Download RBI Grade B Previous Year Question Paper 2021 PDF

Analysing the RBI Grade B previous year question paper of 2021 is crucial for every aspirant. By understanding the RBI Grade B 2021 PYQs, you’ll:

• Understand the exam format and marking scheme
• Know the types of questions asked in the RBI Grade B exam
• Identify the difficulty level of each subject in both Phase 1 and Phase 2
• Topic-wise distribution of questions
• Pinpoint the high-weightage topics for focused preparation

In this article, I will analyze the RBI Grade B 2021 PYQs in detail, offering insights into the question types, difficulty levels, high-weightage topics, and more to enhance your preparation.

But before diving deep into the RBI Grade B 2021 previous year question paper, you must analyze the latest PYQs. Below, you can find the articles of the latest year-wise RBI Grade B PYQs, where you can download them with answer keys in PDF for free:

• RBI Grade B Previous Year Question Paper 2024
• RBI Grade B Previous Year Question Paper 2023
• RBI Grade B Previous Year Question Paper 2022

How to Download RBI Grade B Previous Year Question Paper 2021

At EduTap, my team of experts and I have analysed RBI Grade B PYQs for the 2021 exam and provided an answer key for each question. 

Download Past 5 Year RBI Grade B PYQs

Fill out the form below to download the RBI Grade B previous year questions (2021 to 2025) of phase 1 and phase 2 in PDF format for free.

Subject-wise Good Attempts of RBI Grade B 2021

Based on candidates’ feedback and the overall difficulty level of the exam, the following were considered good attempts in RBI Grade B 2021:

Before moving forward, you need to understand that in 2021 RBI introduced major changes in the Phase 2 pattern. Let’s take a brief look at those changes.

RBI Grade B Pattern Change in 2021

1. RBI Grade B introduced descriptive writing in FM and ESI papers of Phase 2; earlier, they were entirely objective.
2. The time allotted to FM and ESI has increased from 90 to 120 minutes to accommodate both objective and descriptive sections.
3. The weightage of the interview increased from 50 to 75 marks, and a psychometric test was introduced as a part of the selection process.

Let’s now look at the subject-wise analysis of the RBI Grade B 2021 PYQs.

RBI Grade B Previous Year Question Paper 2021 Phase 1 Analysis 

Here is the subject-wise RBI Grade B Phase 1 2021 PYQs analysis:

RBI Grade B Reasoning Previous Year Question Paper Analysis 2021

I have analysed the RBI Grade B 2021 PYQs to identify the number of questions asked from each topic of reasoning, their difficulty level, and the most important topics.

Number of Questions Asked from Each Reasoning Topic in RBI Grade B 2021

• Seating Arrangement: 18
• Critical Reasoning: 12
• Puzzle: 10
• Input Output: 5
• Inequality: 3
• Data Sufficiency: 3
• Order Ranking: 3
• Alphanumeric Series: 2
• Syllogism: 2
• Direction Sense: 1
• Coding Decoding: 1

Difficulty Level of Reasoning in RBI Grade B 2021

• Total Questions: 60
• Easy: 7
• Moderate: 43
• Difficult: 10

Important Reasoning Topics for RBI Grade B

• Seating Arrangement
• Alphanumeric Series
• Coding Decoding
• Ranking and Order
• Blood Relation
• Syllogism
• Puzzles
• Inequality
• Direction Sense
• Critical Reasoning

Types of Questions Asked from Reasoning in RBI Grade B 2021

You must understand that reasoning questions are lengthy and time-consuming, hence, it is important to identify and prioritize the easier questions in reasoning, as you have limited time to complete them. To achieve this, you should practice as many mock tests as you can.

Below are some of the actual questions asked in the RBI Grade B 2021 reasoning section.

Question 1: Direction: Each of the questions below consists of a question and two statements numbered I and II given below it. You have to decide whether the data provided in the statements are sufficient to answer the question: –

Q: Six persons: L, M, N, O, P, and Q are sitting in a row, but not necessarily in the same order. Who among the following persons sits second from the left end of the row? (facing south)

Statement 1: Q sits third to the left of the one who sits second to the right of L. Only two people are sitting between Q and M. Only one person sits between L and N.

Statement 2: Only two persons are sitting between M and Q. M sits immediately right of the one who sits second to the left of O, who sits either left or right end.

A. Only Statement I is sufficient

B. Only Statement II is sufficient

C. Either statement I or statement II is sufficient

D. Neither statement I nor statement II is sufficient

E. Both statements I and II are sufficient

Question 2: Directions (1-5): Study the following information carefully and answer the below questions.

