SBI PO 2025 is one of the most competitive bank exams in India. The Descriptive English section, often overlooked, plays a pivotal role in final selection. Comprising an essay and a letter, this section is worth 50 marks and is conducted immediately after the Mains objective test.
To stand out, you need more than just good English—you need strategy, clarity, and confidence. This post shares top tips to ace both the essay and letter writing components and boost your overall score.
📘 Understanding the SBI PO Descriptive English Structure
- Total Questions: 2 (1 Essay + 1 Letter)
- Total Marks: 50 (Essay: 30 marks, Letter: 20 marks)
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Mode: Online (typing on computer)
Your performance in this section is added to the final merit list, so don’t leave it to chance!
✍️ Top Tips for Essay Writing in SBI PO 2025
1. Understand the Topic Clearly
Before writing, interpret the topic precisely. Ask yourself: What is being asked? What angle should I take? Stick to the theme.
2. Follow a Clear Structure
Always structure your essay into three distinct parts:
- Introduction – Define the topic and explain its relevance.
- Body Paragraphs – Divide into 2–3 logical paragraphs with examples.
- Conclusion – Summarize the essay and offer a balanced view or solution.
3. Be Balanced and Neutral
Avoid sounding too biased or emotional. Stay formal, factual, and balanced in your approach.
4. Use Real Examples and Data
Support your points with relevant statistics, current events, or government schemes (e.g., UPI, PMJDY, NEP).
5. Mind the Word Limit
Your essay should be between 250–300 words. Too short appears incomplete; too long risks errors.
6. Use Paragraphs and Connectors
Maintain logical flow using connectors like: Moreover, However, Therefore, In contrast, In conclusion.
7. Proofread if Possible
Reserve the last minute to scan for grammar or spelling mistakes. One or two mistakes may be forgiven—multiple won’t.
📄 Top Tips for Letter Writing in SBI PO 2025
1. Know the Format by Heart
Letter format carries significant marks. Learn the structure for Formal and Informal letters.
Formal Letter Format:
Your Address
Date
Receiver’s Address
Subject: [Concise and Clear Topic]
Dear Sir/Madam,
[Opening – reason for writing]
[Body – details and justification]
[Closing – polite request or conclusion]
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully/sincerely,
[Your Name]2. Stick to Word Limit (150–200 Words)
Keep the content brief, to the point, and relevant. Don’t exceed the limit—it shows lack of clarity.
3. Use Polite and Formal Language
Even in a complaint letter, maintain professionalism. Use polite phrases like:
- I would like to bring to your notice…
- I shall be grateful if…
4. Write with Purpose
Don’t beat around the bush. Clearly mention your reason and what you expect from the recipient.
5. Avoid Informal Words or Shortcuts
No emojis, abbreviations (like ‘u’ instead of ‘you’), or casual expressions.
🧠 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Ignoring the structure (especially in letters)
- ❌ Writing informal tone in a formal letter
- ❌ Overshooting word limit
- ❌ Repetition of the same point
- ❌ Grammatical and spelling errors
📌 Sample Essay Topic & Outline
Topic: Role of Digital Banking in Financial Inclusion
Introduction: Define digital banking and its growing role in India’s financial system.
Body 1: Mention government initiatives (Jan Dhan, UPI, Aadhaar)
Body 2: Benefits (reach, efficiency, transparency)
Body 3: Challenges (digital illiteracy, cyber fraud)
Conclusion: Digital banking is pivotal but must be supported by awareness and infrastructure.
📬 Sample Formal Letter
Topic: Letter to Bank Manager Requesting New Cheque Book
Rajesh Kumar
B-14, Civil Lines
Nagpur – 440001
Date: 5 April 2025
The Branch Manager
State Bank of India
Civil Lines Branch
Nagpur – 440001
Subject: Request for Issuance of New Cheque Book
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am Rajesh Kumar, a savings account holder (A/c No. XXXXXXXXXX) in your branch. I kindly request you to issue a new cheque book of 25 leaves as my current one has been exhausted.
I would prefer to collect it in person. Please let me know once it is ready. Thank you for your assistance.
Yours faithfully,
Rajesh Kumar📚 Practice Strategy
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| 1 | Write one essay on current affairs |
| 2 | Practice one formal letter from sample bank |
| 3 | Watch format & strategy videos |
| 4 | Attempt full mock descriptive test |
| 5 | Revise past essays and letters |
| 6 | Get feedback from mentors or peers |
| 7 | Final timed test with essay + letter |
Repeat this cycle weekly until the exam.
🧩 Bank Whizz Can Help You Succeed
At Bank Whizz, we provide:
- ✅ 50+ Sample Essays and Letters
- ✅ Personalised Feedback and Live Evaluation
- ✅ Timed Mock Tests to build speed and accuracy
- ✅ Video Lessons on Structure, Grammar, and Tone
- ✅ Ready-to-use Templates and Practice PDFs
Thousands of aspirants have used our Descriptive English modules to dramatically improve their writing and scores.
✅ Final Takeaway
The Descriptive English section of SBI PO 2025 is not just a test of English—it’s a test of clarity, structure, and professionalism. Use this opportunity to stand out. With these tips and consistent practice, you can aim to score 40+ out of 50 and boost your chances of final selection.
🎯 Join Bank Whizz’s Descriptive English Master Program today and turn your essay and letter into powerful tools for success.