Introduction
The IFSCA (International Financial Services Centres Authority) Grade A 2024 exam has gained attention due to its unique structure and growing importance. While the objective phase tests conceptual clarity, it is the Descriptive English paper in Phase II (Paper 1) that truly differentiates candidates.
This guide is your go-to resource for understanding the IFSCA Grade A 2024 Descriptive Paper—covering the exam pattern, section-wise approach, preparation strategies, and high-scoring tips.
IFSCA Grade A 2024 Descriptive Paper Pattern at a Glance
| Section | Maximum Marks | Time Duration | Weightage | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Precis Writing | 35 marks | |||
| Essay Writing | 30 marks | 60 minutes total | 1/3rd | 30% |
| Comprehension | 35 marks | |||
| Total | 100 marks | 60 minutes |
The paper is divided into three equally crucial components: Precis, Essay, and Comprehension, with a sectional cut-off of 30%, which must be cleared individually.
Section-Wise Strategy
1. Precis Writing (35 Marks)
What is Expected:
- Summarizing a long passage in about 170 words (expected word limit)
- Capturing the essence, tone, and key ideas without missing important details
Preparation Tips:
- Practice summarizing editorials from newspapers like The Hindu or LiveMint
- Learn how to eliminate fluff and retain meaning
- Focus on writing in your own words; avoid copy-pasting phrases
How to Approach in Exam:
- Read the passage twice—first for overall meaning, second for noting key points
- Draft a rough outline
- Maintain coherence and clarity
- Use a title that reflects the central idea
Pro Tip: Avoid personal opinions. The precis must be neutral and concise.
2. Essay Writing (30 Marks)
What is Expected:
- 270-word essay (as per previous trend)
- Clear structure: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion
- Relevant, thoughtful arguments with logical flow
Common Essay Themes:
- Financial inclusion
- Role of digital currencies
- Green finance
- Impact of AI in financial services
- Climate risk and sustainable finance
Preparation Tips:
- Maintain a notebook of current events with key points
- Learn how to build a short but impactful essay
- Practice with time constraints—20 minutes max
Structure to Follow:
- Intro (30-40 words): Define the topic and show relevance
- Body (120 words): 2-3 logical points with examples
- Conclusion (30-40 words): Summarize and present a forward-looking view
Pro Tip: Avoid vague statements. Use recent data or examples from SEBI, RBI, or IFSCA reports for higher impact.
3. Comprehension (35 Marks)
What is Expected:
- Read a long passage and answer 5 descriptive questions
- Each question requires a written response in your own words
Types of Questions:
- Factual questions
- Inference-based
- Vocabulary or phrase meaning
- Central idea or tone-based
Preparation Tips:
- Practice comprehension from business magazines or financial newspapers
- Improve your reading speed and retention
- Focus on paraphrasing skills
In the Exam:
- Read the questions first, then read the passage
- Use keywords from the question in your answer
- Be direct and avoid unnecessary elaboration
Pro Tip: Don’t exceed the word limit for answers. Stick to 3-5 lines per answer unless specified.
Time Management Tips
| Section | Time Allocation (Suggested) |
|---|---|
| Precis Writing | 20 minutes |
| Essay Writing | 20 minutes |
| Comprehension | 20 minutes |
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule to ensure you attempt all three
- Always keep the last 2–3 minutes for revision
Top 5 Success Tips for Descriptive Paper
- Practice Writing by Hand: Since the paper is typed (on-screen), practice typing speed and accuracy on a computer.
- Use a Timer While Practicing: Replicate the exam setting to improve speed and focus.
- Improve Grammar and Vocabulary: Install Grammarly or use vocabulary flashcards.
- Follow a Consistent Format: Don’t experiment on exam day—stick to simple, formal English.
- Seek Feedback: Join platforms like Bank Whizz’s mock evaluation to improve faster.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Exceeding or falling short of word limit
- Repetition of ideas or phrases
- Using overly complex vocabulary
- Ignoring paragraph structure
- Copying lines from passages in precis or comprehension
Recommended Resources
- Bank Whizz’s Essay & Precis Mock Series
- The Hindu Editorials – for reading and vocabulary
- Economic Times – for financial topics and essay content
- Government reports (IFSCA bulletins, RBI annual reports)
- Grammarly (for grammar checks)
Why the Descriptive Paper is Crucial
Many aspirants focus heavily on Paper 2 (Objective), but Paper 1 can be the real game-changer. With only 30% of candidates usually performing well in descriptive papers, this is your golden chance to stand out.
IFSCA wants officers with analytical and writing abilities, as communication plays a vital role in regulatory and policy-making bodies. If you score 60+ in this paper, your chances of getting into the final list increase significantly.
Conclusion
The IFSCA Grade A 2024 Descriptive Paper is not just about English—it’s about clarity of thought, structured expression, and awareness of current financial issues.
By understanding the pattern, building section-specific strategies, and practicing consistently, you can turn this phase into your strongest suit.
Remember, practice is your secret weapon, and Bank Whizz is your trusted partner in that journey.