Eight persons- P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, and W are born in different years but not necessarily in the same order. The ages of each person are calculated from the base year 2020. Note: If it is given that A’s age is equal to the last two digits of the birth year of B, then the age of A will be in any sequence. For example: If B is born in 1992, A’s age is equal to the last two digits of the birth year of B, then the age of A may be either 29 or 92 years. None of the persons were born before 1970 and after 2015. W was born in 2000. Only three persons are born between W and T. The age of T is the last two digits of the birth year of V. 

The difference between the age of V and W is five years. V is born two persons after the one whose age is 20 years. Q is born two persons before the one who is born immediately after S. Only two persons are born between S and the one whose age is 18 years. The sum of the ages of W and R is one less than the age of S. The last two digits of the birth year of a person who is born adjacent to Q is equal to the age of the person who is born immediately after W. The age difference between R and the one whose age is 20 is the same as between Q and the one who is born adjacent to Q.

The age difference between V and U is one less than the age difference between Q and S. The numbers of persons are born between P and R is the same as between S and T. The age of P is equal to the last two digits of the birth year of the person who was born two persons before P. All person’s ages are equal to the last two digits of the birth year of some other persons except V and Q.

Question 1: What is the age of P?

A. 19

B. 27

C. 28

D. 07

E. 38

Question 2: Who among the following person was born immediately before V?

A. U

B. The one who was born immediately after W

C. Q

D. T

E. The one who was born two persons after S

Question 3: What is the sum of the ages of V, U, and T?

A. 95

B. 83

C. 68

D. 72

E. 75

Question 4: As many persons are born before Q is same as after__?

A. The one who was born in 2005

B. The one who was born in 2000

C. The one who was born in 2013

D. S

E. P

Question 5: In which of the following year does Q was born?

A. 1970

B. 1972

C. 1975

D. 1985

E. 1993

RBI Grade B Quant Previous Year Question Paper Analysis 2021

I have analysed the RBI Grade B 2021 PYQs to identify the number of questions asked from each topic of Quant, their difficulty level, and the most important topics. 

Number of Questions Asked from Each Quant Topic in RBI Grade B 2021

• Data Sufficiency: 8
• Data Interpretation: 7
• Quantity Comparison: 5
• Number Series: 3
• Ages: 2
• Time & Distance: 1
• Quadratic Equations: 1
• Compound Interest: 1
• Ratio & Proportion: 1
• Percentage: 1

Difficulty Level of Quant in RBI Grade B 2021

• Total Questions: 30
• Easy: 0
• Moderate: 22
• Difficult: 8

Important Quant Topics for RBI Grade B

• Number Series
• Data Interpretation
• Quadratic Equations
• Simplification & Approximation
• Percentage
• Data Sufficiency
• Quantity Comparison
• Time & Work
• Pipes & Cistern
• Time & Distance
• Profit & Loss

Types of Questions Asked from Quant in RBI Grade B 2021

Similar to reasoning, identifying and prioritizing the easier questions is also crucial to attempt quant questions, as they can also be time-consuming, and time is limited. Regular practice with mock tests is an effective way to refine this skill and enhance your time management. 

Below are some of the actual questions asked in the RBI Grade B 2021 Quant section.

Question 1: Ajay invested Rs.  ‘x’ in a scheme Z.  Scheme Z offers compound interest at the rate 10% compounded annually for the first three years and then simple interest at the rate 8% for the next five years.  Find the value of ‘x’, if the total interest earned by Ajay after eight years is Rs. 34,536?

A. Rs. 45000

B. Rs. 36000

C. Rs. 48000

D. Rs. 36000

E. Rs. 40000

Question 2: Direction (Q1-Q5): Study the following information carefully and answer the given questions. The table below shows cost price and selling price of 5 different articles sold by a shopkeeper:

Note: Total cost price of article = Cost price + Cost of transportation

Question 1: If the cost price of article S is 20% more than the cost price of Article T then finds the selling price of article S?

A. Rs. 2050 

B. Rs. 4450 

C. Rs. 8888

D. Rs. 9000 

E. Rs. 5000

Question 2:  If the shopkeeper has paid Rs. x for the cost of transport in article R and when the transportation cost increases by Rs. 100, then find the value of X if the sum of selling prices of article R in these two cases is 11000?

A. Rs. 203 

B. Rs. 665 

C. Rs. 527 

D. Rs. 400 

E. Rs. 825

Question 3: If the cost of transportation on article T is Rs. 300 and the selling price of article P is 40% less than the selling price of article T, then find the profit earned on article P?

