Introduction
The SBI PO 2025 Descriptive Test is more than just a writing task—it’s a key evaluation tool that tests your clarity of thought, articulation skills, and awareness of current issues. With 30 marks allocated to the essay in just 20 minutes, understanding the right essay format and structure is essential for success.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- The SBI PO 2025 essay format
- Ideal essay structure (with examples)
- Tips to improve your score
- Mistakes to avoid
Let’s break it down so you can write with confidence and clarity under pressure.
SBI PO 2025 Essay Section: Overview
- Section Name: Descriptive English (Essay + Letter)
- Total Marks: 50 (Essay: 30, Letter: 20)
- Time Allotted: 30 minutes (shared)
- Word Limit for Essay: 200–250 words
- Medium: Online, typed on computer
The essay assesses:
- Relevance of content
- Organization and structure
- Clarity and flow of ideas
- Grammar and vocabulary
- Awareness of current affairs
Essay Format: The 3-Part Structure
A well-structured essay is easier to read, understand, and evaluate. Follow this standard format to make your writing impactful:
1. Introduction (40–50 words)
- Define or interpret the topic
- Mention its importance
- Set the context for the discussion
2. Body Paragraphs (120–150 words)
- Present logical arguments
- Support your points with facts, examples, or data
- Divide into 2–3 paragraphs for better readability
3. Conclusion (30–50 words)
- Summarize key ideas
- Offer a solution, prediction, or thoughtful opinion
- Avoid introducing new ideas
Essay Structure with Example:
Topic: “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Banking”
Introduction:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries worldwide, and banking is no exception. With rapid digitization, AI has become a critical tool in transforming how financial services are delivered.
Body:
AI enhances customer service through chatbots, fraud detection systems, and personalized financial recommendations. Banks now use AI-driven algorithms to assess creditworthiness, automate back-office functions, and improve customer satisfaction.
However, AI adoption comes with challenges, such as data privacy concerns and the need for digital infrastructure. Furthermore, workforce reskilling is essential to manage the AI transition without job losses.
Conclusion:
Artificial Intelligence, if implemented responsibly, can make banking more efficient, inclusive, and secure. A balanced approach will ensure that technology complements human efforts rather than replaces them.
Best Practices for Essay Writing
1. Understand the Topic Clearly
Read all options before choosing the one you’re most comfortable with. Make sure you understand what the topic is asking—whether it’s analytical, argumentative, or descriptive.
2. Plan Before You Write
Take 2 minutes to jot down:
- Main points
- Supporting examples
- Your conclusion idea
A rough outline helps avoid repetition and saves editing time later.
3. Stick to the Word Limit
Writing between 200 to 250 words is ideal. Too few words reflect underdeveloped ideas, and too many may dilute your arguments and waste time needed for the letter section.
4. Use Simple and Formal Language
Avoid slang, abbreviations, and overly complex vocabulary. Your essay should reflect clarity, not confusion.
Example:
Don’t write: “AI is like super cool tech that banks use.”
Instead, write: “AI is a transformative technology enhancing the efficiency of banking operations.”
5. Use Connectors for Flow
Words like However, Moreover, In addition, As a result, and Therefore help maintain logical flow and improve readability.
6. Be Neutral and Balanced
Even if the topic asks for your opinion, avoid sounding extreme. A balanced perspective reflects maturity and professionalism.
Top 10 Essay Topics to Practice (Based on Format)
Here are 10 topics to practice using the 3-part format:
- Impact of Digital Banking on Rural India
- Role of Startups in Indian Economy
- Financial Literacy: Need of the Hour
- Is Remote Work the Future of Jobs?
- Cybersecurity and Online Banking Risks
- Green Energy and Sustainable Development
- Women Empowerment and Economic Growth
- Role of Youth in Nation Building
- UPI: Changing the Face of Indian Payments
- Government Initiatives for Financial Inclusion
Time Management Strategy
To complete the essay on time and still leave time for the letter, follow this plan:
| Activity | Time (in minutes) |
|---|---|
| Reading all topics | 1 |
| Choosing & planning | 2 |
| Writing the essay | 13–14 |
| Final review/editing | 2–3 |
| Total | ~18–20 mins |
Leave 10–12 minutes for the letter.
Grammar Tips to Boost Your Score
- Use active voice more than passive.
Active: Banks are adopting AI.
Passive: AI is being adopted by banks. - Avoid long, confusing sentences. Break into two if necessary.
- Use correct tenses consistently.
- Avoid spelling errors. Use spell-check if provided in your exam platform.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the conclusion
- Even a short summary paragraph is necessary to round off your essay.
- No paragraph division
- Walls of text are hard to read. Break your essay into at least 3 parts.
- Repetition of the same point
- Present multiple perspectives, not the same idea in different words.
- Not answering what’s asked
- Read the topic again after writing your draft to make sure you’ve stayed relevant.
- Copying from templates
- While format helps, writing word-for-word memorized content makes your essay generic.
Resources for Practice
- Bank Whizz Descriptive Mocks – Topic-wise and full mocks with expert reviews.
- The Hindu Editorials – For vocabulary, style, and real-world examples.
- Grammarly or QuillBot – For checking grammar and sentence clarity during practice.
- Current Affairs Notes – Use insights from PIB, RBI reports, and Economic Survey to strengthen content.
Final Checklist Before Submission
- Is your essay between 200–250 words?
- Does it have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion?
- Are your arguments logical and well-supported?
- Have you used proper grammar and punctuation?
- Did you revise for spelling or word repetition?
Conclusion
A high score in the SBI PO 2025 Descriptive Essay is well within reach if you understand the correct format, follow a clear structure, and stick to a strategic approach. Keep your writing clean, concise, and relevant. The ability to write clearly under time pressure is a powerful skill—and a major step towards becoming a Probationary Officer.
To refine your skills further, consider joining Bank Whizz’s SBI PO Descriptive English Course, where you get:
- Essay topic-wise mocks
- Personalized expert feedback
- Model answers and format templates
- Real exam simulations
Start early, practice smart, and aim for 30/30!