SSC CPO 2025 PYQ — Question 59

SSC CPO - 9 Dec 2025 - Shift 2 • General Awareness • Q59

What is the duration of each half in a standard kabaddi match (men’s)?

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

Answer: Option (B) is correct.
Explanation:

  • According to the official rules of the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), the total duration of a standard men's Kabaddi match is 40 minutes. This match is divided into two halves of 20 minutes each. There is a 5-minute interval between the two halves, during which the teams switch sides.
  • The rules differ slightly for the women's and junior categories; for them, the duration of each half is 15 minutes (making for a total match duration of 30 minutes). In knockout matches, if the game ends in a tie, two extra halves of 5 minutes each are played to determine the winner. Kabaddi is a high-intensity sport; therefore, precise time management—specifically the 30-second time limit allotted for a 'Raid'—is of critical importance.

Additional Points:

  • Raid Duration: A raider is allotted a maximum of 30 seconds to complete their raid.
  • Number of Players: At the start of a match, each team has 7 players on the court.
  • Lona: When a team manages to eliminate all the players of the opposing team, they are awarded 2 additional points, known as a 'Lona'.
  • Pro Kabaddi League (PKL): This league has played a pivotal role in popularizing Kabaddi at a professional level in India, and it adheres to these very international rules.

Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
1.    Question: What is the duration of one half of a Kabaddi match for women?
Answer: 15 minutes.
2.    Question: What is a 'Do-or-Die' raid?
Answer: The third raid following two consecutive empty raids, wherein scoring a point is mandatory; otherwise, the raider is deemed 'out'.
3.    Question: How many points are awarded for crossing the 'Bonus Line' in a Kabaddi match?
Answer: 1 point (provided the opposing team has at least 6 players on the court).