A. Rs. 1433 

B. Rs. 1107

C. Rs. 1509 

D. Rs. 1345 

E. None of these

Question 4: If the cost on transportation on article Q is 120 % of cost of transportation on article S, then find the profit percentage in article Q if there is no transportation cost charged?

A. 28 %

B. 34 %

C. 12 %

D. 25 %

E. 50 %

Question 5: There are three persons A, B and C whose sum of ages is 75 years. If 8 years ago the average age of A, B and C is —- years and 5 years hence the average age of A and C will be 33 years and the present age of B is—– years.

A. 17, 19

B. 22, 14 

C. 21, 30

D. Either a or c

E. None of these

RBI Grade B General Awareness Previous Year Question Paper Analysis 2021

I have analysed the RBI Grade B 2021 PYQs to identify the number of questions asked from each topic of GA, their difficulty level, and the most important topics. 

Number of Questions Asked from Each GA Topic in RBI Grade B 2021

• ESI Current Affairs: 13
• Static GA: 12
• Schemes: 7
• Finance Current Affairs: 6
• Reports: 5
• RBI Notifications: 4
• Places in news: 4
• Days in News: 4
• Banking and Finance: 3
• Union Budget: 2
• First in News: 2
• Govt Initiatives: 2
• Defence: 2
• Sports: 2
• Person In News: 2
• Appointments: 1
• Fairs and Festivals: 1
• Miscellaneous: 8

Difficulty Level of GA in RBI Grade B 2021

• Total Questions: 80
• Easy: 36
• Moderate: 32
• Difficult: 14

Important GA Topics for RBI Grade B

• Flagship Schemes related to Finance, Women Empowerment, Human Development, Infrastructure, and Social Justice.
• Topics like First in News, Government Initiatives, Science and Technology, Sports, etc., play an important role.
• With respect to finance current affairs, the paper requires a balance of a thorough understanding of current knowledge with static topics of the news to crack answers.
• ESI Current Affairs related to Globalisation, Social Sector – Education, Regional Economic Cooperation, Sustainable Development and Environmental Issues, and Social Justice, requires a balance of thorough understanding of current knowledge with static topics of the news to crack answers.
• In the Reports, questions were asked from reports released by National/International Organizations related to syllabus like Social Justice, Sustainable Development, and Environmental Issues, etc.

Types of Questions Asked from GA in RBI Grade B 2021

In General Awareness (GA), it’s not necessary to identify easy questions. Instead, read each question carefully and proceed: answer the ones you’re sure about, and skip the ones you’re uncertain of. Once you’ve completed all 80 GA questions, if time allows, revisit the ones you skipped for a second attempt.

Below are some of the actual questions asked in the RBI Grade B 2021 GA section.

Question 1: In the recently released Global Innovation Index (GII), India’s rank has improved to 48th in the year 2020. Its rank in the year 2019 was _________ 

A. 50th

B. 54th 

C. 56th 

D. 52nd 

E. 58th

Question 2: Recently in the month of Dec 2020, “iMobile app” was launched by ICICI Bank with the aim to strengthen financial ecosystem of the country. Read below given statements and identify which of the following is NOT correct regarding the features of this app?

A. It enables users to pre-set limits on their credit and debit cards for domestic as well as international transactions.

B. It allows customers to link multiple bank accounts.

C. It can be used only by the customers of ICICI Bank.

D. It allows customers to scan a QR Code of any payment app and send money to any UPI ID, Bank account, self-etc.

E. It lets its customers open (and renew) Life Insurance and General Insurance policies, directly from your phone.

RBI Grade B English Previous Year Question Paper Analysis 2021

I have analysed the RBI Grade B 2021 PYQs to identify the number of questions asked from each topic of English, their difficulty level, and the most important topics. 

Number of Questions Asked from Each English Topic in RBI Grade B 2021

• Reading Comprehension: 15
• Cloze Test: 5
• Sentence Replacement: 4
• Error Detection: 3
• Idiom & Phrase Use: 2
• Sentence Connector: 1

Difficulty Level of English in RBI Grade B 2021

• Total Questions: 30
• Easy: 3
• Moderate: 23
• Difficult: 4

Important English Topics for RBI Grade B

• Sentence Connectors
• Double Fillers
• Error Detection
• Reading Comprehension
• Correct Usage of Words
• Sentence Rearrangement
• Words Interchanged
• Single Fillers

Types of Questions Asked from English in RBI Grade B 2021

For the English section, some aspirants prefer tackling Reading Comprehension (RC) first, while others choose to answer the other topics and save RC for the end. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to attempting the questions. The key is to find what works best for you, and the most effective way to do this is by practicing with multiple mock tests.

