IFSCA Grade A 2025 Phase 2 Descriptive English – High-Scoring Preparation Roadmap

Introduction

The IFSCA Grade A 2025 Phase 2 Descriptive English Paper is a decisive stage in the selection journey. Carrying 100 marks in just 60 minutes, it evaluates not only your command over English but also your ability to think logically, analyze financial themes, and communicate like a regulator.

The paper is divided into three sections:

  • Precis Writing – 35 Marks
  • Essay Writing – 30 Marks
  • Comprehension – 35 Marks

Many aspirants focus on objective tests but fail to score in descriptive writing due to lack of strategy. This article provides a step-by-step preparation roadmap that will help you consistently score 65–70+ marks in the Descriptive English paper.

1. Understanding the Syllabus

Precis Writing (35 Marks)

  • Summarizing a 250–300 word passage into ~100 words.
  • Tests clarity, conciseness, and vocabulary.

Essay Writing (30 Marks)

  • 250–300 words on finance, economy, regulation, or global issues.
  • Tests analytical ability, structure, and awareness.

Comprehension (35 Marks)

  • Passage of 400–500 words with 4–6 questions.
  • Tests reading, inference, vocabulary, and expression.

👉 This balance of creativity, conciseness, and accuracy requires a multi-dimensional preparation approach.

2. Why This Paper Matters

  • High Weightage: One-third of Phase 2 marks.
  • Skill-Oriented: Not just knowledge, but presentation and clarity.
  • Differentiator: Many aspirants score similarly in objective sections, but descriptive marks decide final merit.

A strong descriptive performance can give you a 15–20 mark advantage over others.

3. Section-Wise Preparation Roadmap

(a) Precis Writing

Preparation Strategy:

  1. Practice reducing editorials to one-third daily.
  2. Build synonyms to replace repetitive phrases.
  3. Focus on writing in one compact paragraph.
  4. Learn to identify central idea vs examples.

Weekly Goal: Write 5 precis (100 words each).

Target Score: 25–27/35.

(b) Essay Writing

Preparation Strategy:

  1. Read about finance, economy, fintech, sustainability, GIFT City, global trade.
  2. Maintain a notebook of data, facts, and reports (RBI, SEBI, IFSCA, World Bank).
  3. Follow a 4-step structure: Introduction → Body → Counterpoints → Conclusion.
  4. Write 2 essays per week (250–300 words).

Probable Topics for 2025:

  • GIFT City: India’s path to global finance.
  • Green finance and sustainable development.
  • Regulating cryptocurrencies and digital assets.
  • Financial literacy and inclusive growth.
  • AI and fintech in the future of banking.

Target Score: 22–25/30.

(c) Comprehension

Preparation Strategy:

  1. Read questions first before reading passage.
  2. Practice daily with 2–3 RC sets from financial sources.
  3. Write answers in your own words, max 3–5 lines.
  4. Build vocabulary list of 100+ finance terms.

Weekly Goal: 4 full passages with answers.

Target Score: 24–26/35.

4. Time Management Roadmap (60 Minutes)

  • Essay Writing (30 marks): 20 minutes
  • Precis Writing (35 marks): 15 minutes
  • Comprehension (35 marks): 25 minutes

Pro Tip: Always attempt essay first—it requires maximum creativity and sets the examiner’s impression.

5. Daily Preparation Routine

  • 30 minutes reading: Financial newspapers/editorials (Economic Times, Mint, Business Standard).
  • 30 minutes writing: One short essay or precis.
  • 15 minutes vocabulary: Add 5 new financial/regulatory terms.
  • 15 minutes RC practice: Answer 2–3 comprehension questions.

👉 Just 1.5–2 hours daily for 6 weeks can transform your descriptive ability.

6. Weekly & Monthly Roadmap

Weekly:

  • 2 essays, 5 precis, 2 comprehension sets.
  • 1 full descriptive mock (60 minutes).

Monthly:

  • Review mistakes.
  • Revise vocabulary notebook.
  • Simulate exam conditions at least 2 times.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Exceeding word limits (essays >350 words, precis >120 words).
  • Copying sentences directly in precis or comprehension.
  • Writing generic essays without financial data.
  • Neglecting grammar basics.
  • Spending too much time on one section.

8. Smart Vocabulary & Expressions

For Essays:

  • “From a regulatory standpoint…”
  • “The global financial architecture is witnessing…”
  • “Going forward, policymakers must ensure…”

For Precis:

  • Use concise words: vital, enhance, regulate, finance, expenditure.

For Comprehension:

  • “The passage implies that…”
  • “According to the author…”
  • “The central idea of the passage is…”

9. Mock Practice Approach

  • Attempt at least 8–10 full descriptive mocks before the exam.
  • Evaluate on:
    • Content Relevance (40%)
    • Structure & Coherence (30%)
    • Grammar & Vocabulary (20%)
    • Time Management (10%)

👉 Improvement in mocks directly translates into exam-day confidence.

10. Final 10-Day Revision Plan

  • Revise all essay topics (write outlines, not full essays).
  • Practice 5 precis daily in 15 minutes.
  • Solve one comprehension set every day.
  • Review your vocabulary bank.
  • Attempt 3 full-length mocks in the last week.

Conclusion

The IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper is not just about language—it is a test of your discipline, awareness, and ability to communicate as a future regulator.

By following the high-scoring roadmap—

  • Daily practice of essays, precis, and comprehension.
  • Smart time management (20-15-25).
  • Avoiding common mistakes.
  • Using professional vocabulary and expressions—

You can consistently aim for 65–70+ marks. This paper can become your competitive edge in securing a top spot in the final merit list.