Check the updated RBI Grade B syllabus covering English, Economic & Social Issues, Finance & Management, General Awareness, and reasoning topics.
The RBI is one of the most respected institutions in India. It plays a key role in managing the country’s economy and ensuring financial stability. Working with the RBI isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to grow professionally and make a real difference.
If you’re aiming for the RBI Grade B Syllabus, it’s important to start right. And that means understanding the exam pattern and syllabus from day one. Jumping into preparation without this basic step can lead to wasted effort.
I’ve been there myself. In the beginning, I skipped reading the syllabus and dove straight into studying. I ended up spending time on topics that weren’t even important for the exam. Once I took the time to properly understand the pattern and syllabus, I realized where I was going wrong. It changed my whole approach—and it worked.
Knowing the exam structure helps you:
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Understand the types of questions asked
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Manage your time better
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Focus on topics that matter most
So before you open any book, take a moment to review the RBI Grade B syllabus and exam pattern. It’s the smartest first step in your journey. Up next, I’ll break it all down for you so you can prepare with confidence!
Phase 1: RBI Grade B Syllabus Preliminary Exam |
This is the first stage of the selection process. It is objective in nature and conducted online.
Key Highlights:
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Total Marks: 200
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Total Questions: 200
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Duration: 120 minutes
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Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
Sections:
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General Awareness – 80 marks
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English Language – 30 marks
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Quantitative Aptitude – 30 marks
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Reasoning Ability – 60 marks
This phase is qualifying in nature. Candidates must meet both sectional and overall cut-offs to proceed to the next round.
Subjects Covered in RBI Grade B Syllabus Phase 1
The Phase 1 exam tests candidates on four key subjects:
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General Awareness
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English Language
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Numerical Ability (also called Quantitative Aptitude)
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Reasoning Ability
This section-wise pattern ensures a balanced evaluation of a candidate’s general knowledge, language skills, problem-solving ability, and analytical thinking.
RBI Grade B Syllabus Phase 1 – Exam Overview
Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Allotted |
English Language | 30 | 30 | 25 minutes |
Numerical Ability | 30 | 30 | 25 minutes |
Reasoning Ability | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
General Awareness | 80 | 80 | 25 minutes |
Total | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes |
Exam Mode and Format
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Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
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Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
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Language: English and Hindi (except English Language section)
Marking Scheme
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Correct Answer: +1 mark
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Wrong Answer: –0.25 mark (Negative marking applies)
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Unanswered: 0 marks
This means accuracy is key—blind guessing can cost you marks.
Cut-Off Criteria
To qualify for RBI Grade B Phase 2, candidates must:
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Meet the sectional cut-off in each subject
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Meet the overall cut-off (combined marks)
Failing to meet either will result in disqualification from the next stage, even if your total score seems high.
Key Takeaways for RBI Grade B Syllabus Phase 1
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Understand the pattern: Know what’s expected in each section.
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Focus on General Awareness: This section carries 40% of total marks (80/200) and can be a game-changer.
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Practice time-bound mock tests: With individual time limits for each section, time management is crucial.
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Accuracy over speed: Avoid unnecessary penalties from negative marking.
Phase 2: RBI Grade B Syllabus Main Exam |
This phase is more analytical and designed to test your in-depth understanding of economics, finance, and management.
Structure:
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Three Papers
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Total Marks: 300 (100 marks per paper)
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Duration: 90 minutes per paper
Paper-Wise Breakdown:
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Paper I – Economic & Social Issues (ESI)
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Type: Objective
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Focuses on topics like growth, development, globalization, and social issues in India.
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Paper II – English (Writing Skills)
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Type: Descriptive
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Tests essay writing, précis, and comprehension abilities.
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Paper III – Finance & Management (FM)
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Type: Objective
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Covers the financial system, risk management, corporate governance, and management principles.
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This phase carries major weight in the final selection process. Marks obtained here are counted along with the interview scores.