Below are some of the actual questions asked in the RBI Grade B 2021 English section.

Question 1: Direction: In the following questions, two columns are given containing three sentences / phrases each. In first column, the sentences / phrases are A, B and C whereas the same in the second column are marked as D, E and F. A sentence / phrase from the first column may or may not combine with another sentence / phrase in the second column to form a grammatically and contextually correct sentence. Each question has five options out of which four have possible combinations of sentences / phrases that are grammatically and contextually correct. If none of the combinations gives us grammatically and contextually correct sentences, mark E as your answer.

Question 1: Find the best possible combination.

A. A-E and B-D

B. C-D and B-F

C. A-E and C-D

D. C-D

E. None of these

Question 2: Direction (Q.1- Q.6): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words are Underlined to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.

A tailor and a goldsmith were travelling together, and one evening when the sun had sunk behind the mountains, they heard the sound of distant music, which became more and more distinct. It sounded strange, but so pleasant that they forgot all their weariness and stepped quickly onwards. The moon had already arisen when they reached a hill on which they saw a crowd of little men and women, who had taken each other’s hands, and were WHIRLING round in the dance with the greatest pleasure and delight.

They sang to it most charmingly, and that was the music which the traveller’s had heard. In the midst of them sat an old man who was rather taller than the rest. He wore a parti-coloured coat, and his HOARY beard hung down over his chest. The two remained standing full of astonishment, and watched the dance. The old man made a sign that they should enter, and the little folks willingly opened their circle. The goldsmith, who had a hump, and like all hunch-backs was daring enough, stepped in. The tailor felt a little afraid at first, and held back, but when he saw how merrily all was going, he plucked up his courage, and followed. The circle closed again directly, and the little folks went on singing and dancing with the wildest leaps. The old man, however, took a large knife which hung to his girdle, whetted it, and when it was sufficiently sharpened, he looked round at the strangers.

They were terrified, but they had not much time for reflection, for the old man seized the goldsmith and with the greatest speed, shaved the hair of his head clean off, and then the same thing happened to the tailor. But their fear left them when, after he had finished his work, the old man clapped them both on the shoulder in a friendly manner, as much as to say, they had behaved well to let all that be done to them willingly, and without any struggle. He pointed with his finger to a heap of coals which lay at one side, and signified to the travellers by his gestures that they were to fill their pockets with them. Both of them obeyed, although they did not know of what use the coals would be to them, and then they went on their way to seek a shelter for the night.

When they had got into the valley, the clock of the neighbouring monastery struck twelve, and the song ceased. In a moment all had vanished, and the hill lay in SOLITUDE in the moonlight.

The two travellers walked onwards and eventually found an inn, and covered themselves up on their straw-beds with their coats, but in their weariness forgot to take the coals out of them before doing so. A heavy weight on their limbs awakened them earlier than usual. They felt in the pockets, and could not believe their eyes when they saw that they were not filled with coals, but with pure gold. Happily, too, the hair of their heads and beards was there again as thick as ever.

They had now become rich folks, but the goldsmith, who, in accordance with his greedy disposition, had filled his pockets better, was twice as rich as the tailor. A greedy man, even if he has much, still wished to have more, so the goldsmith proposed to the tailor that they should wait another day, and go out again in the evening in order to bring back still greater treasures from the old man on the hill. The tailor refused, and said, I have enough and am content. Now I shall be a master, and marry my dear object – for so he called his sweetheart – and I am a happy man. But he stayed another day to please him.

In the evening the goldsmith hung a couple of bags over his shoulders that he might be able to stow away a great deal, and took the road to the hill. He found, as on the night before, the little folks at their singing and dancing, and the old man again shaved him clean, and made signs to him to take some coal. He was not slow about stuffing as much into his bags as would go, went back quite delighted, and covered himself over with his coat. Even if the gold does weigh heavily, said he, I will gladly bear that, and at last he fell asleep with the sweet ANTICIPATION of waking in the morning an enormously rich man.

When he opened his eyes, he got up in haste to examine his pockets, but how amazed he was when he drew nothing out of them but black coals, and that howsoever often he put his hands in them. The gold I got the night before is still there for me, thought he, and went and brought it out, but how shocked he was when he saw that it likewise had again turned into coal. He smote his forehead with his dusty black hand, and then he felt that his whole head was bald and smooth, as was also the place where his beard should have been. But his misfortunes were not yet over. He now remarked for the first time that in addition to the hump on his back, a second, just as large, had grown in front on his chest. Then he recognized the punishment of his greediness, and began to weep aloud.

