Table of Content +
The RBI Grade B Notification 2026 is expected to be released soon, along with Phase 1 and Phase 2 exam dates. The exam checks candidates' analytical ability, subject knowledge, and suitability for the Grade B Officer role. It is conducted in 3 stages Phase 1, Phase 2, and Interview with both objective and descriptive papers. Understanding the exam pattern and marking scheme is important for better preparation and success in this competitive exam.
What is the RBI Grade B exam pattern?
The RBI Grade B exam is conducted in three stages by the Reserve Bank of India: Phase 1, Phase 2, and Interview. Phase 1 is a preliminary exam with 200 questions from Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and English, carrying 200 marks with negative marking. Phase 2 includes three papers with both objective and descriptive sections, and its marks are counted for final selection. The final stage is a 75-mark interview, and the final merit is based on Phase 2 and interview performance.
| Phase | Exam Details | Key Points |
|---|
Phase 1 (Preliminary) | Subjects: Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, English 200 questions / 200 marks
Duration: 120 minutes | Sectional timing
Negative marking: 1/4 per wrong answer |
Phase 2 (Mains) | Paper 1 & 3: Objective + Descriptive
Paper 2: Descriptive | Marks of all papers considered for final result |
Phase 3 (Interview) | 75 marks | Final selection based on Phase 2 marks + interview score |
Attempt RBI Grade B Mock Test
What is the selection process for RBI Grade B officers?
As per the previous RBI Grade B notification, the selection is being done in 3 stages for General, DEPR, and DSIM roles. It starts with Phase 1, an online objective test covering subjects like economics, statistics, reasoning, aptitude, and English.
Candidates who qualify move to Phase 2, which includes objective and descriptive papers to check knowledge, writing, and job-related skills. Shortlisted candidates are then called for an interview to assess personality and communication. Final selection is based on Phase II marks and interview performance.
| Stage | Cadre | Details |
|---|
| Phase-I (Online Objective Test) | General | Single paper covering General Awareness, English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning. |
| DEPR | Objective Economics paper + Descriptive English. |
| DSIM | Objective Statistics paper. |
| Shortlisting | Based on minimum marks and aggregate scores for Phase-II. |
| Phase-II (Online/Written – Objective & Descriptive) | General | Three papers: • Economic & Social Issues (ESI) – 50% objective + 50% descriptive • General Finance & Management (GFM) – 50% objective + 50% descriptive • English (Writing Skills) – descriptive only |
| DEPR | Two descriptive Economics papers. |
| DSIM | Descriptive Statistics + Descriptive English. |
| Shortlisting for Interview | Based on aggregate Phase-II marks. |
| Interview / Personality Assessment | All Cadres | 75 marks; can be taken in Hindi or English. Personality Assessment is mandatory but does not carry marks. |
| Final Selection | All Cadres | Merit list prepared using Phase-II marks + Interview marks + applicable grace marks. |
Also Check - RBI Grade B Selection Process
What is the RBI Grade B phase 1 exam pattern for (DR) General?
The RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam is a qualifying online test with four sections: Reasoning, General Awareness, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude. It has 200 objective questions for 200 marks, is bilingual (except English), and lasts 2 hours with sectional timing. A 0.25 mark penalty applies for wrong answers. Candidates must clear sectional and overall cut-offs to move to Phase 2. The section-wise breakdown helps plan preparation and manage time effectively.
| Sections | Total Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Reasoning | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| General Awareness | 80 | 80 | 25 minutes |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 25 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 25 minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes |
Important Points:
- Online mode (computer-based)
- Objective-type MCQs
- Qualifying stage; marks not counted in final merit
- Bilingual exam (except English section)
- 200 questions for 200 marks
- 0.25 negative marking
- Total duration: 2 hours with sectional timing
- Sectional + overall cut-offs apply
Know about personalized guidance from AIR-1
What is the RBI Grade B phase 2 exam pattern for (DR) General?
The Phase 2 RBI Grade B exam is an important online test that evaluates analytical skills, subject knowledge, and writing ability. It has three papers – Economic & Social Issues, English (Writing Skills), and Finance & Management. Papers I and III include objective and descriptive questions, while Paper II is fully descriptive. The exam is bilingual (except English paper), carries 300 marks, and has negative marking for objective questions.
| Papers | Type of Test | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Paper 1 – Economic and Social Issues | 50% Objective Test (30 objective questions)
50% Descriptive Test (6 descriptive questions out of which 4 need to be answered)
Hindi typing allowed (Inscript/Remington) | 50 marks
50 marks | 30 mins
90 mins |
| Paper 2 – English (Writing Skills) | Descriptive Test (3 questions) to be typed using keyboard | 100 marks | 90 mins |
| Paper 3 – Finance and Management | 50% Objective Test (30 objective questions)
50% Descriptive Test (6 descriptive questions out of which 4 need to be answered)
Hindi typing allowed (Inscript/Remington) | 50 marks
50 marks | 120 minutes |
Important Points:
- The exam is conducted online with both objective and descriptive questions.
- Descriptive answers must be typed using a keyboard.
- The exam is bilingual except for the English descriptive paper.
- Phase 2 carries a total of 300 marks.
