesday: Chemistry + Maths
- Wednesday: Accounts + Economics
- Thursday: Business Studies + Revision
Rotate subjects every week.
This keeps your mind balanced and stops boredom. Furthermore, you stay consistent in all subjects instead of focusing on just one or two.
6. Set Weekly Goals
Daily goals often fail because sometimes you feel tired, or school work comes, or some other task takes time. But weekly goals are easier to finish.
A simple weekly plan may look like:
- Finish 2 chapters
- Solve 1 sample paper
- Revise notes
- Practice diagrams or formulas
This gives you enough time to adjust your routine without stress. Moreover, it teaches you how to manage time during board exams by looking at the bigger picture.
7. Practice Sample Papers in Real Exam Timing
This is very important.
Every week, choose one day for solving a sample paper in real exam conditions:
- Sit for 3 hours
- Keep only writing material
- No phone
- No breaks
This teaches you:
- How to write fast
- How to think quickly
- How to manage your 3-hour board exam time
Many students face writing-speed problems. Practising sample papers is the best solution.
Also Read: How to Prepare for CBSE Class 12 Practical Exam
8. Avoid Phone Use During Study Hours
The phone is the biggest time-killer during board exams.
Even 5 minutes of scrolling becomes 30 minutes without noticing. So, keep your phone far during study time. Use it only during breaks. Indeed, this small rule saves many hours.
9. Make a Revision Cycle That Works for You
Revision is the key to scoring good marks.
Use this simple model:
- Learn today
- Revise after 24 hours
- Revise again after 7 days
- Revise again after 30 days
This cycle helps your brain remember everything. Moreover, your retention becomes stronger with every revision. This is one of the most effective board exam preparation strategies.
10. Sleep Well — Don’t Cut Your Sleep to Study
Many students think that studying late at night helps. But cutting sleep makes your brain slow. You forget more and learn less.
Sleep 6–8 hours daily. It makes your memory sharp and keeps your mood stable.
Furthermore, your writing speed becomes better when your mind is fresh.
11. Keep Your Study Table Clean
A clean table saves time. When books are kept in order, you find everything fast. You don’t waste time searching for notes, pens, or papers.
It also gives a neat, calm feeling before you start studying.
12. Use the Last 30 Days Smartly
The last month before Class 12 board exams is very important.
Follow these rules:
- Do NOT start new books
- Do NOT read heavy notes
- ONLY revise
- Solve sample papers
- Solve previous year question papers
- Practice writing answers
- Work on your weak chapters
These steps help you stay focused and improve your score.
13. Manage Time During the Actual Board Exam
Most students write slowly in the first hour and rush in the last hour. You can avoid this.
Use this plan during the 3-hour exam:
First 15 minutes: Read the question paper
Next 90 minutes: Attempt all easy questions first
Next 45 minutes: Attempt medium or long answers
Last 30 minutes: Revise answers and correct mistakes
This method ensures you never leave any question. This is the real answer to how to manage time during board exams inside the exam hall.
14. Keep Yourself Calm and Confident
When your mind is calm, you learn faster and write better.
Simple ways to stay calm:
- Take short breaks
- Drink enough water
- Do small walks
- Talk to someone when stressed
- Avoid comparing with others
Moreover, remind yourself that boards are important, but not scary.
Now you clearly know how to manage time during board exams in a simple and practical way. You do not need complicated rules. Just follow small habits daily. Stay consistent. Stay calm. And focus on revision and sample papers.
If you plan well and use your time wisely, you can score very high marks in Class 12.
