
Introduction
The IBPS PO Mains Exam stands out not only for its rigorous aptitude tests but also for its Descriptive Writing Section. Most of the Bank Examinations held in India include Descriptive Writing Test as a part of their selection pattern. Mostly, it’s in the second stage of selection known as Mains Exam. If you’re preparing for Regulatory Body Exams like RBI Grade B, NABARD Grade A/B, SEBI Grade A, or SIDBI, one of the most crucial and often overlooked sections is the English Descriptive Paper. This section tests not just your language skills, but your awareness of socio-economic issues, critical thinking, and articulation and evaluates the candidate’s ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively in descriptive formats. It is crucial to prepare well for this component.
From understanding exam patterns to crafting structured answers, our Descriptive Course covers it all. Stay ahead with trending essay topics, sample questions and effective management techniques. Enhance your vocabulary, refine your grammar and learn how to use data and examples to make your answers stand out. Excelling in this section can significantly enhance your overall score and boost your chances of final selection.
Explore our detailed resources and get ready to tackle descriptive writing like a pro.

Here’s a round-up of essay topics actually asked in 2024 across these top exams—an essential resource for aspirants aiming to crack the next cycle.
RBI Grade B 2024: 40 Marks (550–600 words)
The Reserve Bank focused on a mix of climate change, workplace well-being, and lifelong learning:
- Climate change and global migration –
- Impacts on origin and destination nations
- Mental health and employee well-being –
- A success strategy for organizations
- Olympics in India –
- Economic, social, and environmental implications
- “Anyone who keeps learning stays young” –
- A reflective essay
NABARD Grade A/B 2024 – 40 Marks (500–520 words)
Being agriculture-focused, NABARD topics reflected sustainability, youth empowerment, and rural innovation:
- Credit facilities for sustainable agriculture
- Youth’s role in education, entrepreneurship, and social development
- Integrated fish farming – Enhancing farm income and productivity
- “Look deep into nature…” – Reflecting on Einstein’s quote through an agricultural lens
SEBI Grade A 2024 – 30 Marks (250–270 words)
SEBI essays were short but analytical, requiring precision in economic and managerial thinking:
- How ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) norms boost global business
- Nurturing organizational culture – A management perspective
- Banks’ role in promoting social healthcare expenditure
- “One smart human vs. five machines” – On human intelligence in the AI age
SIDBI 2024 – 30 Marks (400–450 words)
SIDBI’s paper leaned towards social impact and lifestyle:
- Single-use plastic – Environmental consequences
- Long working hours – Pros and cons across industries
IRDAI 2024 – 30 Marks (500 words)
With a goal of “Insurance for All by 2047”, IRDAI tested aspirants on strategic and abstract themes:
- Strategies for universal insurance coverage
- AI – Boon or Bane?
- The power of positive thinking
AIC 2024 – 6 Marks (250–280 words)
As an agri-insurance body, AIC kept essays grounded in rural development:
- Solar energy in rural India – Promise vs. challenges
- Importance of insurance in agriculture
- Internships – Role in youth development
IFSCA 2024 – 30 Marks (400–450 words)
IFSCA tested views on regulation, consumerism, and mental health:
- Regulation of online video streaming – Agree or disagree?
- Changing buying behaviour in India
- Family’s role in mental well-being
GIC Re 2024 – 30 Marks
GIC Re focused on international trade, diplomacy, and business climate:
- Importance of reinsurance
- India as a model of soft power
- Ease of Doing Business – Progress and bottlenecks
SBI PO 2024 – 10 Marks (250 words)
While lighter in weightage, SBI PO tested clarity of thought on rural education:
- Education in rural areas – Problems and practical solutions
Simple Tips to Write an Essay in Descriptive Writing
The essay writing section tests your writing skills and ability to express ideas clearly. With the right preparation and strategy, you can score well in this section. Here are some simple tips to help you write a great essay:
- Understand the Topic:
- Read the essay topic carefully and spend a minute to think about its meaning and scope.
- Stay updated:
- Topics often reflect current affairs, sustainable development, technology and socio-economic themes.
- Follow a Structure:
- Organize your essay in three parts keeping word limit in mind.
