Rbi Grade B Papers 2026
RBI Grade B 2026: Complete Exam Guide with Practice Papers
Comprehensive preparation guide for Reserve Bank of India Grade B Officer recruitment
📋 Exam Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | RBI Grade B Officer Recruitment 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Reserve Bank of India (RBI) |
| Post Name | Officers in Grade 'B' (DR) - General/DEPR/DSIM |
| Job Location | Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and other RBI offices |
| Salary/Pay Scale | ₹55,200 - ₹85,850 (Basic) + Allowances |
| Gross Salary | ₹1,16,914 per month (approximate) |
| Employment Type | Permanent, Full-time Central Government Job |
| Probation Period | 2 years |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification:
For General Stream:
- Bachelor's degree with at least 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD)
- OR Master's degree with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD)
For DEPR (Department of Economic & Policy Research):
- Master's in Economics/Econometrics/Quantitative Economics/ Mathematical Economics/Integrated Economics Course
- Minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD)
For DSIM (Department of Statistics & Information Management):
- Master's in Statistics/Mathematical Statistics/ Mathematical Economics/ Econometrics/ Statistics & Informatics
- Minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD)
Age Limit (as of exam date):
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwBD (General): 10 years
- PwBD (OBC): 13 years
- PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 years
Additional:
- Candidates with PhD can have upper age limit extended by 2 years
- Candidates with M.Phil can have upper age limit extended by 1 year
📝 Exam Pattern
RBI Grade B examination consists of three phases:
Phase 1: Preliminary Examination (Online)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 80 | 80 | 25 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 25 minutes |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 25 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes |
Key Points:
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer
- Sectional timing enforced
- Qualifying in nature (marks not added to final merit)
- Candidates 20 times the vacancies shortlisted for Phase 2
Phase 2: Main Examination (Online)
Paper 1: Economic and Social Issues (Objective)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic & Social Issues | 65 | 100 | 90 minutes |
- 50% objective (MCQ) + 50% descriptive (3 questions to be answered)
Paper 2: English (Writing Skills) - Descriptive
| Section | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Essay, Precis, Comprehension | 100 | 90 minutes |
Paper 3: Finance & Management (Objective)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance & Management | 65 | 100 | 90 minutes |
- 50% objective (MCQ) + 50% descriptive (3 questions to be answered)
Key Points:
- Phase 2 Total Marks: 300
- Candidates 3 times the vacancies shortlisted for Interview
Phase 3: Interview
- Marks: 75
- Conducted by RBI panel
- Tests personality, communication, and knowledge
- Final merit based on Phase 2 + Interview (300 + 75 = 375 marks)
📚 Complete Syllabus
Phase 1 Syllabus
General Awareness (High Weightage)
- Current Affairs (National & International) - Last 6-8 months
- Indian Economy: Concepts, Issues, Reforms
- RBI Functions & Monetary Policy
- Banking & Financial Awareness
- Government Schemes
- Static GK: Important Days, Awards, Sports, Books
- Financial Markets & Institutions
- International Organizations (IMF, World Bank, WTO, etc.)
Quantitative Aptitude
- Simplification & Approximation
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs)
- Number Series
- Quadratic Equations
- Arithmetic: Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Ratio & Proportion, Mixtures
- Probability & Permutation Combination (basic)
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Error Detection
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Improvement
- Vocabulary based questions
Reasoning Ability
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangement (High level)
- Syllogism
- Data Sufficiency
- Input-Output
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Inequality
- Logical Reasoning
Phase 2 Syllabus
Economic and Social Issues (ESI)
Growth and Development:
- Measurement of growth: National Income and per capita income
- Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation
- Sustainable Development and Environmental issues
- Economic Reforms in India
Indian Economy:
- Economic Planning in India
- Government Schemes and Policies
- Role of Public Sector and Financial Sector
- Globalization and its impact on Indian Economy
- Balance of Payments and External Sector
Social Structure:
- Demographic Features
- Social Justice: Positive Discrimination
- Social Sectors: Health, Education, Employment
- Multiculturalism and Diversity
International Economics:
- IMF and World Bank
- WTO and Regional Economic Co-operation
- International Trade and Capital Flows
Finance and Management (F&M)
Financial System:
- Structure and Functions of Financial Institutions
- RBI and its functions
- Banking System: Commercial Banks, NBFCs
- Financial Markets: Money Market, Capital Market
- Primary and Secondary Markets
Financial Regulation:
- BASEL Norms
- Risk Management in Banking
- Financial Inclusion
- Payment and Settlement Systems
- Cyber Security in Banking
Management Concepts:
- Management: Definition, Nature, Scope
- Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Controlling
- Leadership and Motivation
- Organizational Behavior
- Human Resource Development
- Corporate Governance
🧮 Quantitative Aptitude: 15 Practice Questions with Solutions
Question 1
The ratio of present ages of A and B is 5:7. After 6 years, the ratio becomes 7:9. Find the sum of their present ages.
