The Reading Comprehension (RC) section of SEBI Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper carries 40 marks — through five descriptive questions based on one passage.
Unlike objective RCs, this paper tests your interpretation, writing clarity, and contextual understanding. Success depends on mastering not just what to read but how to process and express answers effectively.
🧩 I. Understanding the RC Pattern in SEBI Grade A 2025
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Questions | 5 (Descriptive Type) |
| Total Marks | 40 Marks |
| Passage Type | Analytical / Economic / Policy-oriented |
| Word Limit per Answer | 40–60 words (2–4 lines recommended) |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to High (Abstract + Analytical) |
Themes Often Asked:
- Financial Inclusion, SEBI Regulations, Corporate Governance
- Fintech, Capital Market Reforms, Investor Awareness
- Economic Policies, Digitalization, Sustainability, Ethics
The key is to balance speed, comprehension, and articulation.
🧠 II. The 5-Step Smart Solving Framework (Bank Whizz Method)
Step 1: Quick Skim (2 Minutes)
Before diving into questions:
- Skim the entire passage quickly once.
- Identify main idea, tone, and structure (Intro → Analysis → Conclusion).
- Highlight or mentally note keywords: e.g., regulation, inclusion, fintech, investor protection.
💡 Tip: The first and last sentences of each paragraph often reveal the central idea.
Step 2: Read Questions Before Re-Reading (1 Minute)
Once you’ve skimmed, read all 5 questions first.
This helps you read purposefully during your second pass — your mind knows what to look for.
For example:
Q1. What does the author suggest about regulatory sandboxes?
Q2. Why is financial literacy essential for inclusion?
Now your brain automatically filters relevant portions.
Step 3: Targeted Reading & Keyword Mapping (5–6 Minutes)
Go paragraph by paragraph.
- Underline / note phrases that directly connect to questions.
- For “why/how” questions, identify reasoning words like because, therefore, hence, thus.
- For “definition/fact” questions, spot numeric data, policy names, quotes, or terms.
💡 Keyword Linking Example:
If the question says “impact of fintech on retail investors,” look for phrases like ‘digital access,’ ‘market participation,’ ‘financial awareness’ in the text.
Step 4: Frame Crisp Descriptive Answers (10–12 Minutes)
| Question Type | Strategy | Sample Template |
|---|---|---|
| Definition-based | Use direct phrasing from passage | “According to the author, financial inclusion refers to…” |
| Inference-based | Combine passage hints + logic | “It can be inferred that SEBI’s approach emphasizes…” |
| Analytical / Opinion | Paraphrase + brief reasoning | “The author believes regulatory innovation is vital because…” |
| Fact / Example-based | Rephrase relevant data | “The example of digital KYC highlights…” |
Pro-Tips:
- Avoid copying full lines verbatim.
- Keep tone formal & objective.
- Maintain a flow: Idea → Reason → Implication.
Step 5: Final Review (2–3 Minutes)
Before submission:
- Check if all five answers are written and numbered correctly.
- Ensure clarity, legibility, and correct grammar.
- Quickly revise tenses and remove filler words.
📊 III. Example – Smart Solving in Action
Sample Question:
“According to the author, what are the challenges SEBI faces in regulating fintech?”
✅ Smart Answer (Model – 45 words):
The author notes that fintech regulation poses challenges such as rapid technological evolution, lack of global frameworks, and risks of data misuse. SEBI must strike a balance between innovation and investor protection while ensuring consistency across intermediaries.
🧩 IV. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Reading passage word by word without scanning.
❌ Copying exact lines from passage (leads to deduction).
❌ Writing vague, opinionated answers not supported by passage.
❌ Spending >25 minutes on RC (reduces essay/precis time).
❌ Ignoring transition signals like however, although, therefore (they indicate key contrasts).
⏱️ V. Time Management for RC within 60-Minute Paper
| Task | Ideal Time | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Reading (Skim) | 2 min | Structure & tone |
| Read Questions | 1 min | Identify focus areas |
| Detailed Reading | 6 min | Keyword mapping |
| Writing Answers | 10–12 min | Complete all 5 Qs |
| Final Review | 2–3 min | Grammar & completeness |
→ Total: 20 minutes max
🧩 VI. Bonus Techniques from Bank Whizz Experts
- Identify Author’s Intent:
Determine whether the passage informs, analyses, or persuades. This guides answer tone. - Use Key Transition Phrases:
Words like however, moreover, consequently, in contrast indicate shifts — answers often hide near them. - Summarize Paragraphs Mentally:
After each paragraph, say one line in your head — it improves recall when answering. - Maintain Neutral Tone:
Even if you disagree with the author, your answer must reflect his/her stance, not yours. - Practice Domain-Based RCs:
Read editorials from Mint, Economic Times, Financial Express, and SEBI’s own bulletins.
📘 VII. Practice Strategy (Bank Whizz Plan)
| Week | Practice Focus | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Short RCs (300–400 words) | 2 passages/day |
| Week 2 | Analytical RCs (500–600 words) | 3 passages/week |
| Week 3 | Domain RCs (Finance/Policy) | Timed 20-min sessions |
| Week 4 | Full Descriptive Mock | 1 per week under exam conditions |
💡 Bank Whizz Tip: Evaluate using a 4-point rubric — Content Accuracy, Conciseness, Structure, Language.
🏁 Final Words
Reading Comprehension isn’t just about reading — it’s about interpreting efficiently and expressing clearly.
By applying these Smart Solving Techniques, you’ll move from guesswork to method, from confusion to confidence.
At Bank Whizz, we train aspirants to think like evaluators — to read between lines, extract precise meanings, and write answers that fetch full marks.
Master this art, and RC will become your scoring ally in SEBI Grade A 2025