SIDBI Grade A 2025 Descriptive Paper – Time Management & Writing Speed Hacks

Introduction

The SIDBI Grade A 2025 Phase II Descriptive Paper is one of the most decisive stages in the selection process. With 75 minutes allotted for 3 descriptive tasks—Essay, Precis, and Business/Office Correspondence/Comprehension—you need more than just strong English. Success depends on your ability to manage time effectively, structure your thoughts quickly, and type answers with speed and clarity.

Many aspirants lose valuable marks not because they lack knowledge, but because they mismanage time: spending too long on essays, leaving precis incomplete, or struggling with typing speed. In this article, we will break down time management strategies, writing speed hacks, and practical tips that can help you maximize your score in the SIDBI Grade A 2025 Descriptive Paper.

Paper Overview at a Glance

  • No. of Questions: 3
  • Maximum Marks: 75
  • Time: 75 minutes
  • Sections: Essay, Precis Writing, Business Correspondence/Comprehension
  • Mode: Online Descriptive (typed answers)

Key Challenge: Balancing quality + speed + structure.

Why Time Management Matters

  1. Equal marks distribution – All three tasks carry significant weightage. Ignoring one can cost you dearly.
  2. Typing adds pressure – Unlike handwritten exams, here you must think, frame, and type—making speed essential.
  3. Mental fatigue – Writing three formats (essay, precis, letter/comprehension) in 75 minutes requires focus and stamina.
  4. Evaluator’s expectations – Examiners want structured, grammatically sound, and well-expressed content within the word limit.

Ideal Time Allocation Strategy

Step 1: Quick Reading & Planning (3 minutes)

  • Spend the first 3 minutes scanning all three questions.
  • Identify which essay topic you’re most comfortable with.
  • Mentally note down key points for each answer before typing.

Step 2: Essay Writing (30 minutes)

  • Word limit: 250–300 words
  • Allotted time: 30 minutes
  • Approach:
    1. Spend 5 minutes planning (intro–body–conclusion).
    2. Type out the essay in 20 minutes.
    3. Leave 5 minutes for proofreading.
  • Why first? Essays demand creativity, focus, and fresh energy. Doing it first ensures better quality.

Step 3: Precis Writing (20 minutes)

  • Word limit: One-third of given passage (around 120–150 words).
  • Allotted time: 20 minutes
  • Approach:
    1. Read the passage twice (3 minutes).
    2. Note key points (2 minutes).
    3. Write draft (10 minutes).
    4. Revise for word limit & clarity (5 minutes).

Step 4: Business Correspondence/Comprehension (20 minutes)

  • Allotted time: 20 minutes
  • Approach:
    • If letter/email/office memo → follow a fixed template (salutation, body, closing).
    • If comprehension → answer precisely using passage phrases.
  • Tip: Keep sentences short and formal. Don’t waste time on over-explaining.

Step 5: Buffer & Revision (2 minutes)

  • Use the last 2 minutes to check for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors.

Time Division Recap:

  • Essay: 30 min
  • Precis: 20 min
  • Business/Comprehension: 20 min
  • Revision: 5 min (spread across tasks)

Writing Speed Hacks

1. Develop Typing Fluency

  • Target 35–40 words per minute (WPM) for exam efficiency.
  • Practice with free tools like Keybr, TypingClub, or 10FastFingers.
  • Use touch typing (no looking at keyboard) to save seconds.

2. Use Shortcuts in Expression

  • Replace long phrases with crisp alternatives:
    • “Due to the fact that” → “Because”
    • “In order to” → “To”
    • “At this point in time” → “Now”
  • This keeps your writing concise and saves word count/time.

3. Follow Fixed Structures

  • Essay: Intro → 2–3 body paragraphs → Conclusion.
  • Precis: Title → Compressed content → Conclusion idea.
  • Letter: Salutation → Purpose → Details → Polite closing.
    Having a fixed framework avoids time wasted in planning during the exam.

4. Pre-learn Connectors

  • Use linking words like moreover, however, therefore, in addition to improve flow.
  • These are typing-efficient and enhance readability.

5. Proofreading Hacks

  • Read last line first while revising—it helps spot errors you normally skip.
  • Scan only verbs and nouns to ensure subject-verb agreement.

Common Time-Wasting Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Over-writing essays – Don’t exceed 300 words. Brevity earns better marks.
  2. Typing without plan – Leads to poor structure and wasted corrections.
  3. Ignoring precis word limit – Overshooting or undershooting is penalized.
  4. Rewriting too much – Don’t delete entire paragraphs; edit smartly.
  5. Over-decorating with vocabulary – Use simple, impactful words instead of complex jargon.

Smart Preparation Before the Exam

1. Mock Practice with Timer

  • Simulate 75-minute full papers twice a week.
  • Helps condition your brain for real exam stress.

2. Build Essay Templates

  • Prepare intros and conclusions for recurring themes like:
    • Digital banking
    • Financial inclusion
    • Green finance
    • MSME growth in India
    • AI in banking
      This saves time on exam day.

3. Practice Precis on Editorials

  • Use The Hindu / Business Standard editorials.
  • Try compressing a 400-word article into 130 words.

4. Business Correspondence Practice

  • Learn fixed email and letter formats:
    • Formal request letter
    • Complaint redressal letter
    • Policy communication email

5. Strengthen Typing + Grammar Together

  • Use tools like Grammarly + Google Docs for practice.
  • This builds speed and accuracy simultaneously.

Exam-Day Mindset Hacks

  1. Stay calm in first 5 minutes – Rushing leads to silly mistakes.
  2. Don’t get stuck – If idea flow halts, move on and return later.
  3. Use keywords from question – Shows examiner you’ve addressed the topic.
  4. Avoid over-editing – Stick to first draft corrections only.
  5. Trust your practice – Confidence is as important as speed.

Sample 75-Minute Execution Plan

TaskTime AllottedActivity
Reading Qs3 minScan all 3 tasks
Essay30 minPlan → Type → Revise
Precis20 minRead → Draft → Revise
Business/Comprehension20 minWrite → Format → Check
Final Check2 minCorrect typos, grammar

Final Takeaways

  • Balance is the key – Don’t spend too much on essay and rush through precis.
  • Typing practice is non-negotiable – Without speed, even brilliant ideas remain incomplete.
  • Templates save lives – Pre-learn formats for essay, precis, and letters.
  • Revision time matters – Even 2 minutes of checking can prevent avoidable loss of marks.

The SIDBI Grade A 2025 Descriptive Paper is not just about what you know—it’s about how effectively you can present within 75 minutes. With disciplined time management, typing speed, and structured writing, you can maximize your score and move one step closer to securing your dream role in SIDBI.