The Descriptive English paper in the SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO) 2025 exam holds 50 marks, split equally between one essay and one letter. A well-written essay and a properly structured formal letter can significantly boost your score, giving you a competitive edge in the selection process.
To help you prepare with confidence, we present model essay and letter samples aligned with the latest exam expectations, structured format, and professional tone.
🧾 Quick Exam Snapshot
| Section | Marks | Word Limit | Time (Combined) | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 25 | ~250 words | 30 minutes | Online Typing |
| Letter Writing | 25 | ~150–200 words |
🔹 Formal and banking-related topics
🔹 Focus on structure, clarity, tone, and grammar
🔹 Typing-based exam — no handwriting allowed
📘 Model Essay 1: The Role of Banks in Financial Inclusion
Introduction:
Financial inclusion refers to providing affordable and accessible financial services to all segments of society, especially the unbanked and underbanked. In a country like India, with vast rural and semi-urban populations, banks play a pivotal role in achieving inclusive growth.
Body:
Banks have been instrumental in driving financial inclusion through the implementation of schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which has helped open millions of zero-balance accounts. With the advent of digital banking, services such as UPI, mobile banking, and Aadhaar-enabled payments have further enhanced reach and efficiency.
Moreover, initiatives like Business Correspondents (BCs), doorstep banking, and financial literacy programs have helped bring formal banking to remote areas. By offering microcredit, savings, insurance, and remittance services, banks empower people to manage risks and invest in their future.
Conclusion:
To ensure sustainable financial inclusion, banks must continue leveraging technology, strengthening rural presence, and fostering trust. Financial inclusion is not just a government mandate—it is a mission for national progress, and banks are its driving force.
📘 Model Essay 2: Cybersecurity Challenges in the Banking Sector
Introduction:
As the banking sector rapidly adopts digital technologies, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical area of concern. The increased dependency on digital platforms exposes banks and their customers to cyber threats.
Body:
Common challenges include phishing, malware attacks, data breaches, and unauthorized access. Cyber frauds not only cause financial losses but also dent public confidence. The rising use of mobile apps, UPI transactions, and internet banking adds new vulnerabilities.
To address these threats, banks must invest in advanced security infrastructure, conduct regular audits, and implement multi-factor authentication. Employee training and customer awareness are equally important to reduce the risk of human error.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued guidelines to ensure a robust cybersecurity framework in banks, including periodic reporting and incident response systems.
Conclusion:
Cybersecurity is not a one-time setup but a continuous process. In the evolving digital landscape, the strength of banking lies not just in convenience but also in trust and safety.
📨 Model Letter 1: Letter to Branch Manager Requesting to Block Lost ATM Card
Your Address
April 10, 2025
The Branch Manager
State Bank of India
Ashok Nagar Branch
Ranchi – 834002
Subject: Request for blocking lost ATM card and issuance of new card
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am a savings account holder at your branch with account number 123456789. I lost my ATM card yesterday while traveling and suspect it may have been misplaced in a public area.
I kindly request you to block the card immediately to prevent any unauthorized transactions. Additionally, I would like to request the issuance of a new card at the earliest.
I am enclosing a self-attested copy of my ID proof and the duly filled replacement form as per your guidelines.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Ramesh Kumar
Mobile: 9876543210
📨 Model Letter 2: Letter to Regional Office Regarding Staff Shortage at Branch
Your Address
April 12, 2025
To
The Regional Manager
State Bank of India
Regional Office, Dhanbad
Subject: Request for additional staff at XYZ Branch due to increased workload
Respected Sir/Madam,
I wish to bring to your kind attention the acute shortage of staff at our XYZ Branch in Dhanbad. Currently, we are operating with limited manpower, which is affecting customer service and increasing turnaround times during peak hours.
Considering the high volume of daily transactions and customer footfall, we request your assistance in deputing at least two additional staff members to ensure smooth branch operations.
We assure you of our continued commitment to service excellence and request your support in this matter.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Amit Sinha
Branch Manager, SBI XYZ Branch
📌 Key Takeaways from These Samples
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Proper Structure | Helps organize thoughts and maintain clarity |
| Formal Tone | Reflects professionalism and maturity |
| Relevant Examples/Data | Adds credibility and insight |
| Word Limit Respected | Shows discipline and awareness |
| No Grammatical Errors | Reflects good command of the language |
🧠 Common Patterns in High-Scoring Answers
- Essay: Start with a clear introduction → structured body paragraphs → thoughtful conclusion
- Letter: Standard format → direct and polite language → clearly stated purpose
- Vocabulary: Use of banking/financial terms where needed
- Typing: Spaced correctly, paragraph breaks maintained, punctuation correct
🧰 Tips to Write Like These Models
✅ For Essay:
- Use examples from RBI reports, government schemes, and banking trends
- Maintain paragraph flow using transition words like “Moreover,” “In addition,” “However”
- Practice typing one essay daily under time limits
✅ For Letter:
- Memorize the format and use it every time
- Read official circulars or real letters for tone and structure
- Don’t use creative or emotional expressions — stay factual and respectful
📅 5-Day Practice Plan Using These Samples
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Type Essay 1 + Letter 1 (from this post) |
| Day 2 | Type Essay 2 + Letter 2 |
| Day 3 | Practice on new topics using same structure |
| Day 4 | Full mock with 30-minute timer |
| Day 5 | Get evaluation or revise your answers |
🔍 Need Help Writing Like a Topper?
Bank Whizz offers:
- 30+ model essays and 20+ model letters
- Typing interface that mimics the actual exam
- Personalized expert feedback
- Time-based mock tests
- Topic-wise writing drills
Whether you’re at the beginner stage or looking for last-mile practice, we offer end-to-end guidance.
🏁 Final Words
The SBI CBO 2025 Descriptive English section is a game-changer for aspirants aiming for final selection. By reviewing and practicing high-quality model essays and letters, you will understand exactly how to structure your response, maintain professionalism, and deliver content that meets the examiner’s expectations.
You don’t need to write like a novelist. You just need to write like a banker — clear, precise, and composed.
Want to score like these model answers?
Join the Bank Whizz Descriptive English Master Course for full access to model content, daily writing tasks, and expert evaluation.