Introduction
The letter writing section in the IBPS PO 2025 Descriptive English Paper carries 10 marks out of a total of 25 and plays a vital role in the final score. Candidates often ignore it, focusing heavily on essays—but a perfect letter can boost your overall score and showcase your professionalism.
The challenge lies in writing a well-structured, polite, and clear letter—usually a formal letter—within a 150-word limit and under time pressure. This article provides you with 10 best letter writing tips to impress the examiner and secure the full 10 marks.
📄 Understanding the Letter Writing Format in IBPS PO
🔹 Type of Letter Expected:
- Mostly formal (to bank managers, editors, officials)
- Occasionally informal (to friend, relative—rare in PO exams)
🔹 Word Limit:
150 words (±10%)
🔹 Marks:
10 marks
✅ Tip 1: Master the Standard Letter Format
Follow this format to avoid losing marks due to structure:
Your Address
Date
To,
[Recipient’s Designation]
[Organization/Institution]
[City]
Subject: [One-line summary of purpose]
Salutation (Sir/Madam),
Body:
Paragraph 1 – Reason for writing
Paragraph 2 – Details of issue/request
Paragraph 3 – Conclusion/Request for action
Closing:
Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
✅ Avoid creative formatting. Stick to the traditional layout.
✅ Tip 2: Understand the Tone—Polite & Professional
Your language should be:
- Respectful
- Clear
- Formal
Avoid:
- Slang (e.g., “wanna”, “gotta”)
- Shortcuts (e.g., “u”, “pls”)
- Emotional or aggressive language
Use phrases like:
- “I would like to bring to your notice…”
- “Kindly look into this matter…”
- “I am writing to inform you…”
✅ Tip 3: Open with Clarity
The first paragraph should state the purpose of writing the letter. Don’t beat around the bush.
🔻 Bad Opening:
“I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing something important. Please read.”
✅ Good Opening:
“I am writing to request an update of my mobile number in the bank records linked to my savings account.”
✅ Tip 4: Keep Paragraphs Short and Focused
Use 3 short paragraphs:
- Intro: Reason for writing
- Body: Explain the situation/request
- Conclusion: Request for action or closing remarks
Avoid merging everything into one long block.
✅ Tip 5: Stick to the Word Limit
Don’t exceed 150 words. Examiners won’t have time to read more.
⏱️ Time Allocation:
- Planning: 1 min
- Typing: 8–9 mins
- Review: 1 min
Use tools like MS Word or online typing editors with word count.
✅ Tip 6: Use Realistic and Specific Details
Make your letter relevant and believable. Use realistic names, account numbers (XXXX for privacy), and locations.
Example:
“I am an account holder at your branch (Account No. XXXXXXXX) and wish to request a duplicate ATM card.”
✅ Tip 7: Learn 5 Common Letter Types
Prepare for the most commonly asked letter topics:
- To Bank Manager – Request for issue of new cheque book/ATM card/mobile update
- To the Editor – Complaining about civic issues
- To a Government Official – Requesting action against local problems
- To a Friend – Advising on career or studies
- To School Principal – Requesting documents or certificates
Have a mental outline/template ready for each.
✅ Tip 8: Avoid Grammatical and Spelling Errors
Even minor errors in a letter can create a negative impression.
Examples of common errors:
- “Recieve” ❌ instead of “Receive” ✅
- “Your’s faithfully” ❌ instead of “Yours faithfully” ✅
- “Congratulation” ❌ instead of “Congratulations” ✅
Use tools like Grammarly or have a quick spell check habit before submitting.
✅ Tip 9: Practice Real Exam Conditions
Simulate the test environment:
- Set a timer for 10 minutes
- Use a real keyboard
- Don’t copy-paste
- Review and edit after writing
Take at least 10 mock letters before exam day and get them evaluated.
✅ Tip 10: Final Touch—Polished Closing Statement
End with a clear call-to-action or gratitude.
Examples:
- “Kindly do the needful at the earliest.”
- “I would appreciate your prompt action on this matter.”
- “Thanking you in anticipation.”
Avoid casual endings like “Hope to hear back” or “Take care.”
🧾 Sample Formal Letter (High-Scoring)
Your Address
Ranchi – 834001
28 August 2025
To,
The Branch Manager,
Bank of India,
Ranchi Main Branch.
Subject: Request for Mobile Number Update in Bank Records
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am an account holder at your branch (Account No. XXXXXXXX). I recently changed my mobile number and wish to update it in your records to continue receiving banking alerts and OTPs.
Kindly update my mobile number to 9XXXXXXX2 and confirm the same. I am enclosing a self-attested copy of my Aadhaar card for verification.
Thanking you.
Yours faithfully,
Rahul Verma
✍️ Practice Plan for Letter Writing Success
| Week | Activity |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Learn formats + write 3 formal letters |
| Week 2 | Time-bound practice (10 minutes/letter) |
| Week 3 | Get feedback and make improvements |
| Week 4 | Revise all letter templates + take mocks |
🔍 Checklist Before Submitting
✅ Format is correct
✅ Tone is polite
✅ Purpose is clear
✅ No spelling/grammar errors
✅ Word limit followed
✅ Signed off properly
📚 Resources to Boost Letter Writing
- Bank Whizz Letter Bank
- IBPS PO Descriptive Mocks
- Previous Year Questions Compilation
- Online Typing Practice Tools
🔚 Conclusion
Letter writing in IBPS PO 2025 is a golden opportunity to earn easy marks—if done right. Stick to format, stay relevant, and write with clarity and confidence. Avoid casual language, errors, or poor structuring. With regular practice and these tips, scoring 9–10 marks out of 10 is fully within your reach.
Let your letter reflect your professionalism, planning, and written communication skills—the very qualities a bank officer must possess.