When you sit down for an exam, the first twenty minutes can make or break your entire paper. Those opening moments aren’t just about flipping through pages or scribbling your name — they’re your golden window to plan smart, think clearly, and set the tone for everything that follows. Whether you’re in 8th grade or preparing for your 12th board exams, mastering the art of those first twenty minutes can boost your confidence and your score.
Let’s explore exactly how you can make those minutes count!
Why the First Twenty Minutes Matter So Much
Think of an exam like a race. The start doesn’t decide everything, but it sure gives you momentum. In the first twenty minutes:
- Your brain is fresh and most alert.
- You can organize your thoughts before panic kicks in.
- You get a clear overview of what’s easy, tricky, or time-consuming.
- You can prevent silly mistakes caused by rushing later.
In short, those initial minutes are your foundation for success. If used well, they can help you answer confidently, stay calm, and finish strong.
1. Take a Deep Breath and Ground Yourself (1–2 Minutes)
Before you even look at the paper, take a moment to breathe deeply. Your heart may be racing, and that’s completely normal.
✅ Try this simple exercise:
- Breathe slowly for 4 seconds.
- Hold for 2 seconds.
- Breathe out gently for 4 seconds.
This helps calm your nerves, improve focus, and prepare your brain for peak performance.
2. Read the Instructions Carefully (1–2 Minutes)
Many students lose marks simply because they missed a small instruction. Always read the guidelines printed at the beginning of your paper.
Look for details like:
- The total number of questions to attempt.
- Whether internal choices are given (like “Attempt any 3 out of 5”).
- Word limits for long or short answers.
Pro tip: Underline or circle key instructions on your question paper. This prevents confusion later when you’re writing in a hurry.
3. Scan Through the Entire Paper (5 Minutes)
Once you’ve understood the rules, quickly skim through all the questions. Don’t spend too long solving anything — just get a sense of what’s inside.
While scanning:
- Mark questions you find easy with a ✔️.
- Mark moderate ones with a ⚪.
- Mark difficult ones with a ❌ or star.
This quick scan gives you a mental roadmap of your paper. You’ll instantly know which sections to tackle first, which to save for later, and where you can earn quick marks.
4. Plan Your Time Wisely (3–5 Minutes)
Once you’ve scanned the paper, it’s time to create a mini time-plan in your mind (or on rough work space if allowed).
Let’s say your exam is 3 hours long:
| Section | Marks | Time Allocation |
| Section A (MCQs) | 20 | 25 minutes |
| Section B (Short Answers) | 30 | 45 minutes |
| Section C (Long Answers) | 50 | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Buffer / Revision | — | 15 minutes |
This ensures you don’t spend too long on one question and run out of time later.
Remember: A great answer written halfway is worth less than a good answer completed on time.
5. Start with Confidence: Attempt Easy Questions First (5 Minutes)
Start with questions you’re sure about. This builds early confidence and helps you pick up easy marks quickly.
Why it works:
- You save time for tougher questions later.
- You enter a mental “flow” state early on.
- You avoid blank-page anxiety that comes from starting with something hard.
But — be careful not to spend too long on easy questions either. Stick to your time plan!
6. Don’t Rush — Accuracy Beats Speed
The first 20 minutes often tempt students to “get a head start.” But rushing can lead to silly mistakes like:
- Misreading questions
- Missing parts of multi-step questions
- Writing the wrong formula or diagram label
Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Take those first few minutes to understand what’s being asked before diving in.
7. Use Rough Work Wisely
If your paper includes problem-solving or math-based questions, dedicate a small space for rough work. Number it clearly so you can trace back your calculations later.
Good rough work habits show examiners your logical flow — and you might even get partial credit for a correct method!
8. Manage Exam Stress Through Micro Pauses
You don’t have to meditate mid-exam, but quick “micro breaks” every 30–40 minutes help maintain clarity.
Just look away from the paper for a few seconds, stretch your fingers, roll your shoulders, and get back in. Those tiny pauses refresh your brain and prevent burnout — especially during long exams.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid in the First Twenty Minutes
Here are the most frequent slip-ups students make (and how to avoid them):
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | What to Do Instead |
| Starting to write immediately | No time for planning | Read and plan first |
| Spending too long on one question | Lose track of time | Stick to your time chart |
| Ignoring instructions | Lose marks unnecessarily | Read the front page carefully |
| Leaving rough work messy | Confuses examiner | Keep rough work neat and labeled |
| Panicking over hard questions | Lowers performance | Skip and return later |
10. Build a “First 20-Minute Routine” Before the Exam
You don’t have to wait for exam day to practice this. Try simulating it at home during mock tests or practice papers.
Create a 20-minute ritual:
- Deep breath.
- Read instructions.
- Scan paper.
- Time plan.
- Start with easy questions.
By repeating this before each exam, your brain automatically knows what to do — no panic, no confusion.
Conclusion: Make Every Minute Matter
The first twenty minutes of your exam are not just about reading questions — they’re about setting yourself up for success. By planning, prioritizing, and staying calm, you give yourself the best shot at scoring your highest.
Remember, great students don’t just study hard — they strategize smart. So the next time you walk into that exam hall, use those twenty minutes like a pro.
Good luck — you’ve got this! 🌟
FAQs About the First Twenty Minutes of Exams
- Should I write my answers immediately after getting the paper?
No, spend the first few minutes reading and planning before writing. It helps you stay organized and confident. - What if I can’t finish scanning the paper in time?
It’s okay! Even scanning 70–80% of it gives you enough idea to plan effectively. - How can I calm down if I feel anxious?
Try deep breathing, positive self-talk, and a confident mindset — remind yourself that you’ve prepared well. - Is it better to answer in order or skip around?
It’s best to start with easier questions, but make sure you number answers correctly when skipping around. - How can I improve my speed without losing accuracy?
Practice timed mock tests weekly and review mistakes after each test. - What’s the best way to handle tough questions in the first 20 minutes?
Mark them, move on, and return later. Don’t let one question shake your confidence.