The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) Grade A Exam 2025 is one of the most prestigious regulatory exams in India. With GIFT City emerging as a global financial hub, IFSCA plays a pivotal role in regulating and promoting financial institutions, services, and products.
Among all the phases of the exam, Phase 2 – Descriptive English holds special importance. Unlike the objective tests that evaluate knowledge, this paper tests an aspirant’s analytical ability, clarity of thought, expression, and written communication skills—qualities that are crucial for a regulatory officer.
This article provides a complete breakdown of the syllabus, exam pattern, expected difficulty level, and preparation strategy for the IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English section.
1. Exam Pattern Overview
The IFSCA Grade A Phase 2 Descriptive English Paper is designed to evaluate professional writing and comprehension abilities.
- Maximum Marks: 100
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Cut-Off: 30%
- Weightage: One-third of total Phase 2 marks
This clearly shows that one-third of Phase 2 performance depends entirely on this paper, making it a decisive factor for final selection.
2. Detailed Syllabus for 2025
The updated syllabus for IFSCA Grade A 2025 is as follows:
- Precis Writing – 35 Marks
- Candidates must summarize a passage of around 250–300 words into one-third of its length (about 80–100 words).
- Skills tested: conciseness, clarity, logical flow, and vocabulary.
- Essay Writing – 30 Marks
- A test of awareness, structure, analytical reasoning, and originality of thought.
- Topics expected: finance, economy, regulation, fintech, sustainability, GIFT City, and global issues.
- Comprehension – 35 Marks
- Reading a passage of around 400–500 words and answering inference-based questions.
- Tests reading speed, interpretation, and critical understanding.
3. Section-Wise Strategy
(a) Precis Writing – 35 Marks
- Rule: Always reduce the passage to one-third length.
- Avoid examples, data, and illustrations—retain only the main ideas.
- Write in your own words, not by copying sentences.
- Maintain grammatical accuracy and a neutral tone.
Practice Tip: Take one editorial daily from The Hindu or Business Standard and summarize in 100 words.
(b) Essay Writing – 30 Marks
Essay writing is the most analytical part of the exam. A well-structured essay can fetch high marks.
Ideal Structure:
- Introduction – Define the theme with a strong opening statement.
- Body – Present 2–3 arguments supported by examples/data.
- Counterpoints – Present balance by mentioning challenges or opposite views.
- Conclusion – End with a futuristic or solution-oriented outlook.
Expected Essay Topics for IFSCA 2025:
- Role of GIFT City in India’s financial growth.
- Regulating digital assets and cryptocurrencies.
- Green finance and sustainable development.
- Financial literacy and inclusive growth.
- India’s journey towards becoming a global financial hub.
Tips:
- Stay updated with Economic Times, Mint, RBI/IFSCA press releases.
- Use simple, professional English—avoid flowery language.
- Stick to word limit (250–300 words).
(c) Comprehension – 35 Marks
Comprehension tests your ability to understand and interpret written text.
Strategy:
- Read the questions first—this helps in scanning the passage for relevant details.
- Focus on the tone, theme, and main idea of the passage.
- Write answers in your own words.
- Pay attention to synonyms, antonyms, and vocabulary-based questions.
Practice Tip: Solve RC passages from CAT/XAT level prep books.
4. Time Management – 60 Minutes for 100 Marks
A suggested time allocation:
- Essay Writing (30 Marks): 20 minutes
- Precis Writing (35 Marks): 15 minutes
- Comprehension (35 Marks): 25 minutes
Always attempt the essay first, as it requires maximum concentration and gives the examiner the first impression of your writing ability.
5. Difficulty Level Analysis
Based on previous regulatory body exams:
- Precis Writing: Moderate – candidates struggle with word limits.
- Essay Writing: Moderate to challenging – requires financial awareness.
- Comprehension: Moderate – lengthy but doable with practice.
Overall Difficulty: Moderate.
Candidates who consistently practice descriptive writing will find it manageable, while those relying only on objective prep may find it difficult.
6. How to Prepare Effectively
Step 1: Build Knowledge
- Follow daily financial news and editorials.
- Note down regulatory updates (RBI, SEBI, IFSCA circulars).
- Maintain a notebook of examples, data points, and quotes for essays.
Step 2: Writing Practice
- Write 1 essay and 1 precis every alternate day.
- Attempt comprehension passages twice a week.
- Simulate 60-minute tests weekly.
Step 3: Vocabulary & Expressions
- Maintain a word bank of financial and regulatory terms.
- Learn transition words (Moreover, However, Therefore, In conclusion).
Step 4: Mock Tests & Evaluation
- Attempt at least 8–10 full-length descriptive mocks.
- Self-evaluate for content relevance, structure, clarity, and time management.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Exceeding word limit in essays and precis.
- One-sided arguments without balance.
- Copy-pasting sentences from the passage in precis.
- Leaving essay/conclusion incomplete due to poor time allocation.
- Ignoring grammar basics like subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and spelling.
8. Why This Paper Matters
- Carries 100 marks with 1/3rd weightage in Phase 2.
- Even if you clear objective papers, poor performance here can ruin final merit.
- Candidates who score 65–70+ in Descriptive English secure a definite edge.
9. Final Words of Advice
The IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper is not just a language test—it is a test of your ability to think, analyze, and communicate like a regulator.
With Precis (35), Essay (30), and Comprehension (35) in just 60 minutes, the exam rewards clarity, brevity, and structure.
👉 Start practicing today, focus on financial topics, simulate exam conditions, and refine your writing every week. If you can master these three sections, this paper can become your strength in securing a top rank.