Introduction
Precis writing is a core component of the IRDAI Assistant Manager Descriptive English Paper. With 25–30 marks allotted to it, this section can make or break your final score. The skill being tested here is your ability to comprehend, condense, and communicate the core idea of a long passage in a clear and concise manner.
Unlike essay writing where your opinion matters, precis writing is all about objective summarization. You need to compress a 500–600 word passage into about 170–180 words, preserving only the essential ideas and the author’s tone.
This post explains everything you need to ace precis writing for IRDAI 2025—format, rules, step-by-step guide, sample passage, model precis, and common mistakes to avoid.
What Is Precis Writing?
Precis is a French word meaning “summary.” A precis is a concise version of a longer passage that:
- Captures the central idea
- Omits unnecessary details
- Presents the information in the writer’s own words
- Maintains the tone and order of the original passage
Precis Writing in IRDAI Assistant Manager Exam: Quick Overview
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Passage Length | Around 500–550 words |
| Required Word Limit | ~170–180 words (1/3rd of passage) |
| Title | Mandatory (5–8 words) |
| Marks Allotted | 25–30 |
| Tone | Formal and objective |
| Evaluation Criteria | Clarity, accuracy, brevity, grammar, title relevance |
Ideal Format of a Precis
- Title – A short, clear, and relevant title (not underlined or bold)
- Body Paragraph – One single paragraph written in third-person narration, capturing all the major points
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a High-Scoring Precis
Step 1: Read the Passage Thoroughly
- Read once for understanding the general idea
- Read a second time to identify the main points
- Underline or note key facts, transitions, and arguments
Step 2: Identify the Central Idea
Ask yourself:
- What is the passage mainly about?
- What is the purpose of the author?
Step 3: Create an Outline
List down:
- Introduction or background
- Core arguments or data
- Author’s conclusion or suggestion
Step 4: Draft a Title
- Avoid poetic or vague titles
- Keep it formal and topic-specific
- Example: If the passage is about health insurance awareness, a suitable title could be “Promoting Health Insurance in India”
Step 5: Write the Precis
- Use your own words
- Combine related ideas
- Use transition words like furthermore, therefore, however, etc.
- Maintain a formal tone
Step 6: Proofread
- Check word count
- Fix grammar, punctuation, and flow issues
- Ensure logical sequence
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It’s Harmful |
|---|---|
| Exceeding or falling short of word limit | Reduces marks directly |
| Copy-pasting sentences | Shows lack of comprehension |
| Giving opinions | The precis must remain neutral |
| Missing title | Can cost you 2–3 easy marks |
| Paragraphing or bullets | Only one paragraph is allowed |
| Including examples and data | Only keep core ideas, not illustrations |
Sample Passage (~510 Words)
In India, insurance penetration remains low despite a growing economy and rising financial literacy. A significant portion of the population remains uninsured or underinsured. The reasons vary from lack of awareness, affordability, complex policy structures, to limited access in rural areas. Government initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Ayushman Bharat aim to bridge this gap by providing low-cost life and health insurance coverage to the masses. While these schemes have improved outreach, a large part of the informal sector still remains outside the ambit of formal insurance.
One of the major challenges is the perception that insurance is only for the elite or that it provides limited benefits. Many people do not renew their policies due to mistrust in claim settlement processes. Furthermore, the complicated language used in insurance documents discourages users from engaging deeply with their policies. Insurers must work towards building trust and simplifying policy language. Digital transformation and InsurTech platforms have a great role to play in bringing transparency and customer engagement.
Regulators like IRDAI are taking several steps to ensure that the insurance sector becomes more inclusive and transparent. The push for sandbox experiments, mandatory disclosures, and grievance redressal mechanisms shows promise. Financial literacy programs in schools and rural areas are being encouraged. Collaboration between public and private players can boost innovation and reach.
For India to become an insurance-inclusive society, awareness, accessibility, and affordability must be addressed in a unified manner. Strong regulatory backing, policyholder education, and technology adoption are key drivers that can reshape the future of insurance in India.
Word Count: 510
Target Precis Word Count: ~170
Model Precis
Title: Towards Inclusive Insurance in India
Despite economic growth, insurance penetration in India remains low due to lack of awareness, affordability issues, and mistrust in claim processes. Government schemes like PMJJBY and Ayushman Bharat have extended coverage, but large sections, especially the informal sector, remain uninsured. Misconceptions about insurance being an elite product, complex documentation, and poor policy engagement hinder expansion. To overcome this, insurers must simplify policies and improve transparency through technology and customer-centric approaches. Regulatory efforts by IRDAI, such as sandbox testing and mandatory disclosures, aim to build a more inclusive system. Public-private partnerships and financial education at the grassroots level are vital. A combination of awareness, accessibility, affordability, and digital innovation is essential for making insurance universal in India.
Why This Precis Works
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Title | Clear, concise, and topic-relevant |
| Word Count | 170 (1/3 of original) |
| Originality | Entirely in the writer’s words |
| Tone | Neutral and formal |
| Clarity | Logical flow, transitions, no repetitions |
Tips to Score High in Precis Writing
- Start practicing from editorials
Use The Hindu or Business Line articles for regular precis writing. - Stick to the word limit
Use a word counter or write on Word/Docs during practice. - Maintain flow and connection
Even in a short paragraph, maintain logical flow. - Avoid using numbers, data, or years unless vital
Focus on the idea, not specifics. - Review the precis after writing the RC and essay
A 2-minute revision can help you fix small but costly errors.
Practice Routine (10-Day Plan)
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| 1 | Write precis from 1 newspaper article |
| 2 | Write precis + peer review |
| 3 | Write precis from an IRDAI circular |
| 4 | Read 3 model precis and compare |
| 5 | Simulated test (RC + Essay + Precis) |
| 6 | Watch Bank Whizz’s precis lesson video |
| 7 | Write precis + get mentor feedback |
| 8 | Learn 10 transition phrases |
| 9 | Practice from old IRDAI paper |
| 10 | Simulate full descriptive paper |
Conclusion
Precis writing in IRDAI Assistant Manager 2025 is your chance to show analytical skills, writing precision, and language command. It’s not about writing creatively, but effectively—condensing a complex idea into a compact form.
Practice regularly, evaluate your own work, and follow the format and examples provided here. With consistent effort and Bank Whizz’s descriptive mock test support, you can easily score 25+ marks in precis writing.