Time Management Tips for Maths Olympiad Exam

Swarnali Saha

Founder, Welcome2Maths | 15+ years as a Math Teacher & Life Skills Coach

Time management on the day of the Maths Olympiad can make a world of difference! No matter how well-prepared a student is, managing time efficiently during the exam is key to maximizing performance and avoiding those last-minute rushes. In this guide, I’ll share some powerful Maths Olympiad tricks and shortcuts to help you optimize time during the exam, from solving problems faster to prioritizing questions that boost your score. Whether this is your first Olympiad or your fifth, these tips can give you a competitive edge.

1. Start with the Easy Wins:

One of the smartest ways to save time in the Maths Olympiad is by starting with the problems that you find easier or are most familiar with. These questions help you build momentum and confidence, giving you more time for complex questions later. It’s tempting to start with the harder ones, but you don’t want to get stuck on one problem and risk leaving easier questions unanswered. This is one of the most effective Maths Olympiad tricks and shortcuts for quick points on exam day.

2. Read Each Question Carefully—but Don’t Overthink:

Reading questions carefully helps you avoid simple mistakes and misinterpretations. Olympiad problems are often phrased to test your attention to detail. But remember: while it’s important to understand the question, avoid spending too long trying to “out-think” it. Trust your training, and if you’re struggling, make a note to return to it later.

3. Use Vedic Maths Techniques to Speed Up Calculations:

In a Maths Olympiad, speed and accuracy go hand in hand, especially in calculation-heavy questions. Vedic Maths techniques are a game-changer here, offering mental shortcuts for squaring numbers, multiplying large values, and more. For example, you can square numbers ending in 5 in seconds by multiplying the first digit by itself +1 and placing "25" at the end—like $35^2 = (3 \times 4)\,25 = 1225$ 352=(3×4)25=1225. This quick method is perfect for the Olympiad’s time-bound environment.

To explore these techniques in more depth, my Master Calculation Course covers a variety of Vedic Maths methods and calculation tricks designed specifically to help students improve speed and confidence in exams. These skills can help you solve problems faster and boost your score with minimal stress.

4. Break Down Problems into Manageable Steps:

When tackling complex or multi-step problems, break them down into smaller steps. This keeps you organized and prevents errors caused by trying to handle everything at once. Writing down your steps, even briefly, ensures you don’t have to re-solve anything if you make a mistake. It’s one of the easiest Maths Olympiad tricks and shortcuts to avoid mental overload.

5. Prioritize High-Scoring Questions First:

If your Olympiad exam has a variety of question types with different scoring weights, prioritize those with higher points. Solving these first can give your score a solid boost, even if you don’t complete every question. This approach is especially helpful if you’re short on time but want to maximize your overall score.

6. Set a Time Limit Per Question:

Before you even begin the exam, set a rough time limit for each question, based on the total number of questions and time allotted. For example, if you have 60 minutes and 20 questions, that gives you an average of 3 minutes per question. Adjust as necessary, but don’t spend double or triple the allotted time on any single question. Having this internal clock running is an invaluable Maths Olympiad trick for staying on pace.

7. Keep Moving If You’re Stuck:

If a question has you stumped, move on rather than wasting time. This keeps your mind fresh and prevents you from feeling demotivated. Remember that skipping a tough question isn’t a defeat; you can always come back to it. Plus, moving forward often clears your mind, so when you revisit the question, you may see the solution more clearly.

8. Use Scratch Paper Wisely:

Many students underestimate the importance of scratch paper, but it can be a time-saver. When solving questions with multiple steps, organize your scratch work so that you can refer back to it without redoing steps. Divide the scratch paper into sections to keep your work clear and uncluttered, making it easier to double-check answers if needed.

9. Leave a Few Minutes for Review:

Try to wrap up the bulk of your questions a few minutes before time runs out. This gives you a chance to go over skipped questions and double-check your answers. Even a few minutes can help you catch minor errors and possibly boost your score. It’s amazing how often quick reviews catch simple mistakes in an intense exam setting!

10. Key Maths Olympiad Topics to Master:

Beyond time management, knowing which topics are crucial for Maths Olympiad success can give students an edge. Here are some essential topics that frequently appear and are often high-scoring in Olympiads:

Logical Reasoning: Includes problem types such as coding-decoding, ranking, patterns, and grouping of figures, which test analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Mathematical Reasoning: Focuses on essential math concepts with logical application, from algebra to geometry, and often includes pattern recognition and critical-thinking challenges.
Everyday Mathematics: Covers practical math problems related to real-life scenarios, encouraging students to apply concepts to daily tasks and situations.
Achievers Section: Designed for top-performing students, this section includes challenging problems that require a deep understanding of the syllabus and the ability to apply concepts in innovative ways.

Knowing these topics and practicing questions from each area can make all the difference. For personalized guidance, I offer one-on-one live Maths Olympiad classes, where I focus on these topics with my students. If you’re interested in maximizing your or your child’s potential in the Olympiad, feel free to reach out directly for more information.

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Conclusion:

With these Maths Olympiad tricks and shortcuts, you can walk into the exam room with confidence, knowing you have strategies to keep you calm, focused, and efficient. Time management is just as crucial as solving the problems themselves, and mastering this skill will serve you in any competitive exam. Remember, every second counts, so go in prepared, stay calm, and let your hard work shine through.