Subjects Covered in RBI Grade B Syllabus Phase 2
Number of Questions and Marks
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Total Marks: 300 (100 marks per paper)
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Total Duration: 270 minutes (4.5 hours)
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Total Questions: Varies between objective and descriptive formats across papers.
Paper-wise Exam Pattern RBI Grade B Syllabus
Paper | Type of Questions | No. of Questions | Time Duration | Marks |
Economic & Social Issues | Objective + Descriptive | 30 Objective + 6 Descriptive (Attempt 4) | 30 mins (Obj) + 90 mins (Desc) | 50 + 50 = 100 |
English (Writing Skills) | Descriptive only | 3 (Precis, Essay, RC) | 90 minutes | 100 |
Finance & Management | Objective + Descriptive | 30 Objective + 6 Descriptive (Attempt 4) | 30 mins (Obj) + 90 mins (Desc) | 50 + 50 = 100 |
Exam Mode and Marking Scheme RBI Grade B Syllabus
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Objective papers (Economic & Social Issues and Finance & Management) are conducted online via computer-based tests.
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The English paper is completely descriptive and conducted offline (pen-and-paper mode).
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Negative marking of 0.25 marks is applied for each wrong answer in objective papers.
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No negative marking applies to the descriptive paper.
RRB NTPC Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025 |
Important Details About the Papers
Economic & Social Issues and Finance & Management
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The objective section has 30 questions worth 50 marks. Some questions carry 2 marks, while others carry 1 mark each.
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The descriptive section requires candidates to attempt only 4 questions out of 6.
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The descriptive questions carry 2 questions of 15 marks each and 2 questions of 10 marks each.
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If more than 4 questions are answered, only the first 4 will be evaluated.
English (Writing Skills)
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This paper tests your ability to write essays, précis, and reading comprehension.
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The focus is on clarity, grammar, vocabulary, and structure.
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Total marks for this paper are 100.
Cut-off Criteria for RBI Grade B Syllabus Phase 2
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Candidates must clear minimum sectional cut-offs for each paper (ESI, FM, and English).
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There is also an overall cut-off combining scores from all three papers.
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The cut-offs vary each year based on exam difficulty and highest scores.
Final Tips for RBI Grade B Syllabus Phase 2 Preparation
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Focus on both objective accuracy and descriptive writing skills.
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Practice writing essays and précis to improve speed and clarity.
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Regularly revise important topics in economics, finance, and management.
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Time your practice sessions to handle both objective and descriptive papers efficiently.
Phase 3: RBI Grade B Syllabus Interview |
Only those who qualify the Mains are called for the RBI Grade B interview round.
Details:
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Marks: 75
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Medium: English or Hindi
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Tests your personality, knowledge, and understanding of current economic and financial issues.
The final merit list is prepared based on the combined marks of Phase 2 and the Interview.
RBI Grade B Syllabus Interview Eligibility and Cut-offs
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Only candidates who clear both the minimum sectional cut-offs and the overall cut-off in Phase 2 are eligible for the interview.
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The interview carries 75 marks and contributes 20% weightage towards the final selection score.
Language and Panel Details
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Candidates can choose to appear in Hindi or English according to their comfort.
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The interview panel consists of 5 senior RBI officers.
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The questions typically cover:
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Candidate’s personal background
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Educational qualifications
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Current affairs related to RBI and the economy
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National and international news of importance
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Psychometric Test: Personality Assessment
Before the interview, candidates must undergo a psychometric test conducted by the RBI. Here are the key points:
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Mode: Online (can be taken from home)
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Languages: Available in English and 9 other Indian languages
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Number of Questions: Approximately 100-120
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Duration: 15-20 minutes (no strict time limit, but time taken is recorded)
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Purpose: To evaluate personality traits and behavioral aspects
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Marks: No marks are awarded and it does not affect the final selection
Medical Fitness Test RBI Grade B Syllabus
After clearing the interview and psychometric test, candidates must appear for a medical examination to confirm their fitness for the role.
