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The RBI Grade B Syllabus 2026 covers 3 stages Phase 1, Phase 2, and Interview across 7 subject areas for the General stream, and specialized Economics or Statistics papers for DEPR and DSIM streams. Phase 1 tests Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, and General Awareness through an objective exam. Phase 2 consists of three papers: Economic & Social Issues (ESI), Finance & Management (F&M), and English Writing Skills. Candidates who clear Phase 2 are called for the final Interview round. In this blog, we have provided the detailed Phase 1 and Phase 2 syllabus along with the topics covered.
What is the RBI Grade B syllabus 2026?
The RBI Grade B Syllabus 2026 is divided into 2 phases and a final interview. Phase 1 covers 4 objective subjects General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Phase 2 has 3 papers Economic & Social Issues (ESI), English Writing Skills, and Finance & Management (F&M). Candidates appearing for DEPR and DSIM streams have a different syllabus focused on Economics and Statistics respectively. Experts suggest that aspirants should start preparing for Phase 2 along with Phase 1 without waiting for the official RBI Grade B notification, as Phase 2 plays a major role in final selection and early preparation helps reduce exam pressure.
| Stage | Syllabus / Components |
|---|
| Phase I | - General Awareness - English Language - Quantitative Aptitude - Reasoning |
| Phase II | - Economic & Social Issues - English (Writing Skills) - Finance & Management |
| Interview | Prepare concurrently with Phase II; focus on communication, confidence, and subject knowledge |
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Has the RBI Grade B syllabus changed in 2026?
The RBI Grade B 2026 official notification is expected to be released around 28th April 2026. Until then, there is no officially confirmed syllabus for 2026. However, based on past exam trends, the RBI Grade B syllabus has remained largely unchanged over the past several years. The subject structure, paper pattern, and topic coverage for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 have been consistent across cycles. Candidates can therefore begin their preparation using the previous year's syllabus without waiting for the 2026 notification.
Is the RBI Grade B Syllabus different for General, DEPR and DSIM?
Yes, the RBI Grade B syllabus differs across all three streams. The General stream tests Banking, Economy, Finance, Reasoning, and English. The DEPR stream replaces the FM paper with two Economics papers and is suited for candidates with a postgraduate background in Economics. The DSIM stream replaces FM with Statistics and Mathematics papers. Phase 1 differs too DEPR and DSIM candidates are tested in Economics and Statistics respectively instead of the four General stream subjects.
| Feature | General Stream | DEPR Stream | DSIM Stream |
|---|
| Full Form | General (Officer Grade B) | Department of Economic and Policy Research | Department of Statistics and Information Management |
| Focus Area | Banking, Economy, Finance, Reasoning, English | Economic theory, policy analysis, applied economics | Statistics, data analysis, probability, econometrics |
| Phase 1 Subjects | Reasoning, Quant, English, GA | Economics and English | Statistics and English |
| Phase 2 Papers | ESI, F&M, English Writing Skills | Economics Paper 1 & 2 + English Writing Skills | Statistics + English Writing Skills |
| Skill Tested | Banking knowledge + analytical ability | Deep economic understanding | Statistical and analytical expertise |
| Interview Focus | Banking, current affairs, economy | Economics, policy, research topics | Statistics, data interpretation, applied research |
How many subjects are there in the RBI Grade B Syllabus?
The RBI Grade B Syllabus for the General stream covers 7 subject areas across two phases. Phase 1 has 4 subjects: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General Awareness. Phase 2 has 3 papers: Economic & Social Issues, Finance & Management, and English Writing Skills. However, if you account for topic overlaps especially between Phase 1 General Awareness and Phase 2 ESI there are effectively 5 core knowledge areas to master: Economics, Finance, Management, English, and Aptitude.
What sections are covered in RBI Grade B phase 1 exam?
The Reserve Bank of India conducts the RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam to test candidates in four key areas. Each section checks a different skill Reasoning Ability, Numerical Aptitude, English Language, and General Awareness along awareness of finance and current events.
