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Preparing for the RBI Grade B Exam requires reliable study material, a clear preparation plan, and regular practice. Candidates should use simple notes, standard books, video lessons, PDFs, previous year papers, and mock tests to understand key concepts, cover the syllabus, and improve speed and accuracy. A well-planned set of resources also helps in building strong basics and tracking preparation progress.
Which study material should you use for RBI Grade B?
Preparing for the RBI Grade B Exam requires the right study material, regular practice, and a well-planned preparation strategy. Candidates should refer to trusted books, updated current affairs, mock tests, and previous year papers to prepare for subjects such as General Awareness, Economic & Social Issues (ESI), Finance & Management (FM), Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and English. Using quality resources helps in building strong concepts, improving speed and accuracy, understanding the exam pattern, and gaining confidence for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the RBI Grade B examination.
| Subject | Recommended Material (Books & Sources) | Key Tips (Quick View) |
|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
Magical Book on Quicker Maths by M. Tyra
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by R.S. Aggarwal
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma | • Focus on: Percentages, P&L, SI/CI, Time & Work, TSD, Ratio, Mixtures
• Practice: 15 arithmetic questions + 1 DI set daily
• Prioritise high-weight topics |
| English Language | High School Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin
Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis | • Read 2 editorials per week
• Practice 10 grammar questions daily
• Focus: RC, Para jumbles, Fillers, Error spotting
• Improve reading speed and comprehension |
| Reasoning Ability | Magical Book on Puzzles by K. Kundan
Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal | • Solve daily puzzles: Linear, Circular, Floor, Box, Distribution
• Practice 10 standalone questions (Direction, Blood Relation, Coding-Decoding)
• 2 well-practiced puzzles can clear cut-offs |
| General Awareness (GA) / ESI | The Hindu
The Indian Express
Mint Newspaper
Monthly current affairs magazines
RBI updates | • Cover last 6 months current affairs
• Focus on schemes, budgets, reports, surveys
• Revise RBI, IMF, World Bank updates regularly
• Maintain short notes for quick revision |
| Finance & Management | RBI & SEBI circulars
Business newspapers
Finance & Management books | • Focus: financial system, bonds, derivatives, statements
• Management topics: ethics, leadership, governance
• Track updates from RBI and SEBI regularly |
Attempt RBI Grade B Mock Tests
When will the RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam be held?
The RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam 2027 is expected to be conducted in June 2027. Based on the previous recruitment schedule, the General Stream examination is likely to be held first, followed by the DEPR and DSIM exam.
| Event | Expected Timeline |
|---|
| Phase 1 Exam Date (General) | Expected in June 2027 |
| Phase 1 Exam Date (DEPR/DSIM) | Expected in June 2027 |
When will the RBI Grade B Phase 2 exam be held?
The RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam 2027 is expected to be conducted in July 2027, following the recruitment schedule of the previous cycle. The General Stream examination is likely to be held first, followed by the DEPR and DSIM exam.
| Event | Expected Timeline |
|---|
| Phase 2 Exam Date (General) | Expected in July 2027 |
| Phase 2 Exam Date (DEPR/DSIM) | Expected in July 2027 |
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How to use the RBI Grade B Study Materials effectively?
RBI Grade B free study material includes detailed topic wise notes, eBooks, mock tests, and previous year papers. To use the study material effectively, follow the below mentioned steps:
Also Check: RBI Grade B Practice Quiz
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RBI Grade B Exam Syllabus & Pattern
Before starting for the RBI Grade B preparation aspirants must be well aware of the RBI Grade B Syllabus and RBI Grade B Exam Pattern.
For Phase 1 of the RBI Grade B exam, there are four sections such as General Awareness, Reasoning, English & Quantitative Aptitude. For Phase 2, the candidates will have to prepare English (Descriptive), ESI & FM.
| Sections | Total Questions | Marks |
|---|
| Reasoning | 60 | 60 |
| General Awareness | 80 | 80 |
| English Language | 30 | 30 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
The phase 2 of the exam consists of three papers, which are objective and descriptive in nature.
| Papers | Type of Test | Duration |
|---|
| Paper I – ESI | 50% Objective Test50% Descriptive Test | 30 mins+90 mins |
| Paper-II – English | Descriptive Test | 90 mins |
| Paper III – FM | 50% Objective Test50% Descriptive Test | 30 mins+90 mins |
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Download RBI Grade B Study Material PDF for Free
After understanding the RBI Grade B syllabus, the next step is to study from reliable and exam-focused resources. Well-prepared notes and PDFs for Economic & Social Issues (ESI), Finance & Management (FM), and Descriptive English help candidates build conceptual clarity, revise important topics efficiently, and strengthen answer-writing skills for the RBI Grade B Phase 2 examination.
