IBPS PO Descriptive Paper: Quick Answer
The IBPS PO Mains includes a Descriptive Paper (Essay and Comprehension) with 2 questions for 25 marks in 30 minutes, in English, taken on the computer right after the 170-question objective paper (CRP PO/MT-XVI notification). IBPS says the questions "may be broadly based on Economic and Social issues, emerging trends in Banking and Technology, Current events, Ethics etc." and that the paper "may be evaluated by an automated scoring mechanism" that identifies features of writing proficiency.
Status as of 7 November 2026: the IBPS PO 2026 Mains was scheduled for 4 October 2026 (IBPS calendar), so this page is for candidates preparing for the next IBPS PO cycle. The writing method also helps with any bank exam that includes essay or letter writing.
Every candidate must clear a minimum score in each test of the Mains and a minimum total to be shortlisted for the Personality Test and Interview; the final merit uses Mains : Interview = 80 : 20. A weak descriptive score can therefore cost you the interview even if your objective paper is strong. Full pattern: IBPS PO exam pattern 2026.
Official Format (CRP PO/MT-XVI)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Paper name | Descriptive Paper (Essay and Comprehension) |
| Questions | 2 |
| Marks | 25 |
| Time | 30 minutes |
| Medium | English |
| Likely themes (official) | Economic and social issues, emerging trends in banking and technology, current events, ethics |
| Evaluation | May be evaluated by an automated scoring mechanism for writing proficiency |
| Placement | Part of the Main examination, after the objective tests (Reasoning, Awareness, English, DA&I) |
IBPS does not publish the word limit or the marks split between the two questions in the notification; the question screen on the day states them. Our timing below assumes one essay and one comprehension-based task (precis or questions on a passage), which is what the paper's name indicates.
30-Minute Plan (Our Advice)
| Minutes | Task |
|---|---|
| 0–2 | Read both questions; pick the essay topic you can support with facts |
| 2–5 | Plan the essay: one-line thesis, 3 points, 1 example each |
| 5–17 | Type the essay (about 250 words unless the screen says otherwise) |
| 17–19 | Read the comprehension passage once; mark the main idea and 3–4 supporting points |
| 19–28 | Write the precis/answers in your own words |
| 28–30 | Check spelling, sentence breaks and word count |
Typing speed matters: if you type below 25 words a minute, practise on a plain text editor with autocorrect off, because the exam screen has no spell-check.
How to Write the Essay
Structure (4 or 5 paragraphs):
- Introduction (2–3 sentences): define the issue and state your position.
- Body point 1: the main benefit or cause, with one concrete example.
- Body point 2: a risk, challenge or counter-view.
- Body point 3: what banks, the government or citizens can do.
- Conclusion (2 sentences): restate the position and look ahead.
What raises the score: clear topic sentences, varied but correct sentences, linking words (however, therefore, as a result), and specific facts. What lowers it: spelling errors, very long sentences, repeating the question, and memorised filler such as "In today's fast-moving world".
Sample Essay Outline: "Digital Lending in Rural India"
- Thesis: Digital lending can widen rural credit if it is paired with consumer protection and local trust.
- Point 1 (opportunity): payment records allow cash-flow based loans to small borrowers without collateral.
- Point 2 (risk): multiple app loans, hidden charges and data misuse can trap first-time borrowers.
- Point 3 (solution): clear disclosure of charges, reporting to credit bureaus, and bank correspondents who explain products in local languages.
- Conclusion: technology should reduce the cost of credit, not the care taken in lending.
How to Write the Comprehension Answer (Precis)
- Read the passage once for the main idea and once for supporting points.
- Write a title if asked.
- Keep to about one-third of the passage length unless told otherwise.
- Use your own words; copying full sentences is the most common mistake.
- Drop examples, numbers and repetition; keep the argument.
Solved Precis Sample
Original passage by BookOfExams (about 150 words):
Many small businesses in India now accept digital payments, but far fewer use the records those payments create. A tea stall that receives a hundred small payments a day has, in effect, a daily statement of its income. Lenders could use such statements to offer short loans for stock or equipment, and some already do. Yet the owners often do not know that their payment history can support a loan, and many fear that borrowing through an app will expose them to hidden charges or aggressive recovery. The gap, then, is not technology but understanding and trust. Banks that explain how such loans work, cap charges clearly and treat repayment problems with patience will find a large and loyal group of borrowers. Those that treat these customers only as data will not.
Model precis (about 55 words):
Title: Turning Payment Records into Credit
Small businesses that accept digital payments create a record of income that can support short loans, but owners rarely know this and fear hidden charges and harsh recovery. The barrier is understanding and trust, not technology. Banks that explain such loans, disclose charges and handle defaults patiently will win loyal borrowers.
Why it works: the main idea (records can support credit), the obstacle (lack of awareness and trust) and the solution (transparent, patient lending) are kept; the tea-stall example is dropped.
10 Practice Topics (Within the Official Themes)
| Theme | Topic |
|---|---|
| Banking trends | Digital lending: opportunity and risk for first-time borrowers |
| Banking trends | Should all bank branches offer services in the local language? |
| Technology | Artificial intelligence in customer service at banks |
| Technology | Cyber fraud and how banks can protect customers |
| Economic issues | Financial inclusion: from opening accounts to using them |
| Economic issues | The role of regional rural banks in agricultural credit |
| Social issues | Women's participation in the formal workforce |
| Social issues | Climate change and its effect on Indian farmers |
| Current events | The impact of a deficient monsoon on the rural economy |
| Ethics | Mis-selling of financial products: whose responsibility? |
For background facts on these topics, read banking awareness for bank exams, KYC norms in banking and rainfall distribution in India (for the 2026 monsoon).
Practise the Objective English Too
The descriptive paper sits alongside a 40-question objective English test (20 marks, 35 minutes). Use reading comprehension tricks for bank exams, reading comprehension for RRB PO and the IBPS PO Mains English sectional mock 01.
IBPS PO Descriptive Paper FAQs
How many marks is the IBPS PO descriptive paper?
25 marks for 2 questions in 30 minutes, in English, as per the CRP PO/MT-XVI notification.
Is the IBPS PO descriptive paper typed or handwritten?
It is part of the online Main examination, so answers are typed on the computer.
Is the descriptive paper checked by a computer?
IBPS says it "may be evaluated by an automated scoring mechanism" that identifies features of writing proficiency, and that the mechanism is validated.
Is there a cut-off for the descriptive paper?
IBPS says candidates must obtain a minimum score in each test of the Main examination and a minimum total score to be shortlisted. Treat the descriptive paper as a test you must clear, not an optional extra.
What topics come in the IBPS PO essay?
The notification lists economic and social issues, emerging trends in banking and technology, current events and ethics. Prepare 8–10 topics across these themes with 2–3 facts each.
Practice Next for IBPS PO
- Pattern and pay: IBPS PO syllabus and exam pattern, IBPS PO salary 2026
- Compare: IBPS PO vs SBI PO, Government jobs after graduation
- Mocks: IBPS PO mock tests
Sources: IBPS CRP PO/MT-XVI detailed notification (Main examination structure, descriptive paper note, cut-off score, interview weightage); IBPS tentative calendar 2026-27. Writing method, samples and topics are BookOfExams material. Last checked 7 November 2026.