Introduction
The SEBI Grade A 2025 Descriptive Paper includes a Reading Comprehension (RC) section, which assesses a candidate’s ability to understand and analyze complex passages. Scoring full marks in this section requires a strategic approach, strong comprehension skills, and effective time management. This guide provides expert strategies to help aspirants tackle reading comprehension passages efficiently and accurately.
1. Understanding the SEBI Grade A Reading Comprehension Section
The RC section typically includes:
- A passage related to finance, economics, or regulatory frameworks.
- Fact-based, inference-based, and vocabulary-based questions.
- A strict time limit, requiring quick reading and answering skills.
Why is the RC Section Important?
- Weightage: Contributes significantly to overall marks.
- Tests Analytical Skills: Evaluates critical thinking and comprehension ability.
- Enhances Other Sections: Strong reading skills improve essay and precis writing as well.
2. Strategies to Score Full Marks in Reading Comprehension
A. Read the Questions First
- Before reading the passage, skim through the questions.
- Identify keywords to focus on while reading.
- Helps in targeted reading, saving time.
B. Use Skimming & Scanning Techniques
- Skimming: Quickly read the passage to get a general idea.
- Scanning: Identify specific keywords or phrases related to the questions.
- This reduces time spent on unnecessary details.
C. Identify the Main Idea & Structure
- Determine the central theme of the passage.
- Recognize the author’s tone (neutral, critical, supportive, etc.).
- Pay attention to how ideas are structured (cause-effect, comparison, problem-solution, etc.).
D. Answer Direct Questions First
- Start with fact-based questions, which have direct answers in the passage.
- Then move to inference-based or interpretative questions.
- Do not overthink or assume information not given in the passage.
E. Improve Reading Speed
- Practice reading financial articles and editorials regularly.
- Time yourself while reading passages to enhance speed and accuracy.
- Avoid re-reading unnecessarily.
3. How to Approach Different Question Types
A. Fact-Based Questions
✅ Look for direct answers in the passage. ✅ Avoid adding external knowledge. ✅ Ensure the answer is verbatim or paraphrased correctly.
B. Inference-Based Questions
✅ Read surrounding sentences to grasp the implied meaning. ✅ Avoid extreme or opinionated answers. ✅ Eliminate options that contradict the passage.
C. Vocabulary-Based Questions
✅ Understand the context of the word. ✅ Identify synonyms or antonyms within the passage. ✅ Do not assume meanings based on prior knowledge.
D. Title or Summary-Based Questions
✅ The title should capture the core idea of the passage. ✅ Keep summaries concise and precise. ✅ Avoid including minor details.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Reading Every Word Slowly – Use skimming & scanning instead. ❌ Ignoring Keywords in Questions – Leads to wasted time. ❌ Making Assumptions – Base answers strictly on the passage. ❌ Not Managing Time Properly – Allocate time for each question wisely.
5. Practice Strategies for Mastering RC
✅ Read financial news & economic reports (e.g., RBI, SEBI updates). ✅ Solve 10+ RC passages weekly to build speed and accuracy. ✅ Attempt previous year’s SEBI Grade A papers for familiarization. ✅ Use a timer to track time spent per passage.
Conclusion
Scoring full marks in the SEBI Grade A 2025 Reading Comprehension section requires a strategic approach, strong reading habits, and regular practice. By skimming, scanning, and analyzing passages effectively, candidates can maximize their scores and improve their overall exam performance. Start practicing today to master RC!