Want to clear the RBI Grade B exam this year? Then you must also know how intense the cut-throat competition is in this exam. And this year’s exam can be just as tough, or even tougher. Because the number of applicants is increasing every year. To beat this competition, you will have to start your preparation from now itself. And that too, in the right way. The very first step to start your preparation is to deeply understand the RBI Grade B Exam Syllabus 2025. And then, based on that information, create a very goal-oriented study plan, with the help of which you can gradually cover all the topics. To make this step easier for you, we are providing you with the complete syllabus of the RBI Grade B Phase 1 and Phase 2 exam through this blog. Along with this, we will make you well-informed about the weightage of all the topics. Plus, you can also get access to the syllabus in PDF form and a Free RBI Grade B mock test to know your AIR and improve your knowledge and skills accordingly.
Before we move on further to dive into the RBI Grade B Exam Syllabus, it’s important to have a look at some of the most important highlights related to the exam. The table below throws light on the list of subjects and the marking scheme of the RBI Grade B Exam. It is to be noted that RBI Grade B Phase 1 is made up of sections or subjects like English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness, whereas Phase 2 includes subjects like Finance & Management, English, and Economic & Social Issues. The first Phase is objective, whereas the Phase 2 exam tests candidates with a combination of both objective and descriptive questions.
RBI Officer Exam Phase 1, Phase 2, & Interview Highlights | |
Exam Conducting Body | Reserve Bank of India |
Name of Exam | RBI Grade B |
Selection Process | Phase 1, Phase 2 & Interview |
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Questions Format | MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) |
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Questions Format | MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) & Descriptive |
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Subjects | General Awareness, Reasoning, English, Quantitative Aptitude |
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Subjects | Economic & Social Issues, Finance & Management & English |
Negative Marking | ¼ mark |
Official Website Link | www.rbi.org.in |
PM Telegram Channel Link | https://t.me/RegulatoryPM |
The first important task before preparing for the RBI Grade B exam is to have a complete understanding of the exam syllabus. Since the syllabus is quite extensive, you should ensure that you are aware of which topics belong to which section and which ones are the most important for preparation. First, let’s discuss the syllabus in detail. You can download the complete syllabus from the link below. This syllabus has been released by the RBI, and it can be expected that there will be no changes this time. However, if there are any changes, we will update them in this blog. It is better to carefully read the information provided below and bookmark this page for upcoming updates.
The official notification for RBI Grade B 2025 is yet to be released, but the exam pattern is expected to remain similar to previous years. If you’re preparing for this highly competitive exam, the first step is to clearly understand its structure. This helps you build a smart preparation strategy and manage your time better during the exam.
The exam is conducted in three stages:
This phase is qualifying in nature and only shortlists candidates for the next stage.
Each paper has its own pattern, so you must prepare accordingly. The marks scored in Phase 2 are considered for final selection.
Pro Tip: Studying hard is important, but studying smart is what makes the difference. And knowing the exam pattern is the first step toward smart preparation. Make sure to read the RBI Grade B Notification 2025 when it’s released for detailed eligibility, syllabus, and updates.
Phase 1 of the RBI Grade B exam is the first and most important stage of the selection process. You must clear this stage to qualify for the next level — Phase 2. It is an online objective-type exam that tests your basic knowledge and speed across four important subjects.
Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
General Awareness | 80 | 80 | 25 mins |
English Language | 30 | 30 | 25 mins |
Numerical Ability | 30 | 30 | 25 mins |
Reasoning Ability | 60 | 60 | 45 mins |
Total | 200 | 200 | 120 mins |
Cut-off Criteria: You must clear both sectional and overall cut-offs to qualify for Phase 2.
Phase 2 is a crucial stage of the RBI Grade B selection process. The marks you score in this round play a major role in deciding whether you move forward to the interview.
It consists of three papers:
These papers are a mix of objective and descriptive questions. Let’s understand each in detail:
Paper | Type | Time | Marks |
Paper 1: ESI | 30 Objective Questions | 30 minutes | 50 |
6 Descriptive Questions (Attempt 4) | 90 minutes | 50 | |
Paper 2: English | 3 Descriptive Questions (Essay, Precis, RC) | 90 minutes | 100 |
Paper 3: FM | 30 Objective Questions | 30 minutes | 50 |
6 Descriptive Questions (Attempt 4) | 90 minutes | 50 |
By understanding this structure, you can focus on what really matters and plan your preparation smartly. Practice writing answers regularly and stay updated on current economic and financial issues.
