The Descriptive English Paper in SEBI Grade A 2025 Phase II is worth 100 marks — yet you get just 60 minutes to complete it.
Your writing ability matters, but your time discipline decides your score.
Let’s decode how toppers manage the clock — and how you can replicate their rhythm to secure 70 + marks.
🧩 I. Paper Structure at a Glance
| Section | Marks | Word Limit | Time (Recommended) | Objective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 30 | ~400 words | 25 minutes | Clarity, content, coherence |
| Precis | 30 | ~120 words | 15 minutes | Comprehension, brevity |
| Reading Comprehension (RC) | 40 | 5 descriptive Qs | 20 minutes | Reasoning, expression |
| Total | 100 | – | 60 minutes | Balance + accuracy |
💡 Typing mode: computer-based. Every second counts — plan before writing.
🧠 II. The Bank Whizz “25–15–20” Formula
The 25–15–20 split is the most reliable timing model. It allows you to start strong with the essay, maintain momentum with the precis, and finish confidently with RC.
| Time Slot | Section | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 25 min | Essay | Choose topic, outline, write, revise |
| 25 – 40 min | Precis | Read passage, draft, title, check |
| 40 – 60 min | RC | Skim passage, answer 5 Qs, proofread |
✍️ III. Section-wise Time Management Techniques
1️⃣ Essay Writing (0 – 25 Minutes)
Why First?
You’re mentally fresh — best time for creativity and structure.
⏱️ Time Division
- 0 – 3 min: Read all topics, select one, outline main points.
- 3 – 22 min: Write essay (4–5 short paragraphs).
- 22 – 25 min: Quick grammar + structure review.
🧩 Bank Whizz Tips
- Start with a hook: quote, data, or definition.
- Keep paragraphs balanced (4–5 lines each).
- Mention SEBI/Budget 2025 facts to show awareness.
- Avoid over-writing; 380–420 words is perfect.
✅ Goal: Complete Essay within 25 min → 21+ marks.
2️⃣ Precis Writing (25 – 40 Minutes)
Why Next?
After essay, your brain switches naturally to concise thinking.
⏱️ Time Division
- 25 – 30 min: Read passage twice + underline keywords.
- 30 – 37 min: Draft summary (≈120 words).
- 37 – 40 min: Final edit + add short title.
🧩 Bank Whizz Tips
- Stick to one-third of passage length.
- Avoid copying or rephrasing phrases mechanically.
- Give a 2–5 word title — it adds clarity and 2 extra marks.
- Maintain logical order of ideas.
✅ Goal: Precis done within 15 min → 20+ marks.
3️⃣ Reading Comprehension (40 – 60 Minutes)
Why Last?
Requires calm focus, not creative energy.
⏱️ Time Division
- 40 – 43 min: Skim passage for structure.
- 43 – 45 min: Read all 5 questions carefully.
- 45 – 57 min: Write answers (≈40–60 words each).
- 57 – 60 min: Review all answers for grammar + completeness.
🧩 Bank Whizz Tips
- Paraphrase — never copy the author’s lines.
- Be concise: Question focus → inference → proof line.
- Don’t exceed 3–4 lines per answer.
- Always use author’s perspective, not your opinion.
✅ Goal: All 5 questions finished by minute 57 → 28+ marks.
📘 IV. Key Principles for Effective Time Use
⏰ 1. Plan Before You Write
Spend the first 3 minutes planning your essay and precis outline. This saves 10 minutes of confusion later.
✍️ 2. Maintain Word Control
Stick to limits — 400 (Essay), 120 (Precis), 40–60 (RC). Overshooting wastes time and invites deductions.
💬 3. Keep Sentences Short
Short sentences improve typing speed and clarity. Avoid multi-clause sentences.
🧠 4. Practice Typing Speed
Minimum target: 30 words per minute.
Simulate real exam typing using the Bank Whizz Mock Portal.
📖 5. Read Questions Before Reading Passages
For RC, scanning questions first gives direction while reading.
🔍 6. Review the Last 3 Minutes
Always reserve 3 minutes to recheck grammar, paragraph breaks, and numbering.
📈 V. Common Time-Wasting Habits
| Mistake | Impact | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Spending >30 min on essay | Missed RC answers | Follow 25-min rule strictly |
| Reading RC line-by-line | Lose focus & time | Practice skimming |
| Typing without draft | Disorganized essay | Always plan first |
| Over-editing | Lose 5–7 minutes | Edit only at end |
| Ignoring timer | Panic at finish | Use on-screen clock |
⚙️ VI. 4-Week Practice Schedule for Timing Mastery
| Week | Focus | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Essay typing under timer | 2 essays (25 min each) |
| Week 2 | Precis compression | 3 passages/day (15 min each) |
| Week 3 | RC drills | 3 sets/day (20 min each) |
| Week 4 | Full mock simulation | 2 full tests/week (60 min) |
💡 Track progress using Bank Whizz’s Descriptive Tracker Sheet.
🏁 Final Words
Time management is not about speed — it’s about sequence and balance.
When you practice the 25–15–20 framework, you’ll never feel rushed or incomplete during the real exam.
At Bank Whizz, we train aspirants to write like professionals — not just fast, but focused.
“Control your minutes, and the marks will control themselves.”
Stay disciplined, stay timed, and watch your Descriptive English score rise beyond 70+.