Introduction
The RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English paper carries 30 marks for Reading Comprehension (RC). Candidates face 6 questions based on a passage, which can range from economics, banking, environment, social issues, or global affairs. Unlike MCQ-based comprehension, descriptive RC requires short, precise written answers.
Most aspirants lose marks because they:
- Misinterpret inference-based questions
- Fail to identify the author’s tone correctly
- Struggle with data-based questions involving numbers or comparisons
This post gives you a step-by-step strategy to handle Inference, Tone, and Data Questions, backed by examples, solving techniques, and practice tips. By the end, you will be equipped with a complete approach to secure maximum marks in this section.
Structure of RC in RBI Grade B Descriptive Paper
- Passage Length: 350–400 words
- Number of Questions: 6
- Marks: 30 (5 marks each)
- Types of Questions Asked:
- Direct factual (based on explicit lines)
- Inference (reading between the lines)
- Tone/Attitude (author’s perspective)
- Vocabulary (meaning/usage of words)
- Data/analytical (tables, figures, percentages if passage has stats)
While factual and vocabulary questions are relatively straightforward, inference, tone, and data-based questions demand higher cognitive skills. These are where toppers score extra.
Part I: Solving Inference-Based Questions
What is an Inference?
Inference means deriving logical conclusions from what is implied, not directly stated.
Think of it as: “If the author is saying this, what else can we reasonably conclude?”
Common Traps
- Students confuse inference with repetition of facts.
- They assume beyond the scope of passage (personal opinion).
- They misread subtle hints hidden in the passage.
Steps to Solve
- Identify Core Statement – Highlight the sentence in the passage around which the question is asked.
- Ask Yourself: “If this is true, what does it imply?”
- Eliminate Extremes – Strong words like always, never, must, completely are usually wrong.
- Stick to Context – Don’t bring external knowledge.
Example
Passage Extract:
“The RBI’s cautious stance on interest rates indicates its preference for long-term stability over short-term growth acceleration.”
Question: What can be inferred from the RBI’s policy stance?
Correct Inference: RBI prioritizes inflation control and stability, even if it slows immediate growth.
Wrong Inference: RBI wants to stop all forms of economic growth. (Too extreme)
Part II: Tackling Tone-Based Questions
What is Author’s Tone?
Tone reflects the author’s attitude toward the subject—positive, negative, neutral, critical, analytical, etc.
Common Tones Asked in RBI Grade B
- Optimistic/Encouraging – Shows hope and positivity.
- Pessimistic/Critical – Points out flaws or negative consequences.
- Analytical/Objective – Balanced, fact-based, with logical reasoning.
- Persuasive – Urges action or change.
- Cautionary/Concerned – Warns about possible dangers.
- Appreciative – Praises a policy or development.
Steps to Identify Tone
- Look at Adjectives/Verbs – Words like beneficial, alarming, disastrous, promising reveal emotions.
- Check Overall Balance – Is the author presenting both sides or leaning toward one?
- Notice Conclusion – Often, the final lines set the tone.
Example
Passage Extract:
“While AI has potential to transform banking efficiency, concerns over job losses and ethical risks cannot be ignored.”
Tone Options:
- Appreciative
- Concerned
- Analytical
Correct Answer: Analytical (balanced view of pros & cons).
Part III: Handling Data-Based Questions
Nature of Data Questions
Some RC passages include statistics, percentages, trends, or comparisons (especially in economics, finance, and social reports). Questions may ask you to:
- Interpret the meaning of numbers
- Compare two sets of data
- Explain significance of trends
Approach
- Underline Numbers & Comparisons – While reading, mark all statistics.
- Translate into Simple Meaning – Don’t just repeat numbers; explain what they mean.
- Relate Back to Author’s Argument – Why did the author include that figure?
Example
Passage Extract:
“India’s GDP grew at 6.1% in FY23, compared to 8.7% in FY22. However, services exports rose by 14%, offsetting some slowdown in manufacturing.”
Question: What does the data suggest about India’s economic performance?
Correct Answer: Though GDP growth slowed from 8.7% to 6.1%, the rise in services exports helped sustain overall momentum.
Practical Comparison: Three Question Types
| Question Type | What It Tests | Key Strategy | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inference | Logical conclusion beyond explicit words | Look for implied meaning, avoid extremes | RBI prioritizes stability over growth |
| Tone | Author’s attitude | Focus on adjectives, balance, conclusion | Analytical tone on AI in banking |
| Data | Analytical ability with numbers | Interpret trends, not just repeat | GDP growth slowed but services offset |
How to Practice RC for RBI Grade B
- Daily Editorial Reading
- Sources: The Hindu, Business Standard, Livemint, RBI Bulletins.
- After reading, write 3 inferences + author’s tone in your own words.
- Timed RC Solving
- Pick passages of ~350 words.
- Limit yourself to 20–22 minutes for all 6 questions.
- Allocate:
- 5 min reading & highlighting
- 15 min answering
- Peer Review or Self-Evaluation
- Use a checklist: Did I answer within passage scope? Is tone correctly identified? Did I explain data meaning?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Copy-pasting from passage – Answers must be paraphrased.
- Over-explaining inference – Keep it 2–3 sentences maximum.
- Guessing tone randomly – Always justify tone with evidence from passage.
- Ignoring numbers in data questions – Interpretation matters more than quoting figures.
- Time mismanagement – Spending 30 minutes on RC leaves no time for essay/precis.
Sample RC Exercise with Questions
Passage (Excerpt ~180 words):
“Digital banking in India has witnessed exponential growth, with UPI transactions crossing ₹20 lakh crore monthly. While this reflects financial inclusion and convenience, cybersecurity threats and fraud incidents have increased simultaneously. Regulators face the challenge of balancing innovation with security. Banks are investing heavily in AI-driven fraud detection, yet awareness among rural users remains low. Unless digital literacy improves, the benefits of financial technology may not reach their full potential.”
Questions:
- What can be inferred about the future of digital banking in India?
- What is the author’s tone in the passage?
- Based on data, what does ₹20 lakh crore UPI transaction volume indicate?
Suggested Answers:
- Digital banking will expand further but requires stronger security and literacy measures.
- Concerned yet analytical.
- High adoption of UPI indicates financial inclusion, but risks threaten sustainability.
Time Management for RC in Descriptive Paper
- Reading the Passage: 5 minutes
- Inference Questions (2–3 sentences each): 5 minutes
- Tone Questions (1–2 sentences each): 3 minutes
- Data Questions (2–3 sentences each): 5 minutes
- Review & Edit: 2–3 minutes
Total = 20 minutes (leaving buffer time for Essay & Precis).
Final Tips for Scoring High
- Write crisp answers (40–60 words each).
- Always justify inference & tone with lines from passage (rephrased).
- For data, convert numbers into insights (trend, comparison, significance).
- Maintain formal, exam-appropriate language.
- Practice at least 20–25 passages before the exam.
Conclusion
The RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English RC section is not about length but about accuracy and interpretation. Inference-based questions test depth of understanding, tone-based questions examine perception, and data-based questions measure analytical ability. By applying the structured techniques discussed—highlighting, paraphrasing, avoiding extremes, and interpreting numbers—you can consistently score 22–25 out of 30 marks.
Remember, in RBI Grade B, every mark counts. Master these RC techniques and you will gain a crucial edge over thousands of aspirants.