Introduction
The NABARD Grade A Phase 2 Descriptive English Paper is a make-or-break component of your final selection. With 100 marks at stake and just 90 minutes to complete three different writing tasks, time management becomes as crucial as content preparation.
Even well-prepared aspirants often fall short of expected marks because they spend too long on one section and rush through others, leading to grammar errors, missed points, or incomplete answers.
This article lays out a minute-by-minute strategy to help you distribute time wisely between Essay, Letter Writing, and Precis Writing — so you finish on time and score 70+ marks consistently.
Paper Structure – Know What You’re Up Against
| Section | Marks | Word Limit | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 40 | ~500–520 words | 40 mins |
| Letter Writing | 30 | ~200–220 words | 15–20 mins |
| Precis Writing | 30 | ~120 words | 20–25 mins |
Total: 100 Marks | Total Time: 90 Minutes
Your goal should be to attempt all three sections with accuracy, structured presentation, and a few minutes left for review.
Why Time Management Matters
- Essay Needs Breathing Space: You need time to brainstorm, structure, and review.
- Letter Is Quick but Easy Marks: Can be completed in 15 mins if format is known.
- Precis Needs Focus: Requires careful reading and rewriting — rushing leads to losing marks.
- Typing Speed Factor: At least 30 WPM is needed to comfortably finish all sections.
Ideal 90-Minute Time Allocation
Here’s the perfectly balanced plan:
| Section | Time Allocation |
|---|---|
| Letter Writing | 15–17 minutes |
| Precis Writing | 20–25 minutes |
| Essay Writing | 40 minutes |
| Final Review & Touch-Ups | 5 minutes |
This sequence ensures you secure quick marks in letter and precis first, leaving ample time for essay — the most scoring part of the paper.
Step-by-Step 90-Minute Strategy
Minute 0–3: Skim Through All Questions
- Read all essay topics once — pick the one you know best.
- Check letter options — choose familiar scenario.
- Get a sense of the precis passage length.
This quick scanning prevents panic later and helps you prioritize.
Minute 4–20: Letter Writing (30 Marks | 15–17 mins)
Letter writing is the easiest section to finish quickly and fetch 20+ marks if you follow the format.
Approach:
- Plan (2 mins): Decide structure — Introduction, Body, Conclusion.
- Write (12 mins):
- Keep word limit 200–230 words
- Use professional tone and correct salutation
- Follow proper subject line & closing
- Proofread (2–3 mins): Fix grammar and punctuation.
Why Attempt First:
Letter is quick and guarantees early marks, boosting confidence before longer sections.
Minute 21–45: Precis Writing (30 Marks | 20–25 mins)
Precis needs focus and calmness — best attempted before essay to avoid fatigue.
Approach:
- Read Passage Twice (5–6 mins): First for understanding, second for key points.
- Prepare Rough Draft (5–6 mins): Jot main ideas, drop examples/adjectives.
- Write Final Precis (8–10 mins): Keep it one-third of original length, use connectors for flow.
- Give Title & Proofread (2–3 mins): Title must capture main theme.
Goal: 21–23 marks by staying concise, maintaining logical order, and using simple language.
Minute 46–85: Essay Writing (40 Marks | 40 mins)
Essay is the most important section, carrying the highest marks.
Approach:
- Brainstorm & Outline (5 mins):
- Introduction → Body (3 paras) → Conclusion
- Note down key points, facts, schemes
- Write (30–32 mins):
- Introduction (50–70 words): Define topic + context
- Body (350–380 words): Discuss issues, solutions, examples, data
- Conclusion (50 words): End with optimistic, solution-oriented tone
- Proofread (3–5 mins): Check grammar, sentence flow, and word count.
Goal: 28–30 marks with structured, data-backed essay.
Minute 86–90: Final Review (5 mins)
- Recheck letter formatting (Subject, Salutation, Closing)
- Count precis words (±5% of limit)
- Skim essay conclusion to ensure completeness
This last check can easily save 3–4 marks by catching errors or missed words.
Typing Speed – The Hidden Factor
Even the best time plan fails without adequate typing speed.
- Target 30–35 WPM with 90% accuracy
- Practice daily on 10FastFingers, TypingClub
- Type previous year essays and letters to simulate real exam
Practical Example – 90-Minute Mock Test Schedule
| Time Slot | Task |
|---|---|
| 0–3 min | Read all questions |
| 4–20 min | Letter Writing |
| 21–45 min | Precis Writing |
| 46–85 min | Essay Writing |
| 86–90 min | Review & Edit |
Take 1 full-length mock every weekend to get used to this pacing.
Vocabulary & Expressions to Save Time
- Use crisp words: assist → facilitate, very big → significant, because of → owing to
- Use connectors: However, Therefore, Consequently, In conclusion
- Avoid wordy phrases:
- ❌ In order to → ✅ To
- ❌ Due to the fact that → ✅ Because
Shorter expressions save time and keep writing precise.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overspending time on Essay Intro: 15 mins brainstorming is too much — cap it at 5 mins.
- Skipping Letter/Precis: Never leave them for last — risk of running out of time.
- Typing Slowly: If you write only 20 WPM, you will miss word limit and lose marks.
- No Proofreading: Typos and grammar errors can cost 3–4 marks easily.
Smart Practice Plan (4 Weeks)
| Week | Focus Area | Task |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Letter + Precis Basics | Practice 3 letters & 3 precis under timer |
| Week 2 | Essay Foundation | Write 2 essays with structured format |
| Week 3 | Mock Test 1 | Attempt full 90-min paper & analyze |
| Week 4 | Refinement | Work on weak area + take Mock Test 2 |
This routine builds speed, accuracy, and confidence before the real exam.
Final Takeaways
- Letter + Precis first: Quick marks, build momentum
- Essay last: Allocate maximum time and mental space
- Review last 5 mins: Fix errors, count words, polish presentation
- Practice typing: Make this schedule a habit before D-day
Conclusion
Time management is the deciding factor in NABARD Grade A 2025 Descriptive Paper. With this 90-minute plan, you will:
- Attempt all three sections confidently
- Stay within word limits
- Avoid last-minute panic
- Maximize your score to cross 70+ marks
Start practicing this schedule every week, improve your typing speed, and make time discipline your competitive advantage. On exam day, you’ll not just finish on time — you’ll finish strong.