NABARD Descriptive English is not a test of vocabulary flair.
It is a test of clarity, structure, relevance, and discipline under pressure.
Many well-prepared candidates lose marks inside the exam hall—not due to lack of knowledge, but due to avoidable execution mistakes. This post lists exactly what to write and what to avoid during the NABARD Grade A Mains Descriptive English paper.
✍️ WHAT TO WRITE (EXAMINER-FRIENDLY APPROACH)
1️⃣ Write with Structure, Not Speed
Every answer—essay, precis, or RC—must show clear organisation.
- Use short paragraphs
- Follow logical flow
- Maintain clean spacing (where applicable)
👉 Examiners reward readability.
2️⃣ Use Neutral, Formal Language
Write like a regulator, not a columnist.
✔ “This indicates a structural challenge in rural credit delivery.”
❌ “I feel the system is failing badly.”
Avoid emotional or judgmental language.
3️⃣ Be Relevant to the Question
- Address only what is asked
- Stay aligned to the central theme
- Avoid unnecessary background narration
👉 Relevance > Volume.
4️⃣ Follow Word Limits Strictly
- Essay: Stay within the prescribed range
- Precis: About one-third of original passage
- RC: Short, precise answers
Exceeding limits signals lack of discipline.
5️⃣ Keep Introductions and Conclusions Crisp
- Introductions: Contextual, not definitional
- Conclusions: Balanced, forward-looking
Avoid dramatic or sweeping statements.
🚫 WHAT TO AVOID (MARKS-KILLING MISTAKES)
❌ Writing Like GS Notes
- No bullet-heavy answers
- No scheme dumping
- No headline-style fragments
Descriptive English demands continuous, coherent prose.
❌ Repeating the Question
Rewriting the question wastes time and space.
Instead:
- Directly answer
- Use paraphrased framing if needed
❌ Using Fancy Vocabulary Unnaturally
Over-decoration creates confusion.
✔ “regulatory oversight”
❌ “multidimensional paradigmatic oversight mechanism”
Clarity beats complexity.
❌ Introducing Personal Opinions
Avoid:
- “I think…”
- “We must…”
- “In my opinion…”
Use institutional tone, not personal views.
❌ Ignoring Revision Time
Always keep 5 minutes for:
- Grammar check
- Missing words
- Sentence flow
A small correction can save 1–2 marks.
⏱️ SMART EXAM-HALL TIME MANAGEMENT
Suggested split (adjust as per comfort):
- Essay: 35–40 minutes
- Precis: 25 minutes
- RC: 25–30 minutes
- Revision buffer: 5 minutes
Do not overspend time on one section.
🧠 FINAL EXAM-HALL REMINDERS
✔ Stay calm — pressure leads to mistakes
✔ Write legibly / type cleanly
✔ Think before you start writing
✔ Trust your preparation
🌟 BANK WHIZZ ADVICE
NABARD Descriptive English rewards discipline over brilliance.
Write clearly. Stay relevant. Avoid panic.
If you execute well, marks will take care of themselves.
All the best for NABARD Grade A Mains.
Write less, think more — and write what the examiner expects.