Clearing PFRDA Grade A Phase II is a dream for many aspirants, but one of the biggest roadblocks is Paper I – Descriptive English. Unlike MCQs, this paper demands the ability to think clearly, write effectively, and present ideas in a structured manner under time pressure.
The good news? With a clear step-by-step preparation plan, anyone can master Descriptive English and turn it into a scoring section. This guide gives you a 30-day roadmap, topic-wise strategy, practice hacks, and exam-day tips to help you score at the top percentile.
🎯 Step 1: Understand the Exam Blueprint
Before you start preparing, you must know what to expect:
| Section | Marks | Word Limit | Skill Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 30 | 300–400 words | Idea organization, argument building |
| Precis Writing | 30 | 1/3 of original passage | Clarity, compression, coherence |
| Reading Comprehension | 40 | 5 questions | Understanding, inference, vocabulary |
Total Duration: 60 minutes
Mode: Online (typing-based)
Takeaway: This is a high-scoring paper if you prepare systematically. Since marks are added to Phase II merit, every extra mark here improves your final rank.
🖋️ Step 2: Build Strong Foundations
1. Brush Up Basic Grammar
Grammar is the backbone of good writing. Dedicate your first 3–4 days to revise:
- Sentence structure & subject-verb agreement
- Tenses & their correct usage
- Punctuation marks (commas, colons, semicolons)
- Prepositions, connectors, and transitional phrases
2. Read Quality Content Daily
Reading sharpens your thought process and improves vocabulary. Spend 30–45 minutes reading:
- The Hindu / Indian Express editorials
- Mint / Business Standard (for economy & finance topics)
- Yojana or PIB articles (for government schemes and pension reforms)
Make notes of:
- Good phrases and connectors
- Quotes and statistics
- Recent government initiatives related to finance, retirement, and social security
✍️ Step 3: Master Essay Writing
How to Structure a High-Scoring Essay
- Introduction (10%)
Set context, define keywords, and state what you will discuss.
Example: “In an era of increasing life expectancy, pension reforms are critical for ensuring financial security of senior citizens.”
- Body (70–75%)
Divide into 2–3 paragraphs:
- Para 1: Present main argument with data/examples
- Para 2: Discuss challenges or counterpoints
- Para 3: Suggest solutions/way forward
- Conclusion (10–15%)
Summarize and end on an optimistic note.
“A robust pension framework will strengthen India’s social security net and align with the goal of inclusive growth.”
Daily Practice Plan
- Write one essay daily for 15 days on trending topics
- Time yourself: complete in 20 minutes
- Check for word limit, grammar, logical flow
✂️ Step 4: Learn the Art of Precis Writing
Precis writing is about condensing without distorting.
5-Step Precis Formula
- Read Twice: First for understanding, second for underlining key ideas.
- Identify Theme: Find the central idea of the passage.
- Filter Out: Remove examples, adjectives, repetitions.
- Rewrite: Use your own words, third-person narration.
- Count Words: Ensure it’s 1/3rd of the original.
Tip: Give a short, crisp title that captures the essence.
Practice 10–12 passages from editorials over the next two weeks.
📖 Step 5: Sharpen Reading Comprehension Skills
Reading Comprehension (RC) can fetch quick marks if done smartly.
Approach:
- Skim Questions First: Helps you know what to look for.
- Read Actively: Focus on keywords like however, therefore, despite.
- Avoid Guesswork: Base answers strictly on passage.
- Manage Time: Spend max 12–15 minutes on RC.
🗓️ Step 6: Follow a 30-Day Roadmap
| Day Range | Focus Area | Action Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1–7 | Foundation | Grammar revision + 1 RC daily |
| Day 8–14 | Essay Writing | 1 essay/day + feedback & improvement |
| Day 15–21 | Precis | 1 precis/day + title practice |
| Day 22–27 | Mixed Practice | Essay + Precis + RC in one sitting |
| Day 28–30 | Full Mock | Attempt full-length test in 60 mins, analyze mistakes |
⏱️ Step 7: Master Time Management
Here’s a 60-minute strategy to optimize attempt:
| Time Block | Task |
|---|---|
| 0–5 mins | Choose essay topic, jot points |
| 5–25 mins | Write essay (320–350 words) |
| 25–40 mins | Attempt precis, check word count |
| 40–55 mins | Solve RC questions carefully |
| 55–60 mins | Proofread essay & precis |
🔑 Step 8: Learn High-Scoring Techniques
- Use Transitional Phrases: “Furthermore,” “In contrast,” “Therefore.”
- Incorporate Data: “According to PFRDA Annual Report 2023…”
- Quote Wisely: Use APJ Abdul Kalam or Gandhi for motivation/ethics essays.
- Keep it Formal: Avoid slang or SMS language.
- Proofread: The last 5 minutes can fix grammar slips and boost marks.
❌ Step 9: Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Overshooting word limit in essay (penalties apply)
- Copying sentences verbatim in precis
- Writing essay like a casual blog — keep tone formal
- Spending too much time on RC and rushing through essay
- Ignoring paragraphing — walls of text lose marks
📑 Step 10: Practice in Exam-Like Conditions
- Use a Laptop/PC: Get used to typing at 35–40 WPM
- Use Word Counter: Stay within word limit
- Simulate Exam Pressure: Attempt mocks at same time slot as real exam
- Analyze Mistakes: Maintain a notebook of errors and revise weekly
📌 Bonus: Key Expressions & Connectors
| Function | Expressions |
|---|---|
| Introduction | “In the present scenario…”, “With rising awareness…” |
| Adding Points | “Moreover…”, “In addition…” |
| Contrast | “However…”, “In contrast to this…” |
| Conclusion | “Hence, it is evident…”, “Thus, the way forward is…” |
🚀 Final Takeaway
Cracking Descriptive English in PFRDA Grade A 2025 is not about memorizing essays but about developing clarity of thought, typing speed, and structured writing skills.
By following this step-by-step plan for just 30 days, you can:
- Write essays with impact
- Compress passages into precise summaries
- Solve RC accurately and quickly
- Manage time like a pro
Remember: Consistency + Practice + Review = High Score.
Make Descriptive English your strength, and you’ll sail into the interview stage with confidence.