With the LIC AAO Mains 2025 exam just around the corner, managing your time efficiently can be the difference between a good score and a great one. This article outlines section-wise timing tactics, recommended study schedule, and key habits to sharpen your speed and accuracy.
Section-Wise Time Allocation Strategy
Effective time management begins with structuring how much time you’ll spend on each section during the exam.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Aim for 30–35 minutes first. Start with simpler questions (simplifications, arithmetic) and then move on to Data Interpretation or higher value questions.
- Reasoning Ability: Allocate 25–30 minutes. Prioritise high-scoring areas like seating arrangements, puzzles, and data sufficiency.
- English Language & General Awareness: Since English is qualifying, devote 15–20 minutes to English (cover grammar, vocabulary, one RC) and 10–12 minutes for General Awareness (attempt what you’re confident about).
- Reserve the last 10 minutes for revision of flagged questions or attempt of skipped questions if time permits.
Recommended Daily Study Plan
In the days leading up to the exam, your preparation time should focus more on timed-practice and revision:
- Spend 2–3 hours on Quant each day (practice + timed sets).
- Spend 2–3 hours on Reasoning with timers; note where you lose time.
- Allocate 1–2 hours on English + GA combined.
- Every alternate day: full-length mock test under timed conditions (simulate the real exam).
- After each test: spend 30–40 minutes analyzing mistakes. Time lost on each question type should be tracked.
Mock‐Test & Speed Hacks
- Always keep a timer next to you during practice. If a set of 35 quant questions is set for 20 minutes, you must beat this time.
- Identify your “time-leak” zones (e.g., you spend too much on one tough puzzle question). Flag such types and practice them separately.
- Use shortcuts where possible (e.g., for DI, use elimination or estimation instead of full calculation).
- Make you’re not stuck on one question for too long—if you’re unsure, skip and move on; you can return later if time remains.
Final Days: What to Focus On?
- No new topics: At this stage, revision matters more than introducing new concepts.
- Revise key formulas, reasoning patterns, vocabulary lists and current-affairs bullet points.
- Ensure you have solved 10+ full-length mocks and reviewed each thoroughly.
- Sleep and health matter: a fresh mind performs better—don’t burn out now.
Exam-Day Time Management Tips
- Reach the centre at least 30–45 minutes early.
- Carry admit card, valid photo ID and two passport-sized photos (if required).
- At the start, quickly scan the sections—mark questions you’re highly confident in, then circle those you’ll attempt later.
- In the last 5 minutes, revisit flagged questions only if you’re absolutely sure you can solve them confidently.
- Stay calm; panicking wastes time.
