Get the latest RBI Grade B 2026 syllabus and exam pattern for both Phase 1 and Phase 2. Master key subjects including Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, ESI, Finance & Management, and English Writing Skills.
RBI Grade B Syllabus 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has officially released the exam syllabus and pattern for the Grade B recruitment across General, DEPR, and DSIM streams. Success requires a thorough understanding of these guidelines to align your preparation strategy effectively.
The Phase 1 exam evaluates candidates on Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General Awareness. Phase 2 delves deeper into specialized domains, including Economic & Social Issues (ESI), Finance & Management (FM), and Descriptive English, along with stream-specific papers for DEPR and DSIM applicants.
The selection process comprises three distinct stages: Phase 1 (Prelims), Phase 2 (Mains), and a final Interview. While Phase 1 is primarily qualifying, the final merit list is determined by the cumulative performance in Phase 2 and the interview round.
RBI Grade B Syllabus and Exam Pattern – Highlights
The RBI Grade B Exam demands proficiency in analytical reasoning, current affairs, economic theory, financial management, and advanced descriptive writing. Refer to the overview below for specific details.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Reserve Bank of India (RBI) |
| Post Name | Officer Grade B (DR) General |
| Selection Process | Phase 1, Phase 2, Interview |
| Phase 1 Marks | 200 |
| Phase 2 Marks | 300 |
| Interview Marks | 75 |
| Final Merit | Phase 2 + Interview |
| Mode of Examination | Online |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks |
| Official Website | www.rbi.org.in |
RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2026 (General Stream)
The Prelims consist exclusively of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), while the Mains format integrates both MCQs and descriptive sections. Both phases are conducted online, requiring candidates to input their responses via a computer interface.
While Phase 1 is fully objective, Phase 2 features a blend of objective and descriptive assessments. Note that correct responses are awarded +1 mark, and each incorrect objective answer carries a penalty of -0.25 marks.
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern for General (Prelims)
- Exam Mode – Online computer-based test (CBT)
- Total Questions – 200 MCQs, 1 mark each
- Total duration – 2 hours with sectional timing
- Must clear sectional as well as overall cut-off
- Negative marking: 0.25 mark for each wrong answer
| Prelims Exam Pattern (General) | |||
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Subject
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Questions
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Marks
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Duration
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General Awareness
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80
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80
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25 Mins
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Reasoning
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60
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60
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45 Mins
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English
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30
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30
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25 Mins
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Quantitative Aptitude
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30
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30
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25 Mins
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Total
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200
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200
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2 Hours
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RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern for General (Mains)
- Phase 2 (Mains) for General stream includes: Economics & Social Issues, English Writing, and Finance, Management & Ethics
- Only candidates who clear Phase 1 can appear for Phase 2
- Papers I & III have two sections of equal marks: Objective (MCQ) and Descriptive
- Descriptive answers must be typed on the keyboard
- Objective section: 30 questions for 50 marks
- Descriptive section: 6 questions, attempt 4 questions (15 marks each)
- Descriptive questions are generally simple and direct
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Mains Exam Pattern (General)
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Paper
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Sections / Subjects
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No. of Questions
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Maximum Marks
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Duration
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Paper I
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Economics and Social Issues
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Objective: 30
Descriptive: 6 (Attempt any 4) |
Objective: 50
Descriptive: 50 Total: 100 |
Objective: 30 minutes
Descriptive: 90 minutes Total: 120 minutes |
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Paper II
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English (Writing Skills)
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Descriptive: 3 (Precis, RCs & Essay)
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100
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90 minutes
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Paper III
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Finance and Management
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Objective: 30
Descriptive: 6 (Attempt any 4) |
Objective: 50
Descriptive: 50 Total: 100 |
Objective: 30 minutes
Descriptive: 90 minutes Total: 120 minutes |
RBI Grade B Prelims Syllabus 2026 (General Stream)
The Prelims syllabus matches the intensity of the Bank PO Mains level. Candidates often find the Quantitative Aptitude section particularly challenging, whereas the English section rewards those with strong foundational skills. Consistent preparation of at least 4–6 months of current affairs is essential for Phase 1 success.
