RBI Grade B Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern (Phase 1 & Phase 2)
The Reserve Bank of India has officially announced the RBI Grade B 2026 exam dates, with the Phase 1 exam scheduled for 13th and 14th June 2026.
The selection process consists of three stages:
- Phase 1 (Preliminary Exam)
- Phase 2 (Main Exam)
- Interview
To successfully clear each stage, candidates must have a clear understanding of the RBI Grade B syllabus and exam pattern.
Why Understanding the RBI Grade B Syllabus is Important
The RBI Grade B exam is widely regarded as one of the toughest banking exams in India. Every year, lakhs of aspirants compete for a limited number of vacancies.
Key Challenges:
- Increasing competition every year
- High difficulty level
- Conceptual and analytical questions
- Focus on real-world economic understanding
👉 That’s why a complete understanding of the syllabus is the first and most crucial step in your preparation.
RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2026 – Key Highlights
- Phase 1 consists only of objective-type questions
- Phase 2 includes both objective and descriptive questions
- Each correct answer carries +1 mark
- Each incorrect answer has a penalty of -0.25 marks
RBI Grade B Exam Highlights Table
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | RBI Grade B |
| Conducting Authority | Reserve Bank of India |
| Posts | Grade B (General), DEPR, DSIM |
| Category | Syllabus & Exam Pattern |
| Selection Process | Phase 1 → Phase 2 → Interview |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Language of Exam | English |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | rbi.org.in |
RBI Grade B 2026 Notification PDF
RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2026 (Phase 1 & Phase 2 Complete Details)
The Reserve Bank of India conducts the RBI Grade B 2026 exam in an online mode.
- Phase 1 (Prelims) consists only of objective (MCQ) questions
- Phase 2 (Mains) includes both objective and descriptive questions
- All descriptive answers must be typed on a computer
Understanding the detailed exam pattern is essential to plan your preparation effectively.
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern 2026 (General DR)
The Phase 1 exam is a screening test and includes four sections.
Key Highlights:
- Total Questions: 200
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Question Type: MCQs
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer
- Sectional Timing: Yes
- Cut-off: Sectional + Overall required
Section-wise Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 80 | 80 | 25 mins |
| Reasoning Ability | 60 | 60 | 45 mins |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 25 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 25 mins |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 mins |
Important Points
- Exam is computer-based (online)
- Questions are objective (MCQ type)
- Candidates must clear both sectional and overall cut-offs
- High weightage is given to General Awareness
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern 2026 (General DR)
Candidates who qualify Phase 1 are eligible for Phase 2 (Mains).
Phase 2 evaluates conceptual knowledge and writing ability.
Key Highlights:
- Includes 3 papers
- Mix of objective + descriptive questions
- Descriptive answers are typed on keyboard
- Final merit is based on Phase 2 + Interview
Paper-wise Exam Pattern
Paper I: Economic & Social Issues (ESI)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Objective | 30 | 50 | 30 mins |
| Descriptive | 6 (Attempt 4) | 50 | 90 mins |
| Total | — | 100 | 120 mins |
Paper II: English (Writing Skills)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive | 3 (Essay, Precis, RC) | 100 | 90 mins |
Paper III: Finance & Management (FM)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Objective | 30 | 50 | 30 mins |
| Descriptive | 6 (Attempt 4) | 50 | 90 mins |
| Total | — | 100 | 120 mins |
Important Points
- Objective section: 30 questions for 50 marks
- Descriptive section: 6 questions (attempt any 4)
- Each descriptive answer carries 15 marks
- Questions are generally conceptual but straightforward
RBI Grade B DEPR Exam Pattern 2026
This pattern is applicable for Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR) posts.
Key Highlights:
- Focus is entirely on Economics
- No Finance & Management paper
- Only candidates clearing Paper 1 cutoff will have Paper 2 evaluated
DEPR Exam Pattern Table
| Phase | Paper | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Objective) | Economics | 120 mins | 100 |
| Paper 2 (Descriptive) | Economics | 180 mins | 100 |
| Paper 3 | English | 90 mins | 100 |
RBI Grade B DSIM Exam Pattern 2026
This is for Department of Statistics and Information Management (DSIM) posts.
Key Highlights:
- Focus on Statistics
- Similar structure to DEPR
- Paper 1 qualification required for Paper 2 evaluation
DSIM Exam Pattern Table
| Phase | Paper | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Objective) | Statistics | 120 mins | 100 |
| Paper 2 (Descriptive) | Statistics | 180 mins | 100 |
| Paper 3 | English | 90 mins | 100 |
RBI Grade B Syllabus 2026 (Prelims & Mains) – Complete Topic-wise Breakdown
The Reserve Bank of India has defined a detailed syllabus for the RBI Grade B 2026 exam. To crack this highly competitive exam, candidates must clearly understand both Phase 1 (Prelims) and Phase 2 (Mains) syllabus along with the interview process.
