Introduction
The Precis Writing section in the NICL AO 2025 Descriptive English Paper carries 10 marks and is crucial to maximize your overall score. Based on the 2024 exam pattern, candidates were asked to write a 150-word precis of an insurance-related passage. Many candidates lost marks due to poor summarization skills, lack of structure, or exceeding the word limit.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step method, marking criteria, and high-scoring techniques to write an impactful precis in 150 words.
📋 NICL AO 2025 Precis Writing – Pattern Recap
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Word Limit | 150 Words (Strict) |
| Marks | 10 |
| Topic Type | Insurance/Corporate Sector-Based Passage |
| Time Allotted | Recommended 10 minutes (in 30-min test) |
🧱 What is a Precis?
A precis is a concise summary of a passage that retains its essential ideas, structure, and tone—without copying lines or adding personal opinions.
Think of it as compressing a 300-350 word passage into a 150-word crystal-clear version.
🎯 Objective of Precis Writing in NICL AO
- Test your comprehension and writing skills.
- Evaluate how well you can extract key ideas.
- Check your ability to communicate concisely and precisely.
🧠 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write a High-Scoring Precis
✅ Step 1: Read the Passage Thoroughly
- Read the passage twice—first for understanding the theme, second to mark key points.
- Identify:
- Main idea
- Key arguments or examples
- Conclusion or suggestion
✅ Step 2: Underline Key Points
- Highlight essential facts, data, and transitions.
- Ignore anecdotes or repetitive examples unless central to the argument.
✅ Step 3: Draft a Rough Outline
- Break the passage into:
- Theme
- Supporting Ideas (2–3)
- Conclusion
This helps avoid missing any crucial section in your summary.
✅ Step 4: Begin the Precis with a Strong Opening
- Start by restating the theme of the passage in a single, objective sentence.
- Avoid vague or generic introductions.
✅ Step 5: Use Your Own Words
- Do not copy-paste from the passage.
- Use professional vocabulary, but avoid overcomplicating.
✅ Step 6: Maintain the Author’s Tone
- Remain neutral and formal.
- Avoid personal opinions, arguments, or judgment.
✅ Step 7: Stick to the Word Limit
- Write around 145–155 words.
- Too short = missed points. Too long = penalty.
Use a word count indicator to verify before final submission.
✅ Step 8: Give an Appropriate Title
Even if not explicitly asked, writing a relevant title shows clarity and completeness.
🧾 Sample Structure of a High-Scoring Precis
Title: Digital Insurance: The Future of Coverage
The passage discusses the transformation of the insurance sector through digital technology. It highlights how digital platforms have made insurance products more accessible and user-friendly. The use of AI, chatbots, and mobile applications has simplified claim settlement and policy issuance. Moreover, digital tools help insurers analyze customer behavior, reduce fraud, and offer personalized services. The passage emphasizes the importance of financial literacy to encourage people to adopt digital insurance. It concludes by stressing that with the right regulation and awareness, digital insurance can lead to inclusive financial protection.
🧮 How Are Marks Awarded?
| Parameter | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Understanding of the passage | 3 marks |
| Coverage of key points | 2 marks |
| Language & Grammar | 2 marks |
| Conciseness & Clarity | 2 marks |
| Title (if applicable) | 1 mark |
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Writing more than 160 or less than 130 words
- ❌ Including personal opinions
- ❌ Copy-pasting phrases from the passage
- ❌ Skipping key ideas or focusing on examples only
- ❌ Not giving a title (even if not mandatory, it helps)
⏰ Time Management Strategy
You have just 30 minutes for Essay + Precis + Comprehension.
Here’s a smart time split:
| Section | Time (Ideal) |
|---|---|
| Essay | 10 minutes |
| Precis | 10 minutes |
| Comprehension | 10 minutes |
Stick to this to complete all sections on time.
🎓 Bank Whizz Precis Support – What You Get
- Real NICL AO-style passages
- Precis evaluation by experts
- Word-by-word feedback
- Weekly mocks with 150-word summaries
- Title suggestions and vocabulary boosters
🏁 Final Tips to Ace NICL AO Precis Writing
- Read insurance-related articles to build comprehension speed.
- Practice summarizing editorials from The Hindu, ET, or IRDAI updates.
- Review 5–10 model precis examples before exam day.
- Always revise your draft before final submission.
🔚 Conclusion
The Precis Writing section in NICL AO 2025 is not about writing beautifully—it’s about writing accurately, briefly, and clearly. With just 150 words to summarize a 300-word passage, your ability to think critically and write precisely will set you apart.
Start practicing today with Bank Whizz’s NICL AO Descriptive English course—your one-stop solution for full marks in Precis, Essay, and Comprehension.