The PFRDA Grade A 2025 Mains Descriptive English paper is as much a test of your time management as it is of your writing ability. Many aspirants lose marks not because they lack knowledge, but because they fail to allocate time wisely across Essay, Precis, and Comprehension. With only limited time at hand, every minute matters. Here’s a detailed strategy—supported by real exam patterns and examples—that can help you maximize your score.
⏳ Understanding the Time Constraint
The descriptive section typically offers 60 minutes for 3 questions (Essay, Precis, Comprehension). That means:
- Essay (20 marks) – should not exceed 25–27 minutes.
- Precis (15 marks) – should take 15–18 minutes.
- Comprehension (15 marks) – ideally 15 minutes.
- Keep 2–3 minutes buffer for proofreading.
🖊️ Time Management for Essay Writing
Step 1: Brainstorm & Outline (4–5 minutes)
Don’t jump straight into writing. Use the first few minutes to:
- Break down the topic.
- Jot quick points (Introduction – Body – Conclusion).
- Think of examples/data/policy references (e.g., for a topic like “Green Finance and Pension Funds”, recall recent RBI initiatives, ESG bonds, or global case studies).
Step 2: Writing (18–20 minutes)
- Introduction (2–3 sentences): Define the theme clearly.
- Body (3–4 paragraphs): Each para should develop one clear idea (e.g., importance of green bonds, risks of greenwashing, role of SEBI/PFRDA).
- Conclusion (2–3 sentences): Summarize and offer a forward-looking note.
👉 Example: In the PFRDA 2023 mains, one essay asked about “Demographic Dividend and the Pension System.” Successful aspirants structured their essay around youth bulge, ageing, migration, and pension reforms, instead of writing generic points.
Step 3: Review (2 minutes)
Check for grammar slips, missing words, and coherence.
📘 Time Management for Precis Writing
Step 1: Quick Reading (3 minutes)
- Read the passage twice: once for gist, once for key points.
- Underline main arguments, facts, and keywords.
Step 2: Drafting the Precis (10 minutes)
- Word limit is usually 1/3rd of the passage.
- Use your own words (no copy-pasting phrases).
- Ensure flow: introduction → main idea → conclusion.
👉 Example: In a 2022 exam passage on banking mergers, aspirants who focused on public purpose vs. profitability debate scored well. Those who copied lines lost marks.
Step 3: Title + Review (2–3 minutes)
- Frame a crisp, relevant title.
- Count words to stay within the limit.
📖 Time Management for Comprehension
Step 1: Smart Reading (5 minutes)
- Skim the passage quickly, noting the theme and tone.
- Don’t over-read; focus on keywords.
Step 2: Answering (10 minutes)
- Write in short, clear sentences.
- If asked for explanation, paraphrase the passage logically.
- Avoid guesswork—stick to what is given.
👉 Example: In a previous year’s paper, a comprehension passage on Financial Literacy and Retirement Planning required analytical answers, not copy-paste lines. High scorers paraphrased in their own language.
⏲️ Overall Strategy & Tips
- Follow sequence: Attempt Essay → Precis → Comprehension. This ensures you complete the weightier section (Essay) first.
- Word count awareness: Stick to required limits; don’t waste time overwriting.
- Avoid perfectionism: Aim for clarity, not ornamental language.
- Keep a buffer: Always save the last 2–3 minutes for quick review.
- Practice mock tests: Simulate 60-minute conditions to build speed.
✅ Final Takeaway
The key to excelling in PFRDA Grade A Descriptive English is striking the right balance between content quality and time discipline. Remember, evaluators reward structured, clear, and concise writing more than flashy vocabulary. Manage your time smartly, and you will not just complete the paper—you will excel in it.