IBPS PO 2025 Mains Descriptive English
Must-Know Topics & Smart Preparation Strategy
In 2025, IBPS PO’s descriptive section has taken a more streamlined shape: Essay + Comprehension only, totalling 25 marks, and to be completed in 30 minutes. This means your preparation must be razor-sharp, both in content and in execution. Below is your complete guide — from high-yield topics to a battle plan for mastering this section.
1. Must-Know Topic Areas (Essay & Comprehension)
To be exam-ready, your topic repertoire should cover the following domains. These themes are frequently seen in past papers, mocks, and editorial landscapes.
A. Economy, Banking & Finance
- Financial inclusion, digital banking, and rural banking
- Role of RBI, monetary policy, inflation control
- Banking sector reforms, privatization, NPA (non-performing assets)
- FinTech innovations: digital payments, UPI, blockchain, AI in banking
- MSMEs & credit support, scheme evaluation
- Budget, public finance, tax reforms, fiscal sustainability
B. Technology & Society
- Artificial Intelligence, automation, job displacement vs creation
- Cybersecurity & data privacy in banking / financial services
- Digital divide, rural vs urban access
- Technology for governance (e-governance, digital identity)
- Social media influence, misinformation, mental health aspects
C. Environment, Sustainability & Development
- Climate change, green finance, ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance)
- Renewable energy, carbon markets, sustainable growth
- Farmer distress, agricultural sustainability, food security
- Urbanization, slums, sanitation, smart cities
D. Social Justice, Ethics & Governance
- Gender equality, women’s empowerment
- Diversity, inclusion, minority rights
- Ethical use of technology, algorithmic fairness
- Good governance, corruption, accountability
- Education reform, health, public welfare
E. Abstract / General Topics (for Comprehension or Persuasive Essays)
- Change and adaptability
- Leadership, teamwork, decision making
- Time management, resilience, work ethics
- Human values in modern life
- Globalization, change, balance
In comprehension passages, you might see any of the above topics in an applied or analytical form. The trick is not to anticipate the exact question, but to be comfortable thinking and writing about any of these domains.
2. Preparation Strategy: A Structured Roadmap
Merely reading about topics isn’t enough. You need a disciplined plan that builds all the skills you’ll use in the exam.
Stage 1 — Foundation (Weeks 1-2)
- Topic Mapping & Reading
For each of the domains above, collect 2–3 subtopics and read 2–3 articles/editorials. Make summary notes (bullet points) emphasizing causes, effects, solutions. - Vocabulary & Phrases Bank
Maintain a “Descriptive English Lexicon” — phrases, transition words (furthermore, however, in contrast), collocations (sustainable growth, fiscal prudence), connectors. - Grammar Brush-Up
Revise common trouble areas: subject-verb agreement, articles, prepositions, punctuation, tenses. Keep a mini-error log. - Typing Drills
Use basic passages (100–150 words) to build speed and accuracy. Target 35–45 WPM with minimal errors.
Stage 2 — Application & Mock Drills (Weeks 3-4)
- Essay Skeleton Practice
Pick random topics (from the “Must-Know Topic Areas”) and spend 3 minutes writing skeletons (intro, 2–3 pillars, conclusion). Don’t write full essays yet. - Comprehension Paraphrase Workouts
Use short editorial passages and pick random 3–4 questions. Rewrite answers in your own words in ~30–40 words each. - Full 30-Minute Mocks (2 per week)
Simulate exam: Essay + Comprehension in 30 minutes. Strictly follow your timing. After finishing, spend 5 minutes analyzing mistakes. - Error Log & Targeted Fixing
Maintain a log of repeated mistakes — grammar, off-topic sentences, weak structure, wordiness. In each mock, force yourself to eliminate at least one recurring error. - Peer / Mentor Review
Swap your essays with peers or mentors. Compare structures, feedback. You’ll spot blind spots (redundant points, weak transitions).
Stage 3 — Final Sharpening (Last 1–2 Weeks)
- Topic Clusters
Group topics into clusters (e.g., “Climate + Finance”, “Tech + Governance”). Practice mini essays or outlines combining clusters. - Rapid Fire Drill (15-Minute Blitz)
Write a 200-word essay in 15 minutes, then a 10-line summary of a passage. Helps with speed and mental agility. - Timed Editing Sessions
Take your own mock essay / comprehension answers and practice editing them in 2 minutes (improve clarity, remove fluff). - Simulated Exam Day Practice
Do a full mock just before your exam day under exam conditions (no interruptions, full timing). Dress it as a “real day.”
3. How to Structure in Exam: Your Template
Here’s a robust template you can deploy in exam:
Essay Template (5 Paragraphs)
- Introduction (2–3 lines)
Define topic + present stance / thesis. - Body 1
First dimension / cause / pillar + example / logic - Body 2
Second dimension / counterpoint or another facet + justification - Way Forward (Solutions / Recommendations)
Actionable steps with stakeholders (Government / Banks / Citizens / Regulators) - Conclusion (1–2 lines)
Reaffirm thesis, project the outcome or a “call to action”
Comprehension Strategy
- Read passage once, underline key lines
- For each question, identify answer zone
- Paraphrase — keep sentences crisp ~30-40 words
- For summary type question: one paragraph, flow preserved, no new opinions
Use transitions to link your answers. Each response should start by referencing the question (e.g. “The author suggests…”, “In the passage, it is argued…”).
4. Day-of-Exam Strategy & Micro Hacks
- Use first 1 minute to decide which task goes first.
- Stick to minute plan per task; don’t overstay.
- If stuck mid-sentence, skip and come back in proofreading time.
- Avoid filler sentences. Each line must add value.
- Reserve 2–3 minutes at end for proofreading.
- During proofreading: check structure, transitions, spelling, grammar, remove redundancies.