If there is one section in NABARD Descriptive English where you can gain easy marks, it is:
Precis Writing (30 Marks)
Yet most students either:
- Panic while reading the passage
- Or write a poor summary
Why?
Because they don’t follow a clear method
In this guide, you’ll learn a step-by-step strategy to write a high-scoring precis in the exam.
What is Precis Writing in NABARD?
Precis writing means:
Condensing a passage into a shorter form while retaining its core meaning
Key Requirements:
- Reduce length (~1/3 of original)
- Keep central idea intact
- Maintain logical flow
- Use your own words
What NABARD Examiner Checks
Marks are given for:
- Content coverage
- Conciseness
- Clarity
- Structure
- Title
Common Problem Students Face
- Cannot identify main idea
- Write too long
- Copy sentences
- Miss structure
That’s why marks drop
Step-by-Step Precis Writing Strategy
Step 1: First Reading (Understand the Passage)
Time: 2–3 minutes
What to do:
- Read the passage carefully
- Identify:
- Main theme
- Tone
- Flow
Goal:
Understand what the passage is about
Step 2: Second Reading (Identify Key Points)
Time: 3–4 minutes
What to do:
- Note:
- Central idea
- Supporting points
- Ignore:
- Examples
- Data
- Repetition
Goal:
Extract only essential information
Step 3: Create Rough Structure
Time: 2–3 minutes
What to do:
Divide into 3 parts:
- Introduction (core idea)
- Body (key arguments)
- Conclusion (final insight)
Goal:
Maintain logical flow
Step 4: Write the Precis
Time: 12–15 minutes
Key Rules:
✔ Write in your own words
✔ Keep sentences short and clear
✔ Maintain flow
Ideal Structure:
- Paragraph 1 → Core idea
- Paragraph 2 → Explanation
- Paragraph 3 → Conclusion
Word Limit Rule:
Stick to ~130–150 words (or as specified)
Step 5: Give a Suitable Title
Time: 2–3 minutes
Good Title Features:
✔ Short (4–6 words)
✔ Covers central theme
✔ Clear and precise
Avoid:
- Long titles
- Vague titles
Step 6: Final Review
Time: 3–5 minutes
Check:
- Word limit
- Grammar
- Clarity
- Flow
Most Common Mistakes in Precis Writing
Copying sentences from passage
Including examples/data
Missing central idea
Exceeding word limit
No proper structure
Golden Rules for High Score
✔ Focus on central idea
✔ Eliminate unnecessary details
✔ Maintain clarity
✔ Stick to word limit
Time Management for Precis
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Reading | 5–7 min |
| Structuring | 2–3 min |
| Writing | 12–15 min |
| Review | 3–5 min |
Advanced Tip (Topper Strategy)
Think of precis as:
“Essence of passage in minimum words”
Bank Whizz Insight (Game-Changer)
Most students:
- Try to summarize everything
- Don’t filter information
Truth:
Precis is NOT about writing more
It is about writing only what matters
Final Strategy Summary
✔ Read carefully
✔ Identify core idea
✔ Structure logically
✔ Write concisely
✔ Add precise title
Final Line
Precis writing is not difficult…
It is just about clarity + filtering + structure