Introduction
The IFSCA Grade A Phase II Paper 1 is designed to test more than just your knowledge. It checks your ability to express yourself clearly, precisely, and within strict time constraints. The paper includes three descriptive sections—Precis Writing (35 marks), Essay Writing (30 marks), and Comprehension (35 marks)—all to be completed in 60 minutes.
Many aspirants, despite having good writing skills, fail to complete all three sections within the time limit. That’s why time management is as crucial as content.
This post will help you build an effective time allocation strategy, maintain speed with accuracy, and increase your chances of scoring 75+ out of 100.
IFSCA Phase II Paper 1: At a Glance
| Section | Marks | Suggested Word Count | Recommended Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precis Writing | 35 | ~170 words | 20 minutes |
| Essay Writing | 30 | ~200 words | 20 minutes |
| Comprehension | 35 | 5 Qs (3–5 lines each) | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 60 minutes |
Why Time Management Matters
- Sectional Cut-off: Each section has a 30% minimum cut-off
- Online Typing Format: You must type all answers within time—typing speed matters
- No sectional timing: You control how much time to spend on each section
- Penalty of Incompletion: Leaving one section affects your cut-off and overall score
Therefore, a well-rehearsed time management strategy is essential.
Section-Wise Time Allocation Strategy
Let’s dive into how to optimize each of the 60 minutes.
1. Precis Writing – 20 Minutes (35 Marks)
Why It Needs Dedicated Time:
Precis writing demands deep understanding, analysis, summarization, and expression—all in a compressed format. Rushing here can lead to grammatical issues, poor structure, or overshooting the word limit.
Breakdown of 20 Minutes:
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Reading passage (twice) | 3 mins |
| Identifying key points | 4 mins |
| Writing title + draft | 10 mins |
| Reviewing for clarity/grammar | 3 mins |
Tips:
- Use bullet points for key ideas before drafting
- Stick to a formal, third-person tone
- Don’t exceed 170–180 words
2. Essay Writing – 20 Minutes (30 Marks)
Why It Needs a Fixed Slot:
Essays test your awareness, structure, logic, and presentation skills. Since you choose 1 out of 4 topics, decision-making can eat into your time if not handled smartly.
Breakdown of 20 Minutes:
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Reading all 4 topics | 1–2 mins |
| Choosing the best-suited topic | 1 min |
| Planning structure (intro/body/conclusion) | 4 mins |
| Writing the essay | 10–11 mins |
| Review grammar, tone, flow | 2 mins |
Tips:
- Prefer current, finance or policy-related topics
- Keep your sentences short and impactful
- Avoid repetition and personal opinions
3. Comprehension – 20 Minutes (35 Marks)
Why It Must Be Controlled:
This section is scoring, but easy to waste time on if you try to write long or vague answers. Stay focused and concise.
Breakdown of 20 Minutes:
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Read the passage once | 3 mins |
| Read all 5 questions | 1 min |
| Locate relevant answers (per Q) | 2–3 mins per question |
| Final review | 2 mins |
Tips:
- Use keywords from the question in your answers
- Stick to 3–5 lines max per question
- Never copy-paste sentences from the passage—paraphrase
Overall Time Management Formula: 20-20-20
This is your golden rule:
- 20 mins for Precis
- 20 mins for Essay
- 20 mins for Comprehension
Within each 20-minute block, apply micro-time management using the breakdowns above. Always keep a 2–3 minute buffer for final proofreading at the end if possible.
Proven Time-Saving Hacks
- Practice Typing
- Target typing speed: 25–30 wpm
- Use platforms like Keybr or TypingTest
- Read Questions First (For Comprehension)
- Helps you scan the passage efficiently
- Don’t Overthink the Title (For Precis)
- Keep it short, meaningful, and to the point
- Stick to Simple English
- Saves time on structuring complex sentences
- Avoid Overwriting
- Be concise, not elaborate
Practice Routine for Time Discipline
| Day | Task | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 1 Precis + 1 Essay | 40 mins |
| Wednesday | 1 Comprehension (5 questions) | 20 mins |
| Friday | Full Mock (Precis + Essay + RC) | 60 mins |
| Weekend | Review & Feedback (self or mentor) | – |
Doing this for 3–4 weeks builds natural time awareness and speed.
Common Time-Wasting Mistakes
| Mistake | Impact |
|---|---|
| Overplanning before writing | Cuts writing time |
| Typing too slowly or with frequent edits | Forces you to skip questions |
| Spending too long on one question in RC | Hurts other answers or sections |
| Rewriting full sentences for minor errors | Causes panic and last-minute rush |
Solution: Practice under exam-like timed conditions at least twice a week.
Use of On-Screen Timer in Exam
- The exam interface provides a visible countdown
- Use the 10-minute checkpoints: Check if you’re on track every 10 minutes
- If you’re behind by 5+ minutes—move forward without editing too much
Quick Summary Table: Section-Wise Game Plan
| Section | Action Plan |
|---|---|
| Precis | Read > Note > Write > Revise (within 20 mins) |
| Essay | Choose > Plan > Write > Proofread (20 mins) |
| Comprehension | Read > Qs > Scan > Answer > Revise (20 mins) |
Final 5 Tips Before Exam Day
- Simulate Exam 2–3 times with full timing
- Use bullet-points while planning—especially for essays
- Avoid editing while writing—complete first draft first
- Mentally visualize the 60-minute timeline
- Don’t panic if one section takes 2–3 mins extra—just speed up the next one slightly
Conclusion
Time management is not just about speed—it’s about balance, clarity, and execution under pressure. In IFSCA Grade A Phase II Paper 1, how you use your 60 minutes will determine whether you pass the descriptive paper with flying colors—or fall short despite good content.
Stick to the 20-20-20 rule, use typing practice tools, and simulate real test conditions with Bank Whizz’s mock tests and evaluation series. Build your timing confidence now so that it becomes second nature in the actual exam.