Common Mistakes to Avoid in RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English (Essay, Precis & RC)

The RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English Paper is one of the most important components of Phase II. With 100 marks at stake, it tests a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively through Essay Writing, Precis Writing, and Reading Comprehension (RC). Many aspirants, despite having good content knowledge, lose valuable marks due to avoidable mistakes.

In this guide, we will highlight the most common mistakes candidates make in each section of Descriptive English and provide practical solutions to avoid them—so you can maximize your score and confidently aim for 70+ marks.

Why Avoiding Mistakes Is Crucial

  • Scoring Edge: Objective papers are competitive, but descriptive answers often differentiate toppers from average candidates.
  • Professional Relevance: RBI officers are expected to write clear reports, summaries, and communications. Errors in structure, grammar, or relevance reflect poorly on suitability.
  • Time Pressure: With only 90 minutes for three sections, mistakes increase under pressure if strategies aren’t practiced.

Section 1 – Common Mistakes in Essay Writing

❌ Mistake 1: Ignoring Word Limit

  • Writing 700–800 words instead of ~600, or stopping at 350–400 words.
  • Exceeding word limit wastes time and may lose marks for irrelevance.

✅ Fix: Stick to ~600 words. Practice timed essays weekly to internalize word count.

❌ Mistake 2: Weak Structure

  • Jumping directly into arguments without introduction.
  • Missing logical flow or abrupt ending without conclusion.

✅ Fix: Always follow Intro → Body → Conclusion. Draft a quick outline before typing.

❌ Mistake 3: Lack of Data/Examples

  • Writing generic essays without facts, case studies, or government initiatives.
  • Example: Saying “Financial inclusion is important” without mentioning Jan Dhan Yojana or UPI.

✅ Fix: Maintain a content bank of data from Economic Survey, RBI Reports, NITI Aayog. Use at least 2–3 examples.

❌ Mistake 4: One-Sided Arguments

  • Writing only pros or cons, without balance.
  • Examiners expect analysis, not personal bias.

✅ Fix: Present both sides and then conclude with your opinion.

❌ Mistake 5: Using Informal Language

  • Using phrases like “gonna, wanna, guys, cool”.
  • Examiners expect formal, professional English.

✅ Fix: Use simple, formal English with connectors like Moreover, However, Therefore, In conclusion.

❌ Mistake 6: Poor Typing Speed & Errors

  • Rushing leads to spelling mistakes, missing words, or formatting issues.

✅ Fix: Practice typing essays in MS Word. Aim for 30–35 WPM with accuracy.

Section 2 – Common Mistakes in Precis Writing

❌ Mistake 1: Copy-Pasting Sentences

  • Many aspirants lift lines directly from the passage. This is penalized.

✅ Fix: Rewrite in your own words. Summarize, don’t duplicate.

❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring One-Third Rule

  • Writing too short (~70 words for a 300-word passage) or too long (~150 words).

✅ Fix: Stick to ~100 words for a 300-word passage. Train with newspaper editorials.

❌ Mistake 3: Missing the Central Idea

  • Focusing on examples rather than the main argument.

✅ Fix: Identify theme first (cause, effect, solution, or analysis). Then build precis around it.

❌ Mistake 4: Adding Personal Opinions

  • Writing things not present in the passage.

✅ Fix: Restrict precis to author’s message only.

❌ Mistake 5: Skipping Title

  • Forgetting to give a short, meaningful title reduces marks.

✅ Fix: Always give a title (2–5 words), e.g., AI in Leadership.

❌ Mistake 6: Poor Grammar & Tense Shifts

  • Incorrect sentence formations while condensing content.

✅ Fix: Maintain tense consistency. Use simple sentences.

Section 3 – Common Mistakes in Reading Comprehension (RC)

❌ Mistake 1: Reading Passage Line-by-Line Slowly

  • Wasting 10–15 minutes just on reading.

✅ Fix: Skim first, then scan. Focus on intro, conclusion, and keywords.

❌ Mistake 2: Using Outside Knowledge

  • Adding personal knowledge instead of sticking to passage.

✅ Fix: Answer only from the passage context.

❌ Mistake 3: Writing Long, Essay-Like Answers

  • RC requires concise, 2–4 line answers, not mini essays.

✅ Fix: Be precise. Examiner looks for clarity, not word count.

❌ Mistake 4: Misinterpreting Author’s Tone

  • Confusing critical with analytical, optimistic with persuasive.

✅ Fix: Look for keywords (e.g., “however, unfortunately, promising”) to identify tone.

❌ Mistake 5: Ignoring Vocabulary Questions

  • Not preparing synonyms/antonyms reduces easy marks.

✅ Fix: Build vocabulary from editorials and RBI documents.

❌ Mistake 6: Poor Time Management

  • Spending too long on RC, leaving less time for essay or precis.

✅ Fix: Allocate 25–30 minutes max for RC.

General Mistakes Across All Three Sections

  1. Not Proofreading – Leaving spelling/grammar errors unchecked.
  2. Improper Formatting – Writing one big paragraph instead of structured sections.
  3. Panic in Exam – Not practicing enough mocks under time pressure.
  4. Weak Vocabulary – Repeating same words instead of varied expressions.
  5. Neglecting Typing Practice – Losing time due to slow typing or frequent corrections.

How to Avoid These Mistakes – Practical Plan

  1. Daily Routine
    • 30 mins: Read an editorial → note key points.
    • 20 mins: Write a precis (1/3rd rule).
    • 40 mins: Draft a 600-word essay.
    • 15 mins: Solve one RC passage.
  2. Weekly Mock Test
    • Simulate 90-minute exam (Essay + Precis + RC).
    • Review mistakes and maintain an error log.
  3. Typing Practice
    • Use typing websites or MS Word daily.
    • Target: 30–35 WPM.
  4. Vocabulary Bank
    • Maintain notebook of new words, synonyms, and connectors.
    • Revise before exam.

Sample Error Correction (Demo)

Weak Essay Sentence:
Digital banking is very cool and it helps people in many ways.

Corrected Professional Version:
Digital banking has transformed financial services by improving accessibility, reducing transaction costs, and enhancing financial inclusion.

Conclusion

The RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English Paper is not difficult to crack—but many aspirants lose marks due to avoidable mistakes. By being aware of these pitfalls in Essay, Precis, and RC, and practicing regularly with structured strategies, you can avoid errors and maximize your score.

Remember: Clarity, Conciseness, and Correctness are the three pillars of success in Descriptive English. Focus on them, and crossing 70+ marks will be well within your reach.