This research aims to identify, analyze, and evaluate the impact of using countdown timer when administering programming exercises for the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology students in one of the state universities in Central Luzon, Philippines. This research utilized descriptive-correlational approach to describe the impact of using countdown timer on the academic motivation and programming anxiety of BSIT students. The researchers used purposive sampling to select the respondents of the study. They are the sophomore students who are exposed to the use of countdown timer every time they have laboratory exercises and/or programming activities. Responses were tallied, summarized and interpreted. Results show that there were common academic motivations and reasons why students pursue their college education -- intrinsically and extrinsically. Also, this study found out how the sophomore students view the use of countdown timer when conducting programming exercises and the level of their programming anxiety. Lastly, significant impact was revealed indicating that the selected demographic profile of the respondents affects the programming anxiety and that the programming anxiety is being affected by the use of countdown timer.