IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English – Time Management Plan for 60 Minutes

Introduction

The IFSCA Grade A 2025 Phase 2 Descriptive English paper is one of the most decisive parts of the recruitment process. Carrying 100 marks in just 60 minutes, it tests not only your writing skills but also your ability to think quickly, organize content, and present ideas under strict time pressure.

The paper consists of three sections:

  • Precis Writing – 35 marks
  • Essay Writing – 30 marks
  • Comprehension – 35 marks

Many aspirants prepare content extensively but fail to maximize marks due to poor time management. Since the exam environment is highly stressful, you must have a pre-planned time allocation strategy to ensure that no section is left incomplete and each task receives adequate attention.

This article provides a step-by-step time management plan, section-wise strategy, and practical tips to help you score 65–70+ marks in the Descriptive English paper.

1. Why Time Management is Crucial

  • Limited Duration (60 minutes): You must read passages, plan, write, and revise in a very short span.
  • Unequal Weightage: Precis and comprehension carry 35 marks each, while essay carries 30.
  • No Choice: All three sections must be attempted.
  • Psychological Pressure: Candidates often spend too much time on essays and rush through precis/comprehension.

👉 Effective time management is the difference between an average and a top score.

2. Suggested Time Allocation

Here’s a proven time split for the 60-minute paper:

  • Essay Writing (30 Marks): 20 minutes
  • Precis Writing (35 Marks): 15 minutes
  • Comprehension (35 Marks): 25 minutes

This ensures a balance between creativity (essay), conciseness (precis), and accuracy (comprehension).

3. Section-Wise Time Management Strategy

(a) Essay Writing – 30 Marks (20 minutes)

Why First?

  • Requires maximum concentration and creativity.
  • Sets examiner’s first impression.

Step-wise Plan:

  • 2 minutes: Read topic, brainstorm key points, outline structure.
  • 15 minutes: Write essay (250–300 words).
  • 3 minutes: Revise for grammar, word count, and flow.

Pro Tips:

  • Stick to Introduction → Body → Counterpoints → Conclusion format.
  • Use 2–3 data points or current examples for credibility.
  • Avoid exceeding word limit—time will slip away.

(b) Precis Writing – 35 Marks (15 minutes)

Why Second?

  • Requires focused summarization but less creativity than essays.
  • Easier to complete in fixed time if rules are followed.

Step-wise Plan:

  • 3 minutes: Read passage carefully.
  • 2 minutes: Mark key points, draft outline.
  • 8 minutes: Write precis in 80–100 words.
  • 2 minutes: Revise, check word count, and grammar.

Pro Tips:

  • Follow the one-third rule strictly.
  • Don’t copy sentences—paraphrase.
  • Write in one compact paragraph.

(c) Comprehension – 35 Marks (25 minutes)

Why Last?

  • Time-consuming, involves reading + multiple answers.
  • Easier to adjust remaining time compared to essay/precis.

Step-wise Plan:

  • 2 minutes: Read all questions first.
  • 7 minutes: Read passage (400–500 words).
  • 12 minutes: Answer factual + inference + vocabulary questions.
  • 4 minutes: Revise and refine answers.

Pro Tips:

  • Keep answers short (3–5 lines).
  • Use your own words, avoid copy-pasting.
  • Don’t neglect vocabulary questions—they are easy marks.

4. Micro Time-Saving Techniques

  1. Skim First, Then Deep Read: Don’t waste time on every line during first reading.
  2. Use Bullet Notes: For essay planning and precis outline.
  3. Keep Watch Visible: Allocate time strictly; don’t get stuck on one question.
  4. Leave 3–5 Minutes Buffer: For quick review at the end.
  5. Practice Typing Speed: If exam is online, slow typing wastes valuable minutes.

5. Practice-Based Time Management

Time management in the real exam comes only with practice.

Daily Routine (30–40 mins):

  • Essay (250 words) – 15 mins
  • Precis (100 words) – 10 mins
  • Comprehension (5 questions) – 15 mins

Weekly Routine (60 mins):

  • Attempt one full-length Descriptive English mock under strict time.

After 4–5 weeks, you’ll automatically learn to balance speed with accuracy.

6. Common Time Management Mistakes

  1. Spending 30 minutes on essay → No time left for precis/comprehension.
  2. Re-reading passage too many times → Wastes minutes.
  3. Writing lengthy answers in comprehension → Unnecessary time drain.
  4. Not counting words in precis → Risk of under/over word count.
  5. Skipping revision → Leads to small errors that reduce marks.

7. Ideal Attempt Sequence

  1. Essay (20 mins) – Fresh mind, best creativity.
  2. Precis (15 mins) – Structured, mechanical task.
  3. Comprehension (25 mins) – Longer task, but safe as last attempt.

This sequence ensures logical flow and efficient use of mental energy.

8. Model Timeline Example

If exam starts at 10:00 AM:

  • 10:00–10:20 AM: Essay writing (draft + final + revise).
  • 10:20–10:35 AM: Precis writing (outline + draft + revise).
  • 10:35–11:00 AM: Comprehension (read + answer + revise).

👉 Always reserve last 2–3 minutes to recheck spelling, grammar, and formatting.

9. Building Exam-Day Discipline

  • Avoid Overthinking: Stick to your pre-decided plan.
  • Stay Calm: Nervousness eats up minutes.
  • Watch the Clock: Divide time into checkpoints.
  • Don’t Chase Perfection: A complete paper with decent answers scores more than an incomplete but perfect essay.

10. Conclusion

The IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper is not only about knowledge but also about time-smart execution. With just 60 minutes for essay, precis, and comprehension, every second counts.

By following the suggested 20-15-25 split, practicing daily under timed conditions, and avoiding common time-wasters, you can confidently complete all sections and aim for 65–70+ marks.

👉 Remember: In competitive exams, finishing strong is as important as writing well.