The IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English paper is a high-stakes, high-yield component of Phase 2. With three sections—Essay, Precis, and Reading Comprehension—packed into a 60-minute window, time management becomes the key to not just completing the paper but scoring high.
Even well-prepared candidates fall short due to poor time allocation, getting stuck on one section and rushing through the others. This post by Bank Whizz presents a proven time management strategy that helps you stay in control, maintain quality, and maximize your score.
📘 Descriptive Paper Structure at a Glance
| Section | Task Type | Word Limit | Marks | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | Opinion-based | ~300 words | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Precis Writing | Summarization | ~170 words | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 5 Descriptive Qs | ~30–50 words each | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 60 minutes |
🔧 Why Time Management Is Crucial
- Each section carries significant weight; skipping one drastically reduces your score.
- Unlike objective papers, you must think, plan, write, and revise.
- Quality answers in all three parts are only possible if you pace yourself.
🧠 Section-Wise Time Strategy
Let’s break down the best way to allocate your 60 minutes:
✍️ 1. Essay Writing – 20 Minutes
Why First?
Your mind is freshest at the beginning. Essays require brainstorming and planning, which are easier early on.
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Read 4 topics & choose 1 | 1 minute |
| Think & structure points | 3 minutes |
| Write the essay | 13 minutes |
| Revise & polish | 3 minutes |
| Total | 20 mins |
Pro Tips:
- Don’t dive into writing immediately. Planning saves time later.
- Follow Intro–Body–Conclusion format. Stick to 200–220 words.
- Use short paragraphs for better readability.
✂️ 2. Precis Writing – 20 Minutes
Why Second?
It’s scoring and predictable. Finishing the precis early builds confidence.
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Read full passage | 3 minutes |
| Highlight key ideas | 2 minutes |
| Create outline + title | 3 minutes |
| Write precis (in own words) | 9 minutes |
| Count words + revise | 3 minutes |
| Total | 20 mins |
Pro Tips:
- Avoid examples, stats, or author opinion.
- Write in third-person and active voice.
- Make the title relevant and precise.
📖 3. Reading Comprehension – 20 Minutes
Why Last?
RC is reading + answering—not planning or structuring.
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Skim passage for main idea | 3 minutes |
| Read all 5 questions carefully | 2 minutes |
| Locate answers in passage | 7 minutes |
| Write answers (30–50 words) | 6 minutes |
| Total | 18–20 mins |
Pro Tips:
- Be specific and factual. No generalizations.
- Highlight keywords in questions to avoid misinterpretation.
- Manage length. Long answers won’t fetch extra marks.
🧾 Master Plan: Full 60-Minute Time Table
| Time | Task | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 00–20 mins | Essay Writing | Select topic, structure, write, revise |
| 20–40 mins | Precis Writing | Read, plan, write, revise |
| 40–60 mins | Reading Comprehension | Read, locate answers, write |
You may shift ±2 minutes between sections based on your speed, but never overshoot 22 minutes for any one section.
🧪 Practice Plan to Build Time Discipline
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| Monday | Essay writing in 20 mins |
| Tuesday | Precis writing in 20 mins |
| Wednesday | RC – 5 questions in 20 mins |
| Thursday | Full mock (60 mins) |
| Friday | Review mock & revise errors |
| Saturday | Attempt tough topics in 60 mins |
| Sunday | Light revision + vocab practice |
🚫 Time Wasters to Avoid
| Mistake | Time Lost | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Spending 10+ mins choosing essay | 5–6 mins | Choose within 60 seconds |
| Rewriting instead of revising | 3–4 mins | Use margin notes for edits |
| Reading RC passage multiple times | 5+ mins | Skim first, scan second read |
| Counting words repeatedly | 3–5 mins | Use line estimation method |
🧠 Time-Saving Hacks That Work
✔️ Use the Rough Sheet Efficiently
- Jot down keywords for essay and precis.
- Bullet your essay points before writing full sentences.
✔️ Estimate Word Count by Line
- Know how many average words you write per line (usually 8–10).
- Multiply by number of lines to estimate word count.
✔️ Use Templates for Intro & Conclusion
While writing different content, follow familiar frameworks to save thinking time. Example:
Essay Introduction Template:
“[Topic] has gained significant relevance in recent years. With the changing global and national dynamics, it has become essential to evaluate its implications on [sector/society].”
Conclusion Template:
“To conclude, while challenges remain, [topic] holds immense potential. A balanced approach with collaboration among stakeholders can ensure long-term benefits.”
🧘 Mental Strategies to Stay on Track
- Watch the Clock Every 5 Minutes
- Helps you self-correct without panic.
- Practice Under Exam Pressure
- Set a timer. Don’t pause or edit mid-way. Build real speed.
- Don’t Panic if One Section Lags
- Recover 1–2 mins from the next—but don’t let one delay derail the rest.
- Finish 2–3 minutes early if possible
- Final review of spelling, structure, and formatting can gain bonus marks.
📋 Realistic Mock Drill
Try this mock structure to simulate actual exam conditions:
- Essay Topic: Role of FinTech in Cross-Border Transactions
- Precis Passage: On Green Finance and ESG Integration
- RC Passage: Based on regulatory reforms in Indian capital markets
- Timer: 60 minutes hard stop
- Goal: Complete all 3, revise at least 1 section, assess quality
Do this weekly with Bank Whizz mocks, and you’ll master time allocation under pressure.
🔁 Practice → Evaluate → Improve Loop
Time management improves only when you:
- Practice with discipline
- Evaluate performance honestly
- Iterate and improve your writing speed
Bank Whizz offers full-length descriptive mocks, section-wise timers, and expert feedback that tell you:
- How long you took for each section
- Where you lost time
- How you can optimize your performance
🏁 Final Words
Cracking the IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English paper isn’t just about good writing—it’s about strategic writing within time.
By mastering time management, you ensure:
- No section is left incomplete
- Each answer is crisp, thoughtful, and grammatically sound
- You finish with confidence, not chaos
🎯 Final Formula to Remember
20 + 20 + 20 = 100
Essay (20 mins) + Precis (20 mins) + RC (20 mins) = 100 Marks
With practice, planning, and tools from Bank Whizz, you’ll not only manage your time—you’ll master it.