Scoring well in SEBI Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper (Phase II) requires more than writing skills — it demands awareness of how evaluators think and assign marks.
Each of the three sections — Essay, Precis, and Reading Comprehension (RC) — follows a structured marking pattern that rewards clarity, coherence, and analytical maturity.
Let’s decode exactly what examiners look for and how to maximize your marks.
🧩 I. Paper Overview & Marks Distribution
| Section | Marks | Skill Tested | Ideal Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 30 | Expression, analysis, structure | 25 min |
| Precis | 30 | Comprehension, brevity, organization | 15 min |
| Comprehension | 40 | Interpretation, reasoning, clarity | 20 min |
| Total | 100 | — | 60 minutes |
🖥️ Mode: Online typing 💡 Test of logic, not decoration.
🧠 II. Evaluation Criteria – Section-wise Breakdown
1️⃣ Essay (30 Marks)
| Parameter | Weight | Evaluator’s Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Relevance & Content Depth | 10 | Understanding of topic, data, examples |
| Coherence & Structure | 6 | Logical flow, paragraph balance |
| Language & Grammar | 6 | Syntax, vocabulary, sentence control |
| Original Insight | 4 | Analytical thinking, perspective |
| Presentation & Format | 4 | Paragraph spacing, readability |
Evaluator Mindset:
“Is the essay well-informed, well-structured, and easy to read?”
💡 A 400-word essay with flow, relevance, and examples easily scores 21–24 marks.
📝 Note on Word Limit and Marks Distribution (SEBI Grade A – Descriptive English)
As per SEBI’s official hand-out, the Descriptive English paper in Phase II carries 100 marks (Essay – 30 marks, Precis – 30 marks, Comprehension – 40 marks) with a duration of 60 minutes. The essay is officially prescribed to be around 400 words.
However, in the recent SEBI Grade A exams (2022–2024), the actual on-screen instruction has required essays of about 250 – 270 words.
Therefore, candidates are advised to:
- Practice essays in two modes:
- Exam Mode: 250 – 270 words (reflecting the latest trend).
- Practice Mode: 400 words (for skill building and expressive writing).
- Maintain a clear structure—Introduction → Body → Conclusion—with coherence and balanced analysis within the given limit.
(Bank Whizz mocks follow the updated 250–270 word guideline to simulate the actual SEBI interface.)
2️⃣ Precis (30 Marks)
| Parameter | Weight | Evaluator’s Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehension of Passage | 10 | Capturing central idea accurately |
| Brevity & Coherence | 8 | Logical condensation without distortion |
| Language Simplicity | 6 | Clear, concise wording |
| Title & Grammar | 6 | Apt heading, correct syntax |
Evaluator Mindset:
“Has the student understood and conveyed the essence precisely?”
💡 A precise, well-titled summary in 120 words can fetch 20–23 marks easily.
3️⃣ Reading Comprehension (40 Marks)
| Parameter | Weight | Evaluator’s Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy of Answers | 15 | Relevance to question, no digression |
| Clarity of Expression | 10 | Concise, coherent responses |
| Inference & Analysis | 10 | Understanding beyond surface facts |
| Language & Grammar | 5 | Correct structure, neatness |
Evaluator Mindset:
“Does the candidate understand, interpret, and write clearly?”
💡 Avoid copying; write short analytical answers (40–60 words each) for 30+ marks.
📊 III. Marking Philosophy – How Examiners Think
Examiners typically assess 100+ scripts daily, so first impressions matter.
They scan for:
- Logical paragraphing
- Clean language
- Balanced arguments
- Professional tone
- Adherence to word limit
A structured, crisp response is rewarded immediately.
Untidy, verbose, or vague writing loses marks even with good content.
🧩 IV. The Bank Whizz Scoring Formula
| Element | Marks Potential | Key Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Start (Intro / Title) | +2 | Start confidently; define theme clearly |
| Relevant Data / Examples | +3 | Use facts from RBI, SEBI, Budget 2025 |
| Crisp Language | +2 | Short, direct sentences |
| Paragraph Balance | +2 | No block paragraphs; maintain spacing |
| Grammar & Vocabulary | +2 | Avoid repetition or filler words |
| Time Discipline | +4 | Finish all three parts cleanly |
| Revision & Proofing | +2 | Quick check for errors |
Score Outcome: 21 + Essay + 20 + Precis + 28 + RC → 70 + overall
💡 V. Scoring Tips from Bank Whizz Experts
✅ 1. Write for Evaluation, Not for Decoration
Keep your writing professional, not ornamental. Evaluators prefer clarity over complexity.
✅ 2. Maintain Structural Integrity
Each section should follow a visible, logical pattern.
A clean paragraph layout itself adds 2–3 marks subconsciously.
✅ 3. Add Value with Facts
Support your arguments with current data — SEBI initiatives, fintech reports, ESG progress — to show awareness.
✅ 4. Follow the 25–15–20 Rule
Essay (25 min) + Precis (15 min) + RC (20 min) keeps all sections balanced.
✅ 5. Use Bank Whizz Practice Rubric
Get your mock evaluated under the same 30–30–40 marks model — understand your weaknesses quantitatively.
🚫 VI. Common Mistakes that Reduce Marks
- ❌ Ignoring word limits.
- ❌ Repetition of ideas or phrases.
- ❌ No conclusion in essay.
- ❌ Missing title in precis.
- ❌ Copy-paste RC sentences.
- ❌ Grammar or tense errors.
- ❌ Skipping review before submission.
📈 VII. How to Self-Evaluate (Home Practice Method)
| Section | Key Question to Ask | Self-Check |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Is my argument logical and complete? | Read aloud — does it flow naturally? |
| Precis | Does my version capture all main ideas? | Compare to original passage summary. |
| RC | Are my answers direct, not paraphrased? | Re-read Qs after writing. |
Bank Whizz Pro Tip:
Record your timed responses and review after 24 hours — fresh eyes reveal clarity gaps.
🏁 Final Words
The difference between a 60-marker and a 75-marker script lies in structure and awareness of evaluation parameters.
When you write with the evaluator’s perspective in mind, every paragraph becomes purposeful.
At Bank Whizz, we train aspirants not just to write — but to think, organize, and present like future regulators.
“Marks follow clarity, and clarity follows structure.”
Stay consistent, stay structured, and let your writing reflect confidence and comprehension.