The Descriptive English Paper of NABARD Grade A 2025 is a crucial component of the Phase II examination. With 100 marks divided among Essay Writing, Precis Writing, and Letter Writing, scoring well here can be a game-changer in securing your final selection.
If you’re targeting a score of 80+ out of 100, you need more than just good grammar—you need clarity, structure, strategy, and consistent practice. This article outlines a comprehensive preparation and writing approach to help you ace the Descriptive English section of NABARD Grade A 2025.
📘 Exam Pattern Overview
| Section | Marks | Word Limit | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 40 | ~500 words | 35 minutes |
| Precis Writing | 30 | ~120 words | 25 minutes |
| Letter Writing | 30 | ~250 words | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 90 minutes |
🧠 Understanding the Evaluation Parameters
To score above 80, you must perform exceptionally across all parameters:
- Relevance to topic
- Structure and organization
- Grammar, spelling, and punctuation
- Clarity and coherence
- Vocabulary and expression
- Conciseness (especially in Precis)
- Formal tone (especially in Letter)
🔑 Section-Wise Strategy to Score 80+
✍️ Essay Writing – Target 34+/40
🔹 Common Topics:
- Agriculture and rural economy
- Government schemes (e.g., PM-KISAN, FPOs)
- Climate change and sustainability
- Financial literacy, digital banking
- ESG, FPOs, microfinance, rural development
🔹 Structure for High-Scoring Essay:
- Introduction (50-60 words)
- Introduce the theme clearly and connect with current affairs or data.
- Body Paragraphs (350-400 words)
- Use 3–4 paragraphs, each with one main idea.
- Apply examples: NABARD’s schemes, government programs, statistics.
- Use connectors like “moreover,” “in addition,” “consequently,” etc.
- Conclusion (40-50 words)
- Summarize your stance and offer a forward-looking solution.
🔹 Tips to Excel:
- Start with a rough framework in 2–3 minutes.
- Avoid complicated words—clarity is more important.
- Stick to the word limit.
- Use recent data and current schemes.
- Practice at least 2 essays per week and get them evaluated.
📝 Precis Writing – Target 26+/30
🔹 What is a Precis?
A précis is a condensed version of a passage, conveying the core message in about one-third of the original length.
🔹 Format:
- Title (Compulsory, 2 marks weightage)
- Body (Structured paragraph in your own words)
🔹 Steps to Score High:
- Read the passage twice—first for gist, second to underline key points.
- Make a rough outline of essential ideas.
- Paraphrase logically—do not copy exact sentences.
- Avoid personal opinions, examples, or data not present in the original text.
- Keep it within the word limit (around 120 words).
- Use formal tone and third person voice.
🔹 Practice Tip:
- Start with passages from editorials of The Hindu, Business Line, or Yojana.
- Practice at least 3 precis per week and time yourself.
💼 Letter Writing – Target 24+/30
🔹 Letter Types in NABARD:
- Formal Letters only (no informal letters have been asked so far)
🔹 Common Themes:
- Complaint about rural bank branch services
- Suggestion on improving financial literacy
- Letter to editor on crop insurance
- Letter to District Collector on irrigation problem
🔹 Format:
lessCopyEditYour Address
Date
Recipient’s Designation
Address
Subject: [Precise Subject of the Letter]
Salutation (Sir/Madam),
Body:
- Paragraph 1 – Introduction & Purpose
- Paragraph 2 – Details of the issue/suggestion
- Paragraph 3 – Conclusion with request or forward step
Closing:
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
🔹 Tips to Master Letter Writing:
- Be crisp and to the point.
- Maintain a professional and formal tone.
- Stick to 3 short paragraphs in the body.
- Never exceed the word limit (~250 words).
- Practice with time constraints.
⏱️ Time Management Strategy (90 Minutes)
| Section | Ideal Time | What to Focus On |
|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 35 mins | Outline (5 mins), Write (25), Review (5) |
| Precis Writing | 25 mins | Read (5), Outline (5), Write (10), Check (5) |
| Letter Writing | 20 mins | Plan (2), Write (15), Review (3) |
| Buffer Time | 10 mins | Error correction, margin adjustments |
✨ Practice and Evaluation Plan
| Week | Task |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Learn formats and read toppers’ copies |
| 3–4 | Write 2 essays + 2 precis + 2 letters per week |
| 5–6 | Increase writing speed, start mock tests |
| 7–8 | Full-length timed mocks every 3rd day |
| 9–10 | Review feedback and revise weak areas |
📋 Sample Score Distribution Plan
To reach 80+ marks, you can aim for this balance:
| Section | Target Score |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 34–36 |
| Precis Writing | 26–28 |
| Letter Writing | 22–26 |
| Total | 82–90 |
📚 Top Resources for Descriptive English Prep
- Bank Whizz’s Mock Tests and Evaluation Service
- The Hindu and Indian Express for editorials
- NABARD Annual Reports and Economic Survey
- Yojana and Kurukshetra magazines
- Descriptive English by S.P. Bakshi and Richa Sharma (for practice)
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing off-topic essays or vague introductions
- Using informal tone in formal letters
- Exceeding or falling short of word limits
- Repeating phrases in precis writing
- Poor paragraphing and grammar issues
- Not reviewing answers before submission
🎯 Final Checklist Before the Exam
✅ Memorize format structures
✅ Practice enough mocks under time limits
✅ Avoid last-minute new topics
✅ Brush up key vocabulary and connectors
✅ Relax the day before the paper to stay fresh mentally
✍️ Conclusion
Scoring 80+ in the NABARD Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper is entirely achievable with a smart, strategic, and disciplined approach. Focus on understanding the structure, practicing under real exam conditions, and polishing your language and formatting.
This paper isn’t just about English—it reflects your clarity of thought, articulation, and understanding of real-world issues. Make every word count.