RBI Grade B Prelims Syllabus 2026 (Phase 1)
The Phase 1 exam tests candidates across four major subjects. Below is the topic-wise breakdown:
Prelims Syllabus Table
Reasoning Ability
| Topics |
|---|
| Inequality |
| Coding-Decoding |
| Syllogism |
| Machine Input-Output |
| Data Sufficiency |
| Logical Arguments |
| Alpha-Numeric Series |
| Puzzles |
| Seating Arrangement |
| Verbal Reasoning |
| Ordering & Ranking |
| Pattern Arrangement |
| Blood Relations |
| Direction & Distance |
Quantitative Aptitude
| Topics |
|---|
| Ratio & Proportion |
| Average |
| Time & Work |
| Speed, Distance & Time |
| Mixture & Allegation |
| Simplification & Approximation |
| Partnership |
| Boats & Streams |
| Trains |
| Pipes & Cisterns |
| Percentage |
| Permutation & Combination |
| Algebra |
| Trigonometry |
| Data Interpretation |
| Mensuration |
| Probability |
| Set Theory |
English Language
| Topics |
|---|
| Grammar |
| Vocabulary |
| Error Spotting |
| Reading Comprehension |
| Passage Formation |
| Jumbled Words |
| Fill in the Blanks |
| Sentence Formation |
General Awareness
| Topics |
|---|
| Current Affairs (6–8 months) |
| Indian Financial System |
| Indian Banking System |
| Monetary Policy |
| National Institutions |
| Banking Terminology |
RBI Grade B Mains Syllabus 2026 (Phase 2)
Phase 2 is the most crucial stage and includes three papers.
Paper 1: Economic & Social Issues (ESI)
Key Topics:
- Growth & Development
- National Income & Per Capita Income
- Poverty Alleviation & Employment
- Sustainable Development
- Environmental Issues
- Indian Economy
- Economic History of India
- Industrial & Labour Policy
- Monetary & Fiscal Policy (Post-1991 reforms)
- Union Budget & Economic Survey
- Indian Financial Markets
- Role of RBI & Banks
- Public Finance
- Agriculture & Services Sector
Paper 2: English Writing Skills
Topics:
- Essay Writing
- Precis Writing
- Reading Comprehension
👉 This paper evaluates:
- Writing clarity
- Logical structure
- Expression skills
Paper 3: Finance & Management (FM)
💰 Finance Topics:
- Financial Institutions Structure & Functions
- Role and Functions of RBI
- Indian Banking System
- Key Institutions:
- SIDBI
- NABARD
- EXIM Bank
- NHB
- NABFID
- Financial Markets:
- Forex Market
- Money Market
- Bond & Equity Markets
- Financial Concepts:
- Risk Management
- Derivatives Basics
- Inflation & Monetary Policy
- Fiscal Policy
- Financial Inclusion
- Digital Payments
- Public-Private Partnership
Management Topics:
Fundamentals of Management
- Evolution of Management Theories
- Managerial Roles
- Organizational Behaviour
- Motivation Theories (Maslow, Herzberg, McClelland)
- Leadership Styles
- Emotional Intelligence
Organizational Behaviour
- Personality (Big Five Model)
- Perception & Learning
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Conflict Management
- Organizational Change & Development
Corporate Governance & Ethics
- Business Ethics & Principles
- Ethical Theories
- Corporate Governance Practices
- Role of Board of Directors
- Code of Conduct
Communication
- Communication Process
- Types of Communication
- Barriers to Communication
- Role of IT in Communication
RBI Grade B DEPR Syllabus 2026
For DEPR (Department of Economic and Policy Research):
Key Points:
- Based on Master’s level Economics syllabus
- Focus is entirely on Economics
| Paper | Subject | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Economics | Objective |
| Paper 2 | Economics | Descriptive |
| Paper 3 | English | Descriptive |
👉 English paper tests:
- Writing ability
- Expression
- Concept clarity
RBI Grade B DSIM Syllabus 2026
For DSIM (Statistics) candidates:
Paper 1: Statistics (Objective)
- Probability Theory
- Sampling Theory
- Hypothesis Testing
- Estimation
- ANOVA
- Multivariate Analysis
- Stochastic Processes
Paper 2: Statistics (Descriptive)
- Probability & Sampling
- Linear Models
- Statistical Inference
- Non-Parametric Tests
- Numerical Analysis
- Computer Applications
Paper 3: English (Descriptive)
- Essay
- Comprehension
- Writing Skills
RBI Grade B Topic-wise Weightage (Marks Wise)
Phase 1 (Prelims) – Total 200 Marks
General Awareness (80 Marks)
