RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English – 90-Minute Time Management Plan (Essay, Precis & RC)

Introduction

The RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English Paper is one of the most crucial parts of the examination. With 100 marks to be scored in just 90 minutes, aspirants need more than just writing skills—they need a smart time management plan. Even the most well-prepared candidate may struggle if they do not allocate time effectively between the three sections: Essay (40 marks), Precis (30 marks), and Reading Comprehension (30 marks).

This post gives you a comprehensive 90-minute time management strategy that ensures you cover all three tasks without compromising quality. By following this plan, you can maximize accuracy, coherence, and presentation within the time limit.

Structure of the Paper

  • Essay Writing – 600 words, 40 marks
  • Precis Writing – One-third of original passage, 30 marks
  • Reading Comprehension (RC) – 6 Questions, 30 marks
  • Total Time – 90 minutes

Notice how the essay carries the highest weightage, but the combination of Precis and RC together also equals 60 marks. Therefore, balanced time allocation is the key.

Why Time Management Is Critical

  1. Strict Word Limits – Overshooting or undershooting word limits affects marks. Time planning ensures you stick to required length.
  2. Equal Weightage Distribution – Spending too much time on the essay often leaves candidates rushing through Precis and RC.
  3. Mental Fatigue – Writing for 90 minutes straight can drain focus. Strategic breaks within tasks help maintain clarity.
  4. Answer Quality vs Speed – The right balance helps produce content that is accurate, concise, and error-free.

The 90-Minute Time Management Plan

Here is the suggested time split across tasks:

  • Essay Writing – 40 minutes
  • Precis Writing – 25 minutes
  • Reading Comprehension – 25 minutes

Let’s explore each in detail.

1. Essay Writing – 40 Minutes (600 words, 40 Marks)

The essay is the lengthiest and most creative part of the paper. A well-planned approach ensures clarity and coherence without wasting precious minutes.

Time Allocation:

  • First 5 minutes – Brainstorm ideas & outline.
  • Next 30 minutes – Write the essay (3–5 paragraphs with intro, body, conclusion).
  • Last 5 minutes – Proofread and polish.

Step-by-Step Approach:

  1. Understand the Topic – Read the given options carefully and select one that you are most comfortable with. Prefer topics where you can use facts, RBI policies, or contemporary examples.
  2. Create an Outline – Jot down 4–5 main points before writing. This saves time later and keeps your essay logical.
  3. Follow Structure –
    • Introduction (80–100 words) – Define the theme and state your thesis.
    • Body (400–450 words) – Develop 3–4 arguments with examples.
    • Conclusion (80–100 words) – Summarize and give future outlook or solution.
  4. Maintain Word Limit – Don’t exceed 650 words. Extra writing eats into other sections.
  5. Proofread – Check grammar, spelling, and coherence.

Pro Tip:
Using bullet points within paragraphs (sparingly) can save time and enhance readability.

2. Precis Writing – 25 Minutes (30 Marks)

Precis tests your ability to compress a passage into one-third of its original length while retaining essence and tone.

Time Allocation:

  • First 5 minutes – Read passage carefully & underline keywords.
  • Next 15 minutes – Write draft precis.
  • Last 5 minutes – Edit, count words, refine language.

Step-by-Step Approach:

  1. Read Twice – First for understanding, second for identifying the central theme.
  2. Highlight Core Points – Ignore examples, data, and repetition unless central.
  3. Draft in Your Own Words – Don’t copy lines from passage.
  4. Check Word Count – If original passage is 450 words, your precis must be around 150 words.
  5. Title – Always give an appropriate short title (2–5 words).

Pro Tip:
Write precis in active voice and present tense. It saves words and creates crisp expression.

3. Reading Comprehension – 25 Minutes (6 Questions, 30 Marks)

RC passages are usually 350–500 words with 6 questions of varied difficulty.

Time Allocation:

  • First 7 minutes – Read passage carefully.
  • Next 15 minutes – Answer 6 questions.
  • Last 3 minutes – Review answers, refine phrasing.

Step-by-Step Approach:

  1. Skim First, Then Read Closely – Get gist first, then re-read for details.
  2. Categorize Questions – Direct/factual, inference-based, vocabulary, critical analysis.
  3. Keep Answers Crisp – 3–4 lines for factual, 5–6 lines for inference.
  4. Use Passage Language – Paraphrase but don’t deviate.
  5. Don’t Overthink – If unsure, write the best possible relevant answer in simple words.

Pro Tip:
RC is scoring and less time-consuming if practiced well. Don’t leave it for the end in panic—keep a fixed 25 minutes.

Section-Wise Writing Hacks

Essay Writing Hacks

  • Always structure in paragraphs; avoid long, unbroken texts.
  • Use transition words: moreover, however, in contrast, therefore.
  • Stick to formal tone—avoid slang or personal anecdotes.
  • Use RBI’s current data, reports, or schemes for higher credibility.

Precis Hacks

  • Start directly with the main idea; no introductions.
  • Avoid personal opinions, examples, or elaborations.
  • Use simple and clear vocabulary.
  • Ensure logical flow—don’t jumble points.

RC Hacks

  • Answer only from the passage, not from your knowledge.
  • Write in your own words to avoid repetition.
  • Keep answers proportional to marks (3–5 sentences each).
  • Revise quickly to avoid silly grammar mistakes.

Common Mistakes in Time Management

  1. Overwriting Essay – Candidates spend 50+ minutes and cross 700 words, leaving no time for other sections.
  2. Ignoring Precis Rules – Writing a summary instead of a structured precis costs marks.
  3. Rushing RC – Misreading the passage leads to wrong answers.
  4. No Proofreading – Losing marks to grammar and spelling errors.
  5. Wrong Order – Starting with RC or Precis sometimes breaks concentration. Essay first works best for most.

Practice-Based Time Training

  • Mock Tests: Attempt full-length descriptive mocks (90 minutes) at least once a week.
  • Timed Writing Drills: Write essays in 30 minutes to develop speed.
  • Precis Compression: Practice reducing long passages quickly with accuracy.
  • RC Sets: Solve 2 passages daily from economic/editorial sources.

By exam day, you should be comfortable completing all three sections within 90 minutes.

Sample 90-Minute Schedule

Here’s a model you can adopt in practice and in the exam:

SectionTime AllocationActivity
Essay0–40 minBrainstorm (5), Write (30), Review (5)
Precis40–65 minRead (5), Draft (15), Edit (5)
RC65–90 minRead (7), Answer (15), Review (3)

Final Week Exam Plan

  • Day 1–3: Practice 1 essay + 1 precis daily (time-bound).
  • Day 4–6: Solve 2 RCs daily + one full mock.
  • Day 7: Final full-length mock + revision of templates, connectors, vocabulary.

Conclusion

The RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English Paper is not just about language skills—it is equally about time discipline. With only 90 minutes, you must plan every minute wisely. A balanced split—Essay (40 min), Precis (25 min), RC (25 min)—ensures that you present quality answers across all three sections.

Remember: Content + Structure + Time Management = Success. By practicing under timed conditions, developing speed, and proofreading carefully, you can easily score 70+ out of 100 in this paper.

Master the art of time allocation, and the Descriptive English paper will become your strongest scoring area in RBI Grade B 2025.