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Are you obsessed with IELTS reading time? You’re not alone! Many IELTS test takers find the IELTS Reading section intimidating and for good reason: 40 questions in just 60 minutes. That’s a tight sprint where time slips away if you’re not strategic. But don’t worry, with the right approach, planning, and practice, you can conquer the clock and finish your test with confidence. In this detailed page, we’ll break down how to avoid running out of time in the IELTS Reading test and get the most out of every minute.

Understanding the IELTS Reading time rules

First, it’s crucial to understand the IELTS reading time limit:

  • You get 60 minutes total to answer 40 questions across three reading passages

  • There’s no extra time to transfer answers, especially for paper-based tests, so efficiency is essential

  • The passages increase in difficulty from the first to the third, so time management becomes more critical as you progress

In other words: you quickly go from easy beginnings to a demanding finish and if you’re not careful, IELTS reading time for each section can slip away before you know it.

Why test takers run out of time in IELTS Reading test

Here are common pitfalls that cause test takers to lose control of their time:

  • Reading passages too slowly or word-by-word instead of scanning for important information

  • Spending too long on a single difficult question

  • Not reading questions before the passage, leading to unnecessary back-and-forth

  • Panicking in Passage 3 and wasting valuable minutes

If you’ve faced these issues before, you’re in the right place, because we’re going to fix them!

Top strategies to win your IELTS Reading time

Here’s how to make your IELTS Reading time management smarter, not harder:

1. Divide your time — Know your targets

A simple rule of thumb is:

  • Passage 1: 15–20 minutes

  • Passage 2: 20 minutes

  • Passage 3: 20–25 minutes

This structure helps match the pacing with increasing difficulty so you’re not scrambling at the end.

TIP: Keep an eye on the clock after every 10 minutes. Small checks prevent big surprises!

2. Skim & scan — Stop reading every word

One of the biggest time wasters is attempting to read a whole passage word-for-word.

  • Skimming helps you grasp the main ideas

  • Scanning helps you locate specific information based on question keywords

Together, these techniques dramatically cut down unnecessary reading time.

3. Read questions before the passage

Sounds counter-intuitive? Many top scorers start by reading questions first so they know what to look for when reading the passage. This avoids random reading and keeps your eyes focused on relevant answers — saving precious minutes.

4. Answer easy questions first

Don’t get stuck on questions that drain your time. Instead:

  • Start with questions you find easy or familiar

  • Return to tougher ones only if you have time left

This boosts confidence, gets quick marks, and maintains your IELTS reading time balance.

5. Use smart guessing

There’s no penalty for wrong answers in IELTS Reading — so if you’re running out of time:

✔ Guess!

✔ Fill every bubble before time runs out!

Just make sure you don’t leave any blank answers.

6. Practice under real-time conditions

This isn’t optional. The only way to truly improve your IELTS Reading time management is to simulate test conditions. Take a full-length practice test available on IELTS IDP India official website:

  • Use a timer during practice.

  • Take full 60-minute mock tests.

  • Analyse how long you take on each question type.

This helps your brain adapt to the real test time pressure.

Bonus tips to protect your time in IELTS Reading test

Here are some quick psychological and practical tips:

  • Stay calm! Anxiety burns time and clouds judgement

  • Use a reliable watch (if allowed) to monitor time

  • Skip hard questions early, don’t let one tough item derail your momentum

  • Underline key question words to speed up scanning

The truth is this: mastering IELTS Reading time isn’t about reading faster — it’s aboutreading smarter. With strategic planning, intentional practice, and a mindset built for pacing, you can beat the clock every single time.

Remember:

  • The IELTS Reading time duration is fixed — 60 minutes for 40 questions.

  • The IELTS Reading time limit challenges not just your language skills, but your test strategy.

  • Proper IELTS Reading time for each section helps you distribute focus wisely.

  • By mastering IELTS Reading time management, you'll never have to fear running out of time again!

Now go ahead — take charge of your time, practise smart, and score higher in your IELTS Reading test!

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