RBI Grade B Syllabus 2026, Exam Pattern for Prelims and Mains Stages

To prepare for the RBI Grade B Exam, a 360-degree understanding of the RBI Grade B Syllabus 2026 is much needed. There are 3 stages in this Grade B Exam (Phase 1, Phase 2, and Interview), and the difficulty level is moderate to difficult. So, some aspirants find this exam to be one of the toughest exams in India, along with UPSC and State PSC. But cracking RBI Grade B is not impossible and a firm determination can help you become a Grade B office in the most prestigious institution of India which is the Reserve Bank of India.

To help aspirants prepare effectively, RBI has released the official RBI Grade B syllabus and exam pattern for both Phase 1 and Phase 2, and it has been discussed in detail here. However, the syllabus differs for Grade B (General), DEPR, and DSIM posts; so, candidates must understand the post-wise exam pattern and syllabus.

RBI Grade B Syllabus 2026

In comparison to other Bank exams like SBI and IBPS, RBI Grade B requires more conceptual clarity and understanding of the subjects. It is important for the candidates to understand all the topics and prepare a timetable to study to cover everything. The Phase 1 exam is completely objective type, whereas Phase 2 is both objective and descriptive type. Also, it must be kept in mind that there is a negative marking of -0.25 marks for incorrect answers and a +1 mark for correct answers. The table given below discusses the highlights of the details of the RBI Grade B Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026, along with the recruitment process.

RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2026

The questions asked in the RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam are only Objective (MCQ type), whereas in the Phase 2 Exam, it is both Descriptive and Objective type. Both phases will be conducted online in a computer-based manner, which means the candidates have to type the answer on their assigned computer screen. Get the details of the RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2026 for Phase 1 and Phase 2.

RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern for General (DR)

The major sections in the Phase 1 syllabus are Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Economics, Statistics, and English Language. Go through the RBI Grade B Exam Pattern for Phase 1 below.

• The Phase 1 exam will be a computer-based test and there shall be 4 sections as mentioned above.
• The total number of questions is 200 and each question carries 1 mark.
• There is a sectional timing in the Exam and the total duration is 2 hours.
• Candidates are required to secure sectional cut-offs, along with the overall cut-off, to be able to clear the exam.
• Also, there is a negative marking of 1/4th for each wrong answer marked by the candidate.
• The questions shall be MCQ type and the exam mode is Online computer-based.
• Candidates are required to secure a sectional cut-off to pass the Phase 1 Exam.

​RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern for General (DR)

The Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern details for the General are given below. It consists of subjects including Economics and Social Issues, English Writing, and General Finance, Management & Ethics.

1. Those who qualify for the Phase 1 Exam will appear for the Phase 2 Exam.
2. In Papers I & III, the paper is divided into 2 sections of equal marks. One section comprises MCQ-type questions, and the other is a Descriptive type of Questions. The descriptive questions will be typed on the keyboard.
3. In the Objective part, there shall be 30 questions for 50 marks.
4. In the descriptive part, there shall be 6 questions, out of which candidates are required to attempt 4 questions for 15 marks each.
5. Generally, the descriptive questions that are asked are simple.

RBI Grade B DEPR Exam Pattern 2026

This phase is for the Department of Economy and Policy Research (DEPR) post, and it doesn't include Finance and Management subjects. Only those who secure minimum marks in Paper 1 (objective) can get their Paper 2 answers checked. The combined marks of Papers 1 and 2 and the interview will decide the selection of the candidate.

RBI Grade B DSIM Exam Pattern 2026

Like DEPR, candidates are required to secure minimum marks in Paper 1, Only then they will be shortlisted for Paper 2. the details of the RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2026 for the DSIM post has been mentioned in the table given below.

RBI Grade B Prelims Syllabus 2026

RBI Grade B Mains Syllabus for General (DR)

The RBI Grade B Syllabus for General (DR) Phase 2 of three sections is given in the table below. The three sections are:

1. Economic and Social Issues (Paper 1)
2. English Descriptive (Paper 2)
3. Finance and Management (Paper 3)

RBI Grade B DEPR Syllabus 2026

As per the RBI Notification, the Standard of papers on Economics will be based on the master's degree examination in Economics of any Central University. The RBI Grade B DEPR Syllabus is divided into three papers, Paper 1 is Economics objective, Paper 2 is Economics descriptive, and Paper 3 is English descriptive.

RBI Grade B DSIM Syllabus 2026

RBI Grade B Syllabus 2026 for Phase 1 or Phase 2 for the DSIM post has been discussed here for the candidates.

DSIM Phase II Paper 1: Statistics (Objective)

Probability

1. Definition of Probability
2. Standard distribution
3. Large and small sample theory
4. Analysis of Variance
5. Estimation
6. Testing of Hypotheses
7. Multivariate analysis
8. Stochastic Processes

DSIM Phase II Paper 2: Statistics (Descriptive)

1. Probability and Sampling
2. Linear Models and Economic Statistics
3. Statistical Inference: Estimation, Testing of Hypothesis and Non-parametric Test
4. Stochastic Processes
5. Multivariate analysis
6. Numerical Analysis and Basic Computer Techniques

DSIM Phase II Paper 3: English (Descriptive)

The English paper will be framed to assess the candidates' writing skills, expression, and understanding of the topic

RBI Grade B Interview 2026

The final stage of the selection process for RBI Grade B Exam is the Interview. The interview is a Personality Test round to assess behavioral aptitude, on-the-spot decision-making, handling questions in a cool and composed manner, etc.

• The total marks for the Interview round 75 marks.
• 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 access them.

RBI Grade B Exam Language

All question papers for the RBI Grade B exam, both Phase 1 and Phase 2, will be available in both Hindi and English, except for the English Language test. This bilingual format ensures that candidates can choose their preferred language for most sections of the exam. It is important to note that the English Language test will only be available in English, requiring candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in the language.

RBI Grade B Books 2026

Books play an important role in preparing for the RBI Grade B exam, alongside study notes and PDFs. They provide essential conceptual understanding and depth in exam-relevant topics. Incorporating these books into your study material is essential for thorough coverage of the RBI Grade B Syllabus and for boosting your exam preparation. Below, you will find a detailed table of recommended RBI Grade B books that are highly beneficial for your study plan.

RBI Grade B Marking Scheme

The RBI Grade B Marking Scheme for DEPR, DSIM, and General Post has been discussed in the table given below.

Time Management Strategies to Cover RBI Grade B Syllabus 2026

The RBI Grade B Syllabus is a vast curriculum to cover within a few months; hence, the candidates need to start a year before appearing in the examination. it is important to manage your time while covering the subject-wise syllabus. Here's how you can manage your time to cover the syllabus.

Make a Comprehensive Study Plan: Start by creating a study plan that covers all the key topics for the exam. Allocate time for each subject according to your strengths and weaknesses, ensuring all topics are covered systematically.

Prioritize Important Topics: Identify the most crucial topics for the exam, focusing on those with higher weight. Dedicate sufficient time to thoroughly understand and master these areas.

Set Achievable Goals: Establish realistic daily, weekly, and monthly goals. This approach will help you manage the syllabus effectively. Break down larger topics into smaller sections and set specific targets to cover them.

Take Regular Breaks: Incorporate short breaks between study sessions to stay focused and maintain concentration. Balancing relaxation with intensive study is essential for optimal preparation.

Eliminate Distractions:

Limit social media, phone usage, and other entertainment to create a study-friendly environment. Aim to minimize distractions without isolating yourself from society, allowing you to focus better on your studies