The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) conducts the Grade A (Assistant Manager) exam in two phases. Phase II – Paper I is a Descriptive English Test, aimed at assessing a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively through written English. This paper is critical for your final merit and demands strategic preparation.
Here’s an in-depth look at the syllabus, structure, and approach.
📚 Exam Pattern Overview
| Section | Marks | Word Limit / Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 30 | 250–300 words (1 out of 4) |
| Precis Writing | 30 | ~170 words from 500–600 word passage |
| Reading Comprehension | 40 | 5 Questions from a passage |
| Total Marks | 100 | Time Limit: 60 minutes |
✒️ Section-wise Detailed Analysis
1. Essay Writing (30 Marks)
Objective: Tests your ability to articulate ideas clearly, logically, and persuasively.
Expected Topics:
- Financial Inclusion in India
- Pension Reforms and Retirement Planning
- Digital Payments and Cybersecurity
- Sustainable Investing and ESG norms
- Current socio-economic issues like AI, climate change, and governance
What You Need to Do:
- Choose 1 out of 4 given topics
- Structure: Introduction – Body – Conclusion
- Use relevant data, examples, and a formal tone
- Stay within 250–300 words
- Proofread for grammar and coherence
🔍 Pro Tip: Practice writing 1 essay every alternate day on current issues. Focus on clarity and structure.
2. Precis Writing (30 Marks)
Objective: Evaluate your summarization skills, comprehension, and command over concise writing.
How It Works:
- A passage of around 500–600 words is given.
- You must reduce it to around 170 words (approx. 1/3rd).
- It should retain the core message and logical flow.
What Examiners Look For:
- Accurate representation of the original passage
- Brevity without loss of meaning
- Proper grammar and sentence structure
- Avoiding repetition and unnecessary details
🔍 Pro Tip: Always write in third person, avoid copying phrases from the original, and begin with a central idea sentence.
3. Reading Comprehension (40 Marks)
Objective: Test your understanding of written text and ability to infer and interpret.
Format:
- A passage followed by 5 questions
- Questions may include:
- Main idea
- Inference
- Vocabulary in context
- Author’s tone
- Data interpretation or conclusion
Skills Required:
- Skimming and scanning
- Analytical reading
- Answering precisely based on passage context
🔍 Pro Tip: Practice with editorials from reputed newspapers (like The Hindu or Indian Express) and solve comprehension sets daily.
⏱️ Suggested Time Management
| Task | Ideal Time (mins) |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 25–30 |
| Precis Writing | 15–20 |
| Reading Comprehension | 10–15 |
📌 Key Takeaways for PFRDA Descriptive English
- Practice timed mocks: You must develop typing speed as the paper is computer-based.
- Focus on grammar & structure: Strong command over sentence formation is critical.
- Read regularly: Improves vocabulary, idea generation, and comprehension skills.
- Revise formats: For precis and essays especially. Stick to the word limits.
- Evaluate performance: Get feedback and revise weak areas.
✅ Final Words
The Descriptive English paper in PFRDA Grade A 2025 is not just about knowing English—it’s about expressing thoughts with clarity, logic, and precision under time pressure. With consistent practice and a smart approach, you can confidently ace this section and move closer to your dream of becoming a PFRDA Assistant Manager.
At Bank Whizz, we specialize in Descriptive English coaching for regulatory exams. Check out our mock tests, personalized evaluations, and strategy sessions to give your preparation the edge it needs.