What is covered in the Reasoning section of RBI Grade B Phase 1?
The Reasoning section tests your logical thinking and problem-solving ability. It checks how quickly and accurately you can analyze patterns, relationships, and data. This section mainly focuses on puzzles, arrangements, and logical statements.
- Logical Reasoning
- Alphanumeric Series
- Ranking and Direction Test
- Alphabet Test
- Data Sufficiency
- Coded Inequalities
- Seating Arrangement
- Puzzle
- Tabulation
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Input-Output
- Coding-Decoding
What is covered in the Quantitative Aptitude section of RBI Grade B Phase 1?
The Quantitative Aptitude section checks your numerical ability and calculation skills. It tests your understanding of basic mathematics concepts and your ability to solve data-based questions quickly.
- Simplification
- Profit and Loss
- Mixtures and Allegations
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest
- Surds and Indices
- Work and Time
- Time and Distance
- Mensuration (Cylinder, Cone, Sphere)
- Data Interpretation
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentage
- Number Systems
- Sequence and Series
- Permutation, Combination, and Probability
Attempt RBI Grade B Practice Quiz
What is covered in the English Language section of RBI Grade B Phase 1?
The English Language section evaluates your reading ability, grammar knowledge, and vocabulary. It checks how well you understand written content and how accurately you can identify language errors.
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Fill in the Blanks
- Error Spotting
- Multiple Meaning Questions
- Paragraph Completion
- Word Rearrangement
- Idioms and Phrases
- Sentence Improvement
- Column-Based Questions
- New Pattern Questions
What is covered in the General Awareness section of RBI Grade B Phase 1?
The General Awareness section tests your knowledge of current events, banking, economy, finance, and static GK. Since the exam is conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, special focus is given to banking and financial awareness.
| Section | Topics Covered |
|---|
| Current Affairs | • National news (MoUs, summits, major events) • International news (conferences, global meetings) • Financial and economic news |
| Financial Awareness | • RBI notifications and regulations • SEBI updates • Banking and economy news • Defence updates and military exercises • Important days in news • Persons in news (appointments, retirements, awards) • Sports, science, technology, and environment |
| Reports and Government Schemes | • Important reports • Government schemes • Books and Authors |
| Static General Awareness | • Chief Ministers and Cabinet Ministers • National Parks and Sanctuaries • Airport locations • Organisations' headquarters • Banks' headquarters and taglines • Countries' capitals and currencies • Important days |
Attempt RBI Grade B Previous Year Papers
What topics are covered in the RBI Grade B phase 2 ESI paper?
The RBI Grade B Syllabus for ESI covers all economic and social issues, including development, globalization, and sustainability. It also addresses social problems and demographic trends. Aspirants must understand these concepts and their impact nationally and internationally. Also attempt RBI Grade B ESI practice quiz.
| Topic | Subtopics Covered |
|---|
| Growth and Development | • National Income
• Per Capita Income
• Poverty Alleviation
• Employment Generation
• Sustainable Development
• Environmental Issues |
| Indian Economy | • Economic History of India
• Industrial and Labour Policy Changes
• Monetary and Fiscal Policy (Post-1991 Reforms)
• Economic Survey & Union Budget
• Money and Financial Markets
• Role of Banks and Reserve Bank of India
• Public Finance
• Political Economy
• Industrial Development
• Agriculture
• Services Sector |
| Globalization | • Liberalisation of Indian Economy
• Balance of Payments
• Export-Import Policy
• IMF
• World Bank
• WTO
• Regional Economic Cooperation
• International Economic Issues |
| Social Structure in India | • Multiculturalism
• Demographic Trends
• Urbanization
• Migration
• Gender Issues
• Social Justice |
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What topics are covered in the RBI Grade B phase 2 FM paper?
