Here are some last-moment, in-depth tips and strategies you should follow tomorrow to maximize your performance in the IBPS PO 2025 mains descriptive test (30 minutes) — especially for those writing in English. Use these to sharpen your recovery and execution on the exam day.
🔍 Understanding the Setting: What’s expected (in 30 minutes)
Before we dive into tactics, remind yourself of the exam constraints and what examiners will judge:
- The descriptive portion now consists of an Essay + Comprehension (earlier there used to be an essay + letter; letter is replaced)
- You will write on a computer (i.e. type your answers) — so typing speed + accuracy matters.
- The total time allotted is 30 minutes for both essay + comprehension combined.
- Essay length suggested: ~ 250–300 words (or within word-limit as stated in the prompt)
- The evaluation is partly automated (computerized), so structure, coherence, grammar, relevance, and word limits are important.
- Examiner will penalize digressions, repetition, misuse of grammar, poor coherence, exceeding or falling short of limits.
Hence, your core objective in 30 minutes is: deliver a well-structured, relevant, error-free essay + correct responses to comprehension — not to over-impress with big words.
⏱ Time & Word Budgeting: How to Divide the 30 Minutes
You must allocate time smartly so you don’t run out of time before finishing.
Here is a suggested breakdown:
| Stage | Purpose | Suggested Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading & planning | Read prompt, plan your essay, skim comprehension | 3–4 minutes | Very important — set your direction |
| Essay writing | Draft the essay | 14–16 minutes | Keep watch on word count |
| Comprehension & answers | Read the passage + answer questions | 6–7 minutes | Don’t linger too long on one question |
| Revision & proofreading | Quick scan for grammar, spelling, coherence | 1–2 minutes | Fix glaring errors, alignment |
If there are two parts (essay + comprehension), you might divide ~16 min for essay + ~7–8 min for comprehension, leaving ~2–3 min buffer. Adjust slightly depending on the paper’s weight (often essay carries more marks).
Word count plan for essay: Target ~260 ± 20 words. Keep an internal counter while typing to avoid overshooting or underwriting. Exceeding by too much can hurt.
🧭 Planning & Structuring the Essay
Before you type, spend ~1 minute planning your structure and points. This helps avoid rambling and ensures coherence.
Structuring the essay
A classic structure works well under exam conditions:
- Introduction (1 short paragraph)
- State what the topic is.
- Outline your angle or what you will cover.
- Body (2–3 paragraphs)
- Each paragraph handles one key idea or argument.
- Use examples, facts, or current affairs to illustrate.
- Try to show both sides when possible (pro & con), or advantages & challenges.
- Conclusion (1 paragraph)
- Summarize your main points.
- Give your overall stance or recommendation.
Keep paragraphs short (4–6 sentences each). Avoid overly long blocks of text.
Tips for content & flow
- Stick to relevant points only. Don’t drift into unrelated territory.
- Use transition words (however, moreover, therefore, but, on the other hand) to maintain flow.
- Use simple, clear language. Don’t try to force big vocabulary if you are unsure.
- Provide realistic examples or data (if you know them). But don’t invent fake facts—inaccurate data can backfire.
- Maintain a neutral, balanced tone especially on socio-political topics. Avoid extreme bias.
Example mini outline (if the essay prompt is: “Role of Artificial Intelligence in Banking: Benefits & Risks”):
- Intro: What AI means, growing use in banking
- Body para1: Benefits — efficiency, fraud detection, personalized services
- Body para2: Challenges/risks — data privacy, job losses, biases
- Conclusion: Balanced view, need for regulation + human oversight
📖 Handling Comprehension (Reading + Questions)
When comprehension (passage + questions) comes:
- Skim the passage first (in 30–40 seconds) to get the gist.
- Then read the questions.
- Return to relevant lines in passage to answer—do not re-read entire every time.
- Write answers concisely, referencing the passage.
- Use your own words (paraphrase) unless quoting is needed.
- Watch for “inference” vs “stated” — avoid guesses beyond what passage supports.
Don’t spend too much time on hard questions — if stuck move on and come back.
🛠 Speed, Typing & Accuracy Hacks
Since you are typing:
- Practice short bursts just to warm up your fingers before exam—type 2–3 lines.
- Use simple sentences to reduce typing errors and editing.
- Avoid long, winding sentences that may break mid-typing.
- As you write, glance at word counter (many exam interfaces show it).
- Don’t pause for too long while thinking; mark placeholders and return if needed.
- If you stall, move on — write something and come back later.
✅ Final Proofreading Checklist (1–2 min)
In your final pass, check:
- Spelling mistakes & typos
- Subject-verb agreement / grammar slips
- Punctuation & commas
- Whether paragraphs transition logically
- No huge jump of ideas (coherence)
- Whether you stayed close to topic
- Word count not drastically off
A few small corrections can save you marks.
🧠 Psychological & Exam-Day Tips
- Don’t panic if you get stuck; move ahead.
- Stay calm—concentration drops under stress.
- Use buffer time (1–2 min) wisely.
- Don’t be tempted to rewrite the whole essay midway — minor edits better.
- Keep your energy up (light snack, water) before exam.
- Trust your preparation and planning.