Reading Comprehension (RC) is a crucial section of the Bank PO Exam (Prelims and Mains), which tests your reading, understanding, and interpretation abilities. The Bank PO exam evaluates your ability to process information quickly and answer related questions accurately, making RC an important area to focus on. In this guide, we’ll explore strategies, tips, and important aspects to help you excel in the Reading Comprehension section of the Bank PO Exam 2025.
1. Understanding the Reading Comprehension Section
The RC section in the Bank PO exam generally consists of:
- A passage of 200–400 words.
- 4–6 questions related to the passage.
- These questions could be based on main ideas, inferences, vocabulary, or details from the passage.
Important Features of Bank PO RC Questions:
- Direct Questions: These questions ask for factual information directly from the passage.
- Inferential Questions: These questions require you to draw conclusions based on the passage.
- Vocabulary-based Questions: These test your understanding of the meaning of words or phrases in the context of the passage.
- Tone/Theme: Some questions may focus on the author's tone, viewpoint, or the passage's central theme.
2. Time Management for Reading Comprehension
In the Bank PO Prelims Exam, the English Language section is allotted 20 minutes, during which you need to attempt 30 questions (including RC, Spotting Errors, Para Jumbles, etc.). In the Mains exam, you may have more time to focus on each passage.
Here’s a breakdown of time management:
- Reading the passage: Spend approximately 2–3 minutes reading and understanding the passage. Skimming the passage for the main ideas is key.
- Answering questions: Allocate around 1 minute per question.
- Overall Target: You should ideally spend around 5-7 minutes on each Reading Comprehension passage in the Prelims.
3. How to Approach a Reading Comprehension Passage
Follow these steps to manage your time effectively and approach the RC section strategically:
Step 1: Skim the Passage First
- First Impressions Matter: Start by quickly skimming the passage (don’t read word by word). Focus on understanding the main idea and structure.
- Pay Attention to the First and Last Sentences: They often contain the main point or thesis of the passage.
- Identify Key Words: Quickly identify key terms that will help in answering questions, such as dates, names, events, or facts.
Step 2: Read the Questions First (Optional)