How to cover current affairs for RBI Grade B 2024

For RBI Grade B | 06th August 2024 – 10 mins read

– Anuj Jindal

Have you ever spent days scratching your head on how you would cover a particular topic?

Well, I have had my own share of those challenging days during college.

Aside from being a good student, I would actively participate in many college events, seminars, and extracurricular activities.

As a result, I missed most of my classes. So, how exactly did I manage to catch up and memorize the lengthy chapters of a given subject?

The key is to simplify it. Now, there are many tips and techniques that I have made use of, from making mind maps to using mnemonics in notes.

But one such technique that I find extremely effective in understanding a topic is visualization. It made it easier for me to write better answers in the exam.

Now, the majority of aspirants preparing for the RBI Grade B exam often find it difficult to cover the current affairs section.

This becomes even more challenging in descriptive answer-writing, wherein, in most cases, the aspirants fail to recall the appropriate example of a scheme or a report to illustrate their answers.

So, you see, it is not enough to go through current affairs just once. You need to revise it multiple times.

Aside from revision, you must also learn the ability to connect the dots so that you provide the information where it is required. This is one of the major aspects of active or effective revision.

For this, I will be sharing with you a simple four-part process that will help you cover the current affairs section and help you retain the facts for a longer duration.

Are you excited to know more? Let’s get started!

I. Test-Tube Method of Reading & Revising

The first technique that I am going to talk about is called the test tube method. Now, this is to be applied when you are reading or covering current affairs for the first time.

You need to imagine the concepts that you need to cover under current affairs are separate, isolated test tubes.

For example, there are three topics: population, education and health. Visualize them as three different test tubes. In your first reading, cover these three concepts separately and make sure to not intermix the information between these topics.

After you have covered these topics, make sure you revise them with the help of a technique called active revision.

The practice of revision becomes easy when you know the RBI Grade B syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly. You can go through the same, in case you haven’t done so.

So, when you are covering RBI Grade B current affairs, which I provide in the form of RBI 247, PIB 247, Spotlight, and government schemes on my platform.

You must make sure to read and cover them separately. After doing so, revise them with the help of active revision.

Now, let us come to the next important part of the revision process, which helps you understand the topics in a holistic manner.

II. Filling the bathtub technique

The second technique, which I’d like to call the filling the bathtub method, is to be applied when you are revising current affairs a second time.

This involves reading current affairs as not separate topics but rather finding a connecting link amongst the different topics.

For example, you are covering Spotlight, RBI 247, PIB 247, and government schemes for the second time. You will realize there are certain topics which are overlapping in nature.

This is where another interesting concept comes in, which is called inter-leaving, and that also involves the process of compare and contrast.

For example, when we talk about topics like population and poverty, a common question is often asked: “How does poverty have an effect on the population?” or “What is the link between the population and poverty?”

To answer such questions, you must learn the art of connecting the dots.

Let’s say I am reading about the PLI scheme under PIB 247. This topic is also part of government schemes. So, when you are revising the PLI schemes, you are automatically revising the government schemes as well.

This way, you have adopted an integrated approach to studying a particular topic, which gives you a holistic understanding of the topic and helps you retain the facts for a longer duration of time.

And ultimately, write better answers in the exam.

Referring to the right booklist not only helps you cover the syllabus but also assists in writing impressive answers. You can take a look at the recommended RBI Grade B Booklist, which I have compiled.

You see, how this technique of interleaving, which includes the method of compare and contrast, is beneficial in covering current affairs. It not only helps in retaining the facts

III. How and when to cover current affairs?

Apart from the techniques that I mentioned above, there are two more steps you need to follow in order to cover current affairs in a comprehensive manner:

Step No. 01: Cover all the topics in your first reading and revise the topics separately with the help of active revision.

Step No. 02: Using the technique of active revision, apply the method of inter-leaving to compare and contrast the overlapping topics.

Step No. 03: Practice descriptive answer-writing so that the entire scope of the topic is now in your mind. You remember the relevance, the advantages, the disadvantages, and the different schemes related to the topic.

Step No. 04: Attempt the mock tests for the objective part and critically evaluate your performance. With the regular practice of mock tests, you will be able to analyse your understanding of the topic.

To enhance your preparation for the exam, you can take a look at the RBI Grade B mock tests, which I have curated.

Advice to the aspirants

These were the steps in which you can effectively learn how to revise current affairs for the RBI Grade B.

Now, realize that each individual has a different style to learning a particular topic. No one can understand any complex subject by just reading it once.

It is consistency that matters. In this case, make sure to cover current affairs by studying on a regular basis with the help of these techniques.

With this simple four-step method to cover current affairs, I am sure you will become more confident in attempting the questions from the section.

By following these techniques, you will not just be better at revising the factual information but also be able to retain these details for a longer duration.

Remember that self-awareness and staying disciplined are two of the most essential qualities and will prove beneficial for you in the long run!