Among the three sections in the IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper, Precis Writing demands both precision and clarity. It tests your ability to read, analyze, and compress a long passage into a concise summary without losing its essence.
Scoring well in this section can boost your overall marks, especially when most candidates falter by either exceeding the word limit or failing to convey the central idea. In this guide, Bank Whizz explains how to write a high-scoring precis with structure, techniques, and sample practices.
📘 Precis Writing in IFSCA Grade A: Overview
| Section | Marks | Word Limit | Time Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precis Writing | 35 | ~1/3 of the given words | 20 minutes |
You’ll be given a passage of around 500–600 words, and asked to summarize it in precis form with a suitable title.
✍️ What Is a Precis?
A precis is a brief and clear summary of a longer passage. It retains the core message and logical flow of the original but in a compressed form, typically one-third the original length.
✅ Features of a Good Precis
- Concise: Every word counts—avoid fluff.
- Clear: Use simple language and logical structure.
- Complete: Covers all major points, leaves out unimportant details.
- Coherent: Flows logically with meaningful transitions.
- Neutral: Free from personal opinions or interpretations.
🧠 6 Steps to Write a High-Scoring Precis
Step 1: Read Thoroughly
- Read the passage twice to grasp the theme.
- Highlight key points, examples, tone, and arguments.
Step 2: Identify the Central Idea
- Ask: “What is the author’s primary message?”
- Note all supporting points, but don’t retain stats or illustrations unless necessary.
Step 3: Make a Rough Outline
- Write down the core arguments in bullet points.
- Avoid repetition and secondary details.
Step 4: Write in Your Own Words
- Rewrite the passage logically, keeping the sequence of ideas.
- Avoid copying phrases or sentences directly from the original.
Step 5: Give It a Title
- Use a short, precise, and relevant title.
- Do this before or after writing, as per your comfort.
Step 6: Proofread
- Check for grammar, spelling, and tone.
- Ensure the word count is close to 170 words.
📏 Format of a Precis (for IFSCA Paper)
Title: The Future of Digital Banking
The banking landscape has witnessed a significant shift toward digitalization in recent years. Driven by the proliferation of smartphones, internet access, and fintech innovations, digital banking has enabled financial inclusion, convenience, and speed. The shift is not just limited to urban customers but also includes rural users due to UPI and mobile wallets. Despite these advancements, concerns like cybersecurity, digital illiteracy, and lack of personal touch remain key challenges. The future of banking will depend on the balance between technology and trust, requiring regulatory support, robust infrastructure, and inclusive policies.
⏱️ Time Management
| Task | Recommended Time |
|---|---|
| Reading & Highlighting | 4–5 minutes |
| Outline & Title Creation | 3–4 minutes |
| Writing Precis | 10–12 minutes |
| Proofreading | 2–3 minutes |
Stick to 20 minutes for this section during mocks and in the real exam.
📚 Practice Topics for Precis Writing
Try summarizing editorials/articles of around 500–600 words from:
- The Hindu
- Indian Express
- LiveMint
- Economic & Political Weekly
Sample practice titles:
- India’s Green Finance Ambitions
- Cryptocurrency and Financial Regulation
- Digital Education in a Post-COVID World
- The Rise of ESG Investing
- Global Recession and Emerging Economies
🛑 What to Avoid in Precis Writing
| ❌ Mistake | ⚠️ Result |
|---|---|
| Copy-pasting phrases | Penalization for plagiarism |
| Including examples/statistics | Makes summary lengthy |
| Writing personal opinions | Shows subjectivity |
| Exceeding/undershooting word count | Poor compression or underdevelopment |
| Lack of coherence | Confuses the reader |
| Writing in passive voice always | Reduces clarity and impact |
📖 Sample Precis Practice
Original Passage (Summary Only):
A long passage describing the evolution of digital banking, its impact on financial inclusion, benefits like real-time transactions, reduced dependency on branches, and rising threats like cyber frauds, exclusion of digitally illiterate users, and privacy risks.
Title: Digital Banking: A Double-Edged Sword
Precis (Approx. 170 words):
Digital banking has transformed the financial ecosystem by enabling quick, convenient, and paperless transactions. It has extended banking services to previously unbanked populations through digital platforms like UPI and mobile banking apps. Financial inclusion, cost-efficiency, and real-time services are its major benefits. However, digital banking also presents challenges. A significant part of the population remains digitally illiterate, making them vulnerable to exclusion. Cybersecurity threats, phishing attacks, and data breaches are growing concerns. Moreover, the impersonal nature of digital services often leads to trust issues among older and rural populations. While digital banking is the future, its success hinges on digital literacy, robust security systems, and inclusive design to bridge the technological divide.
📈 How to Score 25+ in Precis (Out of 35)
| Scoring Component | How to Maximize Score |
|---|---|
| Clarity of Expression | Use simple, structured sentences |
| Accuracy of Summary | Include only central ideas |
| Coherence | Maintain logical flow between points |
| Grammar & Language | No spelling or grammatical errors |
| Title Appropriateness | Must reflect the main theme accurately |
| Word Limit Adherence | Stay within 170 (+/-10 words max) |
🧰 Tools to Improve Your Precis Writing
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bank Whizz Mocks | Real-time practice + expert review |
| Grammarly / Hemingway | Check readability and grammar |
| Editorial Notes | Source material for daily practice |
| Vocabulary Diary | Learn to replace complex phrases |
🎯 Final Tips to Master Precis Writing
- Practice daily: 3 precis per week builds confidence.
- Master summarization: Start summarizing news articles in 4–5 lines.
- Avoid passive voice dominance: Use active voice when clarity demands.
- Do not memorize intros/conclusions: Every passage is unique.
- Stick to sequence: Don’t rearrange original flow without purpose.
🏁 Final Word
Precis writing is not just summarization—it’s a test of thought clarity.
By consistently practicing with real exam-style passages and following a structured format, you can turn this into your strongest section in the IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper.
Let Bank Whizz help you:
- Identify scoring patterns
- Practice with real exam formats
- Get evaluated by experts
- Refine your technique week by week
Start compressing your way to success—170 words at a time!