The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) Grade A examination is one of the most prestigious regulatory body exams in India. With its growing role in regulating financial products, institutions, and services across international financial centers like GIFT City, aspirants aim for this exam not only because of its prestige but also due to the career opportunities it brings.
A crucial stage of the selection process is Phase 2 – Paper 1: Descriptive English Test. Many aspirants underestimate this section, but in reality, this single paper can make or break your selection. Let’s dive deep into the pattern, expectations, scoring strategy, and preparation roadmap for this paper.
1. Exam Pattern Overview
According to the official notification (Previous Year), the IFSCA Descriptive English paper is structured as follows:
- Paper: 1 (Phase 2)
- Subject: English (Descriptive Test)
- Maximum Marks: 100
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Cut-Off: 30%
- Weightage: 1/3rd of total Phase 2 marks
This means that out of the total Phase 2 score, one-third weightage is directly linked to your Descriptive English performance. Ignoring this paper can drastically reduce your overall chances of final selection.
2. Components of the Descriptive English Test
Typically, regulatory body descriptive papers (RBI, SEBI, NABARD, SIDBI, IRDAI, etc.) test three key abilities:
- Essay Writing – To assess analytical ability, content knowledge, structure, and originality.
- Precis Writing – To test the candidate’s ability to summarize lengthy content in one-third words.
- Comprehension – To check grammar, clarity, comprehension, and professional expression.
While IFSCA has not released exact sub-division yet, based on past patterns, aspirants can expect a combination of essay, precis and comprehension.
3. Key Skills Evaluated
The descriptive test doesn’t merely evaluate grammar or vocabulary. It measures holistic communication ability, especially in a professional regulatory environment. The following skills are assessed:
- Content Knowledge: Understanding of financial, economic, and regulatory issues.
- Clarity of Thought: Logical structure in essays and reports.
- Analytical Ability: Balanced arguments, use of examples, and conclusion.
- Conciseness: Ability to write precise answers within word limits.
- Language Proficiency: Grammar, vocabulary, and sentence flow.
- Time Management: Completing 3–4 descriptive tasks within 60 minutes.
4. Strategy to Approach the Paper
(a) Essay Writing (35 Marks Expected)
- Focus on finance, economy, regulation, and global issues.
- Structure: Introduction → Body (arguments/examples) → Conclusion.
- Use data, reports, government schemes, and global trends for credibility.
- Avoid personal bias; maintain a professional, balanced tone.
Probable Topics for IFSCA 2025 Essays:
- Growth of GIFT City and its role in global finance.
- Challenges of regulating crypto-assets and fintech.
- Sustainable finance and India’s green bond market.
- Role of regulators in preventing financial fraud.
- Internationalization of the Indian Rupee.
(b) Precis Writing (30 Marks Expected)
- Rule: One-third of the original passage.
- Focus on retaining core ideas without examples or illustrations.
- Use your own words; avoid copying sentences from the passage.
- Maintain clarity and coherence in a single-paragraph format.
Example Tip:
If passage = 300 words → Precis = ~100 words.
(c) Comprehension (35 Marks Expected)
- Comprehension: Read questions first, then passage → helps focused reading.
- Letter Writing: Maintain professional tone, concise structure, and clarity.
- Report Writing: Include heading, sub-headings, data highlights, and conclusion.
5. 60-Minute Time Management Plan
To maximize marks, here’s a model time allocation:
- Essay 35 marks) → 25 minutes
- Precis (30 marks) → 15 minutes
- Comprehension (35 marks) → 20 minutes
Always attempt essay first, as it carries maximum marks.
6. Preparation Roadmap
Step 1: Build Financial & Regulatory Awareness
- Follow Economic Times, Business Standard, Mint daily.
- Track RBI, SEBI, IFSCA press releases.
- Maintain notes of important schemes, policies, and financial reforms.
Step 2: Practice Writing Daily
- Write 1 essay + 1 precis every alternate day.
- Practice Comprehension once a week.
- Use online timers to simulate exam conditions.
Step 3: Vocabulary & Expressions
- Maintain a word bank of key terms (inflation, monetary policy, regulation, fintech, sustainability).
- Use transition words (Moreover, However, Therefore, In conclusion) for smooth flow.
Step 4: Mock Tests & Evaluation
- Attempt full-length descriptive mocks every weekend.
- Self-evaluate using criteria: content relevance, structure, grammar, time taken.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Exceeding Word Limit: Penalty in precis & essays.
- One-Sided Arguments: Regulators expect balance.
- Verbose Writing: Avoid unnecessary jargon.
- Ignoring Grammar: Even small errors affect impression.
- No Conclusion: Always close essay/report properly.
8. How This Paper Impacts Final Selection
- Even if you score well in objective sections, a weak descriptive score drags down your overall rank.
- Since weightage is 1/3rd of Phase 2, scoring 70+ here can give a massive edge.
- Many candidates lose selection due to below-average descriptive performance despite clearing cut-offs.
9. Final Words of Advice
The IFSCA Descriptive English paper is not just a language test—it is a test of your maturity, awareness, and ability to think like a regulator. Treat it with the same seriousness as objective papers.
With 100 marks, 60 minutes, and 30% cut-off, this paper demands clarity, speed, and precision.
Start practicing early, focus on financial topics, and simulate real exam conditions.
If you can master essay, precis, and comprehension, you’ll not only clear cut-off but also stand out as a top scorer.