Solution: Let present ages be 5x and 7x (5x + 6)/(7x + 6) = 7/9 9(5x + 6) = 7(7x + 6) 45x + 54 = 49x + 42 12 = 4x x = 3 Sum = 5x + 7x = 12x = 12 × 3 = 36 years
Question 2
A sum of money becomes ₹13,380 after 3 years and ₹20,070 after 6 years on compound interest. Find the principal.
Solution: Amount after 3 years = ₹13,380 Amount after 6 years = ₹20,070 The amount grows from 13380 to 20070 in 3 years So, 20070 = 13380(1 + r)³ (1 + r)³ = 20070/13380 = 1.5 Now, 13380 = P(1 + r)³ = P × 1.5 Wait, let me recalculate: Actually: A₃ = P(1+r)³ = 13380 A₆ = P(1+r)⁶ = 20070 Dividing: (1+r)³ = 20070/13380 = 1.5 So P = 13380/1.5 = ₹8,920
Question 3
A pipe can fill a tank in 12 hours. Due to a leak, it takes 15 hours to fill the tank. How long will the leak take to empty the full tank?
Solution: Pipe's 1 hour work = 1/12 (Pipe + Leak)'s 1 hour work = 1/15 Leak's 1 hour work = 1/12 - 1/15 = (5-4)/60 = 1/60 Leak will empty the tank in 60 hours
Question 4
The average of 5 consecutive odd numbers is 51. Find the largest number.
Solution: Let the numbers be: x, x+2, x+4, x+6, x+8 Average = (5x + 20)/5 = x + 4 = 51 x = 47 Largest number = x + 8 = 47 + 8 = 55
Shortcut: For consecutive odd/even numbers, average = middle number So numbers are: 47, 49, 51, 53, 55 Largest = 55
Question 5
A shopkeeper sold an article for ₹6,000 at a loss of 20%. At what price should he have sold it to gain 20%?
Solution: SP at 20% loss = 6000 = 80% of CP CP = 6000 × 100/80 = ₹7,500 For 20% profit: SP = 7500 × 120/100 = ₹9,000
Question 6
If the compound interest on a sum for 2 years at 10% per annum is ₹420, find the simple interest on the same sum for the same period.
Solution: For 2 years: Ratio of CI to SI at 10% = 21:20 (since CI = 21%, SI = 20%) If CI = ₹420 (21 parts) Then SI = ₹420 × 20/21 = ₹400
Question 7
Solve: 18 × 12 ÷ 4 + 8 - 15 = ?
Solution: Using BODMAS: 18 × 12 ÷ 4 + 8 - 15 = 18 × 3 + 8 - 15 = 54 + 8 - 15 = 47
Question 8
A train 250m long passes a pole in 15 seconds. How long will it take to cross a platform 350m long?
Solution: Speed = 250/15 = 50/3 m/s Time to cross platform = (250 + 350)/(50/3) = 600 × 3/50 = 36 seconds
Question 9
The marked price of an article is 25% above the cost price. After allowing a discount of 12%, find the gain percentage.
Solution: Let CP = ₹100 MP = ₹125 SP = 125 × 0.88 = ₹110 Gain % = 10%
Question 10
Find the wrong number in the series: 2, 6, 15, 31, 56, 93
Solution: Pattern: Differences are 4, 9, 16, 25, 37 (perfect squares) But 2+4=6, 6+9=15, 15+16=31, 31+25=56, 56+36=92 (not 93) So wrong number = 93 (should be 92)
Question 11
A and B together can complete a work in 8 days. B and C together in 12 days. C and A together in 16 days. How many days will A, B, and C together take?
Solution: 2(A+B+C)'s 1 day work = 1/8 + 1/12 + 1/16 = (6+4+3)/48 = 13/48 (A+B+C)'s 1 day work = 13/96 Time taken = 96/13 days = 7(5/13) days
Question 12
The population of a town increases by 10% in the first year and decreases by 10% in the second year. If the present population is 9900, what was it 2 years ago?
Solution: Let population 2 years ago = P P × 1.10 × 0.90 = 9900 P × 0.99 = 9900 P = 10,000
Question 13
A mixture of 70 liters has milk and water in the ratio 3:2. How much water should be added to make the ratio 3:4?
