NISM Series V-A Time Management: How to Master the 2-Hour Exam in 2026

Time management is the difference between passing and failing the NISM Series V-A exam. Many candidates know the syllabus but struggle to answer all 100 questions within the 2-hour time limit. This leads to rushed answers, careless mistakes, and in some cases, leaving questions unanswered.

The exam duration is 2 hours (120 minutes) for 100 multiple-choice questions. With no negative marking, your goal should be to attempt every single question. This blog post provides a comprehensive time management strategy for both your preparation phase and the actual exam day.

Part 1: Time Management During Preparation

Effective time management starts long before exam day. How you allocate your study hours during preparation directly impacts your speed and accuracy during the exam.

1. Follow a Structured Study Plan

A well-structured study plan prevents last-minute cramming and ensures you cover all topics systematically. Our 4-week study plan is designed to help you cover the entire syllabus without feeling overwhelmed. Allocate specific time slots for each chapter based on its weightage.

• High-weightage chapters (15%): Allocate 3-4 hours per chapter.
• Medium-weightage chapters (8-10%): Allocate 2-3 hours per chapter.
• Low-weightage chapters (4-6%): Allocate 1-2 hours per chapter.

2. Practice with Timed Mock Tests

Simulating exam conditions is crucial for building time management skills. When you take mock tests on StudyNISM, always set a timer for 120 minutes. This trains your brain to work efficiently under pressure.

Pro Tip: After each mock test, analyze where you spent the most time. If you spent too long on numerical questions, practice more of them. If you were slow on regulatory questions, revise those chapters.

3. Balance Your Study Time

Avoid spending too much time on a single topic, especially if it has low weightage. For example, Taxation (4%) and Legal Structure (4%) are important but should not consume 30% of your study time. Prioritize high-yield topics first. Use quality study materials to maximize your efficiency.

4. Build Exam Stamina

Your brain is like a muscle. It needs training to stay focused for 2 hours. Start with shorter study sessions of 45-60 minutes and gradually increase to 2-hour sessions. Take 10-minute breaks between sessions to avoid burnout.

Part 2: Time Management on Exam Day

The 2-hour exam clock starts as soon as you begin. Here is a proven strategy to maximize your score within the time limit.

1. The 90-30 Rule (First Pass and Second Pass)

Divide your 120 minutes into two phases:

• First 90 minutes (First Pass): Answer all easy and medium-difficulty questions. Skip questions that are complex or time-consuming. Mark them for review.
• Last 30 minutes (Second Pass): Return to the flagged questions. With 30 minutes remaining, you have enough time to solve 20-25 flagged questions without pressure.

2. The 1-Minute Per Question Rule

On average, you have 1.2 minutes per question. Some questions will take 20 seconds, while others may take 2 minutes. Use the 1-minute rule as a guideline:

• If you cannot answer a question within 60 seconds, flag it and move on.
• Complete all easy questions first to build confidence and secure marks.
• Remember, there is no negative marking, so do not leave any question unanswered.

3. Numerical Questions Strategy

Numerical questions on NAV, TER, and capital gains can be time-consuming. Here is how to handle them:

• Keep your formula sheet ready before the exam (mentally or on scratch paper).
• Attempt numerical questions in the second pass. This ensures you do not spend too much time on them early.
• Use the process of elimination to narrow down options before calculating.

4. Eliminate Distractions

The exam environment can be stressful. Here are some practical tips:

• Read each question carefully but quickly. Do not re-read unless necessary.
• Do not get stuck on difficult questions. Flag and move on.
• Keep an eye on the clock but do not obsess over it. Check the timer every 15-20 questions.

Common Time Management Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a good plan, candidates make these avoidable errors:

1. Spending too much time on one question: This reduces time for other questions. Stick to the 1-minute rule.
2. Not taking enough mock tests: Without practice, you cannot build the speed needed for the actual exam. Take mock tests regularly.
3. Panicking when time runs out: Stay calm. The last 10 minutes are still valuable. Use them wisely.
4. Leaving questions unanswered: With no negative marking, always guess if you have to. A guessed answer is better than a blank one.

Sample Time Allocation for 2-Hour Exam

Time Block	Action	Questions to Target
0-15 min	Start with easy questions	10-15 easy questions
15-45 min	Continue with medium questions	20-25 medium questions
45-90 min	Complete remaining easy/medium	15-20 questions
90-120 min	Second pass - solve flagged questions	20-25 flagged questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions should I aim to complete in the first hour?

Aim to complete 40-50 questions in the first hour. This leaves you with 50-60 questions for the second hour, which includes the second pass for flagged questions.

Is it better to guess or leave a question unanswered?

Since there is no negative marking, you should always guess. Leaving a question blank guarantees zero marks, while guessing at least gives you a chance of getting it right.

How do I manage time for numerical questions?

Save numerical questions for the second pass. Use your formula sheet for quick reference. If a calculation is taking too long, guess and move on.

How many mock tests should I take to improve my speed?

Take at least 8-10 full-length mock tests under timed conditions. This will help you improve your speed and identify time-consuming topics. Start with free mock tests on StudyNISM.

What if I run out of time during the exam?

If you are running out of time, prioritize the remaining easy questions first. For difficult questions, mark a random answer. Remember, any answer is better than no answer.