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Subject
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Topics
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Reasoning
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Quantitative Aptitude
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English Language
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General Awareness
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Let’s examine the detailed Mains syllabus for the General, DEPR, and DSIM posts below:
RBI Grade B Mains Economic and Social Issues (ESI) Syllabus
The following core topics must be studied thoroughly to excel in the Economic & Social Issues (ESI) paper:
| Section | Topics Covered |
| Growth and Development |
Measurement of growth: National Income and Per Capita Income
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Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation in India
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Sustainable Development and Environmental Issues
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| Indian Economy |
Economic History of India
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Changes in Industrial and Labour Policy
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Monetary and Fiscal Policy since the 1991 reforms
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Priorities and Recommendations of Economic Survey and Union Budget
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Indian Money and Financial Markets and their linkages with the Economy
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Role of Indian Banks and RBI in Development
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| Public Finance | |
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Political Economy
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Industrial Developments in India
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Indian Agriculture
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| Services Sector |
RBI Grade B Mains English Writing Skills Syllabus
- Precis
- Essay
- Reading Comprehension
Topics To Cover for English Descriptive
- Structure and Functions of Financial Institutions,
- Functions of RBI,
- Banking System in India,
- Financial Institutions (SIDBI, EXIM Bank, NABARD, NHB, NABFID),
- Global Financial System and its impact on India,
- Information Technology in Banking,
- Non-Banking System,
- Digital Payments.
- Primary and Secondary Markets (Forex, Money, Bond, Equity),
- Functions, Instruments, and Recent Developments.
- Financial Risk Management,
- Basics of Derivatives,
- Global financial markets and International
- Banking,
- Financial Inclusion,
- Alternative finance,
- Public-Private Partnership,
- Corporate Governance in Banking,
- Union Budget,
- Accounting Basics,
- Inflation and its management,
- Monetary and Fiscal policies.
RBI Grade B Mains Finance and Management Syllabus
| Section | Topics Covered |
| Fundamentals of Management & OB |
Introduction to Management
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Evolution of Management Thought (Scientific, Administrative, Human Relations)
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Systems Approach to Management
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Managerial Roles
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| Nudge Theory | |
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Personality – Big Five Model
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Reinforcement and Perception
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Motivation – Maslow, Alderfer, McClelland, Herzberg
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Leadership – Trait, Behavioural, Contingency, Charismatic, Transactional, Transformational
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Emotional Intelligence
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Interpersonal Relationship – Transactional Analysis, Johari Window
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Conflict Management
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Organisational Change
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Organisational Development
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Ethics at the Workplace
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| Corporate Governance |
Meaning of Ethics
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Ethical Problems in Business
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Theories of Ethics – Utilitarianism, Rights & Duties, Justice & Fairness, Ethics of Care
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Moral Issues – Ethics in Compliance, Finance, HR, Marketing
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Ethical Principles in Business
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Role of Board of Directors
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| Best Practices | |
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Code of Ethics and Conduct
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Corporate Governance Mechanisms
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| Communication |
Communication Process
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Communication Channels – Oral vs Written, Verbal vs Non-verbal
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Communication Barriers, Upward, Downward, Lateral Communication
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Role of Information Technology in Communication
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RBI Grade B DEPR Exam Pattern 2026
While the DEPR stream shares the Phase 1 and Phase 2 structure with the General stream, the specific subject matter and marking patterns differ. Review the RBI Grade B DEPR exam structure here.
