Precis writing is a critical part of the Descriptive English Paper in NABARD Grade A Phase II. It tests your comprehension ability, summarizing skills, and clarity of expression. The section carries 30 marks, and if approached with the right strategy, it can significantly enhance your total score.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn:
- What is precis writing?
- The ideal format and step-by-step approach
- Tips to avoid common mistakes
- How to write an effective title
- A model precis with an original passage
🧠 What is Precis Writing?
A precis is a concise summary of a given passage that retains the essential ideas and the tone of the original. It must be written in your own words, maintaining coherence and completeness.
Word Limit: Usually, the word count is 1/3rd of the original passage, typically around 120 words in NABARD Grade A.
✍️ Format of Precis Writing
- Title – A one-line summary of the entire passage.
- Body – A single paragraph written in third-person and past tense, covering the core message of the passage.
📌 General Rules to Remember
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Word Count | ~120 words (±5%) |
| Title | Must be meaningful, not copied from passage |
| Voice | Third person |
| Tense | Past tense |
| Language | Your own words; no copying |
| Tone | Neutral, objective |
| Paragraphs | One unified paragraph |
📝 Step-by-Step Guide to Write Precis
1️⃣ Read the Passage Twice
- First, read quickly to get the general idea.
- Second, read to identify the main points, supporting ideas, and examples.
2️⃣ Underline Key Sentences
Mark sentences that contribute directly to the central theme. Skip examples, elaborations, or anecdotes unless absolutely necessary.
3️⃣ Make a Rough Outline
Write down the key points in your own words. This helps you plan the structure.
4️⃣ Write the Title
The title should reflect essence of the passage. Avoid vague or generic titles.
5️⃣ Draft the Precis
- Begin with a clear statement of the main idea.
- Follow with the key points in a logical flow.
- Avoid unnecessary details and maintain coherence.
6️⃣ Review and Edit
- Count the words.
- Eliminate redundancy.
- Check grammar, spelling, and tense.
✅ Tips to Score High in NABARD Precis Writing
- Stick to the Word Limit: Precision is the key.
- Use Your Own Words: Avoid copying phrases from the passage.
- Avoid Personal Opinions: The precis must reflect only the author’s views.
- Maintain Logical Flow: Arrange points in the order of the original.
- Don’t Add New Information: Stay true to the passage.
- Be Grammatically Correct: Poor grammar can lead to heavy deductions.
- Avoid Repetition: Each sentence should add value.
- Practice Titles: A good title can fetch 1–2 easy marks.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Hurts Your Score |
|---|---|
| Copy-pasting line from the passage | Shows lack of understanding |
| Adding your own opinion | Changes the tone and objectivity |
| Exceeding word limit | Breaks conciseness |
| Using bullet points or headings | Violates precis structure |
| Ignoring title | May lead to 2–3 mark deduction |
| Incorrect tense/voice | Affects professionalism |
📘 Sample Passage and Precis Model
Original Passage (For Practice)
Word Count: ~360 words
In recent years, the Indian agricultural sector has faced a range of challenges, including climate change, rising input costs, and decreasing profitability. Farmers across the country, particularly those with small landholdings, struggle to make ends meet. Despite government efforts to implement schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and PM-KISAN, the ground-level impact remains inconsistent due to poor awareness, delayed payments, and structural bottlenecks.
One promising development is the rise of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). These collectives allow farmers to pool their resources, buy inputs in bulk, and market their produce directly, eliminating the need for middlemen. With the support of NABARD and state governments, thousands of FPOs have been registered in recent years, empowering farmers both economically and socially. However, challenges remain in terms of managerial capacity, digital literacy, and access to credit.
Additionally, agritech startups are entering the ecosystem, offering solutions like weather-based advisory, precision farming, and real-time price tracking. These technologies, when scaled, could revolutionize rural farming. Yet, the digital divide and low penetration of smartphones in remote villages remain significant obstacles.
To truly transform Indian agriculture, a multi-pronged approach is required. This includes strengthening infrastructure, improving awareness of government schemes, and training farmers in digital tools. Institutions like NABARD must continue to play a proactive role in bridging the gap between policy and practice.
Model Title:
Empowering Indian Farmers through Collective Efforts and Technology
Model Precis:
Indian agriculture is plagued by rising costs, climate uncertainty, and poor profitability, especially for small farmers. Though government schemes like PMFBY and PM-KISAN exist, their impact is limited by delays and low awareness. Farmer Producer Organizations, supported by NABARD, are helping farmers pool resources and eliminate middlemen, but they face challenges in management and financing. Agritech startups are offering modern solutions like weather advisories and price tracking, though limited digital access hampers their reach. A holistic strategy involving improved infrastructure, digital training, and institutional support is essential to transform Indian agriculture sustainably.
(Word Count: 110)
⏱️ Time Management During the Exam
| Task | Suggested Time |
|---|---|
| Read the passage | 5 minutes |
| Outline and plan title | 5 minutes |
| Write precis | 10 minutes |
| Review and edit | 5 minutes |
| Total | 25 minutes |
📚 Resources for Practice
- Bank Whizz Precis Practice Mocks
- The Hindu & Indian Express editorials
- NABARD Reports and Government Scheme Updates
- Yojana and Kurukshetra Magazines
- Descriptive English books by S.P. Bakshi or Richa Sharma
🎯 Final Words
Precis writing is more than a test of language—it reflects your ability to think critically, sarize effectively, and write clearly under time pressure. With the right structure and enough practice, scoring 25+ out of 30 in this section is absolutely possible.
Stick to the format, avoid common pitfalls, and train your mind to read for structure—not just content. Start practicing regularly, review your work, and improve with every attempt. This one skill could become your decisive edge in NABARD Grade A 2025.