The Descriptive English Paper in SEBI Grade A 2025 (Phase II) is not merely a test of language — it’s an assessment of your clarity of thought, expression, and analytical depth.
Many aspirants who excel in objective papers falter here because they lack structure and time discipline.
This guide covers everything — pattern, marks distribution, topic trends, and expert strategy to help you score 70+ overall in this 100-mark paper.
🧩 I. SEBI Grade A 2025 Descriptive English – Exam Pattern
| Component | Marks | Word Limit | Skill Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 30 | ~400 words | Content, structure, analytical ability |
| Precis | 30 | ~120 words | Comprehension, brevity, coherence |
| Comprehension | 40 | 5 descriptive Qs | Interpretation, reasoning, articulation |
| Total | 100 | 60 minutes | Writing + reasoning + clarity |
💡 Typing Mode: Computer-based (keyboard typing).
💡 Time Distribution (Ideal): Essay 25 min | Precis 15 min | Comprehension 20 min.
📝 Note on Word Limit and Marks Distribution (SEBI Grade A – Descriptive English)
As per SEBI’s official hand-out, the Descriptive English paper in Phase II carries 100 marks (Essay – 30 marks, Precis – 30 marks, Comprehension – 40 marks) with a duration of 60 minutes. The essay is officially prescribed to be around 400 words.
However, in the recent SEBI Grade A exams (2022–2024), the actual on-screen instruction has required essays of about 250 – 270 words.
Therefore, candidates are advised to:
- Practice essays in two modes:
- Exam Mode: 250 – 270 words (reflecting the latest trend).
- Practice Mode: 400 words (for skill building and expressive writing).
- Maintain a clear structure—Introduction → Body → Conclusion—with coherence and balanced analysis within the given limit.
(Bank Whizz mocks follow the updated 250–270 word guideline to simulate the actual SEBI interface.)
🖋️ II. Essay Writing Strategy (30 Marks)
1️⃣ Understand the Expectation
The essay tests your ability to develop ideas logically and present a balanced argument.
Topics are drawn from current economic, regulatory, or social themes — finance, fintech, inclusion, governance, ESG, etc.
2️⃣ Ideal Structure – “The 5-Paragraph Model”
| Section | Content | Word Range |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Define topic + brief context | 60–70 |
| Body 1 | Core issue / background | 90–100 |
| Body 2 | Analysis / challenges | 90–100 |
| Body 3 | Reforms / way forward | 70–80 |
| Conclusion | Summary + optimistic close | 40–50 |
3️⃣ Key Tips
- Start with a quote, data point, or definition.
- Maintain coherence with linking words (Moreover, However, Therefore).
- Use examples from RBI, SEBI, Budget 2025, or global trends.
- Avoid repetition and jargon.
- Revise in the final 2 minutes.
✅ Target Score: 21 + marks.
Read: [Essay Writing Strategy to Score 21+ Marks in SEBI Grade A 2025]
📘 III. Precis Writing Strategy (30 Marks)
Precis writing checks your ability to condense information without losing meaning.
You’ll get a passage of ~350 words; you must write a coherent version of ~120 words.
Step-by-Step Approach
- Read twice – understand tone and structure.
- Underline main ideas, not examples.
- Draft in one-third length; use simple language.
- Maintain author’s tone – neutral, informative.
- Add a title (2–5 words) summarizing the essence.
Do’s & Don’ts
✅ Write in your own words ❌ Don’t copy phrases verbatim
✅ Logical order ❌ Avoid commentary or opinion
✅ Use connectors ❌ Don’t exceed word limit
✅ Target Score: 20 + marks.
📗 IV. Reading Comprehension Strategy (40 Marks)
The RC section consists of a passage + 5 descriptive questions testing your ability to read, infer, and respond concisely.
Smart Solving Steps (Bank Whizz Method)
- Skim (2 min): Identify main idea and tone.
- Read questions (1 min): Know what to look for.
- Detailed reading (6 min): Map keywords & evidence.
- Answer (10 min): Write 40–60 word analytical responses.
- Review (2 min): Check grammar & completeness.
What Evaluators Look For
- Direct but well-phrased answers.
- Logical reasoning over copying.
- Proper grammar and sentence structure.
✅ Target Score: 28 + marks.
Read: [Reading Comprehension in SEBI Grade A 2025 – Smart Solving Techniques]
📊 V. Integrated Time Management Plan (60 Minutes)
| Section | Time | Focus | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 0 – 25 min | Plan + write + review | 21 + marks |
| Precis | 25 – 40 min | Read + write + title | 20 + marks |
| Comprehension | 40 – 60 min | 5 answers + review | 28 + marks |
| Total | 60 min | — | 70 + overall |
💡 Practice timed mocks weekly to automate this rhythm.
Read: [SEBI Grade A 2025 – 60-Minute Time Management Plan]
📈 VI. How Marks Are Awarded
| Criterion | Description | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Content & Relevance | Factual accuracy, conceptual clarity | 10 |
| Coherence & Structure | Logical flow, paragraphing | 6 |
| Grammar & Vocabulary | Language quality | 6 |
| Presentation | Neatness, formatting | 4 |
| Innovation & Insight | Original thought | 4 |
| Total | 30 per section |
🧩 VII. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Spending 35 + minutes on essay only
❌ Missing precis title or exceeding word limit
❌ Writing answers in bullet points in RC
❌ Repetition or poor grammar
❌ Ignoring formatting (paragraph gaps = readability = marks)
⚙️ VIII. Bank Whizz 4-Week Practice Plan
| Week | Focus | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Essay Basics | 2 essays (25 min each) |
| Week 2 | Precis Practice | 3 passages + titles |
| Week 3 | RC Sets | 3 sets (5 Qs each) |
| Week 4 | Full Mocks | 2 complete papers (60 min) |
💡 Use the Bank Whizz Descriptive Portal for timed mock uploads & faculty feedback.
🏁 Final Words
Descriptive English isn’t a memory test — it’s a thinking test.
Examiners want concise, clear, and insightful writing that reflects regulatory awareness and composure under pressure.
When you prepare with structure, time discipline, and real-exam simulation, 70 + marks become an achievable benchmark.
At Bank Whizz, we help you master not just English — but the art of expression that defines regulatory professionals.
Write to express, not to impress — clarity always scores higher than complexity.