The Descriptive Paper in IBPS PO Mains 2025 is one of the most scoring yet tricky sections. Aspirants get just 30 minutes to attempt an essay and a comprehension. With time pressure, writing an essay in a structured, concise, and effective manner becomes the key to success. Here’s a smart, step-by-step strategy to structure your essay within the limited time.
1. Understand the Time Constraint
You have 30 minutes for two tasks. Ideally:
- Essay: 16–18 minutes
- Comprehension: 12–14 minutes
For the essay, the time split should be:
- 2 minutes – Outline
- 13 minutes – Writing
- 1–2 minutes – Proofreading
This ensures balance between quality and time management.
2. The Three-Part Structure That Works Every Time
(i) Introduction (40–50 words)
- Start with a definition, fact, or quote.
- Mention relevance to society, economy, or banking.
- Avoid vague openings like “This is an important topic.”
👉 Example: For “Digital Banking and Financial Inclusion”:
“Digital banking in India has become a powerful tool of financial inclusion, bridging gaps between rural citizens and modern financial services.”
(ii) Body (150–180 words)
Break into 2–3 short paragraphs, each with a clear theme.
- Para 1 – Benefits/positives (use examples, schemes, statistics)
- Para 2 – Challenges/limitations (mention risks, literacy gap, ethical concerns)
- Para 3 – Way forward/solutions (government efforts, technology adoption, awareness)
👉 Example (on AI in Banking):
“AI-driven chatbots reduce waiting times and improve customer service. However, cyber security and job loss fears must be addressed. Strong regulation and training can ensure AI becomes a supportive tool rather than a disruptive force.”
(iii) Conclusion (30–40 words)
- Summarize the key message.
- End with a forward-looking statement.
- Avoid introducing new points.
👉 Example:
“With continuous reforms and digital literacy, Indian banking can achieve both growth and inclusion in the years ahead.”
3. Smart Writing Hacks to Save Time
- Think in bullet outlines first: Write 3–4 keywords for each section before you start.
- Use transition words: moreover, however, therefore, in conclusion.
- Write short sentences: Saves time and reduces grammar mistakes.
- Stick to the word limit (250–300 words): Overshooting wastes time and marks.
- Practice typing: Faster typing = more time for thinking and proofreading.
4. Sample 30-Minute Strategy in Action
Topic: Green Finance for Sustainable Development
- Outline (2 minutes): Definition → Importance → Govt initiatives → Challenges → Conclusion.
- Introduction (45 words): Define green finance + link with sustainability.
- Body (160 words):
- Para 1: Benefits – renewable energy, electric mobility, ESG investments.
- Para 2: Challenges – awareness gap, regulatory hurdles, risk perception.
- Para 3: Way forward – sovereign green bonds, global cooperation.
- Conclusion (35 words): Green finance is not a choice but a necessity for India’s long-term growth. With the right policies, it can balance economic progress with environmental responsibility.
- Proofread (1 minute): Check for spelling/grammar.
5. Final Exam-Day Reminders
- Don’t panic if you feel short on points – structure alone earns marks.
- Even a simple essay with clear intro, 2–3 body paras, and a conclusion can fetch above-average marks.
- Focus on clarity, not jargon.
- Always stay relevant to the topic.
✅ Takeaway:
A smart structure is your biggest ally in IBPS PO Mains. With practice, you can easily fit your essay into intro + body + conclusion within the given time, ensuring clarity, relevance, and high scores.