Introduction
The RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English Paper is a high-scoring opportunity for aspirants who plan smartly and execute precisely. With 100 marks to be completed in 90 minutes, effective time management becomes just as important as your writing skills.
The paper includes:
- Essay Writing (40 marks)
- Precis or Letter Writing (30 marks)
- Reading Comprehension (RC) (30 marks)
To maximize your score, you must allocate time wisely, maintain speed without sacrificing quality, and leave enough room for proofreading.
This post offers a detailed 90-minute strategy, section-wise tips, and techniques to stay efficient and focused during the exam.
📘 RBI Grade B Descriptive English Paper Pattern
| Section | Marks | Word Limit | Suggested Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 40 | 600 words | 1 out of 4 topics |
| Precis OR Letter | 30 | ~140 / ~250 | 1 task (based on year) |
| Reading Comprehension | 30 | 5–6 questions | Based on 1 passage |
| Total | 100 | 90 Minutes |
⏳ 90-Minute Ideal Time Allocation
| Task | Time (in minutes) |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 35–40 mins |
| Precis / Letter Writing | 20–25 mins |
| Reading Comprehension | 20–25 mins |
| Final Proofreading | 3–5 mins |
| Total | 90 mins |
This balance ensures that no section is rushed or neglected. Let’s break it down in detail.
✍️ Section 1: Essay Writing (600 words – 40 Marks)
🎯 Time Allotted: 35–40 minutes
This is the most important section of the paper and carries the highest weightage. Many aspirants either spend too much time writing or struggle to finish on time.
✅ Time Breakdown:
- 2–3 minutes: Choosing the best topic out of 4
- 5 minutes: Creating a structured outline (Intro – Body – Conclusion)
- 25–27 minutes: Writing the essay
- 3–5 minutes: Reviewing for grammar, structure, word count
🧠 Tips to Save Time:
- Use a clear structure: Introduction, 3 body paragraphs, Conclusion
- Avoid over-researching in your head – focus on your existing knowledge
- Stick to 580–620 words; don’t overshoot the word count
- Avoid rewriting or deleting large portions – plan before you type
✂️ Section 2: Precis / Letter Writing (30 Marks)
🎯 Time Allotted: 20–25 minutes
This section changes based on the year – be prepared for either Precis or Letter Writing.
📝 If it’s Precis Writing:
- Read passage (2–3 times): 4–5 mins
- Highlight key points: 2 mins
- Draft the precis (~140 words): 10–12 mins
- Review and edit: 3–5 mins
✉️ If it’s Letter Writing:
- Read the prompt carefully: 1–2 mins
- Plan structure (To, Subject, Body): 3–4 mins
- Write the letter (~250 words): 12–14 mins
- Proofread and format check: 3–4 mins
🧠 Tips to Save Time:
- Don’t copy sentences from the passage (for precis)
- Stick to one paragraph in precis unless format asks otherwise
- Use pre-learned formal letter structure (To, Subject, Body, Closure)
- Maintain a professional tone and avoid unnecessary elaboration
📖 Section 3: Reading Comprehension (30 Marks)
🎯 Time Allotted: 20–25 minutes
Although this section may seem easy, candidates often lose marks due to overthinking or time pressure.
✅ Time Breakdown:
- Skim questions first (optional): 1–2 mins
- Read passage actively: 4–5 mins
- Answer 5–6 questions: 12–15 mins
- Review answers (if time permits): 3–5 mins
🧠 Tips to Save Time:
- Don’t read the whole passage word by word; scan for key ideas
- Use keywords in questions to locate relevant sections
- Eliminate extreme or vague answer choices
- Don’t assume beyond the passage – answer only what’s asked
🧑🏫 Expert Strategy: What Toppers Do Differently
| Strategy | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Practice writing within time | Builds typing speed & response structure |
| Stick to planned time blocks | Avoids rushing any section in the last 10 mins |
| Final 5-minute proofreading | Helps eliminate small errors that cost marks |
| Focus on quality, not length | Brevity and clarity score better than fluff |
🛑 Common Time-Wasting Mistakes
| Mistake | Impact |
|---|---|
| Spending 50+ minutes on Essay | Leaves no time for RC or Precis |
| Rewriting full sections | Causes panic and poor structure |
| Reading RC multiple times | Wastes valuable time and builds pressure |
| Ignoring outline creation | Leads to unstructured, vague writing |
| Not managing typing pace | Results in incomplete or rushed answers |
🧠 Smart Time Management Hacks
1. Pre-Exam Practice with Timer
- Simulate real-time mock tests.
- Practice typing in exam-style interface.
2. Master Shortcut Phrases
- For essay transitions: Furthermore, However, In contrast, Consequently
- For letters: I would like to request, I regret to inform, Kindly consider…
3. Use Bullet Planning Before Typing
Before writing any section, create quick bullet points to guide your flow. Helps avoid rewrites and confusion.
4. Do Not Skip Sections
Even if short on time, attempt all sections. RBI values balanced performance.
🖋️ Sample 90-Minute Exam Simulation
| Time | Task |
|---|---|
| 0–3 min | Choose Essay Topic |
| 3–8 min | Essay Outline |
| 8–33 min | Essay Writing |
| 33–38 min | Essay Proofreading |
| 38–42 min | Read Precis Passage |
| 42–44 min | Note Key Points for Precis |
| 44–54 min | Write Precis |
| 54–58 min | Precis Proofreading |
| 58–60 min | Skim RC Questions |
| 60–65 min | Read RC Passage |
| 65–85 min | Answer RC Questions |
| 85–90 min | Final Review & Cleanup |
📚 Resources to Improve Time Management
- Bank Whizz Descriptive Test Series
- Online Typing Practice Tools (like 10FastFingers)
- Time-tracked Essay and Precis Practice
- Previous Year RBI Descriptive Papers
- Stopwatch Practice with RBI Bulletins & PIB Content
🏁 Conclusion
Cracking the RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English Paper is not about writing beautifully — it’s about writing purposefully and efficiently within time. Managing the 90 minutes well can mean the difference between a good score and a selection-securing score.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Stick to a 35-25-25 time split
- Practice typing and structuring answers quickly
- Balance quality and speed
- Always reserve time to proofread
- Attempt all three sections — no skipping
With the right planning, practice, and precision, you can confidently aim for 80+ out of 100 and give your final selection a powerful boost.