Interview Call Letter and Important Documents
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Eligible candidates will receive the interview call letter via email.
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It is mandatory to download and carry the call letter to the interview venue.
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Make sure to carry all required documents, which are usually mentioned in the RBI Grade B admit card and instructions.
Final Tips for RBI Grade B Interview Preparation
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Stay updated with current economic and financial news.
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Practice clear and confident communication in your preferred language.
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Be honest and calm while answering questions about your background.
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Familiarize yourself with RBI’s role and recent developments.
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Take the psychometric test seriously to avoid any inconsistencies.
Tips for RBI Grade B Syllabus & Interview Preparation |
Tips for RBI Grade B Exam Preparation
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Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Know what topics are covered and how the questions are distributed in Phase 1 and Phase 2. This helps in focused studying. -
Create a Study Schedule
Divide your time smartly between subjects like Economics, Finance, Reasoning, English, and General Awareness. Stick to your timetable daily. -
Practice Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests
This improves your speed and accuracy and familiarizes you with the exam pattern and question types. -
Improve Time Management
During preparation and practice tests, time yourself to complete sections within the allotted time. -
Focus on Weak Areas
Identify topics you find difficult and dedicate extra time to strengthen them. -
Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Read newspapers daily, follow RBI updates, government schemes, and economic developments. -
Build Writing Skills for Descriptive Papers
Practice essay writing, précis, and comprehension to score well in Phase 2 descriptive papers.
Tips for RBI Grade B Syllabus Interview Preparation
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Know Your Resume Thoroughly
Be prepared to answer questions about your education, work experience, and achievements. -
Stay Updated on Economic and Financial News
Understand recent RBI policies, national and international economic events. -
Practice Speaking Clearly and Confidently
Work on your communication skills, avoid fillers, and maintain good body language. -
Prepare for Common Interview Questions
Questions like “Why RBI?”, “Your strengths and weaknesses?”, or “Discuss a recent economic policy” are common. -
Be Honest and Stay Calm
If you don’t know an answer, admit it politely instead of guessing. Keep your composure throughout. -
Be Ready for Psychometric Test
Take it seriously and answer honestly as it reflects your personality. -
Dress Professionally
First impressions matter, so dress neatly and appropriately.
RBI Grade B Syllabus & Interview FAQ 2025 |
1. What is the RBI Grade B exam pattern?
The RBI Grade B exam has two phases: Phase 1 is objective with 200 questions from English, Quant, Reasoning, and General Awareness. Phase 2 includes both objective and descriptive papers on Economics, Finance, and English writing skills.
2. How many stages are there in the RBI Grade B selection process?
There are three main stages: Phase 1 exam, Phase 2 exam, and the final interview. Additionally, a psychometric test and medical exam are conducted before final selection.
3. Is there negative marking in the RBI Grade B exam?
Yes, both Phase 1 and Phase 2 objective papers have a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. The descriptive paper and interview have no negative marking.
4. What is the language of the RBI Grade B interview?
Candidates can choose to appear in either Hindi or English according to their convenience.
5. How many marks is the interview worth?
The interview carries 75 marks and accounts for 20% of the final selection score.
6. What is the psychometric test in RBI Grade B?
It is an online personality assessment to evaluate behavioral traits. No marks are awarded, and it does not impact final selection.
7. How to prepare for RBI Grade B exam?
Understand the syllabus, create a study plan, practice mock tests, stay updated with current affairs, and focus on writing skills for Phase 2.
8. What documents are needed for the RBI Grade B Syllabus interview?
Carry the interview call letter, valid photo ID (Aadhar, PAN, Passport), educational certificates, and any other documents mentioned in the call letter.
9. When will the interview call letters be released?
Interview call letters are sent via email only to candidates who clear Phase 2 exams and meet the cut-off criteria.
10. What are some important topics for RBI Grade B General Awareness?
Important topics include RBI policies, banking awareness, economic developments, government schemes, current affairs, and international financial news.
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