RBI Grade B 2025 Phase 1 is very important in this regard because you cannot reach Phase 2 without clearing it. This syllabus consists of 4 sections, such as General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. To clear the exam, it is very important to score well in each part. Look at the table below and find out which topics are included in each section, which test different aspects of your language skills, mathematical skills, reasoning ability, and general knowledge in the Phase 1 exam.
Section | Topics |
English Language | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumble, Phrase usage/replacement, Error detection, Word swap, match the sentences, Sentence rearrangement, fill in the blanks |
Quantitative Aptitude | Number System (including HCF, LCM), Simplification & Approximation, Number Series, Quadratic Equations, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Problems on Ages, Partnership, Mixture & Alligation, Profit, Loss & Discount, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work (including Pipes & Cisterns), Time, Speed & Distance (including Boats & Streams), Data Interpretation, Mensuration |
Reasoning Ability | Analogy, Classification, Alphabet Test, Coding Decoding, Inequalities, Blood Relations, Direction & Distance, Order & Ranking, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Syllogism, Data Sufficiency, Statement & Assumption, Statement & Argument, Statement & Conclusion, Statement & Inference, Statement & Course of Action, Cause & Effect |
General Awareness | National, Government Scheme, Agriculture & Farmer Welfare, Defence, MOU, State, International, Report & Indices, Banking & Economy, GDP, Budget & Eco Survey, Appointments, Important Days, Awards, Sports, Books/Obituary/Disaster, Static GK/Miscellaneous |
The Phase 2 Syllabus for RBI Grade B 2025 is divided into three parts. These 3 parts are in the form of three papers: Economic & Social Issues (ESI), English Descriptive, and Finance & Management (FM). Each of these papers holds its own importance because, in Phase 2, there are both overall cut-offs as well as sectional cut-offs. Since the RBI Grade B 2025 notification has not been released yet, we cannot say that any minor changes might be made to the syllabus. However, it is expected that the syllabus will remain the same as last year.
Check out the latest Phase 2 syllabus for RBI Grade B 2025:
Importance | Topic |
High | Growth and Development, Measurement of Growth: National Income and Per Capita Income |
High | Economic Reforms in India, Industrial and Labour Policy, Monetary and Fiscal Policy, Privatization, Role of Economic Planning |
High | Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation in India |
Medium | Sustainable Development and Environmental Issues |
Medium | Globalization, Opening up of the Indian Economy, Balance of Payments, Export-Import Policy |
Medium | International Economic Institutions, IMF and World Bank, WTO, Regional Economic Co-operation |
Medium | Social Structure in India, Multiculturalism, Demographic Trends, Urbanization and Migration, Gender Issues |
Low | Social Justice: Positive Discrimination in favor of the underprivileged, Social Movements |
The purpose of the English Descriptive paper is to test the candidates’ writing skills and their knowledge on this topic. In this, you will be asked to write an Essay and a Precis. Additionally, there will be some questions based on a given comprehension. If you want to know what kind of topics you will have to write answers on in this RBI Grade B phase 2 English paper, please pay attention to the table provided below:
Section | Description |
Purpose | The English Descriptive paper tests candidates’ writing skills, including expression and understanding of the topic. |
Components | – Essay Writing- Precis Writing- Comprehension-based Questions |
Example Essay Topics (2025) | 1. Future of BPO Industries in India2. Importance of Creative Thinking in Business3. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”4. Pros & Cons of Teaching Computer Language/Coding to School Students |
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Paper 3 is the Finance & Management (FM) paper. To simplify, I have provided the Finance and Management Details separately. The key topics from the Finance syllabus are listed below:
S.No. | Topic | Sub-Topics | Weightage |
1 | Financial System | Structure and Functions of Financial Institutions, Functions of RBI, Banking System in India, Financial Institutions (SIDBI, EXIM, NABARD, etc.), Recent Developments in Global Financial System, Role of IT in Banking | Very High |
2 | Financial Markets | Primary and Secondary Markets (Forex, Money, Bond, Equity, etc.), Functions, Instruments, Recent Developments | High |
3 | Corporate Governance in the Banking Sector | Concepts of Risk Management, Techniques for Risk Identification and Mitigation | High |
4 | Basics of Accounting and Financial Statements | Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss, Cash Flow Statements, Ratio Analysis (Debt to Equity, Debtor Days, Creditor Days, Inventory Turnover, Return on Assets, Return on Equity) | High |
5 | Inflation | Definition, Trends, Estimates, Consequences, and Remedies (WPI, CPI, Balance Between Inflation and Growth through Policies) | High |
