The Descriptive English Paper in SEBI Grade A 2025 (Phase II) is a high-scoring but equally high-pressure test. Many otherwise brilliant aspirants lose marks not because of poor knowledge, but due to avoidable mistakes in structure, timing, and presentation.
Let’s look at the most frequent errors students make — and how you can avoid them to secure 70 + marks in Paper 1.
🧩 I. Paper at a Glance
| Section | Marks | Word Limit | Time (Ideal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 30 | ~400 words | 25 min |
| Precis | 30 | ~120 words | 15 min |
| Reading Comprehension (RC) | 40 | 5 questions | 20 min |
| Total | 100 Marks | — | 60 minutes |
📝 Note on Word Limit and Marks Distribution (SEBI Grade A – Descriptive English)
As per SEBI’s official hand-out, the Descriptive English paper in Phase II carries 100 marks (Essay – 30 marks, Precis – 30 marks, Comprehension – 40 marks) with a duration of 60 minutes. The essay is officially prescribed to be around 400 words.
However, in the recent SEBI Grade A exams (2022–2024), the actual on-screen instruction has required essays of about 250 – 270 words.
Therefore, candidates are advised to:
- Practice essays in two modes:
- Exam Mode: 250 – 270 words (reflecting the latest trend).
- Practice Mode: 400 words (for skill building and expressive writing).
- Maintain a clear structure—Introduction → Body → Conclusion—with coherence and balanced analysis within the given limit.
(Bank Whizz mocks follow the updated 250–270 word guideline to simulate the actual SEBI interface.)
🖋️ II. Essay Writing – Common Mistakes & Fixes
❌ 1. Writing Without Planning
Jumping straight into writing wastes time later when ideas clash.
Fix: Spend 3 minutes outlining your introduction, body, and conclusion before typing.
❌ 2. Ignoring the Word Limit
Many essays run to 500 + words, causing poor coherence.
Fix: Aim for 380–420 words. Cut filler lines like “In today’s world…” and use precise phrases.
❌ 3. Unstructured Flow
Writing all points in one block confuses the examiner.
Fix: Use 5 paragraphs — Intro → Analysis 1 → Analysis 2 → Way Forward → Conclusion.
❌ 4. Lack of Data or Examples
Generic arguments reduce credibility.
Fix: Quote current facts — e.g., “T + 1 Settlement introduced by SEBI (2024)”, “India has 51 crore Jan Dhan accounts.”
❌ 5. Weak Conclusion
Ending abruptly leaves a poor impression.
Fix: Conclude with a positive, forward-looking statement summarizing solutions.
💡 Bank Whizz Tip: Use connecting words — Moreover, However, Therefore, In addition — to maintain logical flow.
📘 III. Precis Writing – Common Mistakes & Fixes
❌ 1. Copying Lines from Passage
Examiners deduct marks for direct lifts.
Fix: Rewrite in your own words while preserving the author’s tone.
❌ 2. Exceeding the Word Limit
Precis exceeding 130 words signals poor comprehension.
Fix: Target 115–125 words (≈ ⅓ of original).
❌ 3. Missing Title
Forgetting the title can cost 2 marks.
Fix: Always write a short, relevant heading (3–6 words).
❌ 4. Adding Personal Opinions
The precis is a summary, not a critique.
Fix: Keep it factual and neutral.
❌ 5. Ignoring Logical Sequence
Random sentences distort meaning.
Fix: Maintain the original order of ideas; link them with transition words.
💡 Bank Whizz Tip: Read the passage twice – first for meaning, second for condensation.
📗 IV. Reading Comprehension – Common Mistakes & Fixes
❌ 1. Reading Word by Word
Kills time and misses the main idea.
Fix: Practice skimming and scanning; focus on keywords and tone.
❌ 2. Copying Sentences
Exact duplication fetches zero for interpretation.
Fix: Paraphrase — rewrite in your own analytical words.
❌ 3. Writing Lengthy Answers
Over-explaining reduces time for other questions.
Fix: Answer each in 40–60 words with one key argument.
❌ 4. Ignoring Author’s View
Students often give personal opinions.
Fix: Stick to what the passage implies, not your belief.
❌ 5. Poor Time Management
RC overflow eats essay-time.
Fix: Limit RC to 20 minutes max — 2 min skimming, 1 min reading Qs, 10 min answers, 2 min review.
💡 Bank Whizz Tip: Underline transition words (however, although, therefore) — answers often lie near them.
🧠 V. General Mistakes Across All Sections
| Mistake | Impact | Bank Whizz Correction |
|---|---|---|
| Spelling & Grammar Errors | Reduces 3–5 marks | Type daily 400 words to build keyboard accuracy |
| Poor Formatting / No Paragraph Breaks | Makes script unreadable | Leave a blank line after each para |
| Lack of Review Time | Costly typos & missed Qs | Keep last 3 minutes for final scan |
| Inconsistent Tone | Unprofessional impression | Maintain formal, neutral style |
| Skipping Practice Mocks | No sense of pacing | Attempt weekly full-length mock |
📈 VI. Bank Whizz Success Framework
| Stage | Action | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Learn | Understand pattern & criteria | Concept clarity |
| 2. Practice | Daily writing (Essay/Precis/RC) | Typing speed & flow |
| 3. Evaluate | Peer & faculty review on Bank Whizz portal | Error awareness |
| 4. Refine | Improve structure & grammar | 70 + target |
🏁 Final Words
Avoiding mistakes is the first step to mastery in SEBI Grade A Descriptive English.
Most aspirants don’t need to write “better English” — they just need to write strategically.
“Precision, not perfection, wins marks.”
At Bank Whizz, we help you identify, correct, and polish every aspect of your writing — so you walk into the exam with clarity and confidence.
Stay structured. Stay strategic. Stay ahead.