How to Score High in Descriptive English for IBPS PO 2025

The Descriptive English section in IBPS PO Mains is no longer just a “bonus”—it’s a make-or-break section that can tilt your final ranking. In 2025, IBPS has updated the pattern: Letter writing has been replaced by Comprehension. You now have to perform two tasks within 30 minutes, together worth 25 marks:

Essay (~250 words, 15 marks)
Reading Comprehension + questions (~150 words answers, 10 marks)

To score high, you’ll need more than just language skills—strategy, planning, reading, vocabulary, and timed practice all become crucial. Let me walk you through a comprehensive approach:

1. Understand the Updated Pattern & Evaluation

a) Pattern in 2025

The descriptive test is typed (online mode).
Essay: ~250 words, 15 marks.
Comprehension: passage + questions (usually 5 questions), total 10 marks.
Total time: 30 minutes for both tasks together.
Thematic areas likely: banking & financial inclusion, digitalization, AI & automation, ethics, sustainability, current socio-economic issues.

b) How Evaluation Works

Because this is a computer-based / automated evaluation, the system likely checks the following:

What is evaluated	Key criteria / pitfalls
Grammar, spelling, punctuation	Mistakes are penalized. Even if content is good, too many errors reduce marks.
Word count / length	Overshooting or undercutting word limit can cost points.
Relevance / coherence of content	Irrelevant digressions, fluff, or repetition won’t be scored well.
Structure & clarity	Logical flow (introduction, body, conclusion) matters. Answers should directly address questions for comprehension.
Vocabulary & expression	Using precise and varied vocabulary helps, but avoid forced “big words” that hamper clarity.

Thus, your goal must be balance: good content + clarity + correctness + economy of words.

2. Strategy for the Essay Section (15 Marks)

The essay still carries the most weight. Here’s how to maximize your score:

a) Choosing the Topic & Planning

Read both essay options (if provided) and select the one you’re more confident in, or the one you can cover better with relevant ideas.
Spend 2–3 minutes making a rough outline: note 3–4 key points for the body, intro idea, and a conclusion in bullet form.

b) Essay Structure

A simple, reliable 5-paragraph structure works best:

Introduction (1 paragraph): state the topic and your stance or central idea
Body – Argument / Discussion
- Point 1 + example/datum
- Point 2 + example
- (Optional) Counterpoint or challenge, if applicable, with refutation
Conclusion (1 paragraph): sum up your position, possibly with a forward look

c) Writing Tips

Keep sentences short / medium, not run-on.
Use transitional words (however, moreover, therefore, on the contrary) to ensure flow.
Insert examples, data, or references (if you know them) to lend weight.
Avoid going off-topic—even if you know something interesting, if it doesn’t relate, omit it.
Keep a mental (or small written) word-count check (e.g. every 50 words).
In the last 2–3 minutes, revise for grammar, adjust phrasing, and polish the introduction / conclusion.

d) Time Allocation Suggestion

Here’s a sample breakdown:

Stage	Time	What to do
Reading topic + outline	2–3 min	Choose, bullet the flow
Writing body + introduction	9–10 min	Flesh out main ideas
Conclusion + tie-up	2 min	Pull together, restate stance
Proofreading & tweaks	1–2 min	Catch errors, improve phrasing

Note: You must leave buffer time to avoid mistakes.

