Introduction
The SIDBI Grade A 2025 Descriptive Paper is one of the most scoring yet challenging stages of the recruitment process. With 75 minutes to attempt three questions—Essay, Precis, and Reading Comprehension/Business Correspondence— aspirants often make avoidable mistakes that cost them precious marks.
Success in this exam is not only about knowledge of banking and current affairs but also about clarity, structure, and time discipline. Many candidates prepare content but falter on exam day due to poor execution. This article highlights the most common mistakes aspirants commit in Essay, Precis, and RC, and provides actionable tips to avoid them so you can maximize your score.
Section 1: Common Mistakes in Essay Writing
1. Lack of Structure
- Writing without a clear introduction-body-conclusion makes the essay look disorganized.
- Jumping between points confuses the examiner.
How to Avoid:
- Use a 3-part framework: start with context, build arguments in body paragraphs, and end with a forward-looking conclusion.
2. Exceeding or Falling Short of Word Limit
- Essays should ideally be 250–300 words.
- Writing too little looks superficial, while writing too much risks repetition and wasted time.
How to Avoid:
- Practice timed essays with word count.
- Learn to use concise phrases instead of long-winded explanations.
3. Overuse of Complex Vocabulary
- Some aspirants force difficult words thinking it will impress examiners.
- But poor context usage creates awkward sentences.
How to Avoid:
- Use simple, powerful words: clarity matters more than ornamental language.
- Instead of “ameliorate adverse ramifications,” simply write “reduce negative impacts.”
4. Ignoring Current Affairs and Examples
- Essays without facts, figures, or examples appear weak.
- For instance, in an essay on MSMEs, not mentioning their 30% GDP contribution is a mistake.
How to Avoid:
- Memorize key statistics about economy, MSMEs, fintech, digital banking, climate change, etc.
- Always connect essay arguments with real policies and schemes (like UPI, Atmanirbhar Bharat, SIDBI initiatives).
5. Bias or Negative Tone
- Harsh criticism of government policies or excessively negative viewpoints create a bad impression.
How to Avoid:
- Maintain a balanced and constructive tone.
- Example: Instead of “schemes have completely failed,” write “schemes face challenges but show promise with better execution.”
6. Poor Time Management
- Spending 40 minutes on essay leaves little for precis and RC.
How to Avoid:
- Allocate 30 minutes max for essay.
- Stick to your pre-decided structure.
7. Grammatical & Spelling Errors
- Frequent subject-verb mismatches, run-on sentences, or spelling mistakes reduce marks.
How to Avoid:
- Proofread the essay in the last 3–4 minutes.
- Practice typing with online tools (like Grammarly or Google Docs).
Section 2: Common Mistakes in Precis Writing
1. Not Following the One-Third Rule
- Many write summaries that are either too long or too short.
- Exceeding the limit can directly cost marks.
How to Avoid:
- If the passage is 300 words, target 100 words for precis.
- Practice reducing content to exactly one-third.
2. Copy-Pasting Sentences from Passage
- A precis is not a cut-paste exercise.
- Examiners deduct marks if your sentences are lifted verbatim.
How to Avoid:
- Rewrite in your own words while retaining meaning.
- Example:
- Passage: “MSMEs are the backbone of Indian economy, generating significant employment.”
- Precis: “MSMEs play a vital role in employment creation and economic growth.”
3. Missing the Central Idea
- Many candidates list random points but miss the core theme.
How to Avoid:
- Ask yourself: What is the author mainly trying to say?
- Build your precis around that central theme.
4. Absence of Title
- Some forget to give a short, meaningful title.
How to Avoid:
- Always add a crisp title (4–6 words).
- Example: For a passage on UPI growth → “Digital Banking Revolution.”
5. Inclusion of Personal Opinions
- Precis must only condense author’s view, not add your own ideas.
How to Avoid:
- Stick strictly to the passage.
- Avoid phrases like “I think,” “In my opinion.”
6. Ignoring Logical Flow
- Writing sentences in random order breaks continuity.
How to Avoid:
- Use connectors: therefore, however, in addition.
- Ensure the summary reads smoothly like a mini-essay.
7. Grammar & Tense Errors
- Shifting tenses (past → present) is a frequent issue.
How to Avoid:
- Use author’s tense consistently.
- Practice rewriting editorials into precis form.
Section 3: Common Mistakes in Reading Comprehension (RC)
1. Over-Explaining Answers
- Many write paragraphs for 2-mark questions.
- Examiners expect precise answers.
How to Avoid:
- Keep answers short (2–3 lines).
- Directly address what is asked.
2. Ignoring Keywords from Question
- Not using the same terminology as in the question looks disconnected.
How to Avoid:
- Repeat key terms.
- Example: Q: “What are the challenges of MSMEs?” → Answer: “The challenges of MSMEs include…”
3. Guessing Without Referring to Passage
- Some rely on general knowledge instead of the given text.
How to Avoid:
- Always refer back to passage.
- Only use info directly provided.
4. Misinterpreting Tone or Inference
- Candidates confuse factual info with opinion-based inference.
How to Avoid:
- Identify if question is asking fact, inference, or opinion.
- Practice “tone-based” questions (optimistic, critical, analytical).
5. Writing Outside Word Limit
- Some answers become mini-essays.
How to Avoid:
- For 2-mark questions: 2–3 sentences.
- For longer ones: 5–6 sentences max.
6. Poor Time Allocation
- Spending too much time reading passage multiple times.
How to Avoid:
- Skim passage once, then focus on questions.
- Highlight keywords mentally.
7. Spelling/Typing Errors in Short Answers
- Careless typing errors reduce impression.
How to Avoid:
- Recheck answers quickly.
- Type slowly but accurately.
Section 4: General Mistakes Across All Sections
1. Not Reading Instructions Properly
- Ignoring word limits, skipping title, or misunderstanding format.
2. Lack of Practice with Typing
- Exam is online descriptive. Many are slow typists, losing time.
Fix: Practice 30–35 WPM speed with typing tools.
3. Not Using Revision Time
- Candidates finish last minute with no proofreading.
Fix: Always save 3–4 minutes for review.
4. Stress and Panic During Exam
- Anxiety causes blank mind or typing errors.
Fix: Simulate real exam environment during mocks.
5. Writing Informally
- Using WhatsApp-style abbreviations like u, bcz, thx.
Fix: Maintain professional, formal English.
Pro-Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Essay: Stick to 5-paragraph format. Use current data.
- Precis: Title, one-third length, logical flow.
- RC: Short, precise, passage-based answers.
- Typing: 35–40 WPM target.
- Mindset: Calm, balanced, focused.
Sample “Mistake vs Fix” Table
| Section | Common Mistake | Correct Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Exceeding word limit | Stick to 250–300 words |
| Precis | Copy-pasting sentences | Paraphrase in own words |
| RC | Writing long paragraphs | Keep to 2–3 lines |
| General | Poor typing speed | Practice touch typing |
| All | No revision | Save 5 minutes for proofreading |
Conclusion
The SIDBI Grade A 2025 Descriptive Paper is a test of not just knowledge but also discipline, clarity, and execution under time pressure. Avoiding common mistakes like poor structure in essays, missing central idea in precis, and over-explaining in RC can make a decisive difference in your score.
Remember, examiners are looking for candidates who can express ideas clearly, concisely, and professionally. With practice, awareness of pitfalls, and a focus on accuracy, you can maximize marks and move a step closer to securing your dream role in SIDBI.