The Reading Comprehension (RC) section of the RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English paper is often underestimated, but it carries significant weight and can make a big difference in your overall score. While essay and precis writing test your expression and summarization skills, RC measures your understanding, interpretation, and analytical ability. A well-prepared aspirant can score 20+ out of 30 marks in this section, boosting their chances of crossing the 70+ mark in the entire paper.
This post will guide you through the pattern, strategy, practice methods, and common mistakes to help you master RC in the RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English paper.
Why Reading Comprehension Matters
- Weightage: ~30 marks out of 100 in the Descriptive English paper.
- Nature: Based on a passage (800–1,000 words) followed by 5–6 questions.
- Skill Tested: Ability to quickly read, understand, and extract meaning.
- Relevance to RBI Officers: Drafting reports and analyzing financial data often requires understanding complex texts quickly.
Exam Pattern – Reading Comprehension
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Passage Length | ~800–1,000 words |
| No. of Questions | 5–6 questions |
| Marks | ~30 |
| Time Suggested | 25–30 minutes |
| Skills Tested | Understanding, inference, vocabulary, critical thinking |
Types of Questions in RBI Grade B RC
- Factual Questions
- Directly based on the passage.
- Example: “What does the author suggest about financial inclusion?”
- Inference-Based Questions
- Go beyond facts, test your ability to read between the lines.
- Example: “What can be inferred about RBI’s role in digital payments?”
- Tone/Attitude of Author
- Tests ability to identify whether the author is critical, analytical, optimistic, etc.
- Vocabulary-Based Questions
- Synonyms/antonyms from within the passage.
- Critical Analysis
- May involve evaluating arguments, comparing viewpoints, or suggesting solutions.
Step-by-Step Strategy for Solving RC
Step 1: Skim the Passage (2–3 Minutes)
- Quickly read the passage to identify the theme.
- Focus on introduction and conclusion paragraphs.
Step 2: Read the Questions First
- Before deep reading, glance at the questions.
- Helps to know what to look for while reading.
Step 3: Scan for Answers
- While reading, highlight/underline key sentences related to questions.
- Don’t waste time on decorative details.
Step 4: Focus on Keywords
- Look for data, dates, reports, or RBI-related terms.
- These often form the basis of factual questions.
Step 5: Handle Inference Questions Carefully
- Don’t bring outside knowledge.
- Stick to what the passage suggests, even indirectly.
Step 6: Manage Time
- Don’t spend more than 5 minutes per question.
- Keep answers concise (2–4 lines).
Example RC Practice
Sample Passage (Excerpt):
Financial inclusion is not merely about opening bank accounts but ensuring access to a wide range of financial services like credit, insurance, and pensions. Digital platforms like UPI, Aadhaar-based payments, and mobile banking have accelerated inclusion. However, rural connectivity issues, digital literacy gaps, and cyber-security risks remain major barriers. Unless supported by strong policies, digital inclusion may widen inequality rather than bridge it.
Sample Questions & Answers:
- What does financial inclusion mean beyond opening accounts?
- It includes access to credit, insurance, and pension services.
- What are the barriers to digital inclusion?
- Poor connectivity, lack of digital literacy, and cyber-security risks.
- What tone does the author adopt?
- Cautiously optimistic—acknowledges progress but warns of risks.
Practice Resources for RC
- RBI Annual Reports & Financial Stability Reports – for policy-related passages.
- Economic Survey & Union Budget Highlights – for economy-oriented RC.
- Newspaper Editorials (The Hindu, Indian Express, Business Standard).
- Magazines – Yojana, Kurukshetra, EPW (Economic & Political Weekly).
Vocabulary Building for RC
RC passages often contain economic, social, and financial terms. Build a vocabulary bank for:
- Economics: Inflation, fiscal deficit, monetary policy.
- Social: Inclusion, empowerment, inequality.
- Technology: Blockchain, AI, digital economy.
Tip: Maintain a notebook of words, their meanings, and usage.
Time Management for RC
- Reading the Passage: 5–6 minutes.
- Answering Questions: 20 minutes.
- Proofreading: 2–3 minutes.
Shortcut: Answer factual questions first, then inference/tone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Reading the passage line by line slowly (time waste).
❌ Using outside knowledge in answers.
❌ Writing too long answers (keep them precise).
❌ Ignoring author’s tone/attitude.
❌ Spending too much time on one question.
Daily Practice Plan for RC
- Solve 1 RC passage daily (preferably from editorials).
- Write answers in 2–4 lines to train precision.
- Once a week, attempt a mock RC set under 30 minutes.
- Review mistakes and improve reading speed.
How to Score 20+ Marks in RC
- Get all factual questions correct (easy marks).
- Attempt inference carefully—avoid guesswork.
- Identify tone/attitude through keywords.
- Be concise—don’t overwrite.
- Practice typing short answers in mock format.
Sample RC Practice Topics for RBI Grade B 2025
- Future of AI in Banking and Finance.
- Climate Change and its Economic Impact.
- India’s Path to Becoming a $5 Trillion Economy.
- RBI’s Role in Monetary Policy and Inflation.
- Financial Literacy and Digital Inclusion.
- Globalization vs. Localization in Trade.
Conclusion
The Reading Comprehension section in RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English may look simple, but it requires speed, precision, and strong comprehension skills. By practicing regularly, building vocabulary, and following a structured strategy, aspirants can comfortably score 20–25 marks out of 30 in RC.
Remember: clarity and accuracy are more important than length. Keep answers short, stick to the passage, and manage your time well. With consistent practice, RC can become your most scoring section in the Descriptive English paper.