Reading Comprehension (RC) is one of the most important areas of the English Language section in RBI Grade B 2025. It checks how well you can process information, interpret arguments, and identify the writer’s perspective. Since RBI officers often deal with economic reports, financial documents, and policy notes, this skill is directly connected to your job role.
However, many aspirants lose easy marks in RC due to avoidable mistakes. In this blog, we’ll discuss the most common RC mistakes, why they happen, and smart ways to fix them.
Why RC Matters in RBI Grade B
Check the following points to know why Reading Comprehension matters:
- RC carries 10–15 marks, and scoring well here can significantly boost your cut-off chances.
- It is less about grammar rules and more about critical thinking and analytical ability.
- Passages often come from economics, finance, governance, and current affairs, making RC practice double useful for General Awareness too.
- Since there is negative marking, accuracy is as important as speed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in RC
There are few challenged which an aspirant faces when attending RC Questions and they are following:
1. Reading the Passage Too Quickly or Too Slowly
- Many candidates either skim too fast, missing key points, or read word-by-word, wasting time.
- Both lead to wrong answers.
- For example, if the passage is about impact of inflation on emerging markets and you rush, you may confuse “short-term relief” with “long-term impact.”
2. Ignoring the Author’s Tone and Purpose
- RC questions often ask: “What is the author’s attitude?” or “What is the purpose of the passage?”
- Missing the tone can cost you marks.
- Example: If the passage is about climate change, the tone could be critical of policies or optimistic about solutions. Choosing wrongly changes the answer.
3. Relying Only on Memory
- Candidates often try to recall the passage instead of re-checking the text. This works against you in detail-based questions.
- Example: If the passage states “GDP growth was expected at 6.5% but slowed to 6%” and you answer from memory, you may incorrectly choose 6.5% as the final number.
4. Misinterpreting Vocabulary-in-Context
- RC often asks meanings of words as used in the passage. Aspirants rely on dictionary meaning, which may not match the context.
- Example: The word “inflationary pressure” doesn’t mean pressure physically, but economic strain.
5. Falling for Trap Options
- RBI RC questions often include distractor options that look correct but have one wrong element.
- Example: If the author says “Exports grew steadily in Asia except China,” an option like “Exports grew steadily in Asia including China” is wrong.
6. Spending Too Much Time on One Passage
- Some aspirants spend 15 minutes on one RC, leaving little time for others.
- This reduces attempts and lowers the overall score.
7. Not Practicing Economics & Finance-Based RCs
- Since RBI Grade B passages often come from economic reports, banking news, or policy discussions, not practicing such RCs puts you at a disadvantage.
- Example: A passage about Monetary Policy Committee decisions may seem difficult if you’ve never read RBI policy reviews.
Daily Practice Plan for RC
To excel in Reading Comprehension, consistent practice is key. Below is a sample daily plan you can follow for RBI Grade B preparation:
| Day | Activity | Time Allocation |
| Monday | Read an editorial (Economics/Finance) | 20 mins |
| Tuesday | Practice 2 RC passages (timed) | 30 mins |
| Wednesday | Vocabulary-in-context exercise | 15 mins |
| Thursday | Practice 2 RC passages + analyze mistakes | 40 mins |
| Friday | Read RBI/SEBI reports or policy notes | 25 mins |
| Saturday | Full-length mock test section (English) | 60 mins |
| Sunday | Review weak areas + light reading | 30 mins |
Key Strategies to Follow:
- Set a timer for each RC to build exam-like speed.
- Note down mistakes in a separate notebook for revision.
- Mix easy and tough RCs to build stamina.
- Focus on author’s tone in every passage.
- Revise vocabulary weekly from your RC notebook.
Practice Questions for RC
Here are some sample questions (based on RBI exam style) for your practice:
Passage 1
“Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global issues of the 21st century. While international agreements such as the Paris Accord aim to limit global warming, many nations struggle to balance environmental commitments with economic growth. Developing countries, in particular, argue that their immediate priority is poverty reduction and industrialization. Critics, however, caution that delaying climate action may lead to irreversible damage, which could ultimately harm economic stability itself.”
Questions:
- What is the main conflict highlighted in the passage?
a) Developed vs developing countries’ emissions
b) Balancing climate goals with economic growth
c) Paris Accord vs Kyoto Protocol
d) Poverty vs industrialization - According to the passage, what do developing countries prioritize?
a) Strict emission reduction
b) Immediate poverty reduction and industrialization
c) Renewable energy adoption
d) Limiting global warming below 1.5°C - The tone of the author can be described as:
a) Optimistic
b) Neutral but cautionary
c) Aggressive
d) Sarcastic - Which of the following is an implicit inference from the passage?
a) Climate inaction may threaten future economic stability
b) Developing countries reject international agreements
c) Economic growth is unaffected by climate change
d) All countries value environmental goals equally - Which word from the passage means “permanent and unable to reverse”?
a) Pressing
b) Balance
c) Irreversible
d) Harm
(Answers: 1 – b, 2 – b, 3 – b, 4 – a, 5 – c)
Passage 2
“Digital payments in India have grown at an unprecedented rate over the last decade. Government initiatives such as UPI, combined with rising smartphone penetration, have transformed the way people transact. However, challenges remain: cybersecurity threats, digital literacy gaps, and limited internet access in rural areas. Despite these hurdles, analysts believe that digital finance will play a key role in driving financial inclusion and boosting the economy.”
Questions:
- What is the primary factor behind the growth of digital payments in India?
a) Decline in cash usage
b) Government initiatives and smartphone adoption
c) Cybersecurity measures
d) Rural internet access - Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a challenge?
a) Cybersecurity threats
b) Digital literacy gaps
c) Inflation rates
d) Limited internet access - The tone of the author can best be described as:
a) Pessimistic
b) Analytical yet positive
c) Indifferent
d) Highly critical - Which of the following is an implicit assumption in the passage?
a) Digital finance can enhance financial inclusion
b) Rural areas already have robust internet access
c) Cash transactions will dominate in the future
d) Cybersecurity threats are not a concern - What does the phrase “unprecedented rate” imply in the passage?
a) Growth has been very slow
b) Growth has never been seen before in scale
c) Growth is temporary
d) Growth is declining
(Answers: 1 – b, 2 – c, 3 – b, 4 – a, 5 – b)
If you are preparing for exams like RBI Grade B, you can check out the detailed RBI Grade B notification which is expected to be out between 8th to 14th September 2025.
FAQs
Usually, 2–3 Reading Comprehension passages are asked with 5–7 questions each.
Most passages are from economics, finance, banking, governance, and current affairs, but general topics can also appear.
Focus on the author’s tone, re-check the passage for fact-based questions, and avoid relying only on memory.
Ideally, 6–8 minutes per passage, depending on length and difficulty.
Read RBI reports, The Hindu/Business Standard editorials, and practice passages from mock tests.
- Homonyms & Homophones, Types of Questions Asked on This Topic
- Synonyms and Antonyms, Types of Questions Asked on This Topic
- Parts of Speech and Their Types, Rules, Short Tricks and Tips
- RBI Grade B Preparation for Beginners, Strategies for 2025
- Mistakes to Avoid in RC for RBI Grade B Exam 2025, Check Steps
- Economics Topics & Concepts You Cannot Miss for SEBI Grade A
