RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2026: Phase 1, Phase 2 and Interview

This guide explains the complete RBI Grade B exam pattern for the DR (General), DEPR and DSIM streams, as followed in the 2026 cycle. Always confirm the final pattern in RBI's latest notification on its recruitment portal.

RBI Grade B Selection Process at a Glance

For the DR (General) stream, the final merit list is based on 375 marks: 300 from Phase II and 75 from the interview.

RBI Grade B Phase I Exam Pattern

Phase I is a two-hour online objective test with separate time limits for each section.

Key features of Phase I:

• Sectional timing: You cannot move to the next section until the time for the current section ends, and you cannot return to a finished section.

• Negative marking: One-fourth of the marks for a question (0.25) is deducted for each wrong answer. There is no penalty for unattempted questions.

• Language: Questions are available in Hindi and English, except the English Language section.

• Qualifying nature: Phase I marks are not added to the final merit.

Sectional and Overall Cut-Offs

To qualify for Phase II, you must clear both the sectional cut-off in each of the four sections and the overall cut-off. RBI fixes these cut-offs based on the number of candidates it wants to call for Phase II. A very high score in one section cannot make up for missing the cut-off in another.

RBI Grade B Phase II Exam Pattern

Phase II has three papers. Answers to descriptive questions are typed on the computer using a keyboard.

How ESI and FM Papers Are Split

Both ESI and FM follow the same structure:

Objective part (50 marks, 30 minutes)

Descriptive part (50 marks, 90 minutes)

English (Writing Skills) Paper

The English paper is fully descriptive and has three tasks:

• Essay: Write on one topic from the options given.

• Précis: Condense a passage to about one-third of its length.

• Reading comprehension: Answer questions based on a passage.

This paper must be answered in English. ESI and FM can be answered in Hindi or English.

Negative Marking in Phase II

Negative marking applies only to the objective parts of ESI and FM:

• 0.25 marks deducted for a wrong answer to a 1-mark question

• 0.50 marks deducted for a wrong answer to a 2-mark question

There is no negative marking in descriptive answers.

Phase I vs Phase II: Key Differences

Negative Marking Summary

Exam Mode and Instructions

Both Phase I and Phase II for the DR (General) stream are held online at designated test centres. The admit card for each phase is released on RBI's recruitment portal, along with an information handout that explains the pattern and rules. Read the handout carefully, because it confirms the final pattern for that year, including sectional timing, the language options and how descriptive answers must be typed. Carry the documents listed in the admit card, and reach the centre early to complete verification.

Psychometric Test and Interview

Candidates shortlisted after Phase II take a psychometric test online. It assesses personality traits, carries no marks and is used by the interview board as background information.

The interview carries 75 marks. It is conducted in person, in Hindi or English as the candidate prefers. Questions usually cover your background, RBI's functions, economic and banking issues, current affairs and situational judgement.

How the Final Merit Is Calculated

Phase II therefore carries four times the weight of the interview. Candidates should aim for a strong Phase II score and then use the interview to strengthen their position.

RBI Grade B DEPR Exam Pattern

The DEPR (Department of Economic and Policy Research) stream follows its own pattern:

The two Phase II Economics papers follow the same format but cover different parts of the syllabus, broadly microeconomics and macroeconomics in one, and quantitative methods, econometrics and the Indian economy in the other.

RBI Grade B DSIM Exam Pattern

The DSIM (Department of Statistics and Information Management) stream is tested on statistics and writing:

The Statistics papers can be answered in Hindi or English, while the English paper must be answered in English. Check the notification for how each DEPR and DSIM paper counts towards the final merit.

Exam-Day Time Plan for Phase II

For ESI and FM, the objective and descriptive parts have separate clocks, so plan each part:

• Objective part (30 minutes): Spend the first 20 minutes on questions you know well, then return to the harder 2-mark questions.

• Descriptive part (90 minutes): Spend about 5 minutes reading all six questions and choosing four. Give about 25 minutes to each 15-mark answer and 15 minutes to each 10-mark answer, and keep the last few minutes to review.

• English paper (90 minutes): A practical split is about 40 minutes for the essay, 25 minutes for the précis and 20 minutes for comprehension, with time to check spelling and grammar.

Common Mistakes Candidates Make With the Pattern

• Chasing one section in Phase I: Missing a single sectional cut-off ends your attempt, however high your total.

• Guessing 2-mark questions: Each wrong 2-mark answer costs half a mark.

• Writing long, unstructured answers: Descriptive marks reward clear points, data and examples, not length.

• Not practising typing: Slow typing can leave questions unanswered in the descriptive part.

• Treating the interview as a formality: At 75 marks, it can change your final rank.

Changes in the RBI Grade B Pattern in Recent Years

The pattern has changed in a few important ways over recent cycles:

• Sectional timing was introduced in Phase I, so each section now has its own clock.

• Descriptive sections were added to the ESI and FM papers, which earlier were objective only.

• Interview marks were raised from 50 to 75, and a psychometric test was added before the interview.

These changes mean that writing skills and personality now matter more than before. Older preparation material that treats ESI and FM as purely objective is out of date.

Strategy Based on the Exam Pattern

• Balance Phase I sections: Sectional cut-offs mean you cannot ignore any section. Aim for safe scores in English and Quant, and target high scores in Reasoning and GA.

• Use every minute of GA: 80 questions in 25 minutes gives you under 20 seconds per question. Answer what you know quickly and avoid guessing.

• Pick 2-mark questions carefully: In Phase II, a wrong 2-mark answer costs 0.50, so attempt only when reasonably sure.

• Practise typing: Type ESI and FM answers against the clock. Aim for clear structure: introduction, key points with data, and conclusion.

• Plan descriptive choices: Read all six questions first, then choose the four you can answer best, including the two 15-mark questions.

• Prepare for the interview early: It carries 20% of the final score, so follow RBI policy decisions and banking news throughout.

The RBI Grade B exam pattern is built to test both speed and depth. Phase I is a fast, sectionally timed screening test, Phase II carries 80% of the final score through objective and typed descriptive questions, and the interview completes the picture. Learn the marking rules, respect every sectional cut-off, practise typing descriptive answers, and take timed mocks regularly.