Precis Writing is one of the most skill-oriented components of RBI Grade B Phase 2 Descriptive English.
Many aspirants can understand a passage but struggle to summarize it accurately within the prescribed word limit.
Some remove essential arguments. Others copy lengthy sentences, change the author’s meaning or include unnecessary details.
The secret to effective Precis Writing is not simply reducing words. It is preserving the author’s complete central message in a shorter, clearer form.
In this guide, we will learn the process through two solved examples relevant to RBI Grade B preparation.
1. What Is the Correct Method for Precis Writing?
Follow these six steps:
Step 1: Read the passage carefully. Understand its overall meaning before attempting to shorten it.
Step 2: Identify the central idea. Determine what the author primarily wants to communicate.
Step 3: Extract essential points. Select the arguments necessary to preserve the passage’s meaning.
Step 4: Remove unnecessary information. Eliminate repetition, minor examples and decorative expressions.
Step 5: Write in your own words. Combine related ideas while maintaining accuracy and logical flow.
Step 6: Review the response. Check content coverage, grammar, word count and faithfulness to the original passage.
Let’s apply this method.
2. Solved Example 1: Financial Inclusion and Digital Banking
Original Passage (180 Words)
Financial inclusion has become an important objective of economic development, particularly in countries where large sections of the population have historically remained outside formal banking systems. Access to savings accounts, affordable credit, insurance and payment services can help households manage financial risks and participate more actively in economic activities. Digital technology has accelerated this process by reducing transaction costs and allowing financial institutions to reach customers in remote areas.
However, expanding access does not automatically guarantee meaningful financial inclusion. Individuals may possess bank accounts but lack the knowledge or confidence required to use financial products effectively. Inadequate internet connectivity, cybersecurity threats and difficulties in understanding complex financial services can further limit the benefits of digital banking. Moreover, financially vulnerable customers may face risks arising from unsuitable borrowing and fraudulent transactions.
Therefore, policymakers and financial institutions must adopt a comprehensive approach that combines technological innovation with financial literacy, consumer protection and accessible banking infrastructure. Sustainable financial inclusion requires not only the availability of financial services but also their safe, affordable and responsible use by different sections of society.
Step 1: Identify the Central Idea
Financial inclusion requires more than access to banking services. Technology can expand access, but financial literacy, infrastructure and consumer protection are essential for meaningful participation.
Step 2: Extract the Essential Points
- Financial services support economic participation and risk management.
- Digital technology can improve access and reduce transaction costs.
- Access alone does not ensure effective financial inclusion.
- Literacy gaps, connectivity problems and financial risks create barriers.
- Sustainable inclusion requires responsible and secure financial services.
Step 3: Remove Secondary Details
The original passage contains examples of specific financial products and possible difficulties faced by consumers.
We can combine these examples into broader ideas without losing the central message.
Step 4: Model Precis
Title: Towards Meaningful Financial Inclusion
Financial inclusion promotes economic participation by expanding access to essential financial services. Digital technology improves accessibility and reduces transaction costs, particularly in underserved areas. However, access alone is insufficient because limited financial literacy, inadequate connectivity and consumer risks can prevent effective usage. Sustainable inclusion therefore requires technological innovation supported by accessible infrastructure, financial education and strong consumer protection, ensuring that financial services remain affordable, secure and responsibly used.
Model Precis Length: Approximately 67 words.
Why Is This Precis Effective?
It preserves the main argument, retains the benefits and challenges, and presents the author’s proposed solution.
It also avoids introducing new opinions.
3. Solved Example 2: Artificial Intelligence and Employment
Original Passage
Artificial intelligence is transforming modern economies by changing how organizations produce goods, deliver services and make decisions. Intelligent systems can automate repetitive tasks, analyze large volumes of information and support faster decision-making. These developments may improve productivity and create new employment opportunities in technology-intensive industries. Businesses can also use artificial intelligence to improve customer services, reduce operational costs and develop innovative products.
However, technological advancement does not benefit all workers equally. Employees performing routine and predictable tasks may face displacement, while individuals possessing advanced technical and analytical skills may experience increasing demand for their services. This uneven distribution of opportunities can widen income inequalities and create difficulties for workers who lack access to quality education or professional training.
The long-term employment impact of artificial intelligence will depend significantly on how governments, educational institutions and businesses respond to these challenges. Investment in reskilling, lifelong learning and social protection can help workers adapt to changing labour-market requirements. Rather than viewing artificial intelligence exclusively as a threat or an opportunity, policymakers must focus on ensuring that technological progress contributes to inclusive and sustainable economic development.
