Introduction
The IRDAI Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper is one of the most decisive stages of the selection process. You get 60 minutes to answer 4 sections carrying a total of 100 marks:
- Essay Writing – 30 marks
- Precis Writing – 30 marks
- Business Letter or Office Correspondence – 20 marks
- Reading Comprehension – 20 marks
Unlike objective questions, this paper demands planning, thought organization, and writing clarity within a strict time frame. Most candidates struggle not because of a lack of knowledge but due to poor time management.
In this post, we’ll walk you through:
- Section-wise time allocation
- Minute-by-minute exam plan
- Tips to save time
- Common time-wasting traps to avoid
- Final 5-minute revision strategy
1. Why Time Management Matters
Let’s start by understanding the challenge. You have:
- 60 minutes total
- 4 unique writing tasks
- No extra time for revision
- Word limits to manage
Each minute must be used productively. Even 5 extra minutes on one section can cost you crucial marks on another.
2. Suggested Time Allocation: Section-Wise Breakdown
| Section | Marks | Word Limit (Approx.) | Ideal Time Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 30 | 300–350 words | 20 minutes |
| Precis Writing | 30 | 120–130 words | 15 minutes |
| Business Letter / Correspondence | 20 | 250 words | 15 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 20 | 5 Qs, 1 passage | 10 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 60 minutes |
3. Minute-by-Minute Strategy
Let’s now divide your 60 minutes into manageable time blocks.
Minute 0–2: Quick Planning
- Read all 4 questions.
- Decide the essay topic (if options are given).
- Mentally plan the order: Start with the essay or the letter, whichever is your strong point.
Minute 3–22: Essay Writing (20 minutes)
Why first?
The essay is the longest section and fetches the highest marks. Tackling it early ensures your best effort.
Breakdown:
- 3–6 mins: Plan the structure: intro, 2–3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- 6–20 mins: Write the essay, maintaining logical flow and coherence.
- 20–22 mins: Quick review of structure, spelling, and grammar.
Tips:
- Stick to the topic.
- Don’t over-elaborate.
- Avoid complex words—clarity > vocabulary.
Minute 22–37: Precis Writing (15 minutes)
Why second?
This section tests comprehension, editing, and condensation skills. You’ll need a fresh mind to summarize accurately.
Breakdown:
- 22–26 mins: Read the passage twice, underline key points.
- 26–33 mins: Draft your precis with title in one paragraph.
- 33–37 mins: Count words (target: 120–130) and revise for flow.
Tips:
- Do not copy phrases from the original passage.
- Avoid adding personal opinions.
- Keep tone neutral and concise.
Minute 37–52: Business Letter / Office Correspondence (15 minutes)
Why third?
By now, you’ll be warmed up and familiar with formal tone—ideal for writing a sharp, structured letter.
Breakdown:
- 37–39 mins: Identify letter type (complaint, request, clarification).
- 39–50 mins: Write the letter with formal structure:
- Sender’s address
- Date
- Recipient’s address
- Subject
- Salutation
- Body (3 paragraphs)
- Closing & Signature
- 50–52 mins: Review for format and tone
Tips:
- Be polite and direct.
- Avoid emotional or casual expressions.
- Use proper salutation and closing.
Minute 52–60: Reading Comprehension (8 minutes + 2 mins buffer)
Why last?
This is the most scoring section if done correctly and quickly. No writing skills needed—just understanding and accuracy.
Breakdown:
- 52–54 mins: Read the passage thoroughly.
- 54–59 mins: Answer the 5 questions.
- 59–60 mins: Re-check your answers.
Tips:
- Don’t overthink. Use only what is in the passage.
- Highlight key phrases mentally or with pen if allowed.
4. Time Management Tips & Tricks
✅ Tip 1: Attempt Your Strongest Section First
If you are confident in precis or letter, you may start with them. However, avoid starting with RC unless you’re pressed for time.
✅ Tip 2: Pre-practice Word Length
Practice writing essays, precis, and letters in exact word limits during mock tests. This builds muscle memory.
✅ Tip 3: Maintain Handwriting Speed
If the exam is pen-paper based, maintain legibility while writing fast. Don’t waste time rewriting.
✅ Tip 4: Don’t Get Stuck
If you’re unable to start a sentence or paragraph, leave a space and move on. Revisit it later if time permits.
✅ Tip 5: Stick to One Paragraph in Precis
A single-paragraph precis is preferred unless stated otherwise. Don’t break flow unnecessarily.
✅ Tip 6: Leave Lines Between Answers
Make your answer sheet neat. Leave one line between essay, precis, letter, and RC answers. It helps the examiner focus.
5. Common Time-Wasting Traps to Avoid
| Trap | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Overthinking the Essay Topic | Choose one quickly and start with a draft |
| Rewriting Multiple Drafts | Write neatly the first time with outline ready |
| Exceeding Word Limit | Stick to structure: Intro (50 words), Body (200), Conclusion (50) |
| Getting Stuck in RC | Don’t reread the passage more than twice |
| Obsessing over Grammar Mid-Writing | Focus on content first, grammar later |
6. Final 5-Minute Revision Strategy
If you’re able to manage time well and have 5 minutes in hand, here’s what to do:
- Minute 1: Re-check precis – word count, flow, title
- Minute 2: Glance over essay – is the conclusion strong?
- Minute 3: Ensure letter format – salutation, subject line, closing
- Minute 4: Re-read RC answers – match with the passage
- Minute 5: Scan for spelling, grammar, punctuation across all sections
7. Practice Plan for Time Management
| Day | Task | Time Target |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Essay + Letter Writing | 40 mins |
| Tue | Precis + RC Practice | 30 mins |
| Wed | Full-length Descriptive Mock | 60 mins |
| Thu | Evaluate and Rewrite Based on Feedback | 45 mins |
| Fri | Essay (with timer) + Precis | 35 mins |
| Sat | Full-length Descriptive Mock | 60 mins |
| Sun | Break / Revision of formats + Evaluation | — |
Conclusion
Effective time management can make or break your performance in the IRDAI Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper. While content is king, timing is the crown that ensures your answers shine across all sections.
By allocating the right time, sticking to structure, and practicing under exam-like conditions, you can maximize your score in this crucial 100-mark paper.
Remember:
- Structure + Speed = Success
- Plan → Execute → Review
Stay consistent, practice daily, and walk into the exam hall with confidence and control over every minute.