6 | Global Financial Markets and International Banking | Broad Trends, Latest Developments | Medium |
7 | Derivative Instruments and Their Applications | Role of E-Governance in Government Issues, Addressing Corruption and Inefficiency | Medium |
8 | The Union Budget | Concepts, Approach, Broad Trends | Medium |
9 | Financial Inclusion | Role of Financial Inclusion in Economic Development | Medium |
10 | Alternate Source of Finance | Private and Social Cost-Benefit, Public-Private Partnership | Medium |
11 | Basics of Derivatives | Derivative Instruments and their Applications | Low |
12 | FinTech | Latest Developments in Financial Technology | Low |
Here’s a table that organizes the topics in terms of their importance in the exam for Fundamentals of Management & Organizational Behaviour and Ethics at the Workplace & Corporate Governance:
S.No. | Topic | Sub-Topics | Weightage |
1 | Introduction to Management | Evolution of Management Thought (Scientific, Administrative, Human Relations, Systems Approach), Management Functions, Managerial Roles, Nudge Theory | Very High |
2 | Organizational Behaviour | Personality: Meaning, Factors Affecting Personality, Big Five Model, Concept of Reinforcement, Perception, Perceptual Errors | Very High |
3 | Motivation | Content Theories (Maslow’s Need Theory, Alderfer’s ERG Theory, McClelland’s Theory of Needs, Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory), Process Theories (Adams Equity Theory, Vroom’s Expectancy Theory) | Very High |
4 | Leadership | Concept, Theories (Trait, Behavioural, Contingency, Charismatic, Transactional, Transformational Leadership) | High |
5 | Emotional Intelligence | Concept, Importance, Dimensions | High |
6 | Analysis of Interpersonal Relationships | Transactional Analysis, Johari Window | High |
7 | Conflict Management | Concept, Sources, Types, Management of Conflict | High |
8 | Organizational Change | Concept, Kurt Lewin Theory of Change | High |
9 | Organizational Development (OD) | Strategies for Change, Theories of Planned Change (Lewin’s Change Model, Action Research Model, Positive Model) | High |
10 | Ethics at the Workplace | Meaning of Ethics, Why Ethical Problems Occur in Business, Theories of Ethics (Utilitarianism, Rights and Duties, Justice and Fairness, etc.) | Medium |
11 | Corporate Governance | Factors Affecting Corporate Governance, Mechanisms of Corporate Governance | Medium |
12 | Ethical Principles in Business | Ethics in Compliance, Finance, HR, Marketing, Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, Role of Board of Directors, Best Practices in Ethics Programs | Medium |
13 | Communication | Steps in Communication Process, Communication Channels, Oral vs. Written Communication, Verbal vs. Non-verbal Communication, Barriers to Communication | Medium |
14 | Information Technology in Communication | Role of Information Technology | Low |
This table places the topics in order of their importance in the exam, with “Very High” indicating the most crucial topics to focus on.
NOTE: Also, go through RBI Grade B’s previous years’ papers to learn about the type of questions that are generally asked in the exam.
The syllabus for the DEPR stream is based on the role of the DEPR Cadre officers at the Reserve Bank of India. He is responsible for taking care of the economic policies and analysis related to RBI. Take a look at the table below to learn about all the topics that combine to form the RBI Grade B Officer DEPR syllabus and the suggested study materials in terms of their importance in the exam:
S.No. | Topic | Sub-Topics | Weightage |
1 | Economics Papers | Master’s Degree level standard in Economics, covered by Central Universities in India, and advanced concepts in Economics | Very High |
2 | English Paper | Writing skills, Expression, Understanding of Topics, Essay Writing, Precis Writing | High |
3 | RBI Publications | Annual Reports – Provides insights into RBI’s functions and strategies; Monetary Policy Report – Understanding monetary policy goals and actions | High |
4 | Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India | Focus on developments, trends in banking, and challenges faced by the Indian banking sector | High |
5 | Financial Stability Report | Understanding the financial stability indicators and risk analysis presented by RBI | Medium |
6 | Economic Survey (Last 2 Years) | Vital for macroeconomic trends, policies, growth, inflation, and other economic indicators | Very High |
7 | Monetary Policy | Focus on RBI’s monetary policy, repo rate, reverse repo rate, liquidity management | Very High |
8 | Master’s Degree Economics Level Content | Advanced economic concepts and theories applicable to macroeconomics, microeconomics, and econometrics | High |
9 | Reports Published by Government | Government’s policy decisions, economic reform strategies, budget analysis, and macroeconomic trends from government reports | Medium |
The syllabus for the DSIM stream is as per the post of the DSIM Cadre officers of RBI. He is responsible for taking care of the collection, compilation, and statistical analysis. Plus, he interprets all data related to banking, corporates, the external sector, and more. The Paper 1 is conducted online and tests candidates with multiple-choice questions. On the other hand, Paper 2 and Paper 3 are descriptive-based exams. The candidates are required to type the answers using the keyboard. Check out the table below to learn about the RBI Grade B officer DSIM syllabus:
