How to Score 70+ Marks in IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English

Introduction

The IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper is one of the most crucial stages of the recruitment process. While the objective papers test your knowledge of finance and regulations, the descriptive English section checks your ability to analyze, organize, and express ideas clearly—skills essential for a regulatory officer.

With 100 marks and a cut-off of 30%, this paper often decides who makes it to the final merit list. Many aspirants clear objective sections but lose out due to poor descriptive performance. If you aim for selection, targeting 70+ marks in Descriptive English can give you a strong edge.

This article provides a step-by-step strategy, syllabus analysis, practice techniques, and examiner expectations to help you achieve that score.

1. Exam Structure & Weightage

The Descriptive English paper in IFSCA Grade A 2025 has the following structure:

  • Precis Writing – 35 Marks
  • Essay Writing – 30 Marks
  • Comprehension – 35 Marks
  • Duration – 60 minutes
  • Total Marks – 100
  • Cut-off – 30 marks (30%)

👉 The key lies not in just crossing cut-off, but in securing 65–70+ to boost your Phase 2 score significantly.

2. Why Scoring 70+ is Possible

  • The paper rewards clarity, brevity, and structure—not ornamental English.
  • Essay topics are finance/economy oriented, not abstract philosophy.
  • Precis and comprehension are skill-based—with practice, high scores are achievable.
  • Many aspirants neglect this paper, so a strong performance creates an advantage.

3. Section-Wise Strategy to Score High

(a) Precis Writing – 35 Marks

What Examiner Looks For:

  • Ability to summarize without distortion.
  • Writing in your own words.
  • Grammar and coherence.

Steps to Master:

  1. Read the passage twice—first for understanding, second for identifying main points.
  2. Eliminate examples, illustrations, and redundant data.
  3. Frame a short title if asked.
  4. Write in a single compact paragraph of one-third length.

Practice Approach:

  • Take a 300-word editorial and condense it to ~100 words.
  • Compare with original to see if essence is retained.

Scoring Secret: Stick to one-third rule strictly. Most candidates lose marks for word count errors.

(b) Essay Writing – 30 Marks

What Examiner Looks For:

  • Awareness of financial and regulatory issues.
  • Balanced, logical arguments.
  • Professional tone, clear structure.

Essay Structure:

  1. Introduction – Define the topic, give background.
  2. Body – Arguments + data + examples.
  3. Counterpoints/Challenges – Show balance.
  4. Conclusion – Forward-looking, solution-oriented.

Probable Topics for 2025:

  • Role of GIFT City in India’s global financial integration.
  • Regulating cryptocurrencies and digital assets.
  • Green finance and India’s sustainability goals.
  • Impact of fintech innovation on global banking.
  • India as a hub for offshore financial services.

Scoring Secret: Use facts, RBI/IFSCA reports, budget references, and global examples. Essays with data stand out.

(c) Comprehension – 35 Marks

What Examiner Looks For:

  • Reading speed and interpretation skills.
  • Ability to derive answers logically.
  • Clarity in expression.

Steps to Master:

  1. Read questions first → then passage.
  2. Underline key sentences while reading.
  3. Answer in your own words, avoid copy-pasting.
  4. Keep answers concise (3–5 lines).

Practice Approach:

  • Take passages from The Hindu or Mint.
  • Time yourself: 400-word passage + 6 Qs in 20–25 mins.

Scoring Secret: Vocabulary-based Qs are bonus marks—keep a strong word bank.

4. Time Management Strategy – 60 Minutes

To hit 70+ marks, you must attempt all three sections with focus:

  • Essay (30 Marks): 20 minutes
  • Precis (35 Marks): 15 minutes
  • Comprehension (35 Marks): 25 minutes

Golden Rule: Start with Essay → then Precis → end with Comprehension.
Reason: Essay requires creativity; precis/comprehension are mechanical.

5. Daily Preparation Roadmap

Step 1: Knowledge Building

  • Read Economic Times, Business Standard, RBI/IFSCA press releases.
  • Note key data: GDP growth, inflation, budget schemes, global finance trends.

Step 2: Writing Practice

  • Write 1 essay (250 words) + 1 precis daily.
  • Attempt comprehension passages 2–3 times a week.

Step 3: Mock Tests

  • Weekly 60-minute mock test simulating real paper.
  • Evaluate based on word count, grammar, structure, and clarity.

Step 4: Vocabulary Development

  • Maintain a notebook of 5–10 new words daily.
  • Focus on finance terms: liquidity, derivatives, sustainability, regulation.

6. Common Mistakes That Reduce Marks

  1. Exceeding word limits in essay/precis.
  2. Copying sentences in precis instead of rewriting.
  3. Writing generic essays without financial data/examples.
  4. Skipping counterpoints—essays appear one-sided.
  5. Poor time allocation—leaving answers incomplete.
  6. Grammar slips (subject-verb, punctuation).

7. Examiner’s Mindset – How Marks Are Given

  • Essay (30 Marks): Content (10) + Structure (10) + Language (10).
  • Precis (35 Marks): Relevance (15) + Clarity (10) + Word count & Grammar (10).
  • Comprehension (35 Marks): Accuracy (20) + Expression (10) + Vocabulary (5).

👉 Marks are deducted more for clarity errors than for complex vocabulary. Keep it simple, precise, and professional.

8. Model Answer Snapshot

Essay Introduction Sample (Topic: Regulating Digital Assets):
“Digital assets such as cryptocurrencies have grown exponentially, posing both opportunities and risks for global financial systems. While they promise faster, borderless transactions, they also raise concerns regarding volatility, investor protection, and money laundering. Regulators like IFSCA are thus tasked with creating a balanced framework that fosters innovation while safeguarding stability.”

👉 Notice: Clear opening, defines topic, sets tone.

9. Target Setting for 70+

To hit 70+, aim for:

  • Essay: 22–24/30
  • Precis: 25–27/35
  • Comprehension: 23–25/35

This distribution is realistic with daily practice.

10. Conclusion

The IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper is not just a test of language—it is a test of your professional communication skills, analytical thinking, and awareness of financial issues.

Scoring 70+ is not difficult if you:

  • Practice precis daily.
  • Write structured essays with data.
  • Sharpen comprehension skills through editorials.
  • Manage 60 minutes wisely.

Remember, many aspirants ignore this paper, but toppers always leverage it as their scoring zone. Make Descriptive English your strength, and it will push you into the final merit list with confidence.