The PFRDA Grade A Phase II Descriptive English paper is a pivotal stage in your journey toward becoming an Assistant Manager. With 100 marks at stake and just 60 minutes to prove your drafting prowess, mastering this section is essential to stand out. This post guides you through proven strategies, smart preparation, and performance-enhancing techniques to help you conquer the Essay, Precis, and Comprehension sections.
Why Descriptive English Matters
Unlike objective tests, the descriptive section assesses your ability to articulate ideas clearly, draft professionally, and think critically—skills vital for drafting reports, policy documents, and official communication in a regulatory role. A strong performance not only boosts your Phase II score but also positions you favorably for the final merit list .
Exam Pattern at a Glance
According to the official PFRDA pattern:
| Section | Marks | Word Limit | Duration (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 30 | 250–300 words | 25–27 minutes |
| Precis Writing | 30 | ~170 words (1/3 length) | 15–17 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 40 | Passage-based | 12–15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 60 minutes | |
| Bank whizz |
Section-Wise Strategy Breakdown
1. Essay Writing (30 Marks)
What the evaluators look for: Logical flow, language quality, relevance, and examples based on current affairs and financial context .
Tactical Steps:
- Understand before writing: Read the topic twice; identify the core issue.
- Plan your structure (2–3 mins): Introduction → Body (2–3 points) → Conclusion.
- Write concisely: Aim for 250–300 words; clarity over complexity.
- Support with examples: Use data or policies—e.g., NPS, financial inclusion, ESG—where relevant Bank whizz
- Language tone: Maintain formal, accessible diction; avoid jargon and verbosity.
- Quick proofread: Reserve 1–2 minutes to fix typos and grammatical slip-ups.
Practice tip: Write 15+ timed essays on relevant themes to build confidence and structure Bank whizz.
2. Precis Writing (30 Marks)
This section tests your ability to summarise effectively while maintaining the original meaning and logical flow .
How to ace it:
- Read attentively: Focus on the central theme.
- Extract key points: Note them down before drafting.
- Write in your own words: Avoid lifting phrases directly from the text.
- Respect the length: Condense the original into approximately one-third (e.g., ~170 words).
- Maintain coherence: Ensure your summary flows logically, connecting ideas smoothly.
Common pitfall: Copying long sentences or failing to retain the original meaning. Avoid both .
3. Reading Comprehension (40 Marks)
Accuracy and precision are key here—important, yet often overlooked .
Approach it like this:
- Skim, then read slowly: Get a general idea, then dive into details.
- Highlight strategically: Key sentences can help answer faster.
- Stick to facts: Use only information from the passage; limit personal interpretation.
- Be concise: Answer distinctly and to the point.
- Time management: Don’t get stuck on tough questions. Allocate your time wisely.
Holistic Preparation Plan
1. Writing Practice & Typing Speed
Since the exam is online, typing proficiency is crucial .
- Daily drills: Practice essays, precis, and comprehension responses using a timer.
- Typing tools: Use platforms like TypeRacer or custom tests to reach ~35 wpm.
- Mock tests: Simulate full 60-minute rounds to build speed and focus .
2. Editorial Reading for Insight
- Read editorials from The Hindu, Indian Express, or reports from PFRDA, RBI, and SIEB for content cues and vocabulary enhancement .
3. Time Management Strategy
Stick religiously to section-wise duration:
- Essay: 25–27 mins
- Precis: 15–17 mins
- Comprehension: 12–15 mins
- Final review: 1–2 mins
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the outline—leads to disorganized writing.
- Ignoring word limits—hurts clarity and scoring potential.
- Informal tone—undermines professionalism.
- Copying in precis—penalized.
- Overloading comprehension with opinions—unnecessary risk .
Smart 4-Week Study Plan (Post-Phase I)
| Week | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Strengthen typing, write 3–4 essays on finance/social issues |
| 3 | Write 2 precis weekly, practice comprehension passages, revise writing structure |
| 4 | Take 3 full mock tests under timed settings; analyze feedback meticulously |
Summary: Your 5-Step Success Formula
- Plan first → Outline essay/precis structures.
- Practice daily → Build speed, clarity, and stamina.
- Read widely → Stay informed and vocabulary-rich.
- Time yourself → Build pacing and reduce last-minute rush.
- Review & refine → Learn from practice errors and elevate writing style.
Final Encouragement
The PFRDA Grade A Descriptive English section isn’t just a test—it’s an opportunity to showcase your analytical clarity, policy awareness, and precise drafting skills. Approach it with structured practice, editorial insight, and discipline.
With consistent writing drills, timed mocks, and focused feedback, scoring 80+ marks is well within your reach Bank whizz.
Wishing you clarity, confidence, and success—may your words pave your path to selection!