MAH MBA CET 2026 Time Management Strategy: Section-wise Time Split & Smart Question Selection Plan
Time management is the single biggest differentiator between an average score and a 140+ score in MAH MBA CET. Unlike CAT or XAT, MAH MBA CET is not about solving the toughest questions—it is about solving the maximum number of easy and moderate questions at high speed without losing accuracy.
With 200 questions in 150 minutes, the exam pushes candidates to make quick decisions every minute. Aspirants who enter the exam without a clear time plan often panic, overspend time on difficult questions, and fail to capitalise on scoring sections.
This article provides a practical, CET-focused time management strategy for MAH MBA CET 2026, including section-wise time allocation, ideal attempt order, question selection rules, and last-minute execution tips.
Understanding the MAH MBA CET Exam Pattern (Why Time Is Critical)
MAH MBA CET has no sectional time limit, which is both an advantage and a trap.
Exam Snapshot
- Total Questions: 200
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Marking Scheme: +1 for correct, no negative marking
- Sections:
- Logical Reasoning (75)
- Abstract Reasoning (25)
- Quantitative Aptitude (50)
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (50)
With no negative marking, speed and intelligent guessing play a vital role—but random attempts without control can hurt accuracy and confidence.
Core Principle of CET Time Management
Before diving into section-wise strategy, understand this golden rule:
In MAH MBA CET, your score increases faster by avoiding hard questions than by solving them.
Your goal is not to solve all questions, but to:
- Identify easy questions instantly
- Attempt them quickly
- Skip time-consuming ones ruthlessly
- Return only if time permits
Ideal Section-wise Time Split for MAH MBA CET 2026
Below is the most practical and proven time allocation used by CET toppers.
Logical Reasoning (LR) – 40 to 45 Minutes
- Questions: 75
- Target Attempts: 55–60
- Why first: High scoring, predictable patterns, confidence booster
LR forms the backbone of CET. Most questions are direct if approached correctly.
Abstract Reasoning (AR) – 20 to 25 Minutes
- Questions: 25
- Target Attempts: 18–22
- Why early: Visual fatigue increases later; fresh mind helps pattern spotting
AR should be treated as a speed round, not a thinking marathon.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) – 30 to 35 Minutes
- Questions: 50
- Target Attempts: 30–35
- Why limited time: Easy questions are scattered; avoid calculation traps
CET Quant is not concept-heavy but speed-heavy.
Verbal Ability & RC – 35 to 40 Minutes
- Questions: 50
- Target Attempts: 35–40
- Why last: Language questions benefit from settled exam rhythm
VA is scoring if you avoid overthinking.
Buffer Time – 5 to 10 Minutes
- For revisiting marked questions
- Intelligent guessing
- Confidence-based attempts
Best Section Attempt Order (Proven CET Strategy)
Recommended Order:
- Logical Reasoning
- Abstract Reasoning
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Verbal Ability & RC
Why this works:
- LR + AR together build early momentum
- Quant is tackled before mental fatigue peaks
- Verbal becomes smoother once exam anxiety reduces
Avoid starting with Quant or RC unless you are exceptionally strong in them.
Smart Question Selection Rules (Most Important Part)
The 30-Second Rule
If you cannot see a clear solving approach within 30 seconds, skip immediately.
CET Question Categories
Mentally divide questions into:
- Category A: Direct, doable in under 40 seconds → Attempt immediately
- Category B: Slight thinking needed → Mark & move
- Category C: Lengthy, confusing → Skip permanently
This single habit can improve your score by 10–15 marks.
Section-wise Time Management & Selection Strategy
Logical Reasoning Strategy
- Focus first on:
- Arrangements
- Coding-decoding
- Syllogisms
- Directions
- Blood relations
- Avoid:
- Long puzzle sets
- Multi-condition arrangements
Attempt LR in 2 rounds:
- Round 1: All easy questions
- Round 2: Selected moderate ones
Abstract Reasoning Strategy
- Spend maximum 40–50 seconds per question
- Look for:
- Shape count
- Rotation
- Symmetry
- Odd one out
- If pattern doesn’t click instantly, skip
Never get emotionally attached to an AR question.
Quantitative Aptitude Strategy
- First attempt:
- Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, Percentages, Ratios)
- Simplification
- Approximation
- Second attempt:
- Algebra basics
- Number series
- Avoid:
- Lengthy geometry
- Heavy calculation DI sets
Speed matters more than formula memorisation.
Verbal Ability & RC Strategy
- Start with:
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence correction
- RC approach:
- Short passages first
- Read questions before passage
- Avoid rereading passages multiple times
Trust your first instinct in Verbal.
Intelligent Guessing Strategy (No Negative Marking Advantage)
Since there is no negative marking, guessing is allowed—but it must be controlled.
When to Guess
- Eliminated 2 options confidently
- Pattern-based questions
- Vocabulary questions with close meanings
When NOT to Guess
- Completely unfamiliar Quant problems
- Confusing logic puzzles
Random guessing should be restricted to last 5 minutes only.
Last 10 Minutes Strategy (Score Booster Zone)
This phase can add 5–10 marks easily.
- Attempt all marked questions that look familiar
- Guess vocabulary or AR questions
- Avoid long calculations
- Keep calm—no experimentation
Many students lose marks here due to panic.
Common Time Management Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting with weakest section
- Overspending time on first few questions
- Ignoring easy questions in Quant
- Trying to solve every question
- Not practising with a stopwatch during mocks
How to Practise This Strategy Before the Exam
- Take at least 15 full-length CET mocks
- Fix your section order and never change it randomly
- Analyse:
- Time spent per section
- Questions skipped vs attempted
- Accuracy under speed pressure
Consistency in mock execution is the key.
Final Verdict: What Separates 120 from 140+
Candidates scoring 140+ in MAH MBA CET are not necessarily smarter—they are faster decision-makers.
If you:
- Control time strictly
- Skip without guilt
- Exploit easy questions
- Stay calm in the last 10 minutes
You can push your score significantly higher.
Time management is not a skill you use on exam day—it is a habit built through disciplined practice.
FAQs
How much time should I spend on Logical Reasoning in MAH MBA CET?
Ideally, 40–45 minutes are sufficient for Logical Reasoning, allowing you to attempt around 55–60 questions comfortably if you focus on easy and moderate ones.
Is it safe to guess in MAH MBA CET since there is no negative marking?
Yes, intelligent guessing is beneficial, especially when you can eliminate at least two options. However, random guessing should be limited to the last few minutes to avoid wasting time.
Which section should I attempt first in MAH MBA CET?
Most toppers prefer starting with Logical Reasoning followed by Abstract Reasoning, as these sections help build momentum early in the exam.
How many questions should I attempt to score 140+ in CET?
A safe target is around 155–165 attempts with good accuracy. Quality attempts matter more than blindly attempting all 200 questions.
Can I change my section order during the exam?
It is not advisable. Fix your order during mock practice and follow it strictly in the actual exam to avoid confusion and time loss.
