The descriptive section of IBPS PO mains is one of the crucial differentiators among candidates, especially now that the letter-writing component has been replaced by a comprehension passage (from 2025 onward).
A well-answered comprehension can fetch you solid marks (typically ~10 marks under the new pattern).
In this post, we’ll deep dive into how to master comprehension questions — from preparation strategies to in-exam tactics — along with the latest updates you must know.
Latest Updates You Must Know
Before jumping into techniques, here’s what’s new (or changed) in the IBPS PO descriptive/comprehension format:
| Parameter | Old Format | New / 2025 Format |
| Components | Essay + Letter | Essay + Comprehension |
| Marks for Comprehension | Usually letters / formal writing | ~10 marks allocated for comprehension portion |
| Time Allotted | 30 minutes for both sections | Still 30 minutes for the entire descriptive section (essay + comprehension) |
| Evaluation | Human + partial automation (varied) | Fully automated evaluation (grammar, relevance, word count) |
| Key criteria | Grammar, coherence, format | Grammar, relevance, adherence to word (or answer) limits, clarity & structure |
Because the evaluation is automated, you cannot rely solely on fancy vocabulary or verbose writing; your answers must be clear, precise, contextually relevant, and grammatically correct.
Given this backdrop, let’s now see how you can effectively tackle comprehension.
What is “Comprehension” in This Context?
In the descriptive section, the comprehension part will present you with a passage (on a theme such as economy, social issues, technology, banking innovations, etc.). You will be asked multiple sub-questions, often of the following kinds:
- Central idea / main theme
- Specific detail(s) from the passage
- Inference / implied meaning
- Author’s viewpoint or tone
- Vocabulary in context (meaning of a word / phrase, usage)
- Short summary / gist (in your own words)
- Comparison / contrast if passage mentions dichotomies
Your task is to read, understand, analyze, and then answer those questions — typically in concise, to-the-point responses (often 30–40 words or less, unless otherwise specified).
Step-by-Step Strategy: Before the Exam
To do well in comprehension, your preparation must be deliberate. Here is a roadmap:
1. Read extensively & diversify your sources
Read editorials, opinion pieces, economic reports, social issue essays, technology journals, and banking / financial news. The more varied your reading, the more quickly you’ll adapt to any passage.
This builds:
- Speed of reading (critical in limited time)
- Vocabulary exposure (for context meaning)
- Sense of typical question themes and authorial tones
2. Practice passage + question drills
Take past IBPS PO descriptive tests (with comprehension) or mock tests following the new pattern. Time yourself. After completing, self-evaluate:
- Did you capture the main idea correctly?
- Did you answer in your own words (not copy-paste)?
- Were your answers concise and relevant?
- Did you maintain grammatical correctness?
3. Build a “mini-synopsis” habit
On reading any article (say in a newspaper), try to write a 2- to 3-line summary. Then note:
- The main theme or thesis
- Key supporting points
- Tone (neutral / critical / optimistic / cautionary)
This hones your ability to spot structure and gist — a direct transfer to comprehension answers.
4. Practice paraphrasing & rephrasing
Because examiners want your expression, not copied text, practice rewriting sentences or short paragraphs in your own style without changing the meaning.
5. Strengthen vocabulary with context
Don’t memorize long lists in isolation. Instead, note new words while reading — see how the author uses them — then write your own sentence using them in a different context. This helps when you face “meaning in context” type questions.
6. Time management simulation
Set a timer and practice a full descriptive section (essay + comprehension) within 30 minutes. Gradually reduce margins, to push your speed. Evaluate how much time you can allot to comprehension (e.g. 10–12 minutes) versus essay.
