5 Tips for IBPS PO Essay Writing
IBPS PO mains is scheduled to be held on the 12th of October 2025. All the serious IBPS PO aspirants would be preparing for the mains exam without waiting for the results. What the changed pattern has shown is that Reasoning has the highest weightage! And generally, students focus on these 4 sections the most. But there is one descriptive section as well, which carries 25 marks and is sometimes given less importance by students. The Descriptive Writing section in IBPS PO exam is of a qualifying nature, and a minimum score is required to clear the exam. In this descriptive section, two questions are asked: Essay and Comprehension. In this blog, we are going to discuss the tips to write a better essay in 12-15 minutes that can yield you qualifying marks.
The Descriptive Test in IBPS PO Mains contains an essay and comprehension. Here is a detailed descriptive Test format based on the official notification.
| Topic | Marks | Time |
| Essay (any two topics given, you have to choose one to write) under 250-300 words | 25 marks | 30 minutes |
| Comprehension, along with 5 questions based on the RC only ( you have to write answers via typing in an objective format) |
Here are the five tips for essay writing for IBPS PO Mains 2025 Exam.
Before you start writing, take a minute to carefully read both essay topics. Choose the one you feel most confident about, especially that one where you can present clear arguments, examples, or data facts. Quickly note down 3 to 4 points you want to include. This general outline will help you stay focused and avoid feeding irrelevant information into your essay. A well-understood topic leads to a more coherent essay, which is quite important when you’re racing against the clock in a 30-minute test.
A structured essay is easier to read and scores better. Begin with a short introduction that defines the topic and sets the tone for the entire essay. Follow it with 2 to 3 body paragraphs that present your arguments, examples, or contrasting views. End with a conclusion that summarises your point of view and leaves a lasting impression. This format, where you put introduction, body, and conclusion, not only improves readability but also shows clarity of thought, which is a key evaluation point in the descriptive test.
The word limit for the essay is 250–300 words. Writing too little may leave your arguments underdeveloped, while exceeding the limit can lead to rushed or incomplete proofreading and can even count as a negative remark. Keep your sentences concise and avoid repetition of the information. Focus on quality over quantity. Write sentences that should add value. Practising essays within this word range will help you develop a natural sense of pacing and ensure you complete your essay comfortably within the allotted time.
Maintain a formal tone throughout your essay. Avoid slang, casual expressions, or overly emotional language. Use connectors like however, moreover, in contrast, and therefore to ensure smooth transitions between ideas. These linking words enhance the flow of your writing. Also, avoid using bullet points or abbreviations, for example, if you’re writing goods & services tax, use the full form, not the term GST.. A well-written essay with formal language reflects your communication skills, which are necessary for a professional banking role like IBPS PO.
Always reserve the last 2–3 minutes to proofread your essay. Check for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and sentence clarity. Make sure that your essay stays within the word limit and that your arguments are logically presented. Even minor errors can affect your impression, so a quick review can make a big difference. Proofreading also helps you spot any missing points or awkward phrasing, allowing you to make quick corrections before submission of the test. This test will be done using a keyboard, so please make sure you’re comfortable typing before you begin. So, try to complete the required word count within the given time to check your typing speed and comfort level.
In this article, we have discussed the five tips that can help you qualify for the descriptive test with decent marks. To practice and get an evaluation of your writing, you can subscribe to our descriptive writing course. And to practice questions that are based on the latest exam pattern, you can subscribe to our courses.
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Essays are usually based on current affairs, banking & economy, social issues, or technology-related topics. They test awareness, clarity of thought, and writing skills.
Generally, the essay word limit is 250–300 words. Exceeding the limit may reduce marks, while writing too short may not fully address the topic.
Follow a 3-part format where you have an Introduction (context), Body (arguments/examples), and Conclusion (balanced opinion/solution).
Practice timed writing daily, prepare frameworks for common topics, and focus on writing clear, short sentences to save time. Also, practice on a laptop or computer system.
Yes, correct grammar, sentence formation, and appropriate vocabulary are essential. Avoid jargon and keep your language simple yet formal.
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