The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) conducts the Grade A (Assistant Manager) examination to recruit competent professionals for its regulatory and development functions. One of the most critical sections in this exam is the Descriptive English Paper, which tests a candidate’s ability to express thoughts coherently, write logically, and comprehend complex passages. For 2025 aspirants, a clear understanding of the syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation strategy is vital to maximize scores in this section.
Exam Overview
The Descriptive English section of PFRDA Grade A carries 100 marks and plays a significant role in determining a candidate’s overall performance. Here’s an at-a-glance overview:
- Full Marks: 100
- Time Duration: 60 minutes
- Number of Questions: 3
- Sections: Essay, Precis, and Reading Comprehension (RC)
Detailed Syllabus and Weightage
1. Essay Writing (30 Marks)
- Word Limit: Approximately 200 words.
- Question Format: Candidates must choose one essay out of three given topics.
- Weightage: 30 marks.
Key Focus Areas:
- Banking and Financial Sector: Pension reforms, fintech innovations, regulatory changes.
- Current Affairs: National and international developments relevant to economy and governance.
- Social and Ethical Issues: Topics like financial literacy, digital inclusion, ESG factors.
Preparation Tips:
- Read newspapers, financial journals, and government reports regularly.
- Practice writing short essays within 20 minutes.
- Work on structuring essays with clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
2. Precis Writing (30 Marks)
- Word Limit: 135 words approximately.
- Weightage: 30 marks.
- Question Format: A long passage is provided; candidates must compress it into a clear, concise summary without losing essence.
Key Focus Areas:
- Financial and economic articles, regulatory updates, and governance-related texts.
- Skills in reading comprehension, critical analysis, and logical condensation.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice by summarizing newspaper editorials and reports.
- Avoid personal opinions; stick to the author’s viewpoint.
- Maintain logical flow, avoid redundancy, and ensure clarity.
3. Reading Comprehension (40 Marks)
- Number of Questions: 5
- Weightage: 40 marks.
- Question Format: A passage is provided followed by analytical and inferential questions.
Key Focus Areas:
- Understanding and interpreting information, drawing inferences.
- Vocabulary, critical reasoning, and analytical ability.
- Financial, economic, and policy-related passages.
Preparation Tips:
- Read diverse content: economy sections, regulatory guidelines, analytical articles.
- Work on speed reading while retaining accuracy.
- Practice answering within time constraints.
Marking Scheme and Time Management
Time Allocation
- Essay Writing: 20 minutes
- Precis Writing: 15 minutes
- Reading Comprehension: 25 minutes
Scoring Tips:
- Essay: Maintain coherence, logical flow, and proper grammar.
- Precis: Ensure fidelity to the original passage. Avoid adding facts or omitting key points.
- RC: Read questions first, then the passage to save time. Focus on direct and inferential questions.
Preparation Strategy for High Scores
- Understand the Pattern Thoroughly: Revise the syllabus and analyze previous papers.
- Build Writing Skills: Practice essays on trending topics and get them evaluated.
- Strengthen Vocabulary and Grammar: Use tools and apps to improve command over English.
- Regular Practice of Precis: Summarize daily news or articles to develop brevity.
- Enhance Comprehension Skills: Read at least one editorial or policy report daily and answer possible questions.
- Mock Tests: Attempt full-length mocks under timed conditions to simulate exam pressure.
Key Success Factors
- Consistency: Practice daily; quality matters more than quantity.
- Clarity: Ensure your writing is neat and well-structured.
- Relevance: Stay updated with current trends and financial policies.
- Revision: Review your work for grammar, punctuation, and logical flow.
Final Thoughts
The PFRDA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English paper is designed to test clarity of thought, analytical ability, and communication skills in a high-pressure environment. By mastering Essay, Precis, and Reading Comprehension, candidates can secure high scores and gain an edge over competitors. Start early, focus on core writing skills, and integrate current affairs with practice. Remember, this paper is not about rote learning but about your ability to articulate ideas effectively and concisely.
Ready to ace the exam? Build a daily study plan, practice consistently, and track your progress. For aspirants preparing with Bank Whizz, this structured guide ensures you approach the Descriptive English section with confidence and clarity.