📝 Introduction
In the PFRDA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper, Precis Writing carries 30 marks and tests your ability to read, comprehend, and summarize effectively. It demands clarity of thought, accuracy, brevity, and grammatical precision.
Candidates often struggle with this section due to a lack of familiarity with the rules and format. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Precis Writing, specifically tailored to the PFRDA Grade A pattern, with rules, structure, and examples.
📘 Exam Pattern Snapshot – Precis Writing
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Section | Precis Writing |
| Marks | 30 |
| Expected Word Limit | Approx. one-third of original passage (e.g., 170–180 words from a 500–550 word passage) |
| Evaluation Basis | Comprehension, Brevity, Grammar, Structure, Originality |
🧱 Precis Writing: Standard Format
A precis is not just a summary; it’s a well-structured condensed version of a given passage, retaining the essence, tone, and order of ideas of the original content.
✔️ Recommended Format:
- Title (Optional, unless instructed)
- Body
- Single paragraph (unless otherwise asked)
- Third-person narration
- Past tense (if original passage is in the past)
- No examples, figures of speech, or personal opinions
📌 Key Rules to Follow
1. Read the Passage Carefully
- Read 2–3 times to understand the central idea, supporting points, and logical structure.
2. Identify Key Points
- Highlight main arguments, transitions, conclusions
- Omit minor examples, repetitions, and illustrations
3. Draft in Your Own Words
- Never copy full sentences from the original
- Maintain logical flow and coherence
4. Stay Objective
- Avoid personal opinions, emotional language, or judgments
5. Stick to Word Limit
- Do not exceed the required word count
- Keep it within ±5% of the expected word limit
6. Use Clear and Simple Language
- No jargon or ornamental phrases
- Prefer active voice over passive
⚖️ Do’s and Don’ts in Precis Writing
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Use your own words | Copy sentences from original passage |
| Maintain original tone | Add personal views or new ideas |
| Follow logical sequence | Jumble ideas or skip vital points |
| Write in third person | Use first-person (I, we) references |
| Proofread for grammar/spelling | Submit without checking |
🎯 What Examiners Expect in PFRDA Precis
- Comprehension: Do you understand the passage’s message?
- Compression: Are you able to reduce effectively?
- Clarity: Is the language clear, and flow logical?
- Accuracy: Are facts and tone retained correctly?
- Language Skills: Is grammar, vocabulary, and structure correct?
✍️ Sample Precis Practice – Example 1
🧾 Original Passage (Excerpt, 510 words – summarized)
Topic: Financial Literacy and Retirement Planning
Financial literacy is crucial for a financially secure future. In India, awareness about long-term retirement planning is low, especially among the unorganised workforce. While schemes like NPS, APY, and EPFO are available, lack of knowledge and digital literacy limits participation. The PFRDA and government have launched awareness drives, but impact remains limited in rural areas. Financial literacy needs to be integrated at the school level and through community outreach. Pension planning should not be left for late stages of life.
✂️ Precis (171 words)
Title: Financial Literacy and Retirement Planning in India
Financial literacy plays a vital role in ensuring long-term financial security, especially with respect to retirement planning. In India, a large section of the population, particularly in the unorganised sector, lacks awareness about pension schemes like NPS, APY, and EPFO. Despite the availability of these options, inadequate digital literacy and limited outreach hamper their effectiveness. Government initiatives and awareness campaigns by PFRDA have been launched to improve participation, yet rural areas continue to be neglected. To address this gap, financial education must be introduced at an early stage, ideally in schools, and reinforced through local campaigns. Delaying retirement planning increases future vulnerability, and therefore, timely awareness is essential.
🧠 Practice Questions for PFRDA Grade A Aspirants
- Passage Topic: Role of SEBI in Regulating Indian Capital Markets
→ Write a 160–180 word precis retaining key functions, powers, and reforms. - Passage Topic: Digital Transformation in the Financial Sector
→ Focus on adoption trends, benefits, risks, and inclusion challenges. - Passage Topic: Importance of Sustainable Finance in India
→ Summarize the role of green bonds, ESG frameworks, and future outlook. - Passage Topic: Challenges of Financial Inclusion in Rural India
→ Include schemes, bottlenecks, and digital adoption barriers.
⏱️ How to Practice Effectively
- Practice 2 precis per week
- Time yourself for 20 minutes max
- Use a word counter to ensure compliance
- Get your precis evaluated by a mentor or platform like Bank Whizz
- Review grammar, structure, and clarity post-submission
✅ Final Words
The Precis Writing section of PFRDA Grade A 2025 is a high-scoring opportunity—if approached with structure and discipline. Your ability to digest and distill complex information into clear, concise summaries will reflect both your intellectual clarity and written communication skills.
At Bank Whizz, we provide precis practice exercises, evaluated mocks, and sectional workshops to help you master this skill before the exam.