RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2026 – Marks, Papers and Selection: The RBI Grade B selection process for the General stream consists of three stages: Phase 1 (Preliminary Examination), Phase 2 (Main Examination), and an Interview. Phase 1 is a screening test, while Phase 2 and the interview determine a candidate’s final merit score.
The exam pattern helps applicants understand the number of questions, marks, time limits and assessment format at each stage. Candidates should also check the latest recruitment notification issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as the official notice is the final authority for the applicable examination scheme.
RBI Grade B Exam Pattern: Key Highlights
| Particular | Details in the supplied exam-pattern information |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Reserve Bank of India (RBI) |
| Post | Grade B Officer – General |
| Selection Stages | Phase 1, Phase 2 and Interview |
| Phase 1 | Online objective examination |
| Phase 1 Marks | 200 |
| Phase 1 Duration | 120 minutes, with sectional time limits |
| Phase 2 | Online examination with objective and descriptive papers |
| Phase 2 Marks | 300 |
| Interview | 75 marks |
| Final Merit Score | 375 marks: Phase 2 + Interview |
Important: The pattern and detailed question counts below are based on the information supplied for this article. Applicants should compare them with the current RBI Grade B recruitment notification before preparing or applying.
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern
Phase 1 is an online multiple-choice examination. It is used to shortlist candidates for Phase 2. As described in the supplied pattern, Phase 1 marks are not included in the final merit total.
The exam is listed as having 200 questions for 200 marks, with a total duration of 120 minutes. Each section has a separate time limit.
Phase 1: Section-wise Marks and Timing
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 80 | 80 | 25 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 25 minutes |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 25 minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes |
Phase 1 Negative Marking
The supplied exam-pattern details state that 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer in Phase 1.
Candidates should manage their time carefully and avoid random guessing. The exact marking rules, including any changes to negative marking, should be confirmed in the official notification for the relevant recruitment cycle.
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern
Candidates who meet the required Phase 1 cut-offs are shortlisted for Phase 2. The supplied information describes Phase 2 as a combination of objective and descriptive assessments across three papers.
Phase 2 carries 300 marks in the pattern provided. Descriptive responses are typed on a computer.
Phase 2: Paper-wise Distribution
| Paper | Subject | Format | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Economic and Social Issues (ESI) | Objective and descriptive | 100 | 120 minutes, split into 30 and 90 minutes |
| Paper 2 | English (Writing Skills) | Descriptive | 100 | 90 minutes |
| Paper 3 | Finance and Management (FM) | Objective and descriptive | 100 | 120 minutes, split into 30 and 90 minutes |
| Total | 300 | 330 minutes across the listed papers |
Paper 1: Economic and Social Issues (ESI)
The supplied breakdown divides ESI into objective and descriptive components:
- Objective section: 30 multiple-choice questions for 50 marks, with 30 minutes listed.
- Descriptive section: Six questions are listed, with candidates instructed to attempt four. This component carries 50 marks and has a 90-minute time limit.
The paper assesses knowledge of economic and social issues. Candidates should review the syllabus and assessment instructions in the applicable RBI notification.
Paper 2: English
- The English paper is described as entirely descriptive and carries 100 marks, with 90 minutes allotted.
- The supplied details identify writing tasks such as an essay, précis and reading comprehension. Candidates should practise organizing clear responses and typing within the allotted time.
Paper 3: Finance and Management (FM)
The supplied pattern divides Finance and Management into objective and descriptive sections:
- Objective section: 30 MCQs for 50 marks, with 30 minutes listed.
- Descriptive section: Six questions are listed, with four to be attempted. This component carries 50 marks and has a 90-minute time limit.
Candidates should check the official syllabus for the topics and format applicable to their examination year.
Phase 2 Negative Marking
According to the supplied information, negative marking applies to objective questions in Phase 2. The deduction may be 0.25 or 0.50 marks per incorrect answer, depending on the applicable paper or rule.
Because marking schemes can vary by notification, candidates should verify the precise penalty and whether it applies to each objective component before the examination.
RBI Grade B Interview and Psychometric Test
Candidates who qualify in Phase 2 proceed to the final selection stage described in the supplied information.
Psychometric Test
The referral information describes a mandatory online psychometric assessment, reportedly containing around 100–120 questions and taking approximately 15–20 minutes.
It is described as not carrying a separate score toward the final merit total, with its report used by the interview panel. Candidates should confirm the test’s format and role from the official recruitment notice or interview communication.
Interview
The interview carries 75 marks in the supplied pattern. Candidates may be permitted to answer in Hindi or English, subject to the instructions for the recruitment cycle.
Interview questions may cover areas such as:
- Economic and financial developments
- Banking and monetary policy
- Current affairs and major global events
- The candidate’s education, experience and personal background
Candidates should follow the interview instructions issued to shortlisted applicants.
RBI Grade B Final Merit Calculation
The final merit score in the supplied pattern is calculated from Phase 2 and the interview:
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Phase 2 | 300 |
| Interview | 75 |
| Total | 375 |
Phase 1 is described as a screening stage and is not included in this final aggregate. Candidates should check the current RBI notification for the exact shortlisting criteria, cut-offs and merit-list rules.
How to Prepare for the RBI Grade B Exam
A structured preparation plan can help candidates manage the different formats and time limits.
- Study the current official syllabus. Confirm the topics and exam structure for the recruitment cycle you are applying to.
- Practise timed Phase 1 mock tests. Work within the sectional time limits and review errors after each test.
- Build current-affairs knowledge. Follow reliable updates on the economy, banking, finance and social issues.
- Prepare for descriptive writing. Practise writing organized answers and essays under time constraints.
- Improve computer-based response skills. Since descriptive answers are typed, practise typing and editing efficiently.
- Prepare for the interview. Review your educational background, relevant economic developments and RBI-related topics.
Official RBI Website and Recruitment Portal
For official notifications, eligibility requirements, syllabus information and examination instructions, use the Reserve Bank of India’s own channels:
