The Descriptive English paper in NABARD Grade A Phase 2 is a crucial component that evaluates candidates’ ability to express ideas clearly, logically, and effectively in written English. It holds 100 marks and is conducted for 90 minutes, consisting of three sections:
- Essay Writing – 40 marks (500–520 words)
- Precis Writing – 30 marks (120 words)
- Letter Writing – 30 marks (250 words)
Success in this paper depends on language fluency, structuring ability, and awareness of rural and economic issues, especially relevant to NABARD’s development mandate.
🧾 Exam Pattern at a Glance
| Section | Marks | Word Limit | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 40 | 500 words | Analytical, Expository |
| Precis Writing | 30 | 120 words | Summarization skill |
| Letter Writing | 30 | 250 words | Formal/Semi-formal Writing |
| Total | 100 | 90 minutes | Mix of analytical + writing |
🖋️ Section-wise Preparation Strategy
Let’s explore how to approach each section with targeted preparation.
✍️ 1. Essay Writing – 40 Marks (500 Words)
🔹 What’s Expected:
Candidates are asked to write an analytical essay on topics related to:
- Agriculture & Rural Economy
- Financial Inclusion
- Government Schemes
- Sustainability & Development
- Social Issues
🔹 Past Topics (2024):
- Credit Facilities for Sustainable Agriculture
- Rural Youth Education & Empowerment
- Fisheries and its Role in GDP
- Forestry and Sustainable Use
🔹 Ideal Structure:
Introduction (50–70 words) – define topic, set context
Body (350–380 words) – multiple paragraphs covering issue, causes, implications, government schemes, examples
Conclusion (50–70 words) – summarise, suggest solutions, give balanced view
🔹 Tips for Essay Success:
- Prepare 30 trending topics beforehand
- Includ data: Budget, Economic Survey, NABARD Reports
- Use headings and bullet points where appropriate
- Avoid jargon and keep grammar clean
- Practice timed writing: 35 minutes max
📰 2. Precis Writing – 30 Marks (120 Words)
🔹 What’s Expected:
Precis is a condensed version of a given passage that retains the core message. You must:
- Reduce the content to 1/3rd of the original
- Use your own words
- Maintain coherence and objectivity
🔹 Example from 2024 Paper:
- Ethiopian Water Harvesting: Crisis & Management
🔹 Ideal Approach:
- Read twice – understand theme and tone
- Underline key points – facts, stats, examples
- Write a title – even if not instructed
- Draft logically – chronological or thematic
- Stick to 120 words – don’t overshoot
🔹 Tips:
- Use simple, clear language
- Avoid opinions and repetitions
- Don’t use quotations or flowery words
- Practice using editorials and government reports
📩 3. Letter Writing – 30 Marks (250 Words)
🔹 What’s Expected:
You may be asked to write:
- Formal Letters – to authorities, banks, municipal offices
- Complaint Letters – product/service issues
- Request Letters – leave, articles, facilities
🔹 Topics from 2024:
- Complaint about faulty device
- Letter to Municipal Office for road repair
- Request for article submission delay
🔹 Ideal Format:
csharpCopyEdit[Sender's Address]
[Date]
[Receiver’s Address]
Subject: [Purpose of the Letter]
Dear Sir/Madam,
[Intro Paragraph – Purpose]
[Body Paragraph – Details]
[Closing Paragraph – Request/Resolution]
Yours sincerely,
[Name]
🔹 Tips:
- Be clear and concise
- Use formal tone – polite and direct
- Don’t exceed word limit (250 words)
- Practice writing both complaint and request formats
🧠 How to Prepare: Step-by-Step Plan
| Week | Focus Area | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essay Basics | Learn structure, read samples, write 1 essay on rural/agri topic |
| 2 | Precis Skill | Practice 2 editorials/week, summarise in 120 words |
| 3 | Letter Writing | Write 2 formal, 1 complaint, and 1 request letter |
| 4 | Essay Practice | Practice on trending topics: ESG, Green Economy, Agri Exports |
| 5 | Mixed Mock Test | Time-bound full mock: Essay + Precis + Letter |
| 6 | Evaluation & Feedback | Peer review or mentor correction, identify grammar/style issues |
| 7 | Revision & Speed Practice | Focus on precision, coherence, time management |
| 8 | Final Mocks & Confidence | Take 3 full mocks, simulate exam environment |
🧾 Tools and Resources
- **Yojana, Kurukshetra Magaz rural/agri essays
- NABARD Annual Report & Budget Documents – Data & schemes
- The Hindu / Indian Express Editorials – For precis practice
- Bank Whizz Essay & Letter Mocks – Targeted for NABARD pattern
- Grammarly / Hemingway App – Improve grammar and readability
❌ Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Overshooting word limit
- ❌ Writing informal content in letters
- ❌ Using opinions in precis
- ❌ Not leaving time for proofreading
- ❌ Copying phrases from passage (for precis)
⏱️ Time Management Strategy (90 Minutes)
| Task | Suggested Time |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 35 minutes |
| Precis | 25 minutes |
| Letter | 25 minutes |
| Buffer Time | 5 minutes |
Use the last 5 minutes to proofread for spelling, grammar, and structure errors.
🧩 NABARD Descriptive vs Other Exams
| Feature | NABARD Grade A | RBI Grad B | SEBI Grade A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Word Limit | 500 words (40 marks) | 300 words (40 marks) | 300 words (40 marks) |
| Other Sections | Precis + Letter | Precis + RC | Precis + RC |
| Time | 90 minutes | 90 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Rural Focus | Yes | Limited | No |
🎯 Final Tips for Success
- Practice full-length mocks weekly
- Use real government data in essays
- Get your answer evaluated
- Stick to structure, grammar, and word limits
- Write at least 2 letters and 2 precis per week
- Don’t memorize essays – focus on logic and structure
📌 Conclusion
The NABARD Grade A 202 Descriptive English paper is not just a test of language—it’s a test of how well you understand development issues and express them in structured English. With regular practice, strong grammar, and exam awareness, you can aim for 80+ marks and stand out among aspirants.
Start preparing today and give yourself an edge with Bank Whizz’s essay mocks, precis evaluations, and targeted strategy plans.