3. Strategy for the Comprehension Section (10 Marks)

This part is new to many aspirants (replacing the letter). Here’s how to crack it:

a) Reading the Passage

First read: read the passage quickly to get the overall gist (2 minutes).
Second read / annotation: underline / note the main idea, arguments, statistics, transitions (2 minutes).
Identify the possible question types.

b) Types of Questions & How to Approach

Common question types:

Central idea / main message
Detail-based (what, why, who)
Inference / implied meaning
Tone / author’s attitude
Summary / paraphrase

For each:

Re-read the relevant lines to be precise.
Answer in your own words — avoid copying full sentences.
Be concise (30–40 words approx for each, unless asked otherwise).
Use connective phrases (“the author suggests”, “this indicates that”, “in contrast”) to show clarity.

c) Time Allocation Suggested

Stage	Time	Activity
First reading of passage	~2 min	get gist
Second read + marking	~2 min	note arguments, keywords
Answering questions (5)	~6 min	write answers (average ~1 min per question + a buffer)
Quick proof / adjustment	~1 min	revise, ensure no copying errors

Since comprehension is 10 marks, don’t spend more time than necessary — keep it sharp.

4. Key Preparation Strategies (Long-Term)

To consistently score high, you need a disciplined preparation plan:

a) Read Widely & Regularly

Read editorials, economic magazines, news analysis (The Hindu, Indian Express, Business Standard).
As you read, highlight arguments, note structure, and try summarizing.
Keep a vocabulary journal: note down 3–5 new words daily (with meanings, usage).

b) Practice Under Real Conditions

Do full descriptive mocks (30-minute, essay + comprehension) frequently.
Simulate the typing mode (practice on computer).
Time yourself stringently to build stamina.

c) Reverse-Engineer High-Scoring Essays

Get sample essays or top-scoring ones (from coaching / online).
Analyze them: structure, introduction techniques, vocabulary, flow.
Emulate patterns but don’t copy — build your own style.

d) Get Feedback / Self-Review

Exchange essays with peers or mentors for critique.
Create a checklist: grammar, coherence, word limit, relevance, vocabulary usage.
Maintain a record of your past essays; track repeated errors and improve them.

e) Improve Typing Speed & Accuracy

Since the exam is online, your typing speed matters.
Practice typing essays and passages regularly (even outside mocks).
Use software / apps to improve your words-per-minute and reduce typos.

f) Thematic Preparation

Keep up with current affairs especially in banking, tech, social issues, environment.
Build short notes for themes: e.g., “Digital Banking in India”, “AI & Employment”, “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.
For each theme, prepare 4–5 subtopics / arguments, with examples or stats.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Writing beyond the word limit (too verbose)
Copying large chunks from comprehension passage (plagiarism)
Poor grammar, spelling mistakes, punctuation errors
Lack of structure (jumbled ideas)
Going off-topic to show knowledge (irrelevant content)
Not leaving time to proofread
Using overly complicated words incorrectly

6. Sample Timeline (Minute-by-Minute)

Here’s a model you can use (adjust to your speed):

0–2 min → Read essay topics + choose + outline
2–12 min → Write main body + intro
12–14 min → Write conclusion + tie-up
14–15 min → Quick revise essay
15–17 min → Read comprehension passage (first & second read)
17–23 min → Answer comprehension questions
23–24 min → Quick revise comprehension answers
24–30 min → Buffer time for unforeseen slowdowns, final proof, small edits

If you finish earlier on any task, use extra time to polish.

7. Sample Topics / Themes to Practice

Here are some themes & possible essay prompts to work on:

Digital Banking & Financial Inclusion
Artificial Intelligence: Boon or Bane for Employment
Cybersecurity in the Banking Sector
Climate Change & Sustainable Development Goals
The Role of RBI in Inflation Control
Women Empowerment through Economic Policies
Ethics & Integrity in Public Institutions
Post-Covid Economic Recovery in India
E-Governance & Transparency
Balancing Growth with Environmental Protection

For comprehension, source passages related to these themes and practice 5-question sets.

8. Final Words & Mindset Tips

Aim for clarity over “impressiveness”: better to write simple, correct sentences than complex ones with errors.
Don’t panic if you get a tough topic — use your outline to structure your writing.
During the exam, manage your stress and pace — don’t rush or linger too long on one question.
Keep confidence that practice + feedback will gradually reduce errors.
In the last 10–15 days before the exam, prioritize revision, mock tests under real conditions, and mistake rectification.