The top attractions of the Grade B post make the RBI Grade B exam a competitive and most sought-after regulatory exam in India. This is the prime reason why, this year too, lakhs of aspirants will apply for the post. But only a few make it through. But why few? And what do those few do to succeed in the exam? The reason is simple! They emphasize both Phases of the exam. And they know how to train their minds to attempt the exam in good sequence. Phase 1 is the first target in their aim. It is an objective-type paper that comes with four sections: English Language, Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and General Awareness. This paper has 200 questions for 200 marks and must be completed in 120 minutes. Each section has separate timings and sectional cut-offs, so you must perform well in all areas to qualify for Phase 2. In this blog, we’ll concisely but effectively discuss how you can prepare yourself to attempt Phase 1 of the exam and gear up for phase 2.
“Excellence happens not by accident. It is a process.”
— Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Tips to Solve the RBI Grade B Phase 1 Paper Effectively
Many aspirants, even well-prepared ones, find Phase 1 tricky. And the two things are its time pressure and its strict cut-offs, which make it difficult while attempting. The fear of negative marking and the pressure to perform well in all four sections can make you nervous. These five simple and smart tips will help you break down the paper section-wise, improve your accuracy, and boost your overall score. If you, from now itself, keep these points in mind while preparing and practicing, then you will be able to attempt Phase 1 in a better and much more effective way.
1. Know the Exam Inside Out & Start with Right Resources
Understanding the exam pattern and structure is essential before you begin your preparation. It helps you plan your study routine, manage your time wisely, and avoid surprises during the exam.
- Go through the latest RBI Phase 1 exam pattern.
- Note the number of questions and time for each section.
- Understand sectional cut-offs
- Keep in mind the negative marking rules.
- Be accurate so you don’t lose marks (Try to answer correctly to skip negative marking).
- Learn which section you’re strongest in.
Check out some of the best all-in-one courses to choose from to give yourself the best start:
2. Start with Your Strengths
The knowledge of all your strong areas can be a game-changer for you in the RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam. So, you should train your brain (during mock test practice also) to start attempting the section you think you are most confident in. It will also reduce nervousness (if you have any, and if not, great) and give you early momentum in the exam.
- Attempt the section where you’re most comfortable.
- It helps save time and keeps panic away.
- Finish easy questions quickly to save minutes.
- Avoid getting stuck on tricky ones early.
- Use the initial boost to stay positive throughout.
3. Use Smart Tricks for Numerical Ability
Numerical Ability can seem difficult. Yes, it is. But if you master the basic concepts and smart tricks, it may surely become the most manageable and scoring part for you. Many candidates waste too much time in this part of the exam. But those who master shortcuts save their time and energy in the exam.
- Focus on simplification, number series, and DI first.
- Learn shortcuts for percentage, ratio, and averages.
- Revise squares, cubes, and tables regularly.
- Try solving DI sets with easy numbers first.
- Avoid long calculations that eat time.
4. Master Reasoning with Daily Practice
Reasoning tests your logical thinking. And that too, under pressure. This is the reason why many students find puzzles time-consuming. But if you practice daily and follow a good problem-solving strategy, this section can help you fetch high marks easily.
- Practice puzzles and seating arrangements daily.
- Strengthen basic topics like syllogisms and coding.
- Focus on accuracy over speed in tough sets.
- Use elimination to solve faster.
- Attempt easy 2-3 marker questions first.
5. Boost General Awareness with Daily Updates
General Awareness is one of the most scoring or easiest sections. Its preparation requires the least time (60 minutes a day). If prepared well, this section can give you a strong lead without spending more than 10–15 minutes.
- Read a reliable current affairs source daily.
- Focus on last 6 months of RBI-related news.
- Revise schemes, appointments, and financial updates.
- Take weekly quizzes to stay sharp.
- Avoid guessing if unsure—stick to what you know.
Takeaway
The secret of cracking the RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam lies in planning and smart execution, along with proper knowledge of all the subjects involved in the exam. This is not just a test of knowledge. An exam that not only tests your ability to manage time, but also challenges how smart your strategy is. If you keep in mind all the points discussed above from now itself, and from now itself keep practicing their implementation through mock test practice, then you will be able to clear Phase 1 with complete success. Just like all successful candidates have done before, who are now a part of the RBI. So, don’t be afraid of the competition and the lengthy syllabus. Instead, break it into smaller parts and prepare smartly. Can you make your journey to success a bit easier, too? How? Choose the course from the RBI Grade B online courses that suits you the most. And set out on the right path to success from now itself. And to keep yourself 100 percent motivated during preparation, remember these 2 quotes:
“You have to dream before your dreams can come true.”— Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
“Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached.”— Swami Vivekananda
Join our unique Telegram group immediately to skyrocket your preparation for Regulatory exams via expert guidance, top tips, perfect feedback, and much more!
[ Click Here to join the PracticeMock Telegram Group! ]
[ Click Here to join the PracticeMock Telegram Discussion Group Link! ]
Also, go through the 60 days Study Plan for the RBI Grade B Exam 2025
Related Posts:
FAQs
Yes, you must clear each section’s cutoff and the overall cutoff.
Start with your strongest section to build confidence.
Yes, General Awareness has 80 marks and is mostly current affairs.
The exam gives fixed time slots for each section as per the pattern.
Yes, skipping is smart. Don’t waste time on tough or tricky ones.
- Sign Up on Practicemock for Updated Current Affairs, Free Topic Tests and Free Mini Mocks
- Sign Up Here to Download Free Study Material
Free Mock Tests for the Upcoming Exams
- IBPS PO Free Mock Test
- RBI Grade B Free Mock Test
- IBPS SO Free Mock Test
- NABARD Grade A Free Mock Test
- SSC CGL Free Mock Test
- IBPS Clerk Free Mock Test
- IBPS RRB PO Free Mock Test
- IBPS RRB Clerk Free Mock Test
- RRB NTPC Free Mock Test
- SSC MTS Free Mock Test
- SSC Strenographer Free Mock Test
- GATE Mechanical Free Mock Test
- GATE Civil Free Mock Test
- RRB ALP Free Mock Test
- SSC CPO Free Mock Test
- AFCAT Free Mock Test
- SEBI Grade A Free Mock Test
- IFSCA Grade A Free Mock Test
- RRB JE Free Mock Test
- Free Banking Live Test
- Free SSC Live Test