Long Reading Comprehension (RC) passages are one of the most scoring yet most feared areas of the IBPS PO English Language section. Many aspirants lose valuable marks due to poor reading strategy, slow speed, or incorrect interpretation.

• Carry high weightage in English section
• Appear in both Prelims and Mains
• Test comprehension, vocabulary, inference, and logic
• Can fetch multiple marks from a single passage

Mastering long RCs can significantly boost your overall English score.

• Slow reading speed
• Difficulty understanding complex topics
• Confusing options
• Time pressure
• Overthinking inference-based questions

The right strategy can help you overcome all these issues.

Step 1: Read the Title and First Paragraph Carefully

• Understand the central theme of the passage
• Identify the tone (informative, argumentative, analytical)
• Predict what the passage is about

Step 2: Skim the Passage Smartly (Not Word-by-Word)

• Focus on keywords and ideas, not every word
• Skip examples and data on first reading
• Underline important points mentally

Step 3: Identify the Structure of the Passage

Most RCs follow a pattern:

• Introduction of topic
• Explanation / argument
• Evidence or examples
• Conclusion or opinion

Knowing the structure helps answer questions faster.

Step 4: Read Questions Before Reading Again

• Note what is being asked (fact, inference, tone, vocab)
• Go back to the relevant paragraph only
• Avoid rereading the entire passage

Step 5: Use Elimination Technique

• Eliminate options that are extreme, unrelated, or distorted
• Prefer options supported directly or indirectly by the passage
• Avoid personal assumptions

Vocabulary-Based Questions

• Use context clues instead of memorizing meanings
• Check surrounding words for tone and intent

Inference-Based Questions

• Answer must be logically derived, not directly stated
• Avoid extreme words like always, never, completely

Tone & Author’s View Questions

• Look at adjectives and conclusion paragraph
• Common tones: neutral, critical, optimistic, analytical

• Allocate 7–9 minutes per long passage
• Read passage once, avoid repeated reading
• Attempt easy questions first
• Skip confusing questions and return later

• Read editorials daily (The Hindu, Indian Express)
• Practice 1 long RC daily under time limit
• Analyze wrong answers deeply
• Note repeated trap options
• Improve speed gradually, not overnight

• Reading word-by-word
• Bringing outside knowledge
• Ignoring passage tone
• Spending too much time on one question

• Higher accuracy in English section
• Improved reading speed
• Better performance in descriptive paper
• Increased confidence in exam hall

Long RC passages are not difficult—they require the right mindset, structured reading approach, and consistent practice. By following these strategies, aspirants can confidently handle even the toughest RC passages and score high in IBPS PO 2026.

Q1. How much time should I spend on a long RC passage?
Around 7–9 minutes including questions.

Q2. Should I read questions first or passage first?
Read the passage briefly first, then questions.

Q3. How to improve reading speed for RCs?
Daily editorial reading and timed RC practice.

Q4. Are RCs more difficult in Mains than Prelims?
Yes, Mains RCs are longer and more inference-based.

Read smart, eliminate wisely, and master long RC passages in IBPS PO 2026.