Download RBI Grade B Notes 2027 PDF
RBI Grade B Study Material for General Awareness
We all know how important it is to prepare current affairs and topics that are in the news for the RBI Grade B Exam. We have taken this initiative to help you with free PDFs on the topics that are currently in the news.
Important Topics for Descriptive Writing
Descriptive writing requires a clear understanding of important economic, social, financial, and current issues. For the RBI Grade B Exam, candidates should prepare topics such as banking reforms, climate change, digitalisation, cryptocurrency, privacy, skill development, insolvency, and the role of MSMEs. Understanding the key points, recent developments, challenges, and their impact on the Indian economy can help candidates write well-structured and relevant answers.
- Recapitalisation of Banks – Meaning, need, government measures, impact on bank stability, NPAs, and economic growth.
- Economics of Climate Change – Causes, economic impact, climate risks, green finance, and measures for sustainable development.
- Pros and Cons of the Digital India Initiative – Key objectives, digital services, benefits, challenges, digital divide, and data security.
- Social and Economic Impact of COVID-19 – Impact on employment, businesses, healthcare, education, economic growth, and government support measures.
- Cryptocurrency and Its Future – Meaning, uses, benefits, risks, regulation, digital assets, and future prospects.
- Aadhaar Card and the Right to Privacy – Importance of Aadhaar, digital identity, privacy concerns, data protection, and legal aspects.
- Skill India Mission – Developments and Issues – Objectives, skill development initiatives, employment opportunities, achievements, and key challenges.
- Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code – Objectives, key provisions, insolvency resolution process, role in reducing NPAs, and implementation challenges.
- Role of MSMEs in India's Rural Economic Development – Employment generation, entrepreneurship, rural industries, income growth, financial support, and challenges faced by MSMEs.
Attempt RBI Grade B Live Test
Important Topics for ESI
The Economic and Social Issues (ESI) section of the RBI Grade B Exam covers important concepts related to the Indian economy, banking, policies, development, and social issues. Candidates should focus on both basic concepts and key economic developments to build a strong understanding of the subject.
- RBI Grade B Phase 2 Trend Analysis & Preparation Roadmap – Previous trends, important areas, question patterns, preparation strategy, and topic-wise study plan.
- Regulators of Banks and Financial Institutions – RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, regulatory roles, functions, and responsibilities.
- Role of Indian Banks and the RBI in the Development Process – Financial inclusion, credit growth, economic development, monetary stability, and developmental functions.
- Social Movements – Meaning, types, major movements in India, social change, and their economic and social impact.
- All About Fiscal Policy – Meaning, objectives, government revenue and expenditure, fiscal deficit, taxation, and economic growth.
- All About Monetary Policy – Objectives, monetary policy tools, inflation control, liquidity management, and RBI's role.
- All About Inflation – Meaning, measurement, causes, types, effects, and measures to control inflation.
- Economic Reforms in India – LPG reforms, major policy changes, liberalisation, privatisation, globalisation, and their impact.
- Industrial Policy – Objectives, major industrial policies, industrial growth, reforms, and the role of industries in economic development.
- Economic Growth & Development – Meaning, differences, growth indicators, development measures, productivity, and factors affecting economic growth.
- Poverty Alleviation & Employment Generation – Causes of poverty, poverty reduction programmes, employment schemes, unemployment, and inclusive growth.
- Sustainable Development and Environmental Issues – Sustainable development goals, climate change, environmental challenges, green growth, and government initiatives.
- Tools of Credit Control by RBI: Quantitative & Qualitative – Repo rate, reverse repo rate, CRR, SLR, open market operations, margin requirements, and other credit control measures.
- Human Development – ESI Notes PDF for RBI Grade B Exam – Human development indicators, HDI, health, education, standard of living, and social development.
- FRBM Act – Notes & PDF for RBI Grade B Exam – Objectives, fiscal discipline, fiscal deficit, government borrowing, and key provisions of the FRBM framework.
- Inflation: Causes & Types – Demand-pull and cost-push inflation, core and headline inflation, causes, effects, and control measures.
- National Income Accounting – GDP, GNP, NNP, national income, real and nominal GDP, methods of calculation, and related concepts.
- Basics of Economics – Basic economic terms, demand and supply, market structures, utility, production, factors of production, and opportunity cost.
- Balance of Payments (BoP) – Current account, capital account, balance of trade, foreign exchange flows, BoP deficit, and external sector.
- Foreign Trade Policy – Objectives, trade promotion, exports and imports, trade agreements, trade barriers, and India's foreign trade.
- Export-Import Policy – Export promotion measures, import regulations, EXIM framework, trade facilitation, and foreign exchange management.
- Indian Agriculture – Role of agriculture in the economy, cropping patterns, agricultural reforms, irrigation, farm income, government schemes, and rural development.
