RBI Grade B Syllabus 2026, Prelims and Mains Exam Pattern for General/DEPR/DSIM

A clear understanding of the RBI Grade B Syllabus 2026 is crucial for successful preparation. The exam comprises three stages—Phase 1, Phase 2, and the Interview—and ranges from moderate to high difficulty. While it is considered one of India’s most challenging exams, alongside UPSC and State PSC, dedicated preparation and determination can help candidates secure a Grade B officer position in the esteemed 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

​Compared to other banking exams such as SBI and IBPS, the RBI Grade B exam demands greater conceptual clarity and in-depth understanding of subjects. Candidates should thoroughly cover all topics and create a study plan to ensure complete preparation. Phase 1 consists entirely of objective-type questions, while Phase 2 includes both objective and descriptive questions. It is important to note that each correct answer carries +1 mark, and each incorrect answer incurs a penalty of -0.25 marks.

RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2026

​The RBI Grade B Prelims Exam has only multiple-choice questions (MCQs), while the Mains Exam includes both MCQs and descriptive questions. Both exams are held online, and candidates need to type their answers on the computer provided.

RBI Grade B Prelims Exam Pattern for General (DR)

The Phase 1 (Prelims) syllabus primarily includes Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Economics, Statistics, and English Language. Refer to the RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern below for details.

• 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 Mains Exam Pattern for General (DR)

The Grade B Phase 2 or Mains 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

Let's go through Mains syllabus for General/DEPR/DSIM posts now:

RBI Grade B Mains Paper 1: Economic and Social Issues Syllabus

​Growth and Development

• Measurement of growth: National Income and per capita income
• Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation in India,
• Sustainable Development, Environmental issues.

Indian Economy

• Economic History of India,
• Changes in Industrial and Labour Policy, Monetary and Fiscal Policy since reforms of 1991,
• Priorities and Recommendations of Economic Survey and Union Budget,
• Indian Money and Financial Markets: Linkages with the Economy,
• Role of Indian Banks and RBI in development, Public Finance,
• Political Economy,
• Industrial Developments in India,
• Indian Agriculture,
• Services sector.

RBI Grade B Mains Paper 2: English Writing Skills Syllabus

• Precis
  
• Essay
• Reading Comprehension

Topics To Cover

• 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 Paper 2: Finance and Management Syllabus

Fundamentals of Management and Organisational Behaviour

• Introduction to Management,
• Evolution of Management Thought (Scientific, Administrative, Human Relations),
• Systems Approach to Management,
• Managerial Roles,
• Nudge Theory,
• Personality (Big Five model),
• Reinforcement, Perception,
• Motivation (Maslow, Alderfer, McClleland, Herzberg),
• Leadership (Trait, Behavioural, Contingency, Charismatic, Transactional, Transformational),
• Emotional Intelligence,
• Interpersonal Relationship (Transactional Analysis, Johari Window),
• Conflict Management,
• Organisational Change,
• Organisational Development,
• Ethics at the Workplace.

Corporate Governance

• Meaning of ethics,
• Ethical problems in business,
• Theories of ethics (Utilitarianism, Rights and duties, Justice and fairness, ethics of care),
• Moral issues (Ethics in Compliance, Finance, HR, Marketing),
• Ethical Principles in Business,
• Role of Board of Directors,
• Best Practices,
• Code of Ethics and Conduct,
• Corporate Governance mechanisms.

Communication

• Communication Process,
•  Communication Channels, Oral vs. Written, Verbal vs. Non-verbal,
•  Communication barriers, Upward, Downward, 
• Lateral communication, 
• Role of Information Technology.

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.

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.

Prioritise 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