Last Verified: 2026-03-01 from official conducting body notifications.
Official Overview & Examination Scope
Purpose, Scope & Academic Impact
RBI Grade B is considered the most elite and intellectually demanding banking recruitment examination in India. Direct recruits enter as central bank managers formulating macroeconomic policies, interest rate frameworks, foreign exchange controls, and systemic risk surveillance.
Eligibility Criteria & Academic Qualifications
Exam Pattern & Test Structure
Total: 375 Marks (Phase-II 300 + Interview 75)| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase-I: General Awareness | 80 Questions | 80 Marks | 25 Minutes |
| Phase-I: Reasoning | 60 Questions | 60 Marks | 45 Minutes |
| Phase-I: English Language | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | 25 Minutes |
| Phase-I: Quantitative Aptitude | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | 25 Minutes |
| Phase-II Paper I: Economic & Social Issues (ESI) | 50% Objective (30 Qs/50 M) + 50% Descriptive (3 Qs/50 M) | 100 Marks | 120 Minutes |
| Phase-II Paper II: English Writing Skills | 3 Descriptive Questions (Essay, Précis, Reading Comp) | 100 Marks | 90 Minutes |
| Phase-II Paper III: Finance and Management (FM) | 50% Objective (30 Qs/50 M) + 50% Descriptive (3 Qs/50 M) | 100 Marks | 120 Minutes |
| Personality Test (Interview) | Executive Board Interview at RBI Central Office | 75 Marks | 30-40 Minutes |
Phase-I has 0.25 negative marking and strict sectional cutoffs. Phase-II (300 Marks) + Interview (75 Marks) determine final merit out of 375 marks.
Negative Marking Rule: 0.25 penalty on objective questions
Recommended Preparation Roadmap & Strategy
Cutoff Trends & Score Benchmark
Phase-I cutoff hovers between 54 and 68 out of 200. Final composite selection cutoff typically requires 230-245 out of 375.
Recruited Posts, Services & Cadres
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the limit on number of attempts for RBI Grade B?
Candidates belonging to the unreserved (General) category can attempt Phase-I of RBI Grade B a maximum of six times. There is no restriction on attempts for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates.
Is keyboard typing required in Phase-II of RBI Grade B?
Yes, in Phase-II descriptive questions, candidates must type their answers using an on-screen computer keyboard.
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