| Topic | Expected Marks |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs (6–8 months) | 50–55 marks |
| Banking & Financial Awareness | 12–15 marks |
| RBI Policies & Reports | 5–8 marks |
| Static GK | 5–8 marks |
👉 Focus: 50+ marks can come from current affairs alone
Reasoning Ability (60 Marks)
| Topic | Expected Marks |
|---|---|
| Puzzles & Seating Arrangement | 30–35 marks |
| Inequality | 3–5 marks |
| Syllogism | 3–5 marks |
| Coding-Decoding | 2–4 marks |
| Blood Relations & Direction | 2–3 marks |
| Data Sufficiency | 3–5 marks |
| Miscellaneous | 8–10 marks |
👉 Focus: Puzzles alone can give half the marks
Quantitative Aptitude (30 Marks)
| Topic | Expected Marks |
|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | 10–12 marks |
| Arithmetic (Time, Work, Ratio, etc.) | 10–12 marks |
| Number Series | 3–5 marks |
| Simplification | 3–5 marks |
👉 Focus: DI + Arithmetic = ~20–24 marks
English Language (30 Marks)
| Topic | Expected Marks |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 12–15 marks |
| Cloze Test | 5–6 marks |
| Error Detection | 5–6 marks |
| Para Jumbles | 3–4 marks |
| Vocabulary | 2–3 marks |
👉 Focus: RC is the scoring backbone
Phase 2 (Mains) – Total 300 Marks
Paper 1: Economic & Social Issues (100 Marks)
| Topic | Expected Marks |
|---|---|
| Current Economic Affairs | 40–50 marks |
| Indian Economy Concepts | 20–25 marks |
| Growth & Development | 10–15 marks |
| Social Issues | 10–15 marks |
| Environment & Sustainability | 5–10 marks |
Paper 2: English Writing (100 Marks)
| Section | Expected Marks |
|---|---|
| Essay | 40–50 marks |
| Precis Writing | 25–30 marks |
| Reading Comprehension | 20–25 marks |
Paper 3: Finance & Management (100 Marks)
Finance (≈60 Marks)
| Topic | Expected Marks |
|---|---|
| Financial System & RBI | 15–20 marks |
| Banking System | 10–12 marks |
| Financial Markets | 10–12 marks |
| Risk Management & Derivatives | 8–10 marks |
| Current Financial Affairs | 10–12 marks |
Management (≈40 Marks)
| Topic | Expected Marks |
|---|---|
| Motivation & Leadership | 8–10 marks |
| Organizational Behaviour | 6–8 marks |
| HR & Communication | 5–6 marks |
| Ethics & Corporate Governance | 6–8 marks |
| Miscellaneous | 5–6 marks |
DEPR (Marks-wise Weightage)
Economics (100 Marks)
| Topic | Expected Marks |
|---|---|
| Macroeconomics | 25–30 marks |
| Microeconomics | 20–25 marks |
| Econometrics | 20–25 marks |
| Indian Economy | 15–20 marks |
| Statistics | 10–15 marks |
DSIM (Marks-wise Weightage)
Statistics (100 Marks)
| Topic | Expected Marks |
|---|---|
| Probability | 20–25 marks |
| Statistical Inference | 20–25 marks |
| Linear Models | 15–20 marks |
| Sampling | 10–15 marks |
| Multivariate Analysis | 10–15 marks |
| Stochastic Processes | 10–15 marks |
RBI Grade B Interview 2026
The final stage is the Interview (Personality Test).
📌 Key Details:
- Total Marks: 75
- Weightage: ~20% in final merit
What is assessed?
- Communication skills
- Confidence & personality
- Decision-making ability
- Knowledge of academics & work experience
RBI Grade B Exam Language
- The exam is conducted in both English and Hindi
- Exception:
- The English Language paper is only in English
👉 This bilingual format allows candidates to attempt most sections in their preferred language.
RBI Grade B Syllabus 2026 – FAQs
1. What is the exam pattern of RBI Grade B 2026?
The exam conducted by the Reserve Bank of India has three stages: Phase 1 (Objective) Phase 2 (Objective + Descriptive) Interview
2. Which subject has the highest weightage in Phase 1?
General Awareness has the highest weightage with 80 marks, and most questions come from current affairs.
3. Is there negative marking in RBI Grade B exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in both Phase 1 and objective sections of Phase 2.
4. How many marks are there in RBI Grade B Phase 1?
Phase 1 consists of 200 marks in total, divided into four sections with MCQ-based questions.
5. What is the total marks for RBI Grade B Phase 2?
Phase 2 carries 300 marks, which includes: ESI: 100 marks English Writing: 100 marks Finance & Management: 100 marks