Step 1: Identify the Central Idea
Artificial intelligence can improve productivity and create employment opportunities, but it may also displace workers and increase inequality. Appropriate policies are necessary to manage the transition.
Step 2: Extract Essential Arguments
- AI improves efficiency and innovation.
- Automation may displace workers performing routine tasks.
- Technological change may increase skill-based inequality.
- Education, reskilling and social protection can support workforce adaptation.
Step 3: Prepare the Model Precis
Title: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work
Artificial intelligence can improve productivity, encourage innovation and create new employment opportunities. However, automation may displace routine workers and widen inequalities between skilled and less-skilled employees. Its long-term employment impact will depend on effective reskilling, lifelong education and social protection. Inclusive policies are therefore essential to ensure that technological advancement benefits the wider economy.
Model Precis Length: Approximately 55 words.
Why Is This Precis Effective?
The response includes both the opportunities and risks associated with AI.
It also preserves the author’s conclusion that appropriate policy responses are essential.
It does not add unrelated arguments or personal opinions.
4. How to Reduce a Passage Without Losing Meaning
Consider the following sentence:
Original:
Due to the rapid advancement of digital technologies, financial institutions have increasingly adopted innovative solutions that enable customers to perform banking transactions without physically visiting bank branches.
Concise Version:
Digital technology enables banks to offer services without requiring customers to visit branches.
The revised sentence preserves the central information while removing unnecessary wording.
However, be careful not to remove essential qualifications.
For example:
Original: Digital banking can improve financial inclusion, although inadequate connectivity remains a significant barrier.
Incorrect Compression: Digital banking ensures financial inclusion.
Correct Compression: Digital banking can expand financial inclusion, but connectivity barriers remain.
The incorrect version changes a qualified claim into an absolute one.
5. Five Common Mistakes in Precis Writing
| Mistake | How to Correct It |
|---|---|
| Missing essential points | Prepare a brief outline before writing |
| Copying original sentences | Paraphrase ideas naturally |
| Including personal opinions | Remain faithful to the author |
| Poor sequencing | Preserve logical relationships |
| Exceeding the word limit | Reserve time for compression and review |
Important: A precis should not be judged only by its length. Completeness, accuracy and coherence are equally important.
6. A Practical 25-Minute Precis Writing Strategy
For Bank Whizz’s timed diagnostic practice:
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| First Reading | 3 minutes |
| Identify Central Idea | 3 minutes |
| Extract Essential Points | 4 minutes |
| Write the Precis | 10 minutes |
| Review and Check Word Count | 5 minutes |
| Total | 25 minutes |
This is a suggested practice allocation, not an official RBI sectional time limit.
The word limit specified in the actual question must always take priority over any general compression guideline.
7. Practise Independently Before Reading Model Answers
To improve effectively, follow this sequence:
Attempt → Compare → Identify Mistakes → Rewrite
For every practice passage:
- Read the original independently.
- Prepare your own precis.
- Compare your response with the essential arguments.
- Identify omitted or distorted ideas.
- Rewrite the response using the feedback.
Avoid reading the model precis before making your own attempt.
Otherwise, you may understand the model answer without developing the ability to produce one independently.
8. Test Your Precis Writing with Bank Whizz
Understanding solved examples is useful, but the real challenge begins when you encounter an unfamiliar passage under examination conditions.
You may correctly identify the central idea but omit supporting arguments.
You may meet the word limit while losing important meaning.
Or you may understand everything but struggle with sentence formation.
A diagnostic assessment can help identify the specific reason your precis needs improvement.
RBI Grade B 2027 – Free Precis Diagnostic Mock
Bank Whizz offers a free Precis Writing assessment with:
- 30-mark Precis Diagnostic Mock
- 25-minute timed practice
- Original examination-oriented passage
- Personalized evaluation targeted within 24 hours
- Feedback on comprehension, content coverage, conciseness, organization and grammar
- Completely free enrollment
Attempt the RBI Grade B 2027 Free Precis Diagnostic Mock
The free diagnostic course also includes Essay Writing, Reading Comprehension and a Full-Length Descriptive English Mock.
Final Takeaway
Good Precis Writing is not about shortening every sentence mechanically.
It requires understanding the complete passage, identifying essential information and expressing that information clearly within the prescribed limit.
Read carefully. Identify the central idea. Preserve essential arguments. Write concisely. Review accurately.
Bank Whizz – Write. Get Evaluated. Improve.