Introduction
The SBI PO 2025 Descriptive Test is a crucial part of the Mains Examination, consisting of:
- Essay Writing (30 Marks) – 250 words
- Letter Writing (20 Marks) – 150 words
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Many candidates struggle with time management in this section, either rushing through answers or running out of time before completing both tasks.
This guide will help you:
✔ Allocate time effectively between essay and letter writing
✔ Improve writing speed and accuracy
✔ Follow a structured approach to complete both tasks on time
✔ Avoid common mistakes that waste time
Let’s break it down step by step!
Understanding the SBI PO 2025 Descriptive Paper Timing
You must prioritize speed and clarity while maintaining good structure and grammar.
Common Time-Related Challenges
❌ Spending too much time thinking about the essay topic
❌ Writing lengthy introductions and struggling to conclude
❌ Taking too long to structure the letter
❌ Not proofreading answers due to lack of time
With the right strategy, you can complete the test without stress.
Step-by-Step Time Management Strategy for SBI PO 2025 Descriptive Paper
Step 1: Plan Before You Write (3 Minutes)
Before you start writing, spend 3 minutes brainstorming ideas for both the essay and letter.
✔ For Essay Writing:
- Identify 3-4 key points for your introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Decide on examples or facts to support your arguments.
- Outline a logical flow.
✔ For Letter Writing:
- Identify the purpose of the letter (complaint, request, application, personal).
- Quickly recall the correct format (formal or informal).
- Plan main points for each paragraph.
Why This Step is Important?
✦ Saves time during writing
✦ Ensures a structured answer
✦ Reduces the risk of midway confusion
Step 2: Writing the Essay (15-18 Minutes)
Now that you have a plan, start writing without hesitation.
How to Structure Your Essay Efficiently?
Tips to Save Time in Essay Writing:
✔ Write short and impactful sentences – Avoid unnecessary details.
✔ Use transition words (moreover, however, consequently) to maintain flow.
✔ Stick to one main idea per paragraph.
Example of a Quick Essay Plan:
Topic: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Banking
1️⃣ Introduction: Define AI in banking and its growing importance.
2️⃣ Body Paragraph 1: Benefits (automation, customer support, fraud detection).
3️⃣ Body Paragraph 2: Challenges (job losses, cybersecurity concerns).
4️⃣ Conclusion: Future of AI in banking and need for regulations.
Why This Step is Important?
✦ Avoids unnecessary elaboration
✦ Ensures logical flow and clarity
✦ Helps complete the essay on time
Step 3: Writing the Letter (10-12 Minutes)
After completing the essay, move to letter writing.
How to Structure Your Letter Efficiently?
✔ Formal Letter Example:
Subject: Request for a Loan Extension
Introduction: Mention the purpose of the letter (loan extension request).
Body: Explain financial difficulties, current repayment status, and reasons for extension.
Conclusion: Request consideration and offer alternative repayment terms.
✔ Informal Letter Example:
Topic: Writing to a Friend About Your Travel Experience
Introduction: Greet your friend warmly.
Body: Describe places visited, best experiences, and memorable moments.
Conclusion: Express hope to travel together in the future.
Tips to Save Time in Letter Writing:
✔ Use short sentences and direct language.
✔ Follow the correct format – avoid structural mistakes.
✔ Do not exceed 150 words – keep it concise and to the point.
Why This Step is Important?
✦ Ensures professional or personal tone (depending on the type of letter).
✦ Avoids losing marks for incorrect format.
✦ Helps complete letter writing quickly.
Step 4: Proofreading (2-3 Minutes)
This is the most overlooked step, but it can boost your score significantly.
✔ Check for spelling and grammar mistakes.
✔ Ensure proper sentence formation.
✔ Verify format (letter salutation, subject, conclusion, etc.).
✔ Make small edits for clarity if needed.
Why This Step is Important?
✦ Eliminates avoidable errors that can reduce marks.
✦ Ensures answers are well-structured and easy to read.
✦ Makes a good impression on the examiner.
Common Time-Wasting Mistakes to Avoid
❌ 1. Spending Too Much Time on Introduction
✔ Keep introductions short and engaging.
✔ Get to the main point quickly.
❌ 2. Overthinking While Writing
✔ Follow the essay and letter plan you created in Step 1.
✔ Don’t worry about perfect phrasing – just write clearly.
❌ 3. Ignoring the Word Limit
✔ Essays should be 250 words max.
✔ Letters should not exceed 150 words.
❌ 4. Writing Without Proofreading
✔ Always spend 2-3 minutes checking errors before submitting.
Final Thoughts
Mastering time management in SBI PO 2025 Descriptive Paper is about planning, structuring, and writing efficiently.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Allocate time wisely – Spend 15-18 minutes on essays, 10-12 minutes on letters, and 2-3 minutes on proofreading.
✔ Plan before writing – Spend 3 minutes outlining your essay and letter.
✔ Write concisely and clearly – Stick to the format and avoid unnecessary details.
✔ Proofread before submitting – Correct grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.
By following this 30-minute strategy, you can confidently complete the Descriptive Paper with a high score!
Would you like sample essays and letters for further practice? Let us know in the comments!