The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the Circle Based Officer (CBO) exam every year to recruit experienced banking professionals for important roles. One of the most critical parts of this selection process is the Descriptive English Paper, which tests your writing skills, clarity of thought, and awareness of banking-related issues.
Let’s break down the SBI CBO 2025 Descriptive Exam Pattern and understand how to prepare effectively.
📝 SBI CBO 2025 Descriptive Exam Pattern
| Topics | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter Writing | 01 | 25 | 30 mins |
| Essay (250 words on banking-related) | 01 | 25 | |
| Total | 02 | 50 | 30 mins |
🟠 Candidates are required to type their answers using the keyboard in the online mode.
🟠 The Descriptive test is conducted after the Objective paper and is qualifying in nature, but it’s crucial to secure a good score as it may play a role in the final merit.
✍️ Section-wise Preparation Strategy
1. Essay Writing (250 words – 25 marks)
The essay section tests your ability to express views on current banking and economic issues. Your essay must be:
- Structured (Intro – Body – Conclusion)
- Factually accurate
- Clear and concise
Important Essay Topics to Prepare:
- Digital Banking and its Impact
- Role of Banks in Financial Inclusion
- RBI’s Monetary Policy and its Implications
- UPI and Future of Payment Systems
- Cybersecurity Challenges in Banking
Tips:
- Practice writing within 250 words.
- Focus on banking and financial awareness.
- Maintain coherence and avoid grammatical errors.
2. Letter Writing (Formal/Informal – 25 marks)
This section evaluates your ability to communicate professionally. Common letter types include:
- Letters to Bank Customers
- Letters to Branch Manager/RBI Officials
- Complaint/Request/Feedback Letters
Sample Topics:
- Letter to the Manager requesting a loan moratorium.
- Letter to a customer explaining benefits of digital banking.
- Letter to RBI regarding a fraudulent transaction.
Tips:
- Use correct format: From Address, Date, To Address, Subject, Salutation, Body, Complimentary Close.
- Be professional, polite, and precise.
🧠 Time Management for 30 Minutes
Managing your 30 minutes efficiently is the key:
| Task | Time Allotted |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 15–17 minutes |
| Letter Writing | 13–15 minutes |
🕒 Use the first 1–2 minutes for brainstorming and structuring your response before typing.
💡 Scoring High: Key Do’s and Don’ts
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Use banking terminology wisely | Don’t exceed word limits |
| Maintain a formal tone in letters | Don’t use SMS/WhatsApp language |
| Check grammar & spelling | Avoid writing in haste |
| Keep structure clear | Don’t use irrelevant examples |
📚 Recommended Resources by Bank Whizz
- Descriptive English Mocks
- Model Essays & Letters with Evaluations
- Topic-wise Writing Practice Sets
- Live Writing Workshops for SBI Exams
🎯 Final Words
The SBI CBO 2025 Descriptive Paper may seem challenging, but with the right practice and strategy, you can easily secure a high score. Your ability to write clearly, confidently, and concisely on banking-related topics will be your biggest strength.
Join Bank Whizz’s Descriptive English Course to boost your preparation with model essays, letters, and expert evaluations designed especially for SBI CBO.