Solution: Milk = 70 × 3/5 = 42 liters Water = 28 liters Let x liters water be added 42/(28 + x) = 3/4 168 = 84 + 3x 3x = 84 x = 28 liters
Question 14
The difference between the compound interest and simple interest on a sum for 3 years at 10% per annum is ₹155. Find the sum.
Solution: For 3 years at 10%: CI% = 33.1% (10 + 10 + 10 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 0.1) SI% = 30% Difference = 3.1% 3.1% of P = 155 P = 155 × 100/3.1 = ₹5,000
Question 15
A man rows downstream 24 km in 4 hours and upstream 18 km in 6 hours. Find the speed of the stream.
Solution: Downstream speed = 24/4 = 6 km/h Upstream speed = 18/6 = 3 km/h Speed of stream = (6-3)/2 = 1.5 km/h
🧩 Reasoning Ability: 10 Practice Questions with Solutions
Question 1
If WATER is written as YCVGT, then how is WORLD written?
Solution: Pattern: Each letter +2 W(23)+2=Y, A(1)+2=C, T(20)+2=V, E(5)+2=G, R(18)+2=T WORLD: W+2=Y, O+2=Q, R+2=T, L+2=N, D+2=F Answer: YQTNF
Question 2
Find the odd one: 8, 27, 64, 125, 216, 343, 512
Solution: All are perfect cubes: 2³, 3³, 4³, 5³, 6³, 7³, 8³ Wait, let me check again - all seem to be cubes Actually 8=2³, 27=3³, 64=4³, 125=5³, 216=6³, 343=7³, 512=8³ All follow pattern. If forced to choose, 64 is also a square (8²), so 64 is odd.
Question 3
Statement: All lions are tigers. No tiger is a cow. All cows are dogs. Conclusions: I. No lion is a cow II. Some dogs are not tigers
Solution: I. True (All lions are tigers, no tiger is cow, so no lion is cow) II. True (All cows are dogs, no cow is tiger, so some dogs (at least cows) are not tigers) Answer: Both follow
Question 4
Complete the series: AZ, BY, CX, DW, ?
Solution: A(1), Z(26) → B(2), Y(25) → C(3), X(24) → D(4), W(23) → E(5), V(22) Answer: EV
Question 5
In a certain code, COMPUTER is written as RFUVQNPC. How is MEDICINE written?
Solution: Pattern: Letters reversed and each shifted by +1 COMPUTER → RETUPMOC → RFUVQNPC (each +1) MEDICINE → ENICIDEM → FOJDJE NF → FOJDJENF
Question 6
P is taller than Q. Q is taller than R. S is taller than P but shorter than T. Who is the tallest?
Solution: T > S > P > Q > R Answer: T
Question 7
Find the missing number: 3, 10, 29, 66, 127, ?
Solution: Pattern: n³ + 2 1³+2=3, 2³+2=10, 3³+2=29, 4³+2=66, 5³+2=127, 6³+2=218
Question 8
If A @ B means A is father of B, A # B means A is sister of B, A $ B means A is daughter of B. Then P @ Q $ R # S means?
Solution: P @ Q: P is father of Q Q $ R: Q is daughter of R R # S: R is sister of S So: P is father of Q, Q is daughter of R, so P is husband of R R is sister of S P is brother-in-law of S
Question 9
Complete the analogy: 49 : 81 :: 100 : ?
Solution: 49 = 7², 81 = 9² (consecutive odd numbers 7,9) 100 = 10², next even square = 12² = 144
Question 10
Six friends A, B, C, D, E, F sit in a circle facing center. A sits between B and C. D sits between E and F. B sits to the immediate left of E. Who sits to the immediate right of C?
Solution: B - E (B left of E) D between E and F: E - D - F A between B and C: B - A - C Arrangement: B - A - C - F - D - E - (back to B) Answer: F
🌍 General Knowledge & Current Affairs: 10 Questions
Question 1
What is the current Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) as per RBI's policy?
Question 2
Who is the current Finance Minister of India (2026)?
Question 3
What is the full form of NPA in banking?
Question 4
Which organization publishes the World Economic Outlook report?
Question 5
What is the minimum capital requirement for Small Finance Banks?
Question 6
Which is the largest public sector bank in India by asset size?
Question 7
What does MCLR stand for in banking?
Question 8
Which committee recommended the establishment of NABARD?
Question 9
What is the current inflation target band set by RBI?
Question 10
Which city houses the headquarters of RBI?
📖 English Language: 5 Practice Questions with Solutions
Question 1
Spot the Error: Neither of the two candidates have submitted their forms.
Solution: Error: "have" should be "has" "Neither" takes singular verb Correction: Neither of the two candidates has submitted their forms.