Paper | Topic | Sub-Topics |
Paper 1 | Probability | Probability Definition, Large & Small Sample Theory, Analysis of Variance, Estimation, Standard Distribution, Testing of Hypotheses, Multivariate Analysis, Stochastic Processes |
Paper 2 | Statistical Inference | Estimation, Testing of Hypothesis, Non-Parametric Tests |
Linear Models & Economic Statistics | Linear Models, Economic Statistics | |
Probability & Sampling | Probability Theory, Sampling Methods | |
Stochastic Processes | Random Processes, Markov Chains, etc. | |
Multivariate Analysis | Techniques for analyzing multiple variables (e.g., Factor Analysis, PCA) | |
Numerical Analysis & Computer Techniques | Computational methods, solving numerical problems using techniques | |
Paper 3 | English | Writing skills, expression, understanding of topics, essay writing, précis writing |
NOTE:
The RBI Grade B Interview round is as important as other Phases of the exam. In this final stage of the selection process, you can fetch up to 75 marks. The questions in it are designed to test the candidate’s overall personality, their communication skills, their newly acquired knowledge of the topics involving the test, and their decision-making ability. Let’s talk about the main areas to focus on to master the interview round.
There is no fixed syllabus, but the interview generally covers the following areas:
Given below are the kinds of questions that you can face in the interview round of the RBI Grade B exam.
Just as you will prepare for Phase 1 and Phase 2, you need to prepare for the interview as well. The interview is also an important stage of the RBI Grade B exam. To perform well in the interview round, you will need to read financial news and also remember important concepts from the Phase 2 syllabus. Additionally, you should keep giving mock interviews so that you know what is right and wrong in your answers. This way, you can eliminate your mistakes before the actual interview. Here are 4 points that you need to keep in mind and follow:
RBI Grade B Books are an essential resource for the RBI Grade B Phase 1 and Phase 2 preparation. Therefore, candidates are recommended to the best books that give a complete coverage of subjects like Economics, Finance, Management, and General Awareness.
Here are the most recommended subject-wise booklists:
First, let’s shed light on the books that best help in covering the Phase 1 syllabus:
To master this section, you need to master math. And the books that can help boost your calculations are:
To master this section, you need to master your reasoning ability and analytical skills. And the books that can help boost your reasoning power are:
The English part is as important as the other sections. Here are the books that you must choose to get good results in the English part of the exam:
This is perhaps the most scoring part of the exam if you keep updated with day-to-day happenings and static knowledge. Here are the books to go for to master this section:
Now, let’s discuss the books that subject experts recommend most to cover Phase 2 topics.
here are some of the most effective books that you can opt for to cover ESi topics:
To cover the topics related to FM, you’ll have to get the most recommended books. Here are the three most sought-after books for better outcomes.
Descriptive writing requires regular writing practice. So, you need to get books that can help you improve your writing skills through daily practice. Here are the best recommendations:
You must have understood the RBI Grade B Exam Pattern and syllabus very well now. And now you will be in a strong position to plan your studies, so that you can smartly prepare an effective study plan. Remember, you have to give more attention to important topics (the ones with higher weightage), keep time limits in mind throughout the entire preparation, and also keep track of total marks for every phase. Stay completely focused, keep preparing consistently (without taking gaps), and always keep your mindset positive during the entire preparation. So give your everything in the preparation for this exam. And it’s just a matter of a few months. Keep full faith in yourself. Your hard work, your determination will take you to success.
Just keep moving forward, PracticeMock’s best wishes are with you and will always be with you!
Also, know why RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam: The Silent Eliminator of 99% Aspirants & What is the Finance and Management Syllabus for RBI Grade B Exam?
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The Phase 1 exam includes English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness.
You can download the syllabus PDF from the provided link in the blog.
The English Descriptive paper tests writing skills through essays, précis, and comprehension-based questions.
Important topics include financial systems, financial markets, risk management, and inflation.
No significant changes are expected, but updates will be provided if any modifications occur.
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