Step-by-Step Strategy: During the Exam
When you sit for the descriptive section, be strategic. Here’s a suggested flow for the comprehension part:
- Skim the passage
Don’t read line-by-line at first. Skim to capture:- Paragraph division
- The main point of each paragraph
- Key terms or words in bold / repeated
- Paragraph division
- Read the questions
Before deep reading, glance at the questions. This gives you targets to look out for in the detailed reading. - Read in detail, annotate
Read carefully, line-by-line, marking:- Key statements / arguments
- Pivotal words / phrases
- Transition markers (but, however, in contrast, similarly)
- Words whose meaning you are unsure of (for context meaning questions)
- Key statements / arguments
- Answer in your own words
For each question:- Restate part of the question in your answer to keep it anchored
- Use simple and direct sentences
- Avoid copying a whole sentence from the passage
- Keep the answer within the word-limit or as short as possible
- If question asks for “tone / attitude,” use precise adjectives (e.g. cautionary, optimistic, critical) plus a brief justification
- Restate part of the question in your answer to keep it anchored
- Check for grammar, spelling, coherence
Once you’ve answered all, if time permits, quickly skim your answers to correct typos, missed articles, agreement errors, or awkward phrasing. - Avoid over-writing
More words do not equal more marks. If you overshoot or go off on a tangent, you may lose marks (especially under automated evaluation). Be concise and directly responsive.
Sample Mini Approach (Hypothetical Passage)
To illustrate, here’s how you might approach a short sample:
Passage theme: The rise of digital financial inclusion in rural India
Likely questions:
- What is the central idea?
- What are the main challenges mentioned?
- According to the author, how can policy help?
- What is the tone of the author?
- Define “financial inclusion” as used in the passage.
- Write a 3–4 line summary.
Approach:
- Skim paragraph headings: notice “digital infrastructure,” “awareness / training,” “policy support”
- Read questions: you know you’ll need detail & big picture
- Read carefully, annotate mentions of “lack of internet,” “cost of devices,” “government subsidies,” etc.
- Answer:
- Central idea: The passage describes how leveraging digital tools and policy support can bring financial services to rural India, but cautions about infrastructure and awareness gaps.
- Challenges: poor internet connectivity, low digital literacy, high device cost, resistance to change in rural locales.
- Policy’s role: subsidizing devices, creating digital literacy drives, incentivizing banks / fintech to expand services, ensuring infrastructure.
- Tone: cautiously optimistic – the author acknowledges challenges but supports the push for inclusion.
- Financial inclusion (in context): providing access to banking, credit, insurance, payments to underserved and rural populations via digital channels.
- Summary: The passage argues that though digital financial inclusion offers immense promise in rural India, its success hinges on infrastructure, literacy, and supportive policy measures.
- Central idea: The passage describes how leveraging digital tools and policy support can bring financial services to rural India, but cautions about infrastructure and awareness gaps.
See how each answer is short, tied to the question, and avoids copying full sentences.
Mistakes to Avoid (and Pitfalls)
- Copy-pasting from passage (especially long chunks) — the automated system penalizes this.
- Ignoring word-limit — longer answers may be flagged.
- Going off-topic / adding unrelated info — your “extra thoughts” won’t fetch marks.
- Overusing complex vocabulary without clarity — clarity > showiness.
- Neglecting grammar / punctuation — even a good idea suffers if expressed poorly.
- Spending too much time on one question — leave enough buffer.
Practice Schedule Template (for Comprehension)
Here’s a weekly plan you can adopt:
| Day | Focus | Activity |
| Monday | Reading + gist | Read editorial / opinion piece, write a 3-line summary + 5 key points |
| Tuesday | Vocabulary in context | Pick a passage, list 5 new words, write your own sentences |
| Wednesday | Comprehension drill | Solve 1 passage + 5 questions under time limit |
| Thursday | Error check & paraphrase | Choose a small paragraph and paraphrase; correct your earlier answers |
| Friday | Mock full descriptive | Simulate essay + comprehension in 30 minutes |
| Saturday | Review & feedback | Revisit your errors, refine strategies, check time management |
| Sunday | Rest / light reading | Read something interesting (economy / tech / social), no pressure |
Consistency with this schedule will gradually refine your speed, clarity, and confidence.
Final Words
Tackling comprehension in the IBPS PO descriptive section is not just about vocabulary or reading speed — it’s about understanding, structuring, and clearly expressing your answers in alignment with what the evaluators (automated system) expect.
With disciplined reading, timed practice, paraphrasing drills, and careful exam tactics, you can transform comprehension from a feared section into a scoring one.
If you like, I can also give 10 recent sample passages + questions (tailored to IBPS PO style) which you can publish on your blog or practice with. Would you like me to prepare those?