The State Bank of India (SBI) is one of the most prestigious public sector banks in India. The SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO) recruitment offers a golden opportunity for experienced professionals in the banking sector to move into a higher and more responsible role. The selection process includes an online objective test followed by a Descriptive English Test.
This post aims to explain the SBI CBO 2025 Descriptive Exam Pattern in detail and provide you with a complete roadmap to master both Essay Writing and Letter Writing.
🧾 SBI CBO 2025 Descriptive English: Overview
The Descriptive English section is conducted immediately after the objective test and carries a total of 50 marks, to be completed within 30 minutes.
✍️ Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter Writing | 01 | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Essay Writing | 01 | 25 | |
| Total | 02 | 50 | 30 mins |
- The test is conducted online.
- Answers are to be typed on a computer.
- The test is of qualifying nature, but a good score can significantly impact the final selection.
✒️ Essay Writing – 250 Words (25 Marks)
📌 Objective:
To test your ability to express thoughts clearly, logically, and concisely on banking-related issues.
📚 Common Essay Topics:
- Role of Banks in India’s Economic Growth
- Cybersecurity Challenges in Digital Banking
- Financial Inclusion through Jan Dhan Yojana
- Future of UPI and Digital Payments
- Impact of RBI’s Monetary Policy on Indian Economy
- Banking Reforms Post COVID-19
- The Need for Customer-Centric Banking
✅ Structure of a Good Essay:
- Introduction (2–3 lines) – Set the context.
- Body Paragraphs (3–4) – Present facts, arguments, and examples.
- Conclusion (2–3 lines) – Summarize and suggest solutions.
✍️ Writing Tips:
- Stay within the word limit (250 words).
- Use short and clear sentences.
- Avoid repetition and irrelevant content.
- Use banking terms appropriately.
- Proofread for grammar and spelling errors.
📨 Letter Writing – Formal (25 Marks)
📌 Objective:
To assess your ability to communicate professionally and precisely in a formal environment like a bank.
📄 Types of Letters Commonly Asked:
- Complaint Letters (e.g., about unauthorized transactions)
- Request Letters (e.g., for statement, ATM card, loan)
- Informative Letters (e.g., about bank schemes or services)
- Official Communication (e.g., to RBI or senior bank officials)
🧾 Formal Letter Format:
Your Address
Date
Receiver’s Designation
Bank Name
Branch Address
Subject: [Purpose of the letter]
Respected Sir/Madam,
[Body of the letter – 2-3 paragraphs]
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
[Your Designation/Account Details if applicable]
✍️ Writing Tips:
- Keep it brief and to the point.
- Avoid unnecessary technical jargon.
- Maintain a respectful and professional tone.
- Use standard formatting (do not skip salutation and closing).
🧠 Time Management Strategy (30 Minutes)
You must manage your time wisely to attempt both questions effectively.
| Task | Time Allotted |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 15–17 minutes |
| Letter Writing | 13–15 minutes |
✅ Tip: Spend the first 2 minutes planning your points. This helps write faster and more logically.
🎯 Key Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Do’s:
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Use a proper structure (Intro – Body – Conclusion).
- Stick to the word limit.
- Use professional language and correct grammar.
- Practice typing to improve speed and accuracy.
❌ Don’ts:
- Don’t write overly lengthy content to show off vocabulary.
- Avoid informal language, jokes, or casual tone.
- Do not ignore spelling or punctuation errors.
- Don’t write generic content – relate it to banking.
🧾 Sample Essay Prompt (250 Words)
Topic: “The Role of Digital Banking in Promoting Financial Literacy”
Intro:
Digital banking has transformed the traditional banking landscape by making financial services more accessible and convenient.
Body:
It has played a crucial role in improving financial literacy, especially in rural areas, through digital awareness programs and mobile apps. The use of UPI, mobile wallets, and internet banking encourages people to learn about budgeting, savings, and online safety. Government initiatives like Digital India and RBI’s push for paperless banking further complement this shift.
Conclusion:
Digital banking is not just a mode of transaction—it is a powerful tool for educating people about financial responsibility and inclusion.
📩 Sample Letter Prompt (Formal)
Topic: “Write a letter to the Bank Manager requesting to block your ATM card due to loss.”
Your Address
May 10, 2025
The Branch Manager
State Bank of India
Ashok Nagar Branch
Patna – 800020
Subject: Request for blocking lost ATM card
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am a savings account holder at your branch bearing A/C No. 123456789. I regret to inform you that I lost my ATM card while traveling yesterday. I request you to kindly block my existing card immediately to prevent any unauthorized transaction.
Please issue a replacement card at the earliest. I am enclosing a copy of my ID proof for verification.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Rajesh Kumar
Mob: 9876543210
📘 How Bank Whizz Can Help
At Bank Whizz, we provide you with:
- 30+ Model Essays on current banking topics
- 20+ Letter Writing samples with correct formats
- Time-bound descriptive writing mocks
- Personalized evaluations with expert feedback
- Typing practice tests to improve speed
Whether you’re just starting or revising for the final phase, our SBI CBO Descriptive English Course is designed to help you maximize your score and ensure selection.
📌 Final Words
The SBI CBO 2025 Descriptive Paper is a high-scoring section if approached with a proper strategy. With only 30 minutes to attempt both essay and letter writing, time management, clarity of thought, and writing structure play vital roles.
Consistent practice using real exam-level questions and timely evaluation can make the difference between selection and rejection. So, start preparing today with Bank Whizz to ace the Descriptive English Paper confidently.