The Essay section of SEBI Grade A Phase 2 Descriptive English Paper carries 30 marks and demands a 400-word structured, analytical, and well-articulated response.
Scoring above 21 marks (70%+) isn’t about flowery English — it’s about clarity, content, coherence, and control.
Let’s decode exactly how toppers achieve it.
🧩 I. Know the Pattern First
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Paper | Descriptive English (Phase 2 – Paper 1) |
| Total Marks | 100 marks (Essay – 30 |
| Essay Length | ~400 words |
| Duration | 60 minutes (Entire paper) |
| Typing Mode | Computer-based (keyboard typing) |
The Essay carries 30 marks, but it’s the most influential section — it signals your command of content, language, and analytical skill.
📝 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.)
🧠 II. The 5-Step Essay Writing Framework (Bank Whizz Method)
Step 1: Choose the Right Topic (2 Minutes)
- Quickly read all 3–4 given essay topics.
- Pick one where you can recall:
✅ Recent data or examples (SEBI reforms, Fintech trends, ESG themes)
✅ Balanced arguments (both sides if applicable)
✅ A clear problem-solution structure - Avoid topics you find abstract or purely philosophical.
💡 Bank Whizz Tip: Always prefer current-affairs based or policy-linked topics — evaluators love evidence-backed essays.
Step 2: Structure Before You Start (3 Minutes)
A 400-word essay must have architecture.
Ideal Structure (5 Paragraphs):
- Introduction (60–70 words)
- Define the theme + contextual background.
- Optionally start with a quote or recent event.
- End with a thesis line showing your stand.
- Body 1 (100 words) – Explain the core concept with data/examples.
- Body 2 (100 words) – Discuss impacts / issues / stakeholders.
- Body 3 (80 words) – Suggest reforms, policies, or solutions.
- Conclusion (40–50 words) – Summarize + forward-looking note.
Step 3: Write with Precision (15–18 Minutes)
Do:
- Use short paragraphs (4–5 lines).
- Maintain a formal, analytical tone.
- Use transition connectors: However, Moreover, Therefore, Consequently.
- Insert facts: Budget 2025 figures, RBI data, or SEBI initiatives.
Don’t:
- Write in points / bullets (keep essay format).
- Repeat ideas / generalize without proof.
- Use colloquial expressions.
Step 4: Enrich with Examples & Data (2–3 Minutes)
| Area | Example / Fact |
|---|---|
| SEBI Reforms | Enhanced disclosure norms 2024 for mutual funds |
| Fintech | India has > 9,000 fintech startups as of 2025 |
| Financial Inclusion | Jan Dhan accounts > 51 crore (2025) |
| Sustainability | Green bond issuances cross ₹50,000 crore (2024) |
Use 2–3 authentic data points to earn credibility.
Step 5: Review & Polish (2 Minutes)
- Re-read quickly for grammar / spelling / sentence flow.
- Check word count (~380–420 words).
- Ensure balanced paragraphing and no typos.
📈 III. Marking Rubric – What Examiners Look For
| Parameter | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Content Relevance | 10 marks | Focus on core topic, use accurate facts |
| Coherence & Organization | 6 marks | Logical flow of ideas + smooth transition |
| Language & Grammar | 6 marks | Correct syntax + vocabulary |
| Presentation & Originality | 4 marks | Structured, engaging essay |
| Word Limit & Clarity | 4 marks | Concise, to-the-point answers |
✅ Target: 21 + Marks = 70 % +
(You need ~15 marks content + 6 marks language.)
💡 IV. Example – Mini Model Essay Outline
Topic: “Role of SEBI in Promoting Investor Confidence in India.”
Intro:
Capital markets thrive on trust. SEBI, India’s capital market regulator, has evolved since 1992 to protect investors and ensure market transparency.
Body 1:
Recent reforms such as T+1 settlement, Enhanced Disclosures Framework, and Investor Awareness Campaigns have boosted confidence.
Body 2:
Challenges remain — fintech risks, data security, and corporate misgovernance demand constant vigilance.
Body 3:
Continuous regulatory innovation and collaboration with RBI and IFSC are essential for sustainable growth.
Conclusion:
A robust SEBI ensures that markets remain inclusive, transparent, and trust-worthy — the true pillar of India’s financial future.
🧩 V. 7 Mistakes That Cost Marks
- ❌ Vague introduction without context.
- ❌ Overuse of jargon or buzzwords.
- ❌ Weak paragraph connectors.
- ❌ Too long (>450 words) or too short (<350 words).
- ❌ No examples / data.
- ❌ Disorganized flow.
- ❌ Skipping revision due to time pressure.
🧩 VI. Bank Whizz Practice Plan – Essay Mastery
| Week | Focus | Task |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Basics | Learn structure & type of topics |
| Week 2 | Timed Writing | Write 2 essays under 25 min |
| Week 3 | Data & Examples | Add facts + policy links |
| Week 4 | Evaluation | Peer review + AI feedback session |
💡 Tip: Use Bank Whizz’s “Essay Practice Module” to get automated grammar and content score.
🏁 Final Words
Scoring 21+ in the SEBI Grade A Essay is about discipline in thought and delivery.
Write like a regulator — analytical, precise, balanced, and forward-looking.
Remember:
“Good content wins attention, but good structure wins marks.”
Keep practicing, review each essay for clarity, and enter the exam with confidence that you’ve mastered the art of structured writing.
At Bank Whizz, we don’t just teach essay writing — we build thinkers who can write like leaders.