RBI Grade B Notification 2026 Out: Check Exam Dates, Eligibility and Salary

With the release of the official notification, RBI has commenced the RBI Grade B Officer Recruitment 2026 (Recruitment of Officers in Grade ‘B’ (Direct Recruit- DR) (On Probation-OP)- General/DEPR/DSIM Cadres – Panel Year 2026) process. This is the golden opportunity for Graduates/Postgraduates to join India’s apex banking institution.

The Reserve Bank of India is responsible for managing the country’s monetary policy and regulating banks. So, use this chance to join RBI by applying at https://opportunities.rbi.org.in/ before 20th May 2026.

RBI Grade B Notification 2026 Out

The notification has opened doors to individuals who are preparing for bank jobs. The starting gross salary is Rs. 1.54 lakh per month and selection will be done based on performance in 3 stages (Prelims, Mains, Interview). Read the official notification here to get in-depth information.

RBI Grade B Notification PDF Download

RBI Officer Exam 2026- Highlights

The RBI Grade B Exam is conducted annually at the national level. Candidates from all States and Union Territories can apply, provided they meet the required educational qualifications and fall within the age limit of 21 to 30 years. General category candidates are allowed a maximum of six attempts, so it is important to plan your preparation early and use each attempt wisely.

Post-wise Vacancy Details

Last 4 Years Vacancy Trend

The vacancy trend for RBI Grade B Recruitment has shown a continuous decline over the last five years. The highest number of vacancies was released in 2022, while 2026 has recorded the lowest vacancy count, indicating a steady decrease in available posts over the years.

• 2026: 60
• 2025: 120
• 2024: 94
• 2023: 291
• 2022: 294

With a lower number of vacancies, the competition is expected to be more intense and cut-off marks may rise. Eligible candidates should complete the application process and begin their preparation without delay.

Important Dates

The gap between Phase 1 and Phase 2 is approximately 6 weeks. This is not sufficient time to build Phase 2 from scratch; we strongly advise preparing both phases together from Day 1.

Application Process

The Online Form is now available on the official website of the Reserve Bank of India. Candidates must complete the process by registering, entering their personal and educational details, uploading the required documents (photograph, signature, and certificates), and paying the application fee within the deadline.

Applicants should carefully review all the information before final submission to avoid errors that could lead to rejection.

RBI Grade B Apply Online link – Click to Apply

Eligibility Criteria

To become an RBI Grade B officer, the first step is to ensure eligibility for the post. Candidates should be Indian citizens within the age limit (21 to 30 years) and must possess the required qualification as discussed here.

Age Limit (As on 1/4/2026)

Qualification

Number of Attempts

Nationality

Applicants must be either:

• A citizen of India, or
• A subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962, or
• A person of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Selection Process

The selection process consists of the following stages:

1. Phase I (Prelims) – Objective (Qualifying)
2. Phase II (Mains) – Objective+Descriptive (Merit making)
3. Interview (75 marks) + Psychometric Test (Qualifying) + Document Verification

Exam Pattern (Prelims and Mains)

This section provides a detailed overview of the RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2026, helping candidates understand the exam structure, number of questions, sectional distribution, and time duration.

Prelims Exam Pattern

1. There will be a specific sectional duration, which will be mentioned in the admission letter.
2. There will be four main sections.

The candidates who qualify for the Prelims will be eligible to appear for the Mains exam or Phase 2.

Mains Exam Pattern

• There are three separate papers in the main exam.
• For RBI Grade B Officers in Gr B (DR)- General, candidates have to appear for papers I, II, and III.
• For RBI Grade B Officers in Gr B (DR)- DEPR & DSIM, candidates have to appear for papers II and III.
• Papers I & III are 50% Objective & 50 % descriptive, while Paper II is Descriptive only.
• Each paper will be worth 100 marks.
• The English paper is a descriptive test.

Q. Does RBI release answer key for Phase 1 and Phase 2?

Ans. No, in the history of the RBI Grade B Exam, RBI has not released any official answer key for either Phase 1 or Phase 2. Soon after the exam is conducted, the Bank releases the results in PDF format within 20-25 days.

How Many Attempts Are Allowed in RBI Grade B?

According to the RBI Grade B notification, candidates belonging to the General category are allowed a maximum of six attempts in the examination. However, there is no limit on the number of attempts for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.

Interview

Candidates will be shortlisted for the interview based on the aggregate marks obtained in Papers I, II, and III of the Phase II exam. The interview process will carry 75 marks.

RBI Grade B Syllabus and Exam Pattern (Detailed) 

RBI Grade B Mock Test 2026

Salary and Payscale

• Basic Pay: Rs 78,450
• Gross Monthly Salary: Approximately Rs. 1,54,936 (without HRA in some cases)
• Pay Scale: Rs. 78,450 – 4,050(9) – 1,14,900 – EB – 4,050(2) – 1,23,000 – 4,650(4) – 1,41,600 (16 years)
• Additional Benefits: HRA (or leased accommodation), Dearness Allowance, medical facilities, education allowance, loans at concessional rates, pension, gratuity, and more. Annual CTC can reach ₹34+ lakhs in metro cities.

2 Year Probation Period After Selection

The Grade B Officer role is not only well-paying but also highly engaging and responsible. Once selected, candidates undergo a two-year probation period, during which their performance and suitability for the role are evaluated. Below are some of the key responsibilities carried out by a Grade B Officer.

Exam Centres

The details of the RBI Grade B Exam Centres 2026 are provided below. The Reserve Bank of India will conduct the online examination for General, DEPR, and DSIM posts at the specified centres listed in the table.

The exam centre for Mains and Interview are few as compared to the Prelims exam.

Important Tips for Candidates

• Read the official notification carefully before applying.
• Fill the application form slowly and accurately to avoid mistakes.
• Apply well before the last date to avoid server issues at the last moment.
• Start preparation early and follow the latest syllabus for Phase I and Phase II.
• Practice previous year papers and mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
• Keep checking the official website of the Reserve Bank of India for updates on admit card, exam date, and notices.