The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) Grade A Phase 2 Exam 2025 has once again placed a strong emphasis on Descriptive English, a section that often decides final selection. While objective papers check knowledge, this paper tests the aspirant’s analytical ability, clarity of thought, and communication skills in a professional regulatory context.
Here’s an in-depth analysis of the syllabus, marks distribution, difficulty level, and strategy for the Descriptive English section.
1. Syllabus & Marks Distribution
The pattern for the Descriptive English paper is as follows:
- Precis Writing – 35 Marks
- Essay Writing – 30 Marks
- Comprehension – 35 Marks
- Total Duration – 60 Minutes
- Maximum Marks – 100
This equal division between precis and comprehension reflects IFSCA’s focus on summarization and interpretation skills—both essential in regulatory communication.
2. Section-Wise Analysis
(a) Precis Writing (35 Marks)
- Candidates are required to condense a 250–300 word passage into one-third length (80–100 words).
- Key skills tested: conciseness, ability to capture the essence, grammar accuracy, and coherent flow.
- Mistakes to avoid: retaining examples, exceeding word limit, and copying phrases verbatim.
(b) Essay Writing (30 Marks)
- Tests aspirant’s knowledge + structure + analytical ability.
- Essays usually revolve around finance, regulation, fintech, global economy, and sustainability.
- Expected 2025 topics:
- Role of GIFT City in India’s global financial ambitions.
- Regulating digital assets and cryptocurrencies.
- Green finance and sustainable development.
- Cross-border capital flows and India’s regulatory framework.
- Financial literacy as a driver of inclusive growth.
(c) Comprehension (35 Marks)
- Involves reading a 400–500 word passage and answering 4–6 questions.
- Focus is on interpretation, inference, vocabulary usage, and critical understanding.
- Pro tip: Read the questions first to know what details to focus on.
3. Time Management Strategy
With 100 marks in just 60 minutes, efficiency is crucial. Here’s a suggested plan:
- Essay (30 marks): 20 minutes
- Precis (35 marks): 15 minutes
- Comprehension (35 marks): 25 minutes
Always attempt essay first—it requires maximum concentration and is the most scoring if written well.
4. Difficulty Level (Expected)
- Precis: Moderate, requiring precision and strong vocabulary.
- Essay: Moderate to difficult, depending on awareness of current financial/regulatory issues.
- Comprehension: Moderate, but time-consuming due to detailed reading.
Overall Level: Moderate. Candidates with consistent practice in descriptive writing will find it manageable.
5. Preparation Tips
- Essay Practice: Write 2 essays weekly on finance/economy/regulation.
- Precis Practice: Summarize one editorial daily (limit to one-third).
- Comprehension: Practice reading editorials and answering inference-based questions.
- Vocabulary: Build a word bank of regulatory and financial terms.
- Mocks: Attempt at least 8–10 full-length descriptive mocks before the exam.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing long essays beyond the word limit.
- Making precis too short or too long.
- Missing conclusions in essays/answers.
- Rushing comprehension without properly reading the passage.
7. Conclusion
The IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Section is a high-impact paper. With its 100 marks and equal weightage in Phase 2, aspirants must treat it with the same seriousness as objective tests.
Success here depends on clarity, brevity, structure, and awareness of financial issues. Regular writing practice under timed conditions is the only sure-shot way to score 65+ marks and secure a competitive edge.