| RBI Grade B DEPR Phase 1 Exam Pattern | |||
| Name of Paper | Type | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| Paper I: Economics | Objective | 120 minutes | 100 |
| Paper II: English (to be typed using keyboard) | Descriptive | 120 minutes | 100 |
| Total | – | – | 200 |
| RBI Grade B DEPR Phase 1 Exam Pattern | |||
| Name of Paper | Type | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| Paper I: Economics (Question paper on computer, answers on paper) | Descriptive | 120 minutes | 100 |
| Paper II: Economics (Question paper on computer, answers on paper) | Descriptive | 120 minutes | 100 |
| Total | – | – | 200 |
RBI Grade B DEPR Syllabus 2026
As per the official notification, the Economics papers are set at the master’s degree level of a Central University. The DEPR syllabus consists of three papers: Paper 1 (Objective Economics), Paper 2 (Descriptive Economics), and Paper 3 (Descriptive English).
| Phase/Paper Name | Subjects | Topics Covered |
| Phase 1 Paper 1 (Objective) | Microeconomics |
Theories of consumer demand, Production, Market structures & pricing, Distribution, Welfare economics
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| Macroeconomics |
Theories of employment, Output & inflation, Monetary economics, IS–LM model, Schools of economic thought
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| International Economics |
Theories of international trade, Balance of payments, Exchange rate models
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| Economic Growth & Development |
Classical and neo-classical approaches to economic growth, Major development theories
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| Public Finance |
Theories of taxation, Public expenditure, Public debt management
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| Environmental Economics |
Green GDP, Environmental valuation, Environmental policy instruments
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| Quantitative Methods in Economics |
Mathematical & statistical methods for economics, OLS regression
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| Current Developments in the Indian Economy |
Growth, inflation, poverty, unemployment, financial sector, external sector, fiscal developments, agriculture, industry, infrastructure, services
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| Phase 1 Paper 2 (Descriptive) | English Language |
The paper on English shall be framed in a manner to assess the writing skills including expression and understanding of the topic.
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| Phase 2 Paper 1 Microeconomics (Descriptive) | Consumer Theory |
Utility analysis, Consumer surplus, Indifference curves, Price/Income/Substitution effects, Game theory
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| Production Theory |
Production functions, Returns to scale, Partial vs General equilibrium
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| Market Theory | Pricing under different market structures | |
| Distribution Theories | Ricardo, Marx, Kalecki, Kaldor | |
| Welfare Economics | Pareto optimality, Arrow, Coase, Sen | |
| Phase 2 Paper 1 Macroeconomics (Descriptive) | National Income | Methods of measuring national income |
| Employment & Output |
Classical, Neo-classical, Keynesian, Post-Keynesian, Business cycles
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| Inflation | Types, Phillips curve, Taylor’s rule, Lucas critique | |
| Money & Banking |
Quantity theory, Neutrality, IS–LM, AD–AS, Money multiplier, Monetary policy, Inflation targeting
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| Growth & Development | Growth theories, Development theories | |
| International Trade & BoP |
Trade theories, Exchange rate determination, Impossible trinity
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| Public Finance | Taxation, Public expenditure, Public debt management |
RBI Grade B DSIM Exam Pattern
| RBI Grade B DSIM Phase 1 Exam Pattern | ||
| Name of Paper | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| Paper I: Objective Type (Statistics) | 120 minutes | 100 |
| Total | – | 100 |
| RBI Grade B DSIM Phase 2 Exam Pattern 2026 | ||
| Name of Paper | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| Paper II: Descriptive Type (Statistics)- Question paper on computer, answers to be written on paper | 180 minutes | 100 |
| Paper III: English – Descriptive (to be typed using keyboard) | 90 minutes | 100 |
| Total | – | 200 |
RBI Grade B DSIM Syllabus 2026
The comprehensive RBI Grade B 2026 syllabus for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 regarding the DSIM post is detailed below for your reference.
| Paper | Type | Topics Covered |
| DSIM Papers 1 and 2 |
Objective + Descriptive |
Theory of Probability, Probability Distributions and Sampling Theory
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Linear Models and Economic Statistics
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Statistical Inference: Estimation, Testing of Hypotheses, and Non-Parametric Test
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Stochastic Processes
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Multivariate Analysis
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Econometrics and Time Series
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Optimisation and Statistical Computing
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Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Techniques
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| Database and Data Warehouse Management | ||
| DSIM Paper 3: English | Descriptive | Writing skills, expression, and understanding of the topic |
RBI Grade B Official Syllabus 2026 PDF
Candidates should download and print the official 2026 syllabus to better manage their study time and filter the most relevant topics for effective exam preparation.
