The Descriptive English section of SBI PO 2025 Mains exam comprises two tasks: essay and letter writing. Out of the total 50 marks, letter writing carries 20 marks, making it an important scoring opportunity. With the right format, clarity in expression, and proper structure, you can secure top marks with ease.
This guide covers everything you need to know about letter writing for the SBI PO 2025 Descriptive English paper—from format and types to tips and sample topics.
📌 Exam Pattern Recap
- Letter Writing: 1 Question (Choice-based)
- Word Limit: Around 150–200 words
- Time (combined with Essay): 30 minutes total
- Marks: 20
📝 Types of Letters Asked
While the SBI PO descriptive paper may include either formal or informal letters, recent trends strongly favor formal letters, especially in the following categories:
1. Complaint Letter
- E.g., Complaint to bank manager for ATM malfunction, or poor customer service.
2. Request Letter
- E.g., Request for a duplicate passbook, or education loan.
3. Suggestion Letter
- E.g., Suggest improvements in internet banking facilities.
4. Letter to Editor/Authority
- E.g., Raising concern about pollution, cybercrime, or road safety.
5. Appreciation/Feedback Letter
- Less common, but sometimes asked.
🧾 Standard Format for Formal Letter (SBI PO)
Your Name
Your Address
Date
The Manager / The Editor / Authority
Receiver’s Address
Subject: [Clear and Specific]
Dear Sir/Madam,
[Intro paragraph – reason for writing]
[Main body – details, facts, explanation]
[Conclusion – request, recommendation, or appreciation]
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully/sincerely,
[Your Name]✅ Example Subject Lines:
- Subject: Complaint Regarding Unauthorized ATM Withdrawal
- Subject: Request for Issuance of New ATM Card
✍️ Format for Informal Letter (Less Common)
Sender’s Address
Date
Dear [Name],
[Opening – greeting and context]
[Body – details and personal touch]
[Closing – wishes, regards, etc.]
Yours lovingly,
[Name]✨ Tips to Score High in Letter Writing
- Use the Correct Format: Stick to formal/informal structure as required.
- Keep It Concise: Stay within the 150–200 word limit.
- Be Clear and Direct: No fluff—state your purpose and get to the point.
- Use Polite Tone: Even in complaints, maintain a respectful language.
- Avoid Slang or Contractions: Especially in formal letters (e.g., use “I am” instead of “I’m”).
- Don’t Miss Salutation and Closure: These add completeness and professionalism.
🔟 Sample Letter Topics for SBI PO 2025
- Write a letter to the branch manager requesting a home loan.
- Letter to the editor about rising cybercrimes in your city.
- Letter to the municipal authority complaining about poor road conditions.
- Letter to the bank manager reporting ATM transaction failure.
- Write a letter to your younger sibling advising them on online safety.
- Letter to a newspaper suggesting ways to promote financial literacy.
- Complaint to telecom company about poor network services.
- Letter to your friend congratulating them on their job success.
- Letter to college principal requesting a fee concession.
- Letter to your landlord complaining about water leakage.
📚 Sample Letter (Formal)
Question: Write a letter to the branch manager requesting an education loan.
Rahul Kumar
B/25, Green Park
Ranchi – 834001
10 April 2025
The Branch Manager
State Bank of India
Main Road Branch
Ranchi – 834001
Subject: Request for Education Loan to Pursue MBA
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am Rahul Kumar, a savings account holder (A/c No. XXXXXXXX) at your branch. I have secured admission to the MBA program at XYZ University, commencing in July 2025.
I request you to kindly consider my application for an education loan of ₹6 lakhs to cover tuition and living expenses. I have enclosed the admission letter and fee structure along with necessary documents.
I assure you of timely repayment after the completion of my course. Kindly guide me through the process and required formalities.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Rahul Kumar🧠 Practice Plan for Letter Writing
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| 1 | Learn format + write a formal letter |
| 2 | Write complaint + suggestion letter |
| 3 | Time-bound writing (12 mins) |
| 4 | Attempt 1 mock test with evaluation |
| 5 | Practice editor/authority letter |
| 6 | Watch format explanation videos |
| 7 | Write 2 new letters (different tone) |
Repeat this plan weekly till the exam.
🧩 How Bank Whizz Can Help
Bank Whizz provides:
- 📄 30+ Model Letters (formal & informal)
- ✅ Format-based Letter Bank (complaints, requests, suggestions)
- 📽️ Video Lessons on structure, tone, and scoring tips
- 🧑🏫 Personalized Letter Evaluation with detailed feedback
- 📦 Printable PDFs for revision and offline practice
✅ Final Tips Before Exam
- Memorize the letter format (sender, receiver, subject, salutation, body, closing)
- Practice under timed conditions (12–15 minutes)
- Keep your content relevant, clean, and polite
- Use simple language that reflects clarity and professionalism
Conclusion
Letter writing in SBI PO 2025 is more than a test of language—it’s a reflection of your ability to communicate like a professional banker. With a solid format, a structured message, and clarity of purpose, you can easily score 18+ out of 20.
🎯 Join Bank Whizz today and get access to our full Letter Writing Kit, mock tests, and mentor feedback. Don’t leave those 20 marks to chance—own them with preparation!