Introduction
Precis writing is one of the most scoring yet tricky sections of NABARD Grade A Phase 2 Descriptive English. You are required to read a passage (usually 300–350 words) and rewrite it in about one-third of its length (around 120 words), capturing its central idea, key points, and logical flow.
Many aspirants either overwrite, miss key points, or copy-paste lines — leading to poor marks. This guide will teach you the correct format, step-by-step approach, tips, and sample solutions so that you can score 20–23 marks out of 30 consistently.
NABARD Grade A 2025 Precis Writing Overview
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Marks | 30 |
| Word Limit | ~120 words (±5%) |
| Skills Tested | Comprehension, Condensation, Grammar, Clarity |
| Time Allocation | 20–25 minutes recommended |
Precis Writing – The Correct Format
- Title:
- Give a short, meaningful title (not more than 7–8 words)
- It must represent the central theme of the passage
- Body of Precis:
- Written in your own words
- Maintain sequence and logical flow of ideas
- Use indirect speech and third person
- Avoid examples, redundancies, and extra adjectives
Step-by-Step Approach to Write a High-Scoring Precis
Step 1: Read the Passage Carefully (5 minutes)
- Read once for general understanding
- Read again to underline key points, data, arguments, cause-effect relationships
Step 2: Find the Central Idea
Write down the passage’s main message in one line. This becomes your title and guide for the summary.
Step 3: Prepare Rough Notes (Bullet Points)
- Note all key points in sequence
- Exclude irrelevant details, anecdotes, and repeated phrases
Step 4: Draft the Precis (7–8 minutes)
- Combine your notes into a coherent summary
- Use your own words (no copy-pasting)
- Keep it one-third of original length
Step 5: Revise & Count Words (2 minutes)
- Ensure you are within ±5% of word limit
- Check grammar, sentence flow, punctuation
Key Rules of Precis Writing
| Rule | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Write in third person | Maintains formal tone |
| Use past tense unless context demands otherwise | Consistency |
| Avoid personal opinions | Objective summary only |
| Preserve logical order | Prevents distortion of meaning |
| Use simple, concise language | Improves readability |
| Stick to word limit | Marks deducted for exceeding or under-writing |
Tips to Score 20+ Marks
- Focus on Central Theme: Title must reflect the essence of the passage.
- Avoid Copy-Pasting: Use your own language — paraphrase sentences.
- Eliminate Examples & Quotations: These consume word count unnecessarily.
- Use Connectors: Words like therefore, however, consequently ensure smooth flow.
- Maintain Word Limit: Write between 115–125 words for a 350-word passage.
- Keep Grammar Perfect: NABARD deducts marks for tense, agreement, and spelling errors.
Sample Precis – Example 1
Original Passage (Shortened for Demo – 300 words):
India’s agriculture sector employs nearly 50% of the workforce but contributes only around 18% to GDP. The sector is plagued with issues such as low productivity, fragmented landholdings, dependence on monsoon, and inadequate storage infrastructure. Post-harvest losses remain a major challenge, leading to reduced farmer incomes and food inflation. Government initiatives like e-NAM, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, and the promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) aim to increase farmers’ bargaining power and improve market linkages. Technology is also playing a key role, with agri-startups using AI, drones, and IoT to optimize farming practices. However, challenges remain in access to credit, awareness, and adoption among small farmers. A holistic approach focusing on irrigation, crop diversification, storage, and farmer education is needed to ensure sustainable agricultural growth.
Title: Roadmap for Sustainable Agricultural Growth
Precis (120 words):
India’s agriculture sector, employing half the workforce, faces challenges of low productivity, small holdings, monsoon dependency, and poor storage. Post-harvest losses impact farmer income and food prices. Government schemes like e-NAM, PMFBY, and FPO promotion aim to boost market access and price realization. Agri-tech startups are introducing AI, drones, and IoT solutions to enhance efficiency. Yet, credit access and awareness among small farmers remain hurdles. Sustainable growth requires a comprehensive strategy covering irrigation, crop diversification, storage infrastructure, and farmer training.
Sample Precis – Example 2
Title: Water Harvesting for Rural Sustainability
Precis:
Water scarcity threatens rural livelihoods and food security. Rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and micro-irrigation techniques can mitigate the crisis. Government support and community participation are essential for effective implementation. Strengthening awareness and investing in rural water infrastructure can ensure long-term sustainability and improve agricultural productivity.
(This is a compressed example; real passage would be longer but follow same technique.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Writing Commentary: Precis is not an essay; avoid adding opinions.
- ❌ Changing Meaning: Do not distort author’s message while summarizing.
- ❌ Missing Title: Deduction of 1–2 marks is common for missing/irrelevant titles.
- ❌ Exceeding Word Limit: Overshooting by more than 10% can cost marks.
- ❌ Writing in Points: Precis must be in paragraph form.
Practice Plan for 2025
| Week | Task | Practice Material |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Learn format & write 3 precis | The Hindu editorials |
| Week 2 | Practice 4 more precis under 10-min timer | Down To Earth articles |
| Week 3 | Write 5 timed precis + self-evaluate | Previous year NABARD passages |
| Week 4 | Full-length mock (Precis + Essay + Letter) | Simulate exam environment |
Time Management for Precis
| Task | Time Allocation |
|---|---|
| Read & Highlight | 5 mins |
| Prepare Rough Draft | 5 mins |
| Write Final Precis | 7–8 mins |
| Proofread & Count Words | 2 mins |
Total: 20–25 minutes
Vocabulary for Precis Writing
Use formal, compact words:
- Instead of: very big problem → Say: major challenge
- Instead of: helped a lot → Say: significantly assisted
- Instead of: because of this → Say: consequently / owing to
Compact words save space and keep summary precise.
Conclusion
Precis writing is an art of condensing without losing essence. In NABARD Grade A 2025, this section offers an excellent chance to score if you:
- Understand the passage well
- Identify central idea & key points
- Rewrite in simple, crisp language within word limit
Regular practice of summarizing editorials, following the correct format, and sticking to word count can ensure a 20+ score out of 30 — significantly boosting your overall descriptive paper marks.
Start practicing one passage daily under a timer, self-review, and gradually you’ll master precis writing before the exam.