Introduction
The RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English paper is a crucial test of candidates’ language ability, clarity of thought, and precision in writing. Among the three components—Essay (40 marks), Precis (30 marks), and Reading Comprehension (30 marks)—the Precis Writing section often challenges aspirants the most. Unlike essays where one expands, precis demands condensation without losing essence.
In this post, we will provide:
- A clear definition of Precis Writing
- The rules and do’s & don’ts
- Step-by-step method of compressing a long passage into one-third length
- Model passage with solution for RBI Grade B level
- Practice tips and common mistakes
- A ready framework to help you consistently score high in this section.
What is Precis Writing?
A precis is a concise summary of a passage, written in your own words, which preserves the central idea and essential points.
- The word comes from the French term meaning “cut short”.
- In RBI Grade B exams, the passage is usually 300–350 words, and the precis must be about 100–120 words.
Think of it as a banker’s executive summary: a report compressed for decision-making.
Why Precis Writing Matters in RBI Grade B
- Tests your comprehension: Can you grasp the main idea quickly?
- Assesses clarity: Are you able to express ideas in simple, error-free English?
- Evaluates discipline: Can you follow rules like 1/3 length, no personal opinions, and no unnecessary detail?
- Professional relevance: RBI officers constantly draft notes, circulars, and summaries for senior management. Precis skills directly reflect real job requirements.
Golden Rules of Precis Writing
- Rule 1: Read the passage twice to understand theme + structure.
- Rule 2: Identify the central idea and underline supporting points.
- Rule 3: Remove illustrations, examples, quotations, and repetitions.
- Rule 4: Write in your own words—no copy-paste of sentences.
- Rule 5: Maintain proportion—do not over-compress one section while ignoring another.
- Rule 6: Use indirect narration and third-person voice.
- Rule 7: Ensure 1/3rd of the original length strictly.
Step-by-Step Compression Method
Let us take a model passage (about 330 words) and compress it into a precis of 110 words.
Step 1: Original Passage (330 words)
Globalisation has transformed the world economy by interlinking markets, production, and finance across nations. While it has generated opportunities for trade, investment, and technology transfer, it has also produced stark inequalities. Developing nations like India have benefitted from increased exports of services and manufactured goods. However, they face volatility in global capital flows and exposure to international crises. The 2008 financial meltdown demonstrated how interconnected markets can transmit shocks rapidly. Workers in informal sectors often suffer when industries relocate to cheaper destinations. Moreover, globalization has cultural consequences—local traditions and languages face erosion due to the spread of global consumerism. Environmental concerns too are aggravated as multinational corporations exploit natural resources without adequate safeguards. Critics argue that globalization benefits rich nations disproportionately, widening the gap between the North and South. Supporters, however, contend that it brings efficiency, innovation, and global cooperation to tackle common challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed both vulnerabilities and strengths of globalisation. Supply chain disruptions highlighted over-dependence on a few hubs, while rapid vaccine development showed the power of global collaboration. For a balanced approach, countries must adopt policies that maximize the benefits of globalization while minimizing its adverse effects. Strong regulatory frameworks, investment in domestic industries, and safeguarding cultural identities are essential. Equally important is international cooperation on climate change and equitable trade practices. Only then can globalization evolve into a force that truly promotes inclusive and sustainable development worldwide.
Step 2: Word Count
- Original Passage = 330 words
- Required Precis = 330 ÷ 3 = ~110 words
Step 3: Identify Central Theme
Theme: Globalisation is a double-edged sword—it brings economic opportunities and cooperation but also inequalities, cultural erosion, and environmental risks. Balanced policies and global cooperation are needed for inclusive development.
Step 4: Eliminate Non-Essentials
Remove:
- Examples (2008 crisis, COVID vaccine details—keep only one brief reference)
- Illustrations (workers relocating, informal sector specifics)
- Redundancies (repeated inequality arguments)
Step 5: Draft Precis (110 words)
Precis Title: Globalisation – Boon or Bane?
Precis:
Globalisation has interconnected markets, trade, and finance, creating opportunities for investment, exports, and technology. Yet it has also exposed nations to economic volatility, widened inequalities, and threatened cultural identities. Environmental degradation is aggravated as corporations exploit resources. While critics claim globalisation favours wealthy countries, supporters highlight its role in efficiency, innovation, and global cooperation. The COVID-19 crisis showed both weaknesses, like supply chain dependence, and strengths, such as collective scientific progress. To harness benefits and reduce risks, nations need strong regulations, domestic capacity building, cultural safeguards, and joint efforts on climate and fair trade. Balanced policies alone can ensure sustainable and inclusive globalisation.
Word Count: 110
Key Features of the Model Precis
- Title provided (always short and relevant)
- Central idea preserved (pros, cons, need for balance)
- One-third length maintained
- Own words used (no copy-paste)
- Concise and coherent (logical flow retained)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Exceeding word limit – Writing 130–150 words when only 110 required.
- Missing title – Even a short 2-3 word title fetches marks.
- Copying sentences – Evaluators deduct marks for lack of originality.
- Ignoring central theme – Focusing only on positives or negatives.
- Grammatical errors – A precis is short; even 2–3 errors cost heavily.
- Opinion insertion – Never add your judgment; stick to author’s viewpoint.
Practice Framework for RBI Grade B Candidates
Whenever you attempt a precis:
| Step | Action | Time Allocation (out of 30 min) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Read passage twice, underline keywords | 5 min |
| 2 | Identify theme + eliminate non-essentials | 5 min |
| 3 | Draft rough precis (1/3 length) | 10 min |
| 4 | Give title + refine grammar & flow | 7 min |
| 5 | Final count & polish | 3 min |
This ensures you stay within the 30 minutes allocated for Precis in the exam.
Additional Practice Passages (For Self-Work)
- On Digital Banking: Rise of UPI, digital wallets, cybersecurity challenges.
- On Climate Change: Role of developing countries in global mitigation.
- On Indian Agriculture: Opportunities in technology adoption vs. risks of climate variability.
- On Artificial Intelligence: Automation, ethics, and job displacement.
- On RBI’s Monetary Policy: Balancing inflation control with growth.
Tips for High Score in RBI Grade B Precis Writing
- Always count words and mention at the end (in brackets).
- Maintain formal tone (no slang, no contractions).
- Use simple, effective vocabulary: avoid flowery words.
- Keep sentences short (15–20 words) for readability.
- Revise for coherence: does each sentence logically follow the previous one?
Conclusion
Precis writing is a skill of compression with clarity. In the RBI Grade B Descriptive English 2025 exam, mastering precis can easily fetch 20–25 marks out of 30, significantly boosting your overall score. With consistent practice, use of the step-by-step method, and adherence to the one-third rule, aspirants can ensure accuracy, conciseness, and precision.
Remember: A good precis is like the abstract of a financial report—short, sharp, and to the point. If you practice 15–20 passages before the exam using the method illustrated above, you will confidently handle any passage RBI sets.