If you are preparing for the IBPS PO Mains exam, understanding the descriptive paper pattern before you start practising is important. The paper is not about writing as much as possible. You have to present your ideas clearly, answer the questions accurately, and manage both sections within a limited time. The IBPS PO Descriptive Paper carries 25 marks and is completed within 30 minutes. The paper is conducted online, and candidates have to type their responses using a computer keyboard. The updated pattern consists of Essay Writing and Reading Comprehension. Traditional letter writing is no longer part of the descriptive paper.

Attempt IBPS PO Descriptive Writing Free Mock Test

IBPS PO Descriptive Paper New Pattern Overview

Check IBPS PO Descriptive Paper Format

Essay Writing: 15 Marks and Word Limit

• Essay writing carries the larger share of the descriptive paper, with 15 marks.

• IBPS PO descriptive paper word limit is  250–300 words.

• The topic can be based on a contemporary issue, so preparing only a fixed list of essays may not be enough. Areas such as banking, the economy, technology, education, social issues, and other current developments can be useful for practice.

• A good essay should have a clear flow. You can generally organise it with an introduction, relevant points in the main body, and a suitable conclusion. The focus should be on answering the topic directly rather than trying to include every fact you know.

• Since the response is typed online, candidates should also be comfortable expressing their thoughts on a keyboard within the available time.

Check IBPS PO Descriptive Paper Marks

Reading Comprehension: 10 Marks

• The second component is Reading Comprehension, which carries 10 marks.

• Candidates are provided with a passage followed by short-answer questions. These questions can test different aspects of your understanding, including:

• Main ideas presented in the passage

• Direct facts or information

• Inference and interpretation

• Understanding the author's point or argument

• Unlike an essay, the answers here need to remain closely connected to the given passage. Reading the questions carefully and identifying the relevant information can help avoid unnecessary writing.

Check IBPS PO Comprehension Details

What Has Changed in the Descriptive Paper New Pattern?

• One important change candidates should be aware of is the replacement of traditional letter writing with Reading Comprehension in the updated pattern.

• This matters especially if you are using older IBPS PO preparation material. Some older resources may still devote considerable attention to letter writing. Candidates should therefore make sure that their preparation material matches the latest pattern instead of relying entirely on outdated formats.

Check Questions Asked in Previous Year IBPS PO Descriptive Test

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Spending too long planning the essay: Take enough time to organise your points, but don't spend several minutes deciding how to begin.
• Ignoring the recommended essay length: Focus on covering the topic properly within the suggested 250–300 words.
• Writing off-topic: Even a well-written response will not help much if it does not address the actual topic.
• Guessing in Reading Comprehension: Base your answers on the information and ideas presented in the passage.
• Preparing for the wrong format: If you are following older study material, make sure you know that the updated pattern includes Reading Comprehension instead of traditional letter writing.
• Not practising typing: Since the paper is conducted online, candidates should get comfortable composing answers on a keyboard.

FAQs

Q. How many marks does the IBPS PO Descriptive Paper carry?

The IBPS PO Descriptive Paper carries 25 marks.

Q. What is the duration of the IBPS PO Descriptive Paper?

Candidates get 30 minutes to complete the descriptive paper.

Q. What are the sections in the IBPS PO Descriptive Paper?

The descriptive paper consists of Essay Writing and Reading Comprehension.

Q. How many marks is the essay worth?

Essay Writing carries 15 marks.

Q. What is the recommended length of the IBPS PO essay?

Candidates are recommended to write approximately 250–300 words for the essay.