Updated for 2025 based on the official SEBI handouts: the Descriptive English paper in Phase II is computer-based (typed) and follows the 30-30-40 marks split with clear word limits and a descriptive RC format.
Paper at a Glance
| Section | Type | Marks | Word/Question Limit | What to Deliver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Descriptive | 30 | ~400 words | A balanced, policy-aware argument with evidence, counter-point, and actionable ‘way forward’ |
| Precis | Descriptive | 30 | ~120 words | Preserve core meaning, prune redundancy, keep logical flow & tone intact |
| Reading Comprehension | Descriptive responses | 40 | 5 questions | Clear, text-anchored answers—definitions, inference, critique, and implication mapping |
Total: 100 marks • Mode: Online typing • Focus: clarity, structure, accuracy, and regulatory awareness
📝 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.)
What Examiners Reward
- Structure over style: crisp thesis, logical paragraphing, and strong transitions
- Policy literacy: awareness of financial markets, governance, risk, and consumer protection
- Precision: exactness in meaning (especially in precis) and concise, evidence-backed RC answers
- Clean language: grammar, punctuation, and formal tone
4-Week Micro-Plan (Tailored to 400/120 & Descriptive RC)
Week 1 – Frameworks & Baselines
- Build a 400-word essay skeleton: intro (context + stance), 2-3 arguments, counter-view, SEBI-relevant way forward.
- Do 4 precis (120 words) from regulator releases; keep ±5% tolerance on word count.
- RC: practice 5 Q descriptive sets—answer in 3–5 crisp sentences per question.
Week 2 – Domain Depth
- Essays on: market integrity, ESG disclosures, cyber risk, SME listings, RegTech.
- Precis from RBI/SEBI circulars; test meaning retention line-by-line.
- RC: create a question-type log (definition, inference, assumption, critique, application).
Week 3 – Speed & Consistency
- Timed blocks: (22 min essay) + (14 min precis) + (24 min RC).
- Build a phrase bank (causality, limitation, policy lever, expected outcome).
- Post-test error journal → convert every error to a personal rule.
Week 4 – Exam Simulation
- 3 full mocks on a typing interface.
- Polish: compelling intros, topic sentences, evidence placement, tight conclusions.
- RC endurance: 1 long passage daily with descriptive answers to 5 Qs.
High-Yield Essay Themes (Regulator-Aligned)
- Investor protection & disclosure; combating mis-selling
- ESG/green finance, climate-risk reporting, taxonomy
- Algo/cyber surveillance; data governance & AI explainability
- Capital-market deepening: SMEs, REITs/InvITs, municipal bonds
- FinTech/RegTech: sandboxes, inclusion, interoperability
How Bank Whizz Gets You Exam-Ready
- 30+ model essays (each ~400 words) with outlines & examiner-style rubrics
- 20+ precis drills at 120 words with “gold answer” comparisons
- RC packs built for 5 descriptive questions (40 marks) with sample ideal answers
- Typing-speed & coherence diagnostics powered by AI rubrics
- 1:1 evaluation to fix your exact weak spots before the exam
👉 Enroll now: SEBI Grade A – Descriptive English (30-30-40) on Bank Whizz