- Cut-offs are set based on the number of candidates shortlisted.
- Wrong answers carry negative marking (0.25 for 1-mark questions, 0.50 for 2-mark questions).
- No penalty is applied for unanswered questions.
Also Download RBI Grade B Previous Year Papers
What is the marking scheme for RBI Grade B exam?
The RBI Grade B selection process has 3 stages Phase 1, 2, and Interview. Phase 1 is a qualifying exam of 200 marks with 0.25 negative marking for wrong answers. Phase 2 carries 300 marks, and only objective questions have negative marking, with marks counted for the final merit. The Interview is of 75 marks, and the final selection is based on the combined performance of Phase 2 and the Interview.
| Exam Stage | Total Marks | Negative Marking | Final Weightage |
|---|
| Phase 1 | 200 | -0.25 per wrong answer | Qualifying Only |
| Phase 2 | 300 | -0.25 per wrong answer only for objective questions | Considered for final selection |
| Interview | 75 | - | Considered for final selection |
Explore RBI Grade B Courses
Is there negative marking in RBI Grade B 2026?
Yes, negative marking is applicable in RBI Grade B exam for objective-type questions.
| Stage | Negative Marking |
|---|
| Phase 1 | 1/4 mark deducted for wrong answer |
| Phase 2 Objective | 1/4 mark deducted |
| Phase 2 Descriptive | No negative marking |
What is the RBI Grade B DEPR exam pattern 2026?
The RBI Grade B DEPR exam pattern 2026 is designed for candidates applying under the Department of Economic and Policy Research of the Reserve Bank of India. This stream is meant for candidates with a strong background in economics and focuses on testing knowledge of economic concepts, policy understanding, and English language skills. The selection process includes Phase 1, Phase 2, and Interview stages.
| Phase | Papers | Marks |
|---|
| Phase 1 | Economics + English | 200 |
| Phase 2 | Economics + English (Descriptive) | 200 |
| Interview | Personality Test | 75 |
What is the RBI Grade B DSIM exam pattern 2026?
The RBI Grade B DSIM exam pattern 2026 is meant for candidates applying under the Department of Statistics and Information Management of the Reserve Bank of India. This stream is suitable for candidates with a background in statistics, mathematics, or data analysis. The exam evaluates statistical understanding, analytical ability, and English writing skills through a structured three-stage selection process.
| Phase | Papers | Marks |
|---|
| Phase 1 | Statistics (Objective) | 100 |
| Phase 2 | Statistics + English (Descriptive) | 200 |
| Interview | Personality Test | 75 |
How is the RBI Grade B interview conducted?
The RBI Grade B interview, conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, is the final stage of the selection process and carries 75 marks. Candidates are shortlisted based on their total marks in Phase 2 (Paper 1, 2, and 3). The cut-off for shortlisting depends on the number of vacancies. The list of selected candidates is published on the official website, and interview call letters are sent via email. Candidates can choose to give the interview in Hindi or English. The final merit list is prepared based on Phase 2 and interview marks.
Attempt RBI Grade B Previous Year Papers
What is the RBI Grade B interview pattern 2026?
The RBI Grade B interview is the final stage of the selection process for all streams, including General, DEPR, and DSIM. It is conducted after Phase 2 and plays an important role in the final merit list. This stage is designed to assess a candidate's personality, communication ability, subject awareness, and overall suitability for a career in the Reserve Bank of India.
- Conducted face-to-face by a panel of experts from the Reserve Bank of India
- Evaluates personality, confidence, and clarity of thought
- Checks awareness of current affairs, economics, and banking concepts
- No written test is included in this stage
- Carries a total of 75 marks for all streams (General, DEPR, DSIM)
- Final selection is based on combined marks of Phase 2 exam (300 marks) and interview (75 marks), i.e., 375 marks in total
- Strong communication skills and presence of mind are important for performance
- Candidates are assessed on overall suitability for a role in the RBI ecosystem
Key Takeaways
Here is a table summarizing the RBI Grade B Exam Pattern:
| Key Area | Important Highlights |
|---|
| Exam Stages | Three stages: Phase 1 (Prelims), Phase 2 (Mains), and Interview. |
| Phase 1 Pattern | 200 questions, 200 marks, 120 minutes with sectional timing; includes Reasoning, GA, English, QA. Qualifying in nature. |
| Negative Marking | Phase 1: 0.25 per wrong answer. Phase 2: Negative marking only for objective questions. |
| Phase 2 Structure | Three papers: ESI, English (Writing Skills), Finance & Management; total 300 marks. |
| Question Types in Phase 2 | Papers I & III: Objective + Descriptive; Paper II: Fully descriptive (English). |
| Typing Rules | Descriptive answers typed using keyboard; Hindi typing allowed in Papers I & III (Inscript/Remington). |
| Bilingual Availability | All papers are bilingual (Hindi/English) except the English descriptive paper. |
| Final Selection | Based on Phase 2 (300 marks) + Interview (75 marks). Phase 1 is not counted. |
| Interview Details | 75 marks; can be taken in Hindi or English; shortlisted based on Phase 2 marks. |
| Important Note | RBI may change the exam schedule if required. |
Download RBI Grade B 2024 AIR 1 Handwritten Notes
