The RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English paper is a game-changer in the Phase II exam. While the objective papers (Economics & Social Issues, Finance & Management) test your knowledge, the descriptive paper measures your ability to think, analyze, and communicate effectively in written English. With 100 marks at stake, securing 70+ marks in this section can significantly boost your overall score and enhance your chances of final selection.
This guide provides a step-by-step strategy to help aspirants score 70+ in the Descriptive English paper by mastering essay writing, precis writing, and reading comprehension.
Exam Overview
| Component | Marks | Word Limit / Questions | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | ~40 | 600 words (1 out of 2) | 35–40 minutes |
| Precis Writing | ~30 | One-third of passage | 20 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | ~30 | 5–6 questions | 25–30 minutes |
| Total | 100 | All compulsory | 90 minutes |
Step 1: Understand What RBI Expects
RBI wants future officers who can:
- Draft clear, concise, and professional documents.
- Analyze issues with balanced reasoning.
- Summarize complex data into simple language.
- Communicate ideas with clarity and accuracy.
The Descriptive English paper directly measures these skills.
Step 2: Strategy for Essay Writing (40 Marks)
Essay writing is the highest-weight section and often determines whether you cross the 70+ mark.
🔹 Preparation Strategy
- Cover Expected Themes
- Indian economy & financial inclusion.
- Technology: AI, digital banking, fintech.
- Social issues: employee well-being, gender equality.
- Environment: climate change, sustainable growth.
- Governance & public policy.
- Develop Content Bank
- Maintain notes with facts, schemes, RBI reports, quotes.
- Example: For Climate Change & Migration, note IPCC data, Indian case studies, government schemes.
- Practice Structure
- Introduction: Define + context.
- Body: Causes, impact, solutions.
- Conclusion: Way forward + positive outlook.
🔹 Writing Tips
- Stick to ~600 words.
- Use formal connectors (Moreover, However, Therefore).
- Provide examples from RBI/government reports.
- Avoid repetition and jargon.
🔹 Scoring Edge
- Balanced perspective (pros/cons).
- Data and facts.
- Well-rounded conclusion.
Step 3: Strategy for Precis Writing (30 Marks)
Precis writing is about writing less but better.
🔹 Preparation Strategy
- Practice reducing 300-word passages to ~100 words.
- Identify main idea and delete examples.
- Use your own words—never copy.
- Give a short, meaningful title.
🔹 Example
- Passage Theme: AI replacing CEOs.
- Precis (One-third): AI offers speed and analytics but lacks empathy, ethics, and vision. While it can support leaders, complete replacement raises accountability issues. The future lies in AI-human collaboration.
- Title: AI in Leadership
🔹 Scoring Edge
- Accuracy in length.
- Clear and concise language.
- Logical flow.
Step 4: Strategy for Reading Comprehension (30 Marks)
RC questions test both speed and comprehension.
🔹 Preparation Strategy
- Practice passages on economics, management, and governance.
- Train yourself to differentiate factual vs. inference-based questions.
- Don’t spend too long on one question—move ahead and return if time permits.
🔹 Question Types
- Factual (direct answer from passage).
- Inference (author’s tone/viewpoint).
- Vocabulary (synonyms/antonyms).
🔹 Scoring Edge
- Read the question first, then passage.
- Highlight keywords.
- Answer in short, direct sentences.
Step 5: Time Management Strategy
| Section | Time Allocation |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 35–40 minutes |
| Precis Writing | 20 minutes |
| RC | 25–30 minutes |
| Proofreading | 3–5 minutes |
Tip: Always reserve the last 5 minutes to check for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.
Step 6: Practice & Mock Tests
- Type essays and precis on a computer to simulate the exam.
- Use RBI reports and editorials as practice material.
- Attempt at least 10 full-length mocks before exam.
Step 7: Language & Style Improvement
- Read editorials daily to improve vocabulary.
- Maintain a notebook of connectors, phrases, and idioms.
- Avoid ornamental English—clarity is more important.
Useful Expressions:
- “It can be argued that…”
- “On the other hand…”
- “In conclusion, it is evident that…”
Step 8: Avoid Common Mistakes
❌ Exceeding word limit in essay.
❌ Copy-pasting sentences in precis.
❌ Writing vague answers in RC.
❌ Ignoring proofreading.
❌ Using informal tone.
Step 9: Scoring Formula to Cross 70+
- Essay – Target 28–30/40 → Content-rich + well-structured.
- Precis – Target 22–23/30 → Concise + accurate.
- RC – Target 20–22/30 → Practice inference + direct answers.
Total: 70–75 Marks (Safe Zone for high rank).
Sample Essay Outline (for Practice)
Topic: Financial Inclusion through Digital Banking
- Intro: Define financial inclusion.
- Body:
- Importance in India’s growth.
- Role of digital platforms (UPI, Aadhaar, Jan Dhan).
- RBI’s role in digital payments.
- Challenges (cybersecurity, rural connectivity).
- Conclusion: Future of inclusive growth through fintech and RBI’s regulatory framework.
Daily Practice Routine
- 30 minutes: Read editorials.
- 20 minutes: Write precis of 300-word passage.
- 40 minutes: Draft a 600-word essay.
- 15 minutes: Solve one RC passage.
Consistency in this routine for 2–3 months can easily push you beyond 70 marks.
Conclusion
Scoring 70+ marks in RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English is not a herculean task—it’s about disciplined preparation and consistent practice. Focus on mastering the essay with rich content, sharpening precis skills, and practicing RC for accuracy and speed.
Remember, the Descriptive English paper is your chance to stand out. Candidates with strong analytical writing skills project the qualities RBI looks for in its officers. If you plan smartly and practice daily, you can turn this paper into your strongest scoring area.