Introduction
Reading Comprehension (RC) in the RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English paper is often underestimated by aspirants. While most focus on the Essay and Precis/Letter, the RC section carries 30 marks, which can significantly impact your final score.
The RC passage is designed to test:
- Understanding of complex texts
- Inference and analytical ability
- Vocabulary and grammar
- Reading efficiency under time pressure
In this article, you’ll learn:
- The types of RC passages
- Question patterns you can expect
- Proven strategies for scoring 25+
- Practice tips and model exercises
📘 RBI RC Section: Structure and Pattern
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 5 to 6 |
| Passage Type | 1 passage (350–500 words) |
| Marking Scheme | ~6 marks per question |
| Total Marks | 30 |
| Time Allocation | 20–25 minutes |
Passage themes are typically drawn from:
- Economics, Finance, Governance
- Technology, Innovation
- Environment, Social Development
- Abstract or Ethical Concepts
🔍 Types of RC Questions in RBI Exam
1. Factual (Direct Information)
- Based on specific lines or data from the passage.
- 🔹 Tip: Use keyword scanning.
Example:
Q. According to the passage, what is the primary benefit of FinTech in rural banking?
2. Inference-Based
- Require logical deduction beyond the written content.
- 🔹 Tip: Don’t assume facts; stay close to context.
Example:
Q. What can be inferred about digital payment adoption in Tier 2 cities?
3. Vocabulary in Context
- Ask the meaning of a word or phrase used in the passage.
- 🔹 Tip: Rely on surrounding words to guess meaning.
Example:
Q. What does the word “disintermediation” mean in the context of the passage?
4. Author’s Tone or Purpose
- Determine the writer’s attitude or objective.
- 🔹 Tip: Recognize tone types: critical, analytical, optimistic, etc.
Example:
Q. What best describes the tone of the author in the concluding paragraph?
5. Main Idea or Title Selection
- Focus on the overall theme of the passage.
- 🔹 Tip: Avoid overly specific or off-topic options.
Example:
Q. Which of the following best captures the central theme of the passage?
🧠 Strategy to Solve RC Effectively
✅ Step 1: Read the Questions First (Optional)
- Skim through the questions before reading the passage.
- Helps you focus on relevant points while reading.
✅ Step 2: Active Reading of the Passage
- Read with a highlighter (if allowed) or note key points mentally.
- Don’t read passively — stay alert to arguments and shifts in tone.
✅ Step 3: Eliminate Options
- Use POE (Process of Elimination) for MCQs.
- Rule out extreme, irrelevant, or vague choices.
✅ Step 4: Refer Back to the Passage
- For factual and inference-based questions, go back to the specific paragraph.
✅ Step 5: Watch the Time
- Don’t spend more than 4–5 minutes reading and 15–20 minutes answering.
⏱️ Ideal Time Allocation
| Task | Time (in minutes) |
|---|---|
| Skim Questions | 1–2 |
| Read Passage | 4–5 |
| Answer Questions | 15–18 |
| Final Review | 1–2 |
| Total | 20–25 mins |
✍️ Model RC Practice Passage (Theme: Financial Inclusion)
Passage (Excerpt):
Financial inclusion has long been a policy goal in India, with efforts to integrate underserved populations into the formal banking sector. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was a significant step in that direction, resulting in millions of no-frills bank accounts. However, inclusion is not merely about account ownership. Usage, access to credit, and digital literacy are equally vital. With the rise of FinTech, mobile banking has bridged geographical gaps but also introduced new digital divides. Policymakers now face the challenge of ensuring that technology-driven solutions are equitable, inclusive, and sustainable.
Sample Questions:
- What was the main achievement of PMJDY as per the passage?
- According to the passage, what are key components of meaningful financial inclusion beyond account opening?
- What can be inferred about FinTech’s role in rural areas?
- Which of the following best describes the tone of the author?
a) Satirical
b) Critical
c) Analytical
d) Casual - What is the meaning of the word “underserved” in the passage?
🛠️ RC Practice Techniques
1. Read Economic Articles
Sources like The Hindu Business Line, LiveMint, Economic Times, and RBI Reports offer real-world RC content.
2. Solve CAT-level RC Sets
High-quality RCs from MBA entrance exams help improve comprehension and time management.
3. Focus on Summary Writing
After reading a passage, write a 3-sentence summary. This builds idea identification.
4. Vocabulary Builder
Maintain a vocab notebook from editorial reading. Focus on context usage.
📌 Tips to Score 25+ Marks in RC
| Strategy | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Focus on idea flow, not just facts | Captures the passage’s deeper meaning |
| Eliminate incorrect options | Saves time, improves accuracy |
| Don’t rush through inference questions | These carry more weight and test insight |
| Use keywords to find answer areas | Reduces rereading time |
| Stay calm during dense passages | Helps with abstract topics like ethics/AI |
❌ Mistakes to Avoid
- Reading too fast and missing meaning
- Assuming facts not stated in passage
- Overanalyzing vocabulary questions
- Choosing answers based on general knowledge
- Skipping RC due to time pressure
🛑 RC is a high-return section — don’t skip it!
🧑🎓 Examiner’s Expectations
The RBI examiner is evaluating your ability to:
- Understand government-level, policy-based English
- Grasp abstract and analytical arguments
- Interpret information without inserting your opinion
- Communicate comprehension through correct options
Your accuracy + time discipline defines success.
📚 Best Sources for RC Practice
- Bank Whizz RC Practice Sets
- The Hindu Editorial (Opinion Page)
- RBI Bulletin Articles
- Press Information Bureau (PIB)
- UPSC Essay/GS Compilations (for abstract content)
- GMAT and CAT RC sets
🏁 Conclusion
Reading Comprehension in RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English is not just a language test — it’s a thinking test. The passage may look harmless, but the questions test your precision, logic, and language awareness.
With regular reading, consistent practice, and awareness of RC traps, you can confidently target 25–30 marks in this section.
🔑 Final Tips:
- Practice RC daily
- Learn from explanations
- Build speed with accuracy
- Aim for understanding, not cramming
Train your mind to think like a policymaker — RBI is looking for analytical minds who can read, reflect, and reason.