- Introduction: Start by explaining the topic and giving some background information.
- Body: Discuss your points clearly, use examples, and add facts or data.
- Conclusion: Summarize your thoughts and suggest practical solutions or insights.
- Organize your essay in three parts keeping word limit in mind.
- Use Simple Language:
- Write in short sentences and avoid using complex words. Make sure your essay is grammatically correct.
- Add Data and Examples:
- Use statistics or real-world examples to make your essay strong and relevant.
- Manage Your Time:
- Plan your essay, write, and review within the 30 minutes provided in the exam.
Here’s a marks scoring strategy for the Descriptive Writing section (Essay Writing) based on the shared content. This will help you understand how marks are generally awarded and where to focus your preparation:
Descriptive Essay Writing – Marks Scoring Strategy (Applicable to RBI, NABARD, SEBI, SIDBI, IRDAI, AIC, IFSCA, GIC Re, SBI PO)
Parameter | Weightage (%) | Details |
---|---|---|
Content Relevance & Depth | 30% | – Directly addresses the topic- Includes clear arguments, ideas, or themes- Demonstrates understanding of current affairs and subject matter knowledge |
Structure & Organization | 20% | – Introduction, Body, Conclusion are clearly marked- Logical flow of ideas- Coherence between paragraphs |
Grammar & Language | 15% | – Grammatical accuracy- Correct sentence formation- Appropriate tone (formal/informal as required) |
Vocabulary & Expression | 10% | – Use of topic-appropriate vocabulary- Avoids repetition- Shows command over language without using overly complex or verbose words |
Data, Examples & Evidence | 10% | – Relevant facts, real-world examples, or quotes- Adds credibility to arguments |
Originality & Critical Thinking | 10% | – Presents unique perspectives- Demonstrates analytical or reflective thinking |
Presentation & Neatness | 5% | – Clear formatting (paragraphs)- Proper indentation and spacing- Clean handwriting (for handwritten papers) or formatting (for computer-based papers) |
How to Maximize Marks
1. Before Writing
- Spend 3–5 minutes planning the essay.
- Jot down key points and arrange them logically.
- Define the tone based on the topic: analytical, reflective, or explanatory.
2. While Writing
- Stick to the word limit (±10%).
- Keep sentences short and paragraphs focused.
- Transition smoothly between ideas.
3. After Writing
- Reserve the last 2–3 minutes to review grammar and spelling.
- Make sure the essay ends with a clear, summarizing conclusion.
Ideal Word Limit (2024 Trends)
Exam | Word Limit (Avg.) | Time (Approx.) |
---|---|---|
RBI Grade B | 550–600 words | 30–35 minutes |
NABARD Grade A/B | 500–520 words | 25–30 minutes |
SEBI Grade A | 250–270 words | 20 minutes |
SIDBI | 400–450 words | 25–30 minutes |
IRDAI | 500 words | 25–30 minutes |
AIC | 250–280 words | 20 minutes |
IFSCA | 400–450 words | 25–30 minutes |
GIC Re | ~400 words | 25–30 minutes |
SBI PO | 250 words | 15–20 minutes |
Pro Tip: How Essays Are Evaluated
- Automated & Human Checking:
- In most exams (especially RBI, SEBI, NABARD), essays are checked both manually and via evaluation software.
- Cut-off Based:
- A minimum cut-off (e.g., 10–15 marks out of 30 or 40) is usually required for evaluation of Phase 2 marks or final selection.
- Letter Writing is evaluated similarly based on format, clarity, tone, and relevance.
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Conclusion
Preparation for the descriptive test requires candidates to focus on clarity, structure, and relevance. Essays should present ideas cohesively with a balance of perspectives, while letters must adhere to forma structures and tone. Practice regularly, stay updated on current affairs, and prioritize time management to excel in this section. With diligent preparation, success is within reach.
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Whether you’re aiming for RBI, NABARD, SEBI, SIDBI, or any other regulatory exam, the English Descriptive Paper is a scoring opportunity if prepared right. Use this compilation of 2024 essay topics as a blueprint to understand the trend and practice writing with clarity, structure, and relevance.
Good luck!