Download RBI Grade B Syllabus PDF
RBI Grade B Interview Details
The final milestone is the interview, which serves as a personality assessment. The panel evaluates behavioral traits, quick decision-making under pressure, and the candidate’s ability to remain composed while addressing complex queries.
- The total marks for the Interview round are 75.
- This round carries 20% weightage in the final merit list.
- In the interview round, the candidates will be asked professional and educational background questions to assess them.
RBI Grade B Selection Process 2026
| Stage | Examination/Process | Key Details |
| 1. Phase I- Preliminary Exam | Objective Test (Online) | Screening Test |
| 2. Phase II- Main Exam | Paper I – Economic and Social Issues (ESI) Paper II – English (Writing Skills) Paper III – Finance & Management |
Descriptive/subject-specific test |
| 3. Interview | Personal Interview | Assesses personality, knowledge, communication, and suitability |
| 4. Medical Examination | Medical Test | Candidates must meet the medical standards prescribed by RBI |
| 5. Final Merit List | Final Selection | Based on Phase II (Main Exam) and Interview performance |
Time Management Strategies to Cover RBI Grade B Syllabus 2026
Given the vast nature of the RBI Grade B 2026 syllabus, early preparation is highly recommended. Efficient time management is the key to covering all subject areas effectively.
Develop a Comprehensive Study Plan: Structure your preparation by identifying core syllabus areas. Balance your time between subjects based on your individual proficiency to ensure full coverage.
Prioritize High-Weightage Topics: Focus your energy on sections that carry the most marks. Mastering these fundamental areas is critical to securing a high score.
Set Achievable Milestones: Establish realistic daily and weekly study targets. Breaking down the vast syllabus into smaller, manageable blocks helps track progress and maintain consistency.
Incorporate Regular Breaks: Optimize your cognitive performance by scheduling short breaks between study sessions to avoid burnout and retain information more effectively.
RBI Grade B Preparation Tips 2026
Following these strategic preparation tips will significantly enhance your chances of clearing the RBI Grade B Exam 2026.
- Complete the Phase 1 syllabus at least two months before the exam.
- Read newspapers and RBI publications daily.
- Prepare current affairs for the last 6-8 months.
- Practice descriptive writing regularly.
- Focus extensively on ESI and Finance & Management.
- Attempt full-length mock tests weekly.
- Analyze previous years’ memory-based papers.
- Revise important economic reports and banking terms.
- Work on interview communication skills from the beginning.
FAQs
The 2026 syllabus spans multiple disciplines. Phase 1 evaluates General Awareness, Reasoning, English, and Quantitative Aptitude, while Phase 2 focuses on ESI, Finance & Management, and advanced Writing Skills.
Yes. Phase 1 is a qualifying round; the final merit list is formulated solely based on your performance in the Phase 2 examination and the subsequent Interview.
Candidates are advised to prepare at least 4–6 months of current affairs for Phase 1. For a more robust approach, covering 6–8 months is highly recommended for comprehensive coverage.
Yes, the Phase 2 exam features both objective and descriptive components. Paper I and Paper III include a mix of question types, while Paper II is purely descriptive.
There is a negative marking scheme in effect; 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect response in the objective section.
The General stream Phase 2 syllabus includes:
Paper I: Economic & Social Issues (ESI)
Paper II: English (Writing Skills)
Paper III: Finance & Management
You can download the official RBI Grade B 2026 syllabus PDF via the link provided above to systematically track your preparation milestones.