Chapter 12 of Class 5 Maths Mela, Racing Seconds, uses race-timing scenarios to teach the relationship between minutes and seconds, comparing durations, and reading both 12-hour and 24-hour clock formats.
Last Updated: September 4, 2026
NCERT Solutions for Class 5 Maths Chapter 12: Racing Seconds
What this chapter teaches.
1 minute = 60 seconds; comparing race times to see who finished first (smaller time = faster); calculating elapsed time between a start and end time; and reading both 12-hour clock format (with AM/PM) and 24-hour clock format (used on digital clocks and train/flight schedules).
Activity 1 — Who Won the Race?
Given several runners’ finishing times in minutes and seconds, children order them from fastest to slowest.
Activity 2 — Elapsed Time.
Given a start time and end time, children calculate how much time has passed, practising with both clock formats.
Activity 3 — Convert 12-hour to 24-hour.
Children practise converting times like 3:15 PM to 24-hour format (15:15) and back.
Why This Chapter Matters
Reading clocks, comparing durations, and converting between time formats are everyday skills needed for schedules, travel, and sports.
How to Use These Solutions
Practise reading both a real analogue clock and a digital 24-hour display side by side to connect the two systems. Download the full chapter from our Class 5 Maths NCERT book page, or browse the Class 5 hub.
See also the Extra Questions and Revision Notes for this chapter.
- Chapter 1: We the Travellers — I – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 2: Fractions – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 3: Angles as Turns – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 4: We the Travellers — II – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 5: Far and Near – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 6: The Dairy Farm – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 7: Shapes and Patterns – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 8: Weight and Capacity – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 9: Coconut Farm – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 10: Symmetrical Designs – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 11: Grandmother's Quilt – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 13: Animal Jumps – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 14: Maps and Locations – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 15: Data Through Pictures – Free PDF Download
Frequently Asked Questions
How many seconds are in a minute?
60 seconds.
What is 3:15 PM in 24-hour format?
15:15.

