Key Points:
- Mode of Exam: Online Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Total Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes) with sectional timing for each subject
- Total Questions: 200 objective-type multiple-choice questions
- Total Marks: 200 marks (1 mark per question)
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer
- Four Subjects with Sectional Timing:
- General Awareness: 80 questions, 80 marks, 25 minutes
- Reasoning Ability: 60 questions, 60 marks, 45 minutes
- English Language: 30 questions, 30 marks, 25 minutes
- Quantitative Aptitude: 30 questions, 30 marks, 25 minutes
- Qualifying Criteria: Must clear both sectional cutoffs (each subject) and overall cutoff
- Question Format: Each question has 5 options; candidates must select 1 correct option
- Phase 1 is Screening Only: Marks not counted in final merit; only shortlisting for Phase 2
- Final Selection Process: 3 stages total — Phase 1 → Phase 2 (3 papers) → Interview (75 marks)
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern 2026
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has officially released the exam pattern for Officers in Grade 'B' Exam 2026. Candidates preparing for the RBI Grade B recruitment can download the official syllabus PDF, exam pattern, and marking scheme from this page. This comprehensive guide covers subject-wise topics for Phase-1.
RBI Grade B 2026 - Overview Table
| Exam Name | RBI Grade B Officers Exam 2026 |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Reserve Bank of India (RBI) |
| Post Name | Officers in Grade 'B' (DR) - General/DEPR/DSIM |
| Total Vacancies | 60 Posts |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Exam Type | Objective (MCQ) |
| Negative Marking | Yes (0.25 marks) |
| Selection Process | Phase-I + Phase-II + Interview |
| Official Website | www.rbi.org.in |
Download RBI Grade B Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 PDF
The official RBI Grade B Syllabus and Exam Pattern PDF 2026 is available for download. Candidates can access the complete syllabus with all subject-wise topics, weightage, and exam pattern details from the official notification.
Click Here to Download RRB ALP Official CEN 01/2026 Notification PDF
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern for General
Key Highlights:
- Total Questions: 200
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 120 Minutes (Sectional Timing)
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer
| Subject/Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 80 | 80 | 25 Min |
| Reasoning Ability | 60 | 60 | 45 Min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 25 Min |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 25 Min |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 Min |
Important Points:
- Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
- Question paper available in English and Hindi (except English Language section).
RBI Grade 'B' Phase 1 General Syllabus
General Awareness
- Current Affairs (National & International – last 6-12 months)
- Indian Economy, Banking & Finance
- RBI Functions, Monetary Policy, Economic Survey & Union Budget
- Static GK – Awards, Books, Authors, Sports, Important Days
- Science & Technology, Environment
Reasoning Ability
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangements
- Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations
- Inequalities, Direction Sense
- Machine Input-Output, Data Sufficiency
- Alphanumeric Series, Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts)
- Simplification, Number Series
- Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic Problems (Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Time & Work, Speed & Distance)
- Mensuration, Probability, Permutation & Combination
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Error Detection, Sentence Improvement
- Cloze Test, Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases)
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern for DEPR
| Paper | Type | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I: Economics | Objective | 120 Minutes | 100 |
| Paper-II: English | Descriptive | 120 Minutes | 100 |
| Total | - | - | 200 |
RBI Grade B Phase 1 in - DEPR Syllabus
Paper-I: Economics (Objective)
- Microeconomics & Macroeconomics
- International Economics, Growth & Development
- Public Finance, Environmental Economics
- Quantitative Methods in Economics
- Current Developments in Indian Economy
Paper-II: English (Descriptive)
- Essay Writing, Precis, Comprehension
- Assessment of writing skills, expression, and understanding of the topic.
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern for DSIM
| Paper | Type | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I: Statistics | Objective | 120 Minutes | 100 |
| Total | - | - | 100 |
RBI Grade B Phase 1 in - DSIM Syllabus
Paper-I: Statistics (Objective)
- Theory of Probability & Probability Distributions
- Sampling Theory, Statistical Inference
- Linear Models & Economic Statistics
- Econometrics, Time Series Analysis
- Multivariate Analysis, Stochastic Processes
- Optimization Techniques, Data Science, AI/ML basics
- Database Management
RBI Grade B 2026 Preparation Tips
- Preparing for the RBI Grade B Exam 2026 requires a smart strategy, consistency, and regular practice. Follow these expert preparation tips to improve your performance in Phase 1:
- Before starting your preparation, thoroughly go through the official syllabus and exam pattern. Focus on high-weightage sections such as General Awareness, Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language.
- Current Affairs and Banking Awareness play a crucial role in RBI Grade B Phase 1. Read newspapers daily, follow RBI notifications, Economic Survey, Union Budget, and banking-related developments.
- Attempt full-length mock tests and sectional tests every week. This helps improve speed, accuracy, and time management while identifying weak areas.
- Practice Data Interpretation, Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Number Series, and Arithmetic questions regularly. Consistent practice improves problem-solving skills.
- Read editorials, magazines, and business newspapers to enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills. Practice RCs, Cloze Tests, Error Detection, and Para Jumbles frequently.
- Prepare short notes for current affairs, important banking terms, formulas, and concepts. Regular revision helps retain information for a longer period.
- Allocate dedicated time to each subject daily and follow a disciplined study plan. Consistency is the key to cracking RBI Grade B.

