Introduction
The SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO) 2025 recruitment process includes a Descriptive English Test designed to assess candidates’ communication and drafting skills — two crucial aspects of a banker’s professional toolkit. While aspirants prepare extensively for the objective sections, the descriptive paper is often underestimated. However, scoring well in this section can significantly improve your chances of final selection.
In this guide, we cover:
- The updated SBI CBO 2025 Descriptive English exam pattern
- A topic-wise breakdown
- Time management strategies
- Sample approaches for essay and letter writing
- Common mistakes to avoid
SBI CBO 2025 Descriptive English Exam Pattern
The official exam pattern, as per the latest update, is summarized below:
| Topics | No of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter Writing | 01 | 25 | 30 mins |
| Essay (250 words, banking-related) | 01 | 25 | |
| Total | 02 | 50 | 30 mins |
Key Observations:
- There are only two questions in total.
- Each question carries equal weightage (25 marks).
- The total duration is 30 minutes, requiring concise and effective writing.
- Topics are banking-focused, testing both domain knowledge and writing skills.
Section-Wise Strategy
1. Letter Writing (25 Marks)
Letter writing assesses how well you can communicate in a professional setting. Topics are often related to common banking scenarios, such as:
- Complaints
- Requests
- Customer communication
- Internal reporting
- Clarification letters
Types of letters:
- Formal Letters: To customers, branch managers, senior officials.
- Semi-formal Letters: To known associates or institutions.
- Business Letters: Covering client services, fraud reports, upgrades, etc.
How to Approach:
- Follow a structured format: Sender’s Address → Date → Recipient’s Address → Subject → Salutation → Body → Closing → Signature.
- Maintain a professional tone throughout.
- Be clear and to the point; avoid fluff.
Time Allotment: 13–15 minutes
2. Essay Writing – 250 Words (25 Marks)
The essay section tests your ability to express ideas coherently within a banking or financial context. Expect topics from current affairs, financial inclusion, digital banking, customer experience, and economic reforms.
Common themes include:
- Role of technology in banking
- Financial literacy
- ESG banking practices
- NPAs and recovery
- Digital payment systems
Ideal Structure:
- Introduction: Define the topic and state your view.
- Body: Develop your arguments with facts, examples, or causes & effects.
- Conclusion: Summarize your position and suggest solutions or future scope.
Time Allotment: 13–15 minutes
Word Count: 250 (strict adherence is essential)
Time Management Strategy
With just 30 minutes for both tasks, managing time is crucial. Here’s a smart allocation strategy:
| Task | Suggested Time |
|---|---|
| Planning Letter | 1 min |
| Writing Letter | 11–13 mins |
| Planning Essay | 1 min |
| Writing Essay | 13–15 mins |
Tips:
- Don’t skip the planning step — even 60 seconds of outlining helps reduce editing time.
- Use the remaining 1–2 minutes to revise both pieces quickly for grammatical or formatting issues.
Practice Topics
Letter Writing Prompts
- Write a letter to the branch manager requesting issuance of a duplicate passbook.
- Draft a letter to the Circle Office requesting ATM installation in your area.
- Write to a customer apologizing for delay in loan disbursement.
- Inform a customer about an upgrade in their account type.
- Write to higher authorities reporting cyber fraud incidents.
Essay Topics (250 words)
- Digital Banking: Boon or Bane?
- Financial Literacy and Rural India
- Role of RBI in Ensuring Banking Stability
- Customer Service in the Age of AI
- Cybersecurity Challenges in Modern Banking
Evaluation Criteria
Understanding how your answers are evaluated can give you an edge:
For Letter Writing:
- Format adherence (5 marks)
- Clarity and tone (5 marks)
- Content relevance (10 marks)
- Grammar and language (5 marks)
For Essay Writing:
- Structure (Intro–Body–Conclusion) (5 marks)
- Depth of ideas & relevance (10 marks)
- Language and coherence (5 marks)
- Spelling/Grammar/Word Limit adherence (5 marks)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing informal letters in a formal context
- Exceeding word limits or writing too short
- Poor planning, resulting in weak structure
- Ignoring grammar/spelling errors
- Using bullet points in essays (not acceptable)
- Copy-pasting memorized content without contextual fit
How to Prepare Effectively
1. Daily Practice
Write at least one letter and one essay every alternate day. Use past topics or mock tests.
2. Read Editorials
The Hindu, Economic Times, and RBI Bulletins are great for improving banking vocabulary and current insights.
3. Seek Feedback
Get your writing evaluated by mentors or peers to know where you stand.
4. Learn from Model Answers
Study model essays and letters to understand tone, flow, and format.
5. Mock Tests with Timer
Simulate the real exam environment with 30-minute mocks. Practice typing on a computer if the test is online.
Final Thoughts
The SBI CBO 2025 Descriptive English paper is not just about language—it’s about professionalism, clarity, and the ability to communicate complex ideas simply. Whether you’re writing a formal letter to a senior officer or presenting your view on digital banking, every word counts.
By understanding the exam pattern, managing time wisely, and practicing consistently, you can easily master this section and boost your overall score.
Call to Action:
Need expert evaluation and personalized feedback for your descriptive answers?
👉 Explore Bank Whizz’s SBI CBO 2025 Descriptive English Course to get model answers, mocks, feedback, and much more.