Healthcare professional practicing DHA time management strategies during a Prometric exam with timed MCQs.

DHA Exam Time Management Strategy

Managing time in the DHA exam is often more challenging than the questions themselves. Thousands of candidates fail not because they lack knowledge, but because they run out of time, panic midway, or get stuck on a few tough MCQs.

In this guide, we break down a complete DHA time management system, how much time you should spend on each question, what strategy to use for easy/moderate/hard MCQs, how to skip effectively, and how to maximise your performance in the final minutes.

If you’re preparing for DHA, these DHA timing tips will help you work faster, smarter, and more confidently.

Total Exam Duration

The DHA exam (Prometric-based) generally consists of 100–150 MCQs, depending on the profession, all to be completed within 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes.

This means you must stay aware of both the time spent per question and your overall quiz progress, because losing control at any stage impacts your accuracy in the latter half of the exam.

Average Time Per Question

If you break down the total duration, the ideal timing is as follows:

100 questions → 1.2–1.3 minutes per question
125 questions → 1 minute per question
150 questions → ~45 seconds per question

However, this is an average, not a strict rule. Some questions (easy recall type) will take 20–30 seconds, while others (case-based or long clinical reasoning) may require up to 90 seconds.

Rule of thumb:

If a question takes more than 75–90 seconds, skip it and come back later.

This will keep you from wasting a lot of time early on and rushing towards the end.

Strategy for Easy / Moderate / Hard MCQs

A smart time-management plan divides questions into three types based on difficulty. This helps maintain accuracy while preventing burnout.

Easy Questions (20–40 seconds)

These include:

Direct recall

Direct definitions
Single-line clinical clues
Straightforward pharmacology or lab values

Strategy:

Answer immediately. Don’t overthink. Don’t recheck unless 100% sure.

Moderation Questions (45–60 seconds)

These involve:

Basic clinical cases
Differential diagnosis
Management decisions
Interpretation-based questions

Strategy:

Read the stem once, options once.
Eliminate 2–3 incorrect choices.
Choose the most likely correct answer.
Mark for review only if you are confused between two options.

Hard Questions (60–90 seconds)

These Include:

Extended case studies
Multi-step reasoning
Rare diseases or uncommon presentations
Questions of multiple lab interpretations

Strategy:

Spend a maximum of 75–90 seconds.
If still not sure about the question, skip immediately.
Never waste too much brain power early in the exam.

Skipping & Revisiting Technique

The skip-and-return approach is essential for DHA because not all questions carry equal complexity, and time spent on tough ones can cost you several easy points later.

Use the formula:

✔Skip If the question is:
- too long
- too complicated
- requires deeper calculation
- is unfamiliar
- taking longer than 90 seconds,
✔ Mark the question for review using the Prometric tool.

Two-Round Revist
- Round 1: Attempt all easy & moderate MCQs → Finish in 60–70% of your total time.
- Round 2: Solve all skipped questions → You are calmer & have more time to think.
This method increases accuracy and keeps your confidence high throughout the exam.

Last 10-Minute Plan

It’s the last 10 minutes that determine if you finish strong or panic.

Spend these last minutes wisely:

Return to flagged questions only

Do not open new questions without flags.

Leave none of your questions unanswered

There is no negative marking, so guess the most plausible option.

Avoid changing answers unless clearly wrong

Second-guessing usually lowers the score.

Focus on questions where you are 50%–70% sure

These are your highest-yield guesses.

Keep your cool, don’t make rash decisions

Rushed decisions result in careless mistakes.

Common Timing Mistakes Made by Students

Many candidates fail the DHA exam because of the following mistakes:

Spending too much time on case-based MCQs

Long clinical scenarios often feel important, but wasting 3–4 minutes on them destroys your timing.

Over-reading the question

Reading the stem multiple times wastes precious seconds.

Rechecking every answer

Only review flagged items; don’t review everything.

Stuck in a mire of unfamiliar subjects

Move on quickly-many questions are easier later.

Not using “mark for review”

This is a convenient, built-in feature designed to help you moderate your pace.

Not practicing under timed conditions

It is not merely a question of knowledge- it is speed that must be trained.

Practice Methods to Improve Time Management

You need to have structured daily practice to master DHA time management.

Do full-length timed mock tests

This helps to simulate real exam pressure and locate slow areas.

Do question blocks with a stopwatch

Solve 40–50 MCQs in 40–45 minutes.

Employ the “10-second elimination rule”

If, within 10 seconds, you cannot eliminate any options, then skip temporarily.

Strengthen areas you consistently have to get back on

The formation of weak concepts generally results in slow speed.

Review your timing analytics

Lots of mock test platforms provide time-per-question stats-use ’em.

Train yourself to read faster

Clinical MCQs require quick comprehension.

Conclusion

Time management in the DHA exam is not just about speed. It’s about strategy, prioritisation, and psychological control. By maintaining an average of 45–60 seconds per question, skipping smartly, using the last 10 minutes wisely, and practising timed mock tests, you can significantly increase your exam accuracy and pass with confidence. The DHA exam provides enough time if you follow a structured approach like the one above. Master these timing techniques, and you’ll stay calm, focused, and fully in control during the actual exam.