The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Grade A Phase II Paper I (Descriptive English) is your golden opportunity to make a high-impact impression. This paper is 100 marks, must be completed in 60 minutes, and comprises three sections: Essay, Precis, and Comprehension.
Here’s how to navigate this challenge with finesse, structure, and confidence—especially for Bank Whizz readers aiming to shine.
Section Overview & Strategic Foundations
Exam Pattern Snapshot
| Section | Task Type | Marks | Duration | Word Limit & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Formal writing (300–400 wds) | — | — | Intro, body, conclusion; use data & structure |
| Precis | Summarize (~1/3 length) | — | — | Rephrase, clarity, avoid copying |
| Comprehension | Understand & answer | — | — | Stick to text; concise; manage time |
The exam is online—good typing speed is a must.
1. Essay Writing: Impress with Structure & Substance
Why it matters: Written with care, this section can yield high marks as it reflects your analytical skills, clarity, and awareness.
Common themes: Economics, finance, regulation, social and policy issues, digital banking, government schemes.
How to conquer it:
- Understand the topic: Read the prompt carefully—even twice.
- Draft an outline (2–3 mins): Use a three-part structure—Introduction, Body (2–3 points + examples), Conclusion.
- Write formally & clearly: No slang, maintain objectivity.
- Add weight with examples: Use RBI data, reports, policy changes. Specificity adds credibility.
- Stick to the word limit: Around 300–400 words; avoid verbosity.
Time breakdown suggestion:
- Outline: 2–3 minutes
- Writing: 20–22 minutes
- Review/edit: 2–3 minutes
2. Precis Writing: Condense with Clarity
Objective: Transform a passage into a concise summary (~one-third length), capturing essential themes in your own language.
Smart strategy:
- Read thoroughly: Understand the core message before diving in.
- Identify key points: Note or mentally flag them.
- Avoid copying: Rephrase in a coherent, logical flow.
- Length discipline: Follow the one-third rule—about 100 words for a 300-word passage.
- Polish your language: Simple, clear, and connected—no standalone bullets.
Extra tip from Bank Whizz’s Precis guide:
“Read the passage carefully twice… jot down the most important ideas… provide a title… avoid idioms or wordiness.”Bank whizz
3. Comprehension: Read Smart, Answer Precisely
Focus area: Read and interpret passages accurately, then answer succinctly without personal opinions—unless explicitly asked.
Tactful approach:
- Scan first, then deep-read: Capture general flow, then note details.
- Highlight or underline: Key sentences help navigate answers quickly.
- Answer factually: Stay rooted in the passage—avoid irrelevant content.
- Be concise: Stick to direct answers.
- Watch the clock: Don’t over-invest time; keep balanced with other sections.
4. Preparation Essentials: Build Skills, Confidence, Speed
Writing practice matters
- Daily essay drills: Choose topics like pension policy, NPS improvements, fintech in governance.
- Series of précis exercises: Use articles from policy think tanks or newspapers.
- Comprehension passages: Practice with financial news, analytical reports, or regulatory commentary.
Typing readiness
- Practice on a desktop/laptop to mimic the exam experience.
- Focus on speed without sacrificing accuracy.
Structure + Feedback loop
- Create outlines systematically.
- Seek feedback—even peer review can highlight improvements.
Simulate mock tests under timed conditions
- Stick to 1-hour drills combining all three tasks.
- Time yourself clearly and reflect on pacing.
Language polish
- Watch out for grammar, spelling, flow.
- Prefer formal and analytical tone—not casual.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping outlines: Leads to disorganized essays.
- Word count neglect: Too long or too short both penalize.
- Informal writing tone: Watch language choice.
- Copying passages in precision: Summaries must be your own voice.
- Opinion overload in comprehension: Stick to textual answers.
Why This Section Could Be a Game-Changer
Descriptive English isn’t just about words—it assesses your ability to think clearly, structure logically, and draft professionally—core skills for a PFRDA role. As ixamBee explains, this mirrors real-world tasks like policy notes, reports, and official communication.
A strong performance here can significantly boost your overall Phase II score.
Overview:
Aspiring officers for PFRDA Grade A, here’s your chance to excel in Paper I—an essential 100-mark descriptive test featuring Essay, Precis, and Comprehension, all to be completed within 60 minutes. This is your moment to showcase clarity, precision, and analytical prowess.
Exam Anatomy:
- Marks: 100 | Duration: 60 minutes | Sections: Essay, Precis, Comprehension
- Mode: Online typing-based
1. Essay Writing (300–400 words)
- Why it matters: Central scoring opportunity—tests your ability to think, analyze, and write within structure and budget.
- Typical Themes: Digital banking, policy frameworks, economic reforms, social finance.
- Smart Approach:
- Read topic twice.
- Draft a quick outline (Intro → Body with 2–3 arguments + real-world examples → Conclusion).
- Write formally; avoid colloquial language.
- Use examples or data (RBI reports, scheme details) for strength.
- Stick to ~300–400 words to avoid dilution.
- Time Tip: Roughly 25 minutes writing, 3 minutes outline, 2 minutes review.
2. Precis Writing (~1/3 Original Length)
- Purpose: Summarise succinctly while retaining the passage’s essence.
- How To:
- Read carefully (maybe twice).
- Identify key messages; don’t copy sentences.
- Maintain logical flow and coherence.
- Adhere to length—e.g., 100 words for a 300-word passage.
- Extra Wisdom: “Read passage twice… jot down key points… avoid idioms… write in your own words in logical flow.”
3. Comprehension: Read, Understand, Answer
- Goal: Demonstrate accurate interpretation and direct responses.
- Tactics:
- Skim then read in detail.
- Highlight key lines for quick navigation.
- Stick to facts—no adding personal opinions unless asked.
- Write succinct, precise answers.
- Be time-aware—not too stuck on any one question.
4. Preparation Blueprint
- Write daily: Essays on policies, economic issues, financial reforms.
- Precis exercises: Use policy articles and reports.
- Practice comprehension: Read analytical, regulatory, financial passages.
- Typing drills: Mirror exam environment—speed + accuracy matter.
- Mock tests: Full 1-hour sessions covering all sections. Time yourself religiously.
- Feedback loop: Peer review or self-assessment for clarity and framing.
- Language check: Correct grammar, remove spelling errors, be formal.
5. Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Ignoring outlines → leads to unstructured essays.
- Exceeding / missing word limits → clarity suffers.
- Informal tone → undermines professionalism.
- Copying text in precis → penalized.
- Opinions in comprehension → not relevant.
Why This Section Can Define Your Success
Unlike objective tests, this section tests real-world skills—policy articulation, concise writing, drafting—that are integral to the PFRDA role. A standout performance here can elevate your Phase II shirtlist chances.
Closing Thoughts
Approach the descriptive paper not as a hurdle, but as a stage to showcase your thought clarity, drafting finesse, and analytical edge. Structure your prep: outline, practice, review. Build typing stamina. Write with purpose and polish.
“Practice by writing full-length answers; draft outlines; stick to limits; type smart; proofread rigorously”—these are your best allies.I
Wishing all Bank Whizz aspirants the best—may your words open doors!