The General Finance & Management (FM) section in the RBI Grade B syllabus of the Reserve Bank of India Reserve Bank of India focuses on testing candidates' understanding of key financial concepts, markets, and management principles. It includes important topics such as financial institutions, market instruments, financial services, and risk management in a simple and practical way.
| Topic | Subtopics Covered |
|---|
| Financial System | • Structure and functions of financial institutions • Functions of the Reserve Bank of India • Banking system in India structure and developments • Financial institutions (SIDBI, EXIM Bank, NABARD, NHB, NaBFID, etc.) • Recent developments in the global financial system and its impact on the Indian financial system • Role of information technology in banking and finance • Non-banking system • Developments in digital payments |
| Financial Markets | • Primary and secondary markets (Forex, Money, Bond, Equity, etc.) • Functions of financial markets • Instruments used in financial markets • Recent developments in financial markets |
| General Topics | • Financial risk management • Basics of derivatives • Global financial markets and international banking (trends and developments) • Financial inclusion • Alternate sources of finance • Private and social cost-benefit • Public-private partnership (PPP) • Corporate governance in the banking sector • Union Budget – concepts, approach, and trends • Basics of accounting and financial statements (Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss, Cash Flow Statement) • Ratio analysis (Debt–Equity Ratio, Debtor Days, Creditor Days, Inventory Turnover, ROA, ROE) • Inflation – definition, trends, estimates, consequences, and remedies • Balancing inflation and growth through monetary and fiscal policies |
| Fundamentals of Management and Organizational Behavior | • Introduction to management • Evolution of management thought (Scientific, Administrative, Human Relations, Systems) • Management functions and managerial roles • Nudge theory • Organizational behavior concepts • Personality (factors, Big Five model) • Reinforcement • Perception and perceptual errors • Motivation (content and process theories) • Leadership (Trait, Behavioural, Contingency, Charismatic, Transactional, Transformational) • Emotional intelligence • Analysis of interpersonal relationships (Transactional Analysis, Johari Window) • Conflict (concept, sources, types, management) • Organizational change and development (Lewin's Change Model, Action Research, Positive Model) |
| Ethics at the Workplace & Corporate Governance | • Meaning of ethics • Reasons for ethical problems • Theories of ethics (Utilitarianism, Rights & Duties, Justice & Fairness, Ethics of Care, Virtue Ethics, Teleological, Egoism, Relativism) • Moral issues in business (Compliance, Finance, HR, Marketing) • Ethical principles in business • Organization structure and ethics • Role of board of directors • Best practices in ethics programme • Code of ethics and code of conduct • Corporate governance (factors and mechanisms) • Communication (steps, channels, oral vs written, verbal vs non-verbal, upward/downward/lateral communication, barriers, role of IT) |
Attempt Free RBI Grade B FM Practice Quiz
What is the RBI Grade B English writing skills syllabus?
This section tests the writing skills of candidates. To perform well, focus on current news topics and read newspapers regularly to improve understanding and analysis. It includes three parts:
- Essay: Choose one topic from given options and write a clear essay to show your ideas and writing ability.
- Precis Writing: Read a passage and write a short summary, covering the main points in a clear and concise way.
- Reading Comprehension: Read a passage and answer questions in short descriptive answers to show your understanding.
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Which RBI Grade B topics overlap between phase 1 and phase 2?
A significant portion of the RBI Grade B Phase 1 General Awareness syllabus overlaps with Phase 2 ESI (Economic & Social Issues). Topics like Indian Economy, RBI monetary policy, banking awareness, government schemes, and Union Budget are tested in both phases but at different depths. In Phase 1, these topics are tested through MCQs at a surface level. In Phase 2, the same topics require descriptive, analytical answers. This means that preparing for Phase 2 ESI simultaneously strengthens your Phase 1 GA preparation.
RBI Grade B Interview
RBI Grade B 2026 official notification is yet to be released. However, based on the last year structure, candidates can get a clear idea of what to expect in the interview round. The interview phase includes two key components: a psychometric test and a personal interview. While there is no officially defined RBI Grade B syllabus for this stage, here's an overview of what it generally involves:
| Stage | Details |
|---|
| Psychometric Test | • Evaluates personality traits through statement-based questions. • Candidates choose responses such as: Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree nor Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree. • Helps understand how candidates view themselves in workplace and team situations. • Sample statements include: – I never make a mistake at work. – I prefer working alone rather than in a team. – I need little to no supervision to complete my tasks. – I enjoy being a leader. |
| Interview | • Conducted by a panel of interviewers. • Focus areas include: – Educational background – Work experience (if any) – Personal interests and hobbies – Awareness of current affairs and economic developments • Objective is to assess personality, clarity of thought, communication skills, and suitability for the RBI Grade B role. |
Download RBI Grade B Syllabus PDF
Download the RBI Grade B syllabus PDF to get a complete and easy overview of exam topics. This PDF includes a clear list of subjects and topics for both Phase 1 and Phase 2. It helps candidates access the syllabus anytime without internet and plan preparation in a more organized way. The direct download link is provided below.
Click Here to Download the RBI Grade B Syllabus PDF
RBI Grade B Selection Process 2026
The RBI Grade B 2026 selection process differs by post. For General post, it includes Prelims, Mains, and an Interview. For DEPR and DSIM posts, there's a Written Exam followed by an Interview. Final selection is based on performance in all stages.
| Phase | Components |
|---|
| Phase 1 (Prelims) | Objective test – GA, English, Quant Reasoning; ~200 MCQs, total marks & cut-offs apply |
| Phase 2 (Mains) | Objective + Descriptive papers: ESI (50 objective + 50 descriptive) English (Descriptive Writing) FM (50 objective + 50 descriptive) |
| Interview | 75 marks; final merit based on Phase 2 + Interview |
Download RBI Grade B 2024 AIR 1 Handwritten Notes
What is the RBI grade B exam pattern?
To gain a thorough understanding of the specific subjects, time limits, and scoring criteria for each phase, please refer to the phase wise RBI Grade B Exam Pattern provided in detail below:
Phase 1:
RBI Grade B Phase 1 includes 4 subjects, their detailed exam pattern is provided in the below table:
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 60 | 60 | 45 mins |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 25 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 25 mins |
| General Awareness | 80 | 80 | 25 mins |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 mins |
Phase 2:
The Exam Pattern of RBI Grade B Phase 2 consists of three papers: Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. Check out some important highlights below:
| Paper & Subject | Exam Pattern | Marks & Duration |
|---|
| Paper I – Economic & Social Issues | • 50% Objective + 50% Descriptive • Objective: 30 questions • Descriptive: 6 questions (attempt any 4) | • 100 Marks • 120 minutes (30 mins Objective + 90 mins Descriptive) |
| Paper II – English (Writing Skills) | • Descriptive Paper • 3 questions: Precis, Essay, and Comprehension | • 100 Marks • 90 minutes |
| Paper III – Finance & Management | • 50% Objective + 50% Descriptive • Objective: 30 questions • Descriptive: 6 questions (attempt any 4) | • 100 Marks • 120 minutes (30 mins Objective + 90 mins Descriptive) |
Also Download RBI Grade B Previous Year Papers
Key Takeaways
Here is a table summarizing the RBI Grade B Syllabus:
| Stage | Key Takeaway |
|---|
| Phase I (Prelims) | • Subjects: General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability • Objective-type exam testing aptitude, reasoning, and current affairs knowledge • Includes sectional and overall cut-offs |
| Phase II – Paper I (Economic & Social Issues) | • 50% Objective + 50% Descriptive • Covers Indian economy, globalization, social issues, and financial systems |
| Phase II – Paper II (English Writing Skills) | • Descriptive paper conducted only in English • Includes essay writing, précis, and comprehension |
| Phase II – Paper III (Finance & Management) | • 50% Objective + 50% Descriptive • Covers management concepts, finance, accounting, and ethics at the workplace |
| Interview | • Personality assessment through an oral interview • Evaluates communication skills, awareness of current events, and overall personality • Final stage of the selection process |
