What does SBI CBO Exam Include in Descriptive Paper?

The Descriptive Paper in the SBI CBO Exam is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in written English. This section plays a crucial role in shortlisting candidates for the final selection as it tests clarity of thought, structure, grammar, and relevance. Candidates are usually required to write a letter and an essay on banking, financial, or general topics. It is essential to practice regularly to ensure precision, coherence, and fluency in writing. A strong performance in the descriptive paper can significantly boost your overall score and strengthen your chances in the final merit list.

SBI CBO Descriptive Paper

The Descriptive Paper in the SBI CBO 2025 exam is designed to test a candidate’s proficiency in formal communication, which is a vital skill for any officer managing customer relations and administrative responsibilities. Preparing for this section with regular practice in letter and essay writing, along with reviewing current banking topics, can significantly enhance a candidate’s performance. Success in this part of the exam not only boosts your total score but also reflects your readiness for real-world communication challenges in the banking environment.

Structure of the Descriptive Test

The Descriptive Test in the SBI CBO exam is a 30-minute English language paper carrying 50 marks in total. It consists of two questions — one on Letter Writing and the other on Essay Writing. The test is conducted immediately after the objective paper and requires candidates to demonstrate clarity of thought, professional tone, grammatical accuracy, and relevance to the topic.

Duration: 30 minutes

Total Questions: 2 (Letter & Essay)

Total Marks: 50 marks

Language: English only

Letter Writing in SBI CBO Descriptive Test

Letter writing in the descriptive paper is usually formal in nature, reflecting the professional setting in which Circle Based Officers operate. Candidates may be asked to draft letters related to customer complaints, branch operations, staff communication, or official requests.

In scoring well, candidates should maintain a formal tone, organize content logically, and use clear language with correct grammar and punctuation. Including appropriate salutations and closing phrases is also important.

Essay Writing in SBI CBO Descriptive Test

The essay topic typically revolves around current affairs, banking industry trends, financial awareness, or social issues relevant to the role of a bank officer. The essay is expected to be concise, informative, and well-structured.

To score well in the essay, candidates should present a clear introduction, a well-developed body with examples or arguments, and a concise conclusion. Logical flow, relevance to the topic, and clarity of language are key criteria for evaluation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in SBI CBO Descriptive Paper

Ignoring the Word Limit: Many candidates either write too little or exceed the prescribed word limit, which can lead to marks being deducted. Always stick closely to the suggested length.

Using Informal Language: The SBI CBO exam expects formal and professional language, especially in essays and letters. Avoid slang, abbreviations, or conversational tone.

Poor Structure and Coherence: Writing without a clear introduction, body, and conclusion weakens your content. Ensure your thoughts are organised logically and flow smoothly.

Neglecting Grammar and Spelling: Frequent grammatical mistakes and spelling errors create a negative impression. Always review your writing to correct any language issues.

Missing the Topic’s Core Message: Wandering off-topic or failing to address the main point of the prompt can drastically reduce your marks. Focus on relevance and clarity of ideas.

Overuse of Complex Words: Trying to sound overly sophisticated with jargon or difficult vocabulary can make your content less readable. Stick to clear and impactful language.

No Practice Before Exam: Lack of practice can lead to confusion during the test. Regularly writing sample essays and letters helps you manage time and improve quality under pressure.

Importance of the Descriptive Test

Though the descriptive section may seem secondary to the objective paper, it holds significant weight in the final assessment. Poor performance in this section can impact the overall merit position, especially when multiple candidates have similar scores in the objective test. Additionally, good writing skills are essential for handling customer communications, internal reporting, and drafting official correspondence, all integral duties of a Circle Based Officer.