Question 2
Synonym: PRUDENT
a) Careless b) Wise c) Foolish d) Reckless
Question 3
Fill in the blanks: He has been working here ______ 2010.
a) for b) since c) from d) in
Question 4
Antonym: GREGARIOUS
a) Sociable b) Friendly c) Introverted d) Outgoing
Question 5
Para Jumble: Arrange the sentences P. The RBI governor announced Q. to control inflation R. the monetary policy S. with an aim
Solution: Correct order: P-R-S-Q The RBI governor announced the monetary policy with an aim to control inflation. Answer: P-R-S-Q
📊 Previous Year Cutoff Marks
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Cutoff (Sectional - General Category)
| Section | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 16-18 | 18-20 | 17-19 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 10-12 | 11-13 | 10-12 |
| English Language | 12-14 | 13-15 | 12-14 |
| Reasoning Ability | 20-22 | 22-24 | 21-23 |
| Overall | 65-70 | 68-72 | 66-70 |
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Cutoff (Aggregate)
| Category | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 200+ | 205+ | 202+ |
| OBC | 190+ | 195+ | 192+ |
| SC | 175+ | 180+ | 177+ |
| ST | 165+ | 170+ | 167+ |
Final Selection Cutoff (Phase 2 + Interview)
| Category | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 245+ | 250+ | 247+ |
| OBC | 235+ | 240+ | 237+ |
Note: Cutoffs are indicative and vary by year based on difficulty level.
📅 3-Month Preparation Strategy
Month 1: Phase 1 Intensive Preparation
Week 1-2:
- Master Reasoning Ability (high weightage - 60 marks)
- Focus on Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Input-Output
- Daily General Awareness reading
Week 3-4:
- Quantitative Aptitude practice
- English Language basics and comprehension
- Current Affairs consolidation
Month 2: Phase 1 Mocks + Phase 2 Foundation
Week 5-6:
- Daily Phase 1 full-length mocks
- Begin Economic & Social Issues study
- Financial Awareness deep dive
Week 7-8:
- Phase 2 ESI detailed study
- Government schemes and policies
- Banking awareness advanced level
Month 3: Phase 2 Intensive + Interview Prep
Week 9-10:
- Finance & Management thorough study
- Practice descriptive answers
- Essay writing practice
Week 11-12:
- Mock interviews
- Current affairs last 6 months revision
- Final revision of all topics
Daily Study Schedule (8-10 hours)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 2 hours | General Awareness & Current Affairs |
| 2 hours | Reasoning Ability |
| 1.5 hours | Quantitative Aptitude |
| 1 hour | English Language |
| 2 hours | ESI/F&M (Phase 2 subjects) |
| 1-2 hours | Mock tests |
📚 Best Books and Online Resources
Phase 1 Books
General Awareness:
- "Lucent's General Knowledge"
- "Manorama Yearbook"
- RBI website for circulars
Quantitative Aptitude:
- "Quantitative Aptitude" by R.S. Aggarwal
- "Magical Book on Quicker Maths" by M. Tyra
Reasoning:
- "A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal
- "Analytical Reasoning" by M.K. Pandey
English:
- "Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi
- "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis
Phase 2 Books
Economic & Social Issues:
- Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh (McGraw Hill)
- Economic Survey (Latest)
- NCERT Economics (Class 11-12)
- Social Problems in India by Ram Ahuja
Finance & Management:
- Financial Management by Prasanna Chandra
- Indian Financial System by M.Y. Khan
- Organizational Behavior by L.M. Prasad
- Principles of Management by Harold Koontz
Online Resources
Websites:
- RBI official website (rbi.org.in)
- Ministry of Finance website
- PIB (Press Information Bureau)
- AffairsCloud, Gradeup, BankersAdda
YouTube Channels:
- Study IQ Education
- Adda247
- ixamBee
- Anuj Jindal (specifically for RBI)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many attempts are allowed for RBI Grade B?
Q2: What is the salary of an RBI Grade B officer?
Q3: Is work experience required for RBI Grade B?
Q4: What is the bond period for RBI Grade B officers?
Q5: Can I appear for RBI Grade B while working in another bank?
🎯 Success Tips
- General Awareness is crucial: 80 marks in Phase 1 - this section can make or break your selection
- Practice high-level reasoning: RBI Grade B reasoning is tougher than other banking exams
- Focus on Phase 2 from Day 1: Don't wait for Phase 1 results to start Phase 2 preparation
- Stay updated with RBI policies: Read RBI circulars, monetary policy statements
- Write daily: For Phase 2 descriptive papers, practice writing answers daily
- Quality over quantity: Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning
- Mock interviews: Practice speaking about current economic issues
- Revision is key: Revise Current Affairs multiple times before exam
Last Updated: March 2026
All the best for your RBI Grade B 2026 preparation!