The RBI Grade B Phase II English (Writing Skills) Paper is one of the most decisive stages in the selection process. Unlike objective tests that evaluate speed and accuracy, this paper measures a candidate’s clarity of thought, depth of knowledge, and ability to express ideas effectively in written English. For aspirants targeting RBI Grade B 2025, mastering this section is not just about grammar and vocabulary—it requires a strategic blend of structure, content awareness, and precision.
This article provides a complete guide to the syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, and preparation strategy for the RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English Paper.
Why the English Descriptive Paper Matters
The Reserve Bank of India is not only looking for number-crunchers or financial analysts; it wants officers who can:
- Write clear and impactful reports.
- Draft precise communications to policymakers and stakeholders.
- Convey complex ideas in simple, structured language.
- Analyze socio-economic issues with clarity.
This is exactly what the Descriptive English paper assesses. A well-prepared candidate can turn this paper into a scoring advantage.
Exam Structure at a Glance
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Paper | RBI Grade B Phase II – English (Writing Skills) |
| Mode | Online (Typed on Computer Keyboard) |
| Nature | Descriptive (Essay, Precis, RC) |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Time Duration | 90 Minutes |
| No. of Questions | 3 (All compulsory) |
👉 Candidates must attempt all three components:
- Essay Writing (600 words approx.)
- Precis Writing
- Reading Comprehension (RC)
RBI Grade B 2025 English Descriptive – Syllabus
The Descriptive English syllabus is not a fixed list of topics, but an indicative framework. Candidates must be ready for issues related to economy, society, environment, governance, and technology.
1. Essay Writing (600 Words)
Candidates are asked to write one essay (out of two choices) in about 600 words. Essays test the ability to structure arguments, present facts, and analyze issues critically.
Common Essay Themes:
- Indian Economy & Financial Sector (e.g., financial inclusion, digital banking, monetary policy).
- Social Issues (e.g., women empowerment, workplace well-being, education reforms).
- Environment & Climate Change (e.g., migration due to climate issues, sustainable development).
- Technology & AI (e.g., future of jobs, AI in decision-making, digital payments).
- Governance & Public Policy (e.g., challenges of urbanization, health infrastructure).
Key Skills Tested:
- Depth of content
- Structure (Introduction, Body, Conclusion)
- Balanced arguments (pros/cons, solutions)
- Language clarity & grammar
2. Precis Writing
Precis writing checks the ability to summarize lengthy passages into one-third of their length while retaining the core meaning.
Skills Tested:
- Identifying main ideas
- Excluding redundancies and examples
- Writing in your own words
- Conciseness and accuracy
Typical Themes:
- Technology in governance
- Banking/finance reforms
- Leadership and management issues
- Global economy or AI in organizations
3. Reading Comprehension (RC)
A passage (around 800–1,000 words) is given, followed by 5–6 questions.
Skills Tested:
- Understanding author’s viewpoint
- Interpreting data/statements
- Drawing inferences
- Critical analysis
Common RC Topics:
- Economics and Banking concepts
- Management and HR
- Public policy and governance
- Social or ethical issues
Marking Scheme
The RBI does not publish a rigid mark distribution publicly, but based on past analyses:
- Essay Writing: ~40 marks
- Precis Writing: ~30 marks
- Reading Comprehension: ~30 marks
Total = 100 marks
Key Marking Parameters
- Content Quality – Knowledge, examples, facts, relevance.
- Organization – Structured flow of introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Language – Grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and sentence clarity.
- Adherence to Word Limit – Going significantly under or over may invite penalties.
- Typing Accuracy – Spelling and typing errors can reduce marks.
Time Management Strategy (90 Minutes)
Managing time is crucial since candidates need to balance quality with speed.
- Essay (600 words) – 35 to 40 minutes
- Precis Writing – 20 minutes
- Reading Comprehension – 25 to 30 minutes
Tip: Always leave 5 minutes at the end for proofreading.
Preparation Strategy for RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English
1. Build Strong Content Base
- Read The Hindu, Indian Express (editorials), and Economic & Political Weekly.
- Maintain a notebook of facts, quotes, and data on trending topics.
- Learn RBI publications like the Annual Report and Financial Stability Report.
2. Essay Writing Practice
- Follow Intro – Body – Conclusion structure.
- Write balanced arguments (pros, cons, solutions).
- Use real examples: government policies, RBI schemes, global case studies.
- Practice 600-word essays weekly.
3. Precis Writing Practice
- Practice reducing passages to one-third length.
- Avoid copying sentences verbatim.
- Focus on the core theme.
- Practice with editorials and RBI reports.
4. Reading Comprehension Practice
- Practice inference-based questions.
- Learn to quickly identify the tone of the author.
- Work on time efficiency – don’t overthink simple factual questions.
5. Improve Typing Skills
- Since the test is online, practice typing essays/precis in MS Word.
- Maintain speed of 30–35 words per minute with accuracy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Word Limit – Going beyond the word count can lead to penalties.
- Poor Structure in Essays – Writing in a scattered manner without logical flow.
- Copying in Precis – Directly lifting sentences from the passage.
- Weak Conclusion – Ending essays abruptly without solutions.
- Spelling & Grammar Errors – Proofread before final submission.
Sample Essay Topics for RBI Grade B 2025
- Role of RBI in India’s Economic Growth
- Artificial Intelligence in Financial Sector – Boon or Bane?
- Climate Change and Its Impact on Indian Economy
- Importance of Employee Well-Being at Workplace
- Future of Digital Payments in India
- India’s Path to Becoming a $5 Trillion Economy
Conclusion
The RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English Paper is not merely a language test; it is a test of awareness, analytical thinking, and communication skills. With 100 marks at stake, it plays a pivotal role in final selection. Candidates who prepare systematically—balancing content, structure, and typing practice—can turn this section into a scoring weapon.
Stay consistent with essay and precis practice, enhance your knowledge of current affairs, and sharpen your comprehension ability. Remember: clear thinking leads to clear writing—and that’s what RBI is looking for in its future Grade B officers.