Boost Your PFRDA Grade A 2025 Score with Descriptive English Best Practices
In the latest PFRDA Grade A 2025 advertisement, Paper 1 (Descriptive English) is clearly specified as a critical test of your drafting skills — with 100 marks, 3 questions, and a duration of 60 minutes.
It is expressly meant “to assess the writing skills including expression and understanding of the topic including precis writing / essay writing / comprehension.”
Given this, excelling in the Descriptive English paper is not optional — it is essential to stand out. Below is a comprehensive guide, strategies, and tips to help you maximize your score.
📄 Why Descriptive English Matters (Beyond Mere Marks)
- This section distinguishes candidates: unlike MCQs, your writing is directly evaluated for clarity, logic, coherence and expression.
- In a regulatory role like PFRDA, officers are expected to draft memos, policy notes, and official communication. This exam simulates that real-world requirement.
- Strong performance can significantly sway your final merit, especially when objective scores are clustered.
Exam Pattern & Structure: What You Must Know
From the official snaps:
| Component | Marks | Number of Questions | Time Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Descriptive English) | 100 | 3 questions | 60 minutes |
The three question types you’ll face are:
- Essay Writing
- Precis Writing
- Reading Comprehension
All three need to be attempted. The test measures your ability to think, structure, express, and condense information concisely.
Strategies for Each Section
1. Essay Writing
- Topic Analysis & Choice
Start by reading all topics carefully. Choose the one where you can bring maximum clarity, examples, and insight. - Plan Before You Write
Spend 2–3 minutes drafting a quick outline: introduction, key points, conclusion. - Structure (3-Part Flow)
- Introduction: define terms, set context
- Body: 2–3 paragraphs, each with one major idea + evidence/examples
- Conclusion: summarise and suggest a forward-looking remark
- Support with Data & Schemes
Use recent facts, government schemes, reports (for example from PFRDA, RBI, NPS data) to back your points. - Tone & Language
Keep it formal, objective, and precise. Avoid emotional or extreme statements. - Word Limit Discipline
Stay within the customary 300–400 words (or as per latest instructions). Going over can cost you.
2. Precis Writing
- Read Carefully, Twice
First for meaning, second to identify key points. - Extract Central Idea
Drop supporting examples, redundant detail, and focus on core message. - Write in Own Words
Do not copy long stretches; paraphrase. - Length Constraint
The precis should be exactly one-third of the original passage. - Clarity Over Complexity
Use short, clear sentences. Maintain flow and coherence.
3. Reading Comprehension (RC)
- Read Questions First
This helps you target relevant parts while reading the passage. - Active Reading
Underline keywords, transitions (“however,” “therefore,” etc.), and links. - Answer in Your Own Words
Avoid copying straight from the passage unless it’s a small phrase. - Stick to the Passage
Don’t insert external opinions; stay anchored to what’s given. - Manage Time
Allocate roughly 15–20 minutes to RC, depending on difficulty.
Time Allocation & Workflow (Suggested)
| Task | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Essay | 25–30 |
| Precis | 15–18 |
| Comprehension | 15–18 |
| Buffer / Review | 2–5 |
Always reserve a few minutes at the end to proofread for grammar, spelling, clarity, and ensuring you didn’t exceed limits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring structure (no intro/body/conclusion)
- Exceeding or staying far below word limits
- Copying large phrases verbatim in precis or RC
- Poor grammar, spelling, punctuation
- Weak linkage between paragraphs
Practice & Preparation Plan
- Daily Writing Practice
Write one essay + one precis + one RC daily under timed conditions. - Read Widely
Focus on editorials, government reports, PFRDA/NPS documents to build content knowledge. - Maintain a Current Affairs Notebook
Keep track of data, schemes, statistics relevant to pensions, finance, governance. - Mock Descriptive Tests
Simulate the actual exam: 60 minutes, typing mode, no breaks. Then evaluate yourself. - Review & Feedback
Compare your essays with high-scoring ones. Identify gaps in style, logic, vocabulary. - Improve Typing Speed
Since the exam is online, being fluent and error-free in typing will save precious time.
Final Words: Turn Weakness into Strength
Descriptive English is not a passive section — it’s your chance to showcase clarity, reasoning, and command over language. With consistent practice, smart strategies, and awareness of structure, you can turn this section into your advantage.
Prepare like a professional. Think like a regulator. Write with precision.
Wishing you the very best in PFRDA Grade A 2025!
— Team Bank Whizz