RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English – Reading Comprehension (6 Questions) Strategy

Introduction

The RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English Paper is one of the most decisive parts of the exam. Out of 100 marks allotted for Descriptive English, the Reading Comprehension (RC) section alone carries 30 marks with 6 questions. A candidate’s ability to carefully read, understand, and critically interpret a passage is tested here. Since the passages are typically drawn from economics, finance, banking, social issues, or current affairs, aspirants must prepare with a dual focus—language skills and awareness of contemporary topics.

In this post, we will break down the complete strategy to attempt RC for RBI Grade B 2025. From analyzing the passage to answering with precision, you will learn proven techniques to score high in this segment.

Exam Pattern Reminder

Before diving into strategy, let’s quickly recall the structure of the Descriptive English Paper in RBI Grade B 2025:

  • Essay Writing – 40 Marks (600 words)
  • Precis Writing – 30 Marks (one-third length)
  • Reading Comprehension – 30 Marks (6 Questions)

This makes RC not just a scoring section but also a time-saving opportunity if approached with the right technique.

Why Reading Comprehension Matters

Many aspirants focus heavily on essays and précis but underestimate RC. However, RC holds unique advantages:

  1. Objective + Subjective Mix – Though descriptive in nature, answers often have a fixed direction.
  2. Less Creativity, More Accuracy – Unlike essay writing, where structure and expression play a big role, RC rewards accuracy and relevance.
  3. Time Efficiency – With practice, aspirants can answer RC faster than writing a 600-word essay.
  4. Error-Free Scoring – If you stick to the passage, you minimize the risk of digression.

In short: RC is your safest 30 marks.

Types of Passages in RBI Grade B

Based on past trends, passages are usually 350–500 words in length and test both comprehension and analysis. The common themes are:

  • Banking & Finance – Monetary policy, inflation, digital banking, financial inclusion.
  • Economy & Trade – Globalization, RBI policies, fiscal deficit, stock markets.
  • Social & Governance Issues – Education reforms, women empowerment, sustainable development.
  • Abstract or Philosophical – Ethics in leadership, technology & society, decision-making.

Thus, preparation must cover editorial reading (The Hindu, Mint, Economic Times), RBI Bulletins, and Yojana/Kurukshetra for context.

Step-by-Step Strategy for Reading Comprehension

1. Smart Reading of the Passage

  • Skim First, Scan Later – Read the passage once quickly to get a general idea. Don’t try to understand every sentence deeply in the first read.
  • Highlight Keywords – RBI RC passages usually revolve around 2–3 central ideas. Circle/underline them (if on paper) or note mentally.
  • Note the Tone – Is the passage critical, analytical, descriptive, or persuasive? This helps in answering inference-based questions.

2. Types of Questions Asked

Typically, the 6 questions are spread across these categories:

  1. Direct/Factual Questions (2–3 Qs) – Answers lie directly in the passage. Example: “According to the passage, what is the biggest challenge for financial inclusion?”
  2. Inference-Based Questions (1–2 Qs) – You need to deduce meaning. Example: “What can be inferred about the RBI’s role from the passage?”
  3. Vocabulary/Meaning (1 Q) – Synonyms/antonyms or contextual meanings.
  4. Critical Thinking (1 Q) – Requires interpretation beyond surface-level reading.

3. Answering Strategy

  • Stick to Passage Language – Paraphrase but avoid introducing your own knowledge unless asked specifically.
  • Be Concise – 3–4 sentences for factual answers, 4–6 sentences for inference/critical answers.
  • Avoid Copy-Paste – Examiners reward originality. Frame in your own words.
  • Balance Brevity & Completeness – Don’t overwrite; answer exactly what is asked.

4. Time Management

Total exam time: 90 minutes. Suggested split:

  • Essay – 40 minutes
  • Precis – 25 minutes
  • RC – 25 minutes

Thus, for 6 RC questions, you get ~4 minutes per question. Discipline in timing is crucial.

5. Example Walkthrough

Sample Passage Theme: “Digital Banking and Financial Inclusion”

Sample Question 1 (Direct):
What role has UPI played in financial inclusion?
Answer: UPI has simplified digital transactions by making them accessible through mobile phones. It has expanded banking facilities to rural areas by reducing dependency on physical branches.

Sample Question 2 (Inference):
What can be inferred about challenges in digital banking?
Answer: The challenges lie not in technology alone but in digital literacy, internet access, and trust in the system, which indicates that infrastructure and awareness must grow simultaneously.

Sample Question 3 (Vocabulary):
What does the word “seamless” mean in the context of the passage?
Answer: In the passage, “seamless” means smooth, without barriers or interruptions.

Advanced Tips for High Scoring

1. Develop Reading Speed

Practice reading editorials daily and summarizing them in 5–6 bullet points. This builds both speed and comprehension.

2. Sharpen Analytical Thinking

When reading, always ask:

  • What is the central argument?
  • What evidence supports it?
  • What counterarguments exist?

This trains you for inference-based questions.

3. Vocabulary Building

RBI doesn’t test very tough words, but contextual understanding is vital. Maintain a personal word journal with meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and sample sentences.

4. Mock Practice

Take at least 30–40 RC practice sets before the exam. Use RBI bulletins or business newspaper editorials as mock passages.

5. Avoid Common Mistakes

  • Writing vague answers.
  • Using outside knowledge excessively.
  • Spending too much time on one difficult question.
  • Ignoring vocabulary-based marks.

Scoring Framework

Examiners generally evaluate RC answers on:

  1. Relevance – Did you answer exactly what was asked?
  2. Accuracy – Did your answer align with the passage?
  3. Clarity – Is the answer structured and easy to follow?
  4. Language – Correct grammar, formal tone, no spelling errors.
  5. Brevity – To the point without unnecessary detail.

A candidate who sticks to passage, writes concisely, and uses clear English can easily score 24–27/30.

Final 10-Day Preparation Plan for RC

  • Day 1–3: Practice 2 RCs daily from newspaper editorials (economics/social issues).
  • Day 4–6: Solve mock RCs from previous year RBI/Bank exams.
  • Day 7–8: Focus on vocabulary and inference-type practice.
  • Day 9: Full-length mock test (Essay + Precis + RC).
  • Day 10: Revise notes, formulas, and speed practice.

Conclusion

The Reading Comprehension section of RBI Grade B 2025 is both a challenge and an opportunity. With systematic preparation—focusing on reading speed, passage analysis, answer precision, and time management—you can convert this section into a high-scoring area.

Remember, RC does not test creativity; it tests clarity of thought and discipline in answering. Master these six questions, and you secure 30% of the Descriptive English paper with confidence.