Common Mistakes to Avoid in NABARD Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper

Introduction

The NABARD Grade A Phase 2 Descriptive English Paper is worth 100 marks — and is often the deciding factor in the final merit list. Scoring 70+ marks is achievable with good preparation, but many candidates underperform not because they don’t know the content — but because they make avoidable mistakes during the exam.

This article covers 15+ common mistakes aspirants make in Essay, Precis, and Letter Writing, along with practical tips to avoid them. By recognizing these pitfalls and adopting a disciplined approach, you can maximize your descriptive paper marks and boost your selection chances.

Mistake 1: Poor Time Management

The Problem

Many aspirants spend too much time brainstorming for essay topics and end up rushing through letter or precis.

Solution

  • Follow a 90-minute time plan:
    • Letter: 15–17 mins
    • Precis: 20–25 mins
    • Essay: 40 mins
    • Review: 5 mins
  • Practice with a timer during mocks to develop pacing.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Word Limits

The Problem

Writing 600+ words for essay or summarizing precis in just 80 words leads to mark deduction.

Solution

  • Essay: 500–520 words
  • Precis: ~120 words (±5%)
  • Letter: 200–220 words
    Count words quickly after writing and trim/add sentences if needed.

Mistake 3: Writing in a Single Paragraph

The Problem

Many candidates write the entire essay or letter as one long block of text, making it difficult to read.

Solution

  • Essay: Minimum 4–5 paragraphs (Intro, 2–3 Body Paras, Conclusion)
  • Letter: 3 clear paragraphs (Intro, Body, Conclusion)
  • Precis: Single paragraph, but keep sentences short and connected

Mistake 4: Weak Introductions & Conclusions

The Problem

A dull opening or abrupt ending can reduce examiner’s impression.

Solution

  • Introduction: Start with a definition, statistic, or quote to set context.
  • Conclusion: Summarize key points and end with forward-looking, solution-oriented thought.

Mistake 5: Lack of Data & Examples in Essays

The Problem

Essays without facts, government schemes, or real examples look generic and fetch average marks.

Solution

Maintain a content bank with:

  • Government schemes (PM-KUSUM, PMFBY, e-NAM)
  • Recent data (agri GDP share, credit disbursal)
  • Relevant case studies

Mistake 6: Casual or Informal Tone

The Problem

Using slang, abbreviations (u, pls, thx), or casual tone in a formal exam reduces marks.

Solution

Use professional expressions:

  • “This is to bring to your notice…”
  • “I request you to kindly…”
  • “It is imperative that…”

Mistake 7: Copy-Pasting Lines in Precis

The Problem

Many candidates lift sentences from passage instead of rephrasing.

Solution

  • Rewrite in your own words
  • Use synonyms and compact language
  • Maintain original meaning without distorting

Mistake 8: Missing Title in Precis

The Problem

A missing or irrelevant title leads to 1–2 mark deduction.

Solution

Write a short, crisp title that captures central theme (max 7–8 words).

Mistake 9: Ignoring Grammar & Spelling

The Problem

Typos, subject-verb errors, and wrong tenses lower the overall impression.

Solution

  • Proofread last 5 minutes
  • Keep sentences simple and grammatically correct
  • Avoid very long, complex constructions

Mistake 10: Overuse of Jargon

The Problem

Some aspirants overstuff essays with technical terms, making them unreadable.

Solution

Use jargon sparingly. Focus on clarity. Example:

  • ❌ Agro-bio-diversification strategies via ICT-enabled agri-value-chain interventions…
  • ✅ Crop diversification supported by technology-enabled value chains can improve farm incomes.

Mistake 11: Weak Subject Lines in Letters

The Problem

Vague subjects like “Problem with Roads” are not examiner-friendly.

Solution

Subject must be concise yet descriptive:

  • “Request for Urgent Repair of Damaged Roads in XYZ Colony”

Mistake 12: Aggressive or Emotional Tone in Complaint Letters

The Problem

Harsh words or blaming authorities directly reduce professionalism.

Solution

Be polite and formal:

  • “We request timely action to prevent further inconvenience.”
  • Avoid words like “careless,” “negligent,” “inefficient.”

Mistake 13: Not Practicing Typing

The Problem

Slow typing speed leads to incomplete paper.

Solution

  • Target 30–35 WPM typing speed
  • Practice on TypingClub or 10FastFingers
  • Write full-length mocks on computer

Mistake 14: Neglecting Vocabulary

The Problem

Overuse of basic words like “good,” “bad,” “big problem” lowers quality.

Solution

Use formal alternatives:

  • Good → Beneficial, Progressive
  • Bad → Adverse, Detrimental
  • Big Problem → Major Challenge, Key Constraint

Mistake 15: Skipping Proofreading

The Problem

Uncorrected spelling mistakes or missing words can cost 3–4 marks.

Solution

Always keep 5 minutes to review:

  • Count words
  • Correct grammar
  • Re-read conclusion

Mistake 16: Not Practicing Under Exam Conditions

The Problem

Studying theory without timed practice causes panic on exam day.

Solution

  • Attempt weekly 90-minute mocks
  • Simulate real environment — no phone, no breaks
  • Review mistakes after each mock

Summary Table – Mistakes & Fixes

MistakeQuick Fix
Time mismanagementFollow 90-min plan
Word limit issuesStay within ±5%
Single paragraph essayWrite 4–5 paras
Weak intro/conclusionUse quote/fact & suggest solutions
No data/examplesBuild content bank
Informal toneUse formal phrases
Copy-paste precisParaphrase
Missing titleAdd 6–8 word title
Grammar errorsProofread
Overuse of jargonPrioritize clarity
Vague subject lineMake it specific
Aggressive complaintRemain polite
Slow typingPractice daily
Weak vocabularyLearn 5 new words daily
No practice mocksTake weekly full-length tests

Final Tips to Avoid These Mistakes

  1. Practice Smart: Weekly mock tests improve timing and writing quality.
  2. Review Errors: Maintain a mistake log and recheck before exam.
  3. Revise Vocabulary: Use formal words and connectors naturally.
  4. Stay Calm on Exam Day: Time allocation + steady typing = high score.

Conclusion

Avoiding mistakes is as important as preparing content. The NABARD Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper is designed to reward clarity, professionalism, and structure.

By steering clear of these common pitfalls — from poor time management to weak grammar — and following a disciplined approach, you can easily add 10–15 extra marks to your final score.

Make mistake-avoidance part of your preparation strategy, practice under timed conditions, and you’ll confidently cross the 70+ mark in the descriptive paper — bringing you closer to your dream NABARD Grade A selection.