The good tailor, who was awakened by this, comforted the unhappy fellow as well as he could, and said, you have been my COMRADE in my travelling time. You shall stay with me and share in my wealth. He kept his word, and the poor goldsmith never wanted for anything, but he was obliged to carry the two humps as long as he lived, and to cover his bald head with a cap.

Question 1: What happened when they entered into the valley?

A. They covered themselves up on their straw beds with their coats.

B. They saw an old man.

C. The clock of the neighboring monastery struck twelve and the song ceased.

D. They pointed with their fingers to a heap of coals.

E. None of these

Question 2: In the given story, who had a hump on his back?

A. The old man

B. The Goldsmith

C. The Tailor

D. The Tailor & the Goldsmith both

E. None of these

Question 3: Why did tailor refused to wait another day?

A. Because he was extremely tired.

B. He got disappointed because he found less gold

C. Because his pockets were filled with coals.

D. Because he had enough gold and was a happy man.

E. None of these

Question 4: What could be an appropriate moral of the story?

A. A tailor and a Goldsmith

B. The result of greediness is always harmful

C. There is a victory ahead of fear

D. The importance of contentment & satisfaction in life

E. None of these

Question 5: Choose the word/group of words which is MOST SIMILAR in meaning to the word HOARY as used in the passage.

A. old-fashioned

B. modern

C. designer 

D. developed

E. none of these

Question 6: Choose the word which is most nearly the OPPOSITE in meaning as the word printed in BOLD as used in the passage.

ANTICIPATION

A. astonishment

B. intuition

C. foresight

D. expectation

E. none of these

RBI Grade B Previous Year Question Paper 2021 Phase 2 Analysis 

Here is the subject-wise RBI Grade B Phase 2 2021 PYQs analysis:

RBI Grade B Finance Previous Year Question Paper Analysis 2021

I have analysed the RBI Grade B 2021 PYQs to identify the number of questions asked from each topic of Finance, their difficulty level, and the most important topics.

Number of Questions Asked from Finance in RBI Grade B 2021 

Objective

• Primary and Secondary Market -Equity Market: 6
• Fintech: 3
• Public Private Partnership: 3
• Union Budget: 2
• Banking System in India – Structure and Developments: 1
• Development in the Digital Payment System: 1

Descriptive

• Risk Management: 1 (15 marks)
• Financial Institutions: 1 (15 marks) 
• Union Budget: 1 (10 marks)

Difficulty Level of Finance in RBI Grade B 2021

Objective

• Total Questions: 16
• Easy: 11
• Moderate: 5
• Difficult: 0

Descriptive

• Total Questions: 3
• Easy: 0
• Moderate: 3
• Difficult: 0

Important Finance Topics for RBI Grade B 

• Introduction to the Indian Financial System 
• Primary and Secondary Market (Equity, Debt, and Forex Market)
• Derivative Market (Futures, Forwards, Swaps, and Options) 
• Banking System in India – Structure and Developments
• RBI and Its Functions
• Financial Institutions 
• Financial Risk Management
• Inflation

Types of Questions Asked from Finance in RBI Grade B 2021

Below are some of the actual questions asked in the RBI Grade B 2021 Finance section.

Question 1: Which of the following is a Revenue expenditure? 

I. Subsidies

II. Interest Payments

III. Loan to State Government

A. Only I

B. Only II

C. Only II and III

D. Only I and II

E. All of the above

Question 2: Directions [Q1 – Q2] – Read the passage given below and answer the following questions

______ has developed the _______program to meet the electronic tolling requirements of the Indian market. It offers an interoperable nationwide toll payment solution including clearing house services for settlement and dispute management. Interoperability, as it applies to ______ system, encompasses a common set of processes, business rules and technical specifications which enable a customer to use their ______ accounts as payment mode on any of the toll plazas irrespective of who has acquired the toll plaza. 

(This is a recreated passage and not the exact one asked in the exam)

Question 1: The paragraph is talking about the ____ system and ______ account

A. NFS; Bank

B. NETC; FASTag

C. NHAI; Bank

D. NFS; FASTag

E. None of the above

Question 2: Who introduced National E-Toll Collection (NETC) system to meet the electronic tolling requirements of the Indian market?

A. RBI

B. NPCI

C. SEBI

D. SBI

E. SIDBI

Examples of Descriptive Finance Questions

Question 1: Discuss –SIDBI, NHB , NABARD, RRB and EXIM. (15 marker)

Question 2: Discuss 5 announcements of Union Budget 2021? (10 marker)

RBI Grade B Management Previous Year Question Paper