Download RBI Grade B 2024 AIR 1 Handwritten Notes
Important Topics for FM
- Introduction to Management
- 70 F&M Formulae eBook
- Big 5 Model of Personality
- Emotional Intelligence
- Nudge Theory
- Interpersonal Relationship
- Fundamentals of Management & Organizational Behaviour
- Functions and Roles of Management
- Direct and Indirect Taxes
- e-governance
- Foreign Exchange Markets
- Introduction to Corporate Governance
- Financial Inclusion
- Communication: Process, Types & Models
- Leadership Theories
- Basics of Finance
- Basics of Bonds
- Time Value of Money (TVM)
- Financial/Accounting Ratios
- Basics of Derivatives
- Introduction to Financial/Securities Markets
- Prompt Corrective Action Framework (PCA)
- Alternate Sources of Finance
- Banking Regulations & Basel Accords
- Credit Rating Agencies in India
Explore RBI Grade B Online Courses
Candidates who are preparing for the upcoming RBI Exam, are advised to check the RBI Grade B 2027 Complete Guide where they will find each and every detail of the examination.
What does RBI Grade B practice include for aspirants?
RBI Grade B is one of the most important regulatory exams for aspirants preparing for India's central banking sector. To help candidates revise effectively, practice quizzes and PDFs are designed in a simple format covering key topics from Phase 1 and Phase 2 syllabus.
RBI Grade B booklist by toppers
Explore the RBI Grade B Booklist by Toppers, curated from the preferred books and study materials of successful candidates. This list of RBI Grade B Study Material offers valuable guidance to help you prepare smartly and boost your chances of clearing the exam with confidence.
| Section | Recommended Books / Material |
|---|
| Finance | - Monetary Theory and Public Policy - Kenneth Kurihara - Indian Economy - Mishra & Puri - Economic Growth and Development - Mayer and Baldwin - Financial Management - Prasanna Chandra - Major financial newspapers- International Business - Hill and Jain - RBI Annual Report, Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India, etc. - Economic Survey - Material sourced from the RBI website |
| Management | - Management - Stephen P. Robbins & Mary Coulter - Organisational Behaviour - Robbins Stephen P, Judge T.A., Vohra - Human Resource Management - Dessler Gary, Warkkey Biju - Fundamentals of Human Resource Management - Decenzo and Robbins - Business Ethics - Velasquez Manuel G: Concepts and Cases- Business Ethics - Fernando A.C.: An Indian Perspective- Business Ethics - Crane Andrew & Matten Dirk - Business Ethics & Corporate Governance - Ghosh B N |
| Economic & Social Issues (ESI) | - NCERT of Macroeconomics - Indian Economy - Ramesh Singh - Growth and Development - Devraj Ray - Indian Economy - Mishra Puri - Solve RBI Grade B PYP PDFs |
| Quantitative Aptitude | - RBI Grade B Phase 1 Book - Oliveboard - Fast Track Objective Arithmetic - Rajesh Verma - Magical Book on Quicker Maths - M Tyra - Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations - R.S. Agarwal - How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT - Arun Sharma |
| Reasoning | - RBI Grade B Phase 1 Book - Oliveboard - Magical Book on Puzzles - K. Kundan- Analytical Reasoning - M.K. Pandey - Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning - R.S. Aggarwal |
| English | - RBI Grade B Phase 1 Book - Oliveboard - High School Grammar and Composition - Wren and Martin - Objective General English - S.P. Bakshi - Word Power Made Simple - Norman Lewis |
Solve RBI Grade B PYP PDFs
Check RBI Grade B Previous Year Question Papers
Besides referring to the study notes and eBooks and books, you must not forget to solve RBI Grade B previous year papers. They offer unique insights on the pattern of questions, their frequency, and difficulty level. Click the link below to download free PDF of previous year papers.
Download RBI Grade B Previous Year Paper PDF
RBI Grade B ESI Study Material
A part of your preparation should also include the list of the RBI Grade B Study Material for ESI as per the Reserve Bank of India. We have listed the suggested material below.
| Category | Recommended Material |
|---|
| Books | - Indian Economy – Uma Kapila (series of books) - Indian Economy – Mishra & Puri (Latest Edition) - Growth and Development – Devraj Ray - Sociology – C.N. Shankar Rao - Public Finance – K K Andley and Sundaram |
| Newspapers | - Mint- Business Line - Other relevant financial newspapers |
| Magazines / Periodicals / Bulletins | - RBI Bulletins - EPW (Economic and Political Weekly) - India Today - Other relevant periodicals |
| Reports | - World Development Report - Economic Survey of India - RBI Annual Report - Report on Trends and Progress of Banking in India - IMF: World Economic Outlook |
| Online / Other Sources | - Material sourced from the RBI website |
