RBI Grade B Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025 (Prelims + Mains)
Start your preparation with the RBI Grade B Syllabus 2025 and Exam Pattern for the Phase 1 and Phase 2 examination. Candidates who applied for the General (DR), DSIM, and DEPR can get familiar with the subject wise RBI Grade B Syllabus 2025 and adopt the best preparation tips.
To successfully ace the RBI Grade B Exam, candidates need to understand the RBI Grade B Syllabus and Exam Pattern first. The Reserve Bank of India curates the syllabus to assess the professional and banking knowledge of the RBI Grade B Aspirants. As we know, there are 3 stages of examination: Phase 1, Phase 2, and Interview. The RBI Grade B Syllabus has six major subjects including (compiling all 3 stages):
General Awareness
English Language
Quantitative Aptitude
Reasoning Ability.
Finance & Management
Economic & Social Issues
Let's know more about the subject-wise syllabus and topics to be covered for the upcoming RBI Grade B Exam 2025.
RBI Grade B Syllabus 2025
The RBI Grade B Syllabus 2025 is designed to assess candidates' knowledge and skills across various subjects important for the role of a Grade B officer in the Reserve Bank of India. The syllabus is divided into three phases: Phase I, Phase II, and Interview. Phase I includes subjects like General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability, focusing on basic concepts and quick decision-making skills. Phase II is more specialized, covering Economic & Social Issues (ESI), Finance & Management (FM), and English (Descriptive Writing), emphasizing analytical and writing skills. The syllabus requires candidates to stay updated with current affairs, economic developments, and banking trends. A strategic study plan, consistent practice with mock tests, and a thorough understanding of core concepts are key to excelling in the RBI Grade B exam.
RBI Grade B Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The official notification will be released soon on the official website and till then, the candidates have ample time to prepare for the examination. It is important for the candidates to understand all the topics and prepare a timetable to study to cover everything. Also, candidates must keep in mind that there is negative marking of -0.25 marks for incorrect answers and +1 mark for correct answers. The table given below discusses the highlights of the details of RBI Grade B Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025, along with the recruitment process.
RBI Grade B Syllabus 2025: Highlights
Exam Name
RBI Grade B
Name of Authority
Reserve Bank of India
Post
Grade B
Vacancy
To Be Released
Category
Syllabus
Detailed Notification
To Be Released
RBI Grade B Selection Process
Phase I
Phase II
Interview
Application Mode
Online
Examination Language
English
Job Location
PAN Indian
Official Website
rbi.org.in
RBI Grade B Selection Process 2025
The RBI Grade B selection process 2025 includes multiple stages, each stage evaluates different aspects of a candidate's knowledge and skills. The selection process for each post is shared below:
RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2025
The questions asked in the RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam are only Objective (MCQ type) whereas in the Phase 2 Exam, it is both Descriptive and Objective type. Both phases will be conducted online in a computer-based manner which means the candidates have to type the answer on their assigned computer screen. Get the details of the RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2025 for Phase 1 and Phase 2.
RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2025
RBI Grade B Syllabus
Phase 1 & 2
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Questions Type
MCQs
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Questions Type
Both MCQ & Descriptive Type
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Mode
Online
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern
200 Marks (GA, Reasoning, English, Quantitative Aptitude)
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern
3 Papers (Subject as per the Post) (300 Marks)
Negative Marking
1/4th mark
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern 2025 for General (DR)
The major sections in the Phase 1 syllabus are Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Economics, Statistics, and English Language. Go through the RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2025 for Phases 1 below.
The Phase 1 exam will be a computer-based test and there shall be 4 sections as mentioned above.
The total number of questions is 200 and each question carries 1 mark.
There is a sectional timing in the Exam and the total duration is 2 hours.
Candidates are required to secure sectional cut-offs, along with the overall cut-off, to be able to clear the exam.
Also, there is a negative marking of 1/4th for each wrong answer marked by the candidate.
The questions shall be MCQ type and the exam mode is Online computer-based.
Candidates are required to secure a sectional cut-off to pass the Phase 1 Exam.
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern 2025
Subject
Questions
Marks
Duration
General Awareness
80
80
25 Mins
Reasoning
60
60
45 Mins
English
30
30
25 Mins
Quantitative Aptitude
30
30
25 Mins
Total
200
200
2 Hours
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern for General (DR)
The RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern details for the General are given below. It consists of subjects including Economics and Social Issues, English Writing, and General Finance, Management & Ethics.
Those who qualify for the Phase 1 Exam, will appear for the Phase 2 Exam.
In Papers I & III, the paper is divided into 2 sections of equal marks. One section comprises MCQ-type questions and the other is a Descriptive type of Questions. The descriptive questions will be typed through the keyboard.
In the Objective part, there shall be 30 questions for 50 marks.
In the descriptive part, there shall be 6 questions, out of which candidates are required to attempt 4 questions for 15 marks each.
Generally, the descriptive questions that are asked are simple.
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern for General Post
Paper
Format
Duration
Marks
Paper-I: Economic & Social Issues
Objective (50%)
30 Minutes
50
Descriptive (50%)
90 Minutes
50
Paper-II: English (Writing Skills) 3 Questions
Descriptive
90 Minutes
100
Paper III: Finance, Management, and Ethics
Objective (50%)
30 Minutes
50
Descriptive (50%)
90 Minutes
50
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Syllabus for General (DR)
The RBI Grade B Syllabus 2025 for General (DR) Phase 1 of four sections is given in the table below. The four sections are:
Reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude
General Awareness
English Language
RBI Grade B Syllabus 2025 General (DR) Phase 1
Subject
Topics
Reasoning
Inequality
Coding-Decoding
Syllogism
Machine Input Output
Data Sufficiency
Arguments
Alpha-Numeric Symbol Series
Puzzle
Seating Arrangement
Verbal Reasoning
Ordering and Ranking
Arrangement and Pattern
Blood Relations
Direction and Distance
Quantitative Aptitude
Ratio and Proportion
Average
Time and Work
Speed, Distance, and Time
Mixture and Allegations
Approximation & Simplification
Partnership
Problems of Boats & Streams
Problems on Trains
Pipes & Cisterns
Percentage
Permutation and Combination
Algebra
Trigonometry
Data Interpretation
Mensuration
Probability
Set Theory
English Language
Grammar
Vocabulary
Error Spotting
Comprehension
Passage Making
Jumble Words
Fill in the Blanks
Sentence Framing
General Awareness
Current Affairs
Indian Financial System
Indian Banking System
Monetary Plans
National Institution
Banking Term
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Syllabus for General (DR)
The RBI Grade B Syllabus for General (DR) Phase 2 of three sections is given in the table below. The three sections are:
Economic and Social Issues (Paper 1)
English Descriptive (Paper 2)
Finance and Management (Paper 3)
RBI Grade B Syllabus for General (DR) Phase 2
Paper
Topics
Sub-topics
Paper 1: Economic and Social Issues (ESI)
Growth and Development
Measurement of growth: National Income and per capita income, Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation in India, Sustainable Development, Environmental issues.
Indian Economy
Economic History of India, Changes in Industrial and Labour Policy, Monetary and Fiscal Policy since reforms of 1991, Priorities and Recommendations of Economic Survey and Union Budget, Indian Money and Financial Markets: Linkages with the Economy, Role of Indian Banks and RBI in development, Public Finance, Political Economy, Industrial Developments in India, Indian Agriculture, Services sector.
Globalization
Opening up of the Indian Economy, Balance of Payments, Export-Import Policy, International Economic Institutions: IMF, World Bank, WTO, Regional Economic Co-operation, International Economic Issues.
Social Structure in India
Multiculturalism, Demographic Trends, Urbanization and Migration, Gender Issues, Social Justice.
Paper 2: English Writing Skills
Writing Skills
English paper to assess writing skills, expression, and understanding of the topic.
Paper 3: Finance and Management
Financial System
Structure and Functions of Financial Institutions, Functions of RBI, Banking System in India, Financial Institutions (SIDBI, EXIM Bank, NABARD, NHB, NABFID), Global Financial System and its impact on India, Information Technology in Banking, Non-Banking System, Digital Payments.
Financial Markets
Primary and Secondary Markets (Forex, Money, Bond, Equity), Functions, Instruments, and recent developments.
General Topics
Financial Risk Management, Basics of Derivatives, Global financial markets and International Banking, Financial Inclusion, Alternative finance, Public-Private Partnership, Corporate Governance in Banking, Union Budget, Accounting Basics, Inflation and its management, Monetary and Fiscal policies.
Fundamentals of Management and Organizational Behaviour
Introduction to Management, Evolution of Management Thought (Scientific, Administrative, Human Relations), Systems Approach to Management, Managerial Roles, Nudge Theory, Personality (Big Five model), Reinforcement, Perception, Motivation (Maslow, Alderfer, McClleland, Herzberg), Leadership (Trait, Behavioural, Contingency, Charismatic, Transactional, Transformational), Emotional Intelligence, Interpersonal Relationship (Transactional Analysis, Johari Window), Conflict Management, Organizational Change, Organizational Development, Ethics at the Workplace.
Corporate Governance
Meaning of ethics, Ethical problems in business, Theories of ethics (Utilitarianism, Rights and duties, Justice and fairness, ethics of care), Moral issues (Ethics in Compliance, Finance, HR, Marketing), Ethical Principles in Business, Role of Board of Directors, Best Practices, Code of Ethics and Conduct, Corporate Governance mechanisms.
Communication
Communication Process, Communication Channels, Oral vs. Written, Verbal vs. Non-verbal, Communication barriers, Upward, Downward, Lateral communication, Role of Information Technology.
RBI Grade B DEPR Exam Pattern 2025
This phase is for the Department of Economy and Policy Research (DEPR) post, and it doesn't include Finance and Management subjects. Only those who secure minimum marks in Paper 1 (objective) can get their Paper 2 answers checked. The combined marks of Papers 1 and 2 and the interview will decide the selection of the candidate.
RBI Grade B DEPR Exam Pattern 2025
Phase
Paper
Duration
Marks
Paper 1 (Objective)
Paper-I Economics
120 Min
100
Paper 2 (Descriptive)
Paper-II Economics
180 Min
100
Paper-III English
90 Min
100
RBI Grade B DEPR Syllabus 2025
As per the RBI Notification, the Standard of papers on Economics will be based on the master's degree examination in Economics of any Central University. The RBI Grade B DEPR Syllabus 2025 is divided into three papers, Paper 1 is Economics objective, Paper 2 is Economics descriptive, and Paper 3 is English descriptive.
RBI Grade B Syllabus 2025 for DEPR
Paper I: Economics (Objective)
Based on the Master's Degree examination in Economics
Paper-II: Economics (Descriptive)
Based on the Master's Degree examination in Economics
Paper III: English (Descriptive)
The English paper will be framed to assess the candidates' writing skills, expression, and understanding of the topic
RBI Grade B Phase 2 DSIM Post Exam Pattern
Like DEPR, candidates are required to secure minimum marks in Paper 1, Only then they will be shortlisted for Paper 2. the details of the RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2025 for the DSIM post has been mentioned in the table given below.
RBI Grade B Phase 2 DSIM Exam Pattern
Phase
Paper
Duration
Marks
Paper 1 (Objective)
Paper-I Statistics
120 Min
100
Paper 2 (Descriptive)
Paper-II Statistics
180 Min
100
Paper-III English
90 Min
100
RBI Grade B DSIM Syllabus 2025
RBI Grade B Syllabus 2025 for Phase 1 or Phase 2 for the DSIM post has been discussed here for the candidates.
DSIM Phase II Paper 1: Statistics (Objective)
Probability
Definition of Probability
Standard distribution
Large and small sample theory
Analysis of Variance
Estimation
Testing of Hypotheses
Multivariate analysis
Stochastic Processes
DSIM Phase II Paper 2: Statistics (Descriptive)
Probability and Sampling
Linear Models and Economic Statistics
Statistical Inference: Estimation, Testing of hypothesis and Non-parametric Test
Stochastic Processes
Multivariate analysis
Numerical Analysis and Basic Computer Techniques
DSIM Phase II Paper 3: English (Descriptive)
The English paper will be framed to assess the candidates' writing skills, expression, and understanding of the topic
RBI Grade B Interview 2025
The final stage of the selection process for RBI Grade B 2025 Exam is the Interview. The interview is a Personality Test round to assess behavioral aptitude, on-the-spot decision-making, handling questions in a cool and composed manner, etc.
The total marks for the Interview round 75 marks.
This round carries 20% weightage in the final merit list.
In the interview round, the candidates will be asked professional and educational background questions to access them.
RBI Grade B 2025 Exam Language
All question papers for the RBI Grade B exam, both Phase 1 and Phase 2, will be available in both Hindi and English, except for the English Language test. This bilingual format ensures that candidates can choose their preferred language for most sections of the exam. It is important to note that the English Language test will only be available in English, requiring candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in the language.
RBI Grade B 2025 Preparation Tips
The candidates who are going to appear in the examination can go through the details of the RBI Grade B 2025 Preparation Tips. To prepare effectively for the RBI Grade B exam, candidates should focus on the following strategies:
Practice multiple mock tests and review the previous year's question papers to gauge the exam's difficulty level.
Given the exam's negative marking and extensive syllabus, candidates should avoid guessing answers they are uncertain about.
Efficient time management is crucial for the RBI Grade B exam; therefore, practice to increase speed while maintaining accuracy.
Create a structured study schedule allocating equal time to each section of the bank exam.
Thoroughly study the RBI Grade B Syllabus to identify personal strengths and weaknesses, tailoring preparation accordingly.
Regularly revise and diligently practice to increase your chances of clearing the RBI Grade B exam on the first attempt.
RBI Grade B Important Books
Books play a crucial role in preparing for the RBI Grade B 2025 exam, alongside study notes and PDFs. They provide essential conceptual understanding and depth in exam-relevant topics. Incorporating these books into your study material is essential for thorough coverage of the RBI Grade B Syllabus and for boosting your exam preparation. Below, you will find a detailed table of recommended RBI Grade B books that are highly beneficial for your study plan.
RBI Grade B Important Books
Paper
Book
Author/Publisher
Economic and Social Issues
Indian Economy (latest edition)
Uma Kapila or S.K. Misra & V.k. Puri
Growth and Development
Devraj Ray
Sociology
C.N. Shankar Rao
Public Finance
K K Andley and Sundaram
Newspapers including Mint, Business Line, Magazine's/Periodicals/ Bulletins including RBI Bulletins, EPW, India Today
-
Reports: 1. World Development
Report 2. Economic Survey of India
3. RBI Annual Report
4. Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India.
5. IMF: World Economic Outlook
Devraj Ray
Finance
Monetary Theory and Public Policy
Kenneth Kurihara
Economic Growth and Development
Mayer and Baldwin
Financial Management
Prasanna Chandra
International Business
Hill and Jain
Major financial newspapers, RBI Annual Report, Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India, Economic Survey
-
Management
Management
Stephen P. Robbins & Mary Coulter
Organizational Behavior
Robbins Stephen P and Judge T.A. Vohra
Human Resource Management
Dessler Gary, Warkkey Biju
Fundamentals of Human Resource Management
Decenzo and Robbins
Business Ethics- Concepts and Cases
Velasquez Manuel G
Business Ethics – An Indian Perspective
Fernando A.C.
Business Ethics
Crane Andrew & Matten Dirk
Business Ethics & Corporate Governance
Ghosh B N
Quantitative Aptitude
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic
Rajesh Verma
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams
R.S. Agarwal
How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT
Arun Sharma
Reasoning Ability
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-verbal Reasoning
R.S. Agarwal
Analytical Reasoning
M.K.Pandey
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning
Arun Sharma
English Language
High School Grammar and Composition
Wren & Martin
Word Power Made Easy
Norman Lewis
Objective English
SP Bakshi
General Awareness
Banking Awareness
Arihant Experts
Banking Awareness for SBI and IBPS Bank Clerk/PO/RBI Exams/RRB
Disha Experts
RBI Grade B Marking Scheme
The RBI Grade B Marking Scheme for DEPR, DSIM, and General Post has been discussed in the table given below.
RBI Grade B Marking Scheme 2025
Post
Marking Scheme
General (DR)
In the Phase 1 exam, 1/4 of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer. Candidates receive one mark for each correct answer. The total score is determined by the number of correct and incorrect answers.
DEPR
In the Phase 1 exam, 1/4 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
Paper 1 of the Phase 2 exam consists of three sections with a total of 62 questions. Sections I and II include questions worth one, two, and three marks, while Section III features questions worth one, two, and four marks.
Negative marking applies to the RBI Grade B exam for incorrect answers. The deductions are as follows: 1/3 mark for one-mark questions, 1/2 mark for two-mark questions, one mark for three-mark questions, and two marks for four-mark questions across all sections.
DSIM
In the Phase 1 exam, 1/4 mark is deducted for each wrong answer as a penalty.
In the Phase 2 exam, candidates incur a penalty for incorrect answers. For every wrong answer, 5/3 of the marks assigned to that question is deducted.
Time Management Strategies to Cover RBI Grade B Syllabus
The RBI Grade B Syllabus 2025 is a vast curriculum to cover within a few months, hence, the candidates need to start a year before appearing in the examination. it is important to manage your time while covering the subject-wise syllabus. Here's how you can manage your time to cover the syllabus.
Develop a Comprehensive Study Plan: Start by creating a study plan that covers all the key topics for the exam. Allocate time for each subject according to your strengths and weaknesses, ensuring all topics are covered systematically.
Prioritize Important Topics: Identify the most crucial topics for the exam, focusing on those with higher weight. Dedicate sufficient time to thoroughly understand and master these areas.
Set Achievable Goals: Establish realistic daily, weekly, and monthly goals. This approach will help you manage the syllabus effectively. Break down larger topics into smaller sections and set specific targets to cover them.
Take Regular Breaks: Incorporate short breaks between study sessions to stay focused and maintain concentration. Balancing relaxation with intensive study is essential for optimal preparation.
Eliminate Distractions: Limit social media, phone usage, and other entertainment to create a study-friendly environment. Aim to minimize distractions without isolating yourself from society, allowing you to focus better on your studies.
RBI Grade B Online Course
For candidates preparing for the RBI Grade B exam, enrolling in the RBI Grade B Online Course offered by Adda247 can be highly beneficial. This comprehensive course covers all the essential subjects and topics necessary for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 exams, including video lessons, study notes, practice questions, and mock tests. The course is expertly designed to provide personalized guidance, helping candidates clarify any doubts and refine their preparation strategies.
Additionally, Adda247 offers Free Mock Tests specifically tailored for the RBI Grade B exam, created by industry experts to closely match the actual exam format and content. Regular practice with these mock tests improves time management skills and enhances overall exam readiness, making them an invaluable resource for success.
