The Descriptive English Test in the State Bank of India CBO (Circle Based Officer) examination plays a crucial role in final selection. Despite being only 30 minutes long, it carries 50 marks, making it a high-weight, high-pressure component of the exam.
This article provides a clear, exam-memory–based analysis of SBI CBO Descriptive English questions asked in 2024 and 2025, along with pattern insights and preparation takeaways for serious aspirants.
SBI CBO Descriptive Test: Official Pattern
As per the official notification:
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Total Marks: 50
- Mode: Computer-based (typing required)
- Questions:
- 1 Essay
- 1 Letter
- Language: English only
- Evaluation:
- No sectional cut-off
- Minimum qualifying marks on aggregate, as decided by the Bank
The Descriptive Test is conducted immediately after the Objective Test, which means candidates attempt it under mental fatigue and time pressure.
SBI CBO 2025 Descriptive English – Questions Asked
(Exam Date: 20 July 2025)
✍️ Essay Writing Topics
- Uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Benefits of Hosting the Olympics in India
Both topics were:
- Contemporary
- Broadly analytical
- Free from technical jargon
- Suitable for a general banking audience
✉️ Letter Writing Topics
- To Cyber Department – Reporting Internet Banking Fraud
- To Municipality – Request for Sewage Treatment
- Regarding Installation of Solar Lights
These letters tested:
- Formal tone
- Public-issue articulation
- Structured request/complaint drafting
- Administrative clarity
SBI CBO 2024 Descriptive English – Questions Asked
(Exam Date: 21 January 2024)
✍️ Essay Writing Topics
- Impact of Social Media
- Challenges of Rural Banking Industry
- Mental Health Awareness
These topics reflected:
- Social relevance
- Banking awareness
- Balanced opinion writing
✉️ Letter Writing Topics
- Letter to Bank Manager for Bank Statement
- Letter to Bank Manager regarding change of Minor Account to Major Account
These were pure banking-context letters, testing:
- Customer communication
- Formal banking language
- Procedural clarity
What Do These Questions Tell Us? (Pattern Decoded)
1️⃣ Essay Topics Are Predictable (If You Observe Trends)
Across both years:
- AI, Social Media, Mental Health → current affairs + societal impact
- Rural Banking → core banking awareness
- Olympics → national development perspective
👉 No abstract philosophy. No literary themes. Only practical, awareness-based topics.
2️⃣ Letter Writing Is Either:
- Banking-specific (Manager, account issues), or
- Civic / administrative (Municipality, Cyber Department, infrastructure)
👉 This confirms that format accuracy and tone matter more than vocabulary.
3️⃣ Typing Speed + Structure Decide Scores
Because:
- Only 30 minutes for 2 answers
- Evaluation is strict but practical
- Examiners expect:
- Clear introduction
- Logical flow
- Error-free language
- Proper letter format
How to Prepare Smartly for SBI CBO Descriptive English
At Bank Whizz, we strongly recommend:
- Preparing limited but high-probability essay themes
- Mastering 2–3 standard letter frameworks
- Practicing computer-based typing, not pen-paper
- Writing answers in bank-exam tone, not school-level English
Remember:
In SBI CBO, Descriptive English is not about creativity. It is about clarity, structure, and relevance.
Final Takeaway for Aspirants
SBI CBO Descriptive English is:
- Scoring if prepared properly
- Risky if ignored
- Decisive in close merit lists
Past questions clearly show that SBI repeats themes, not formats blindly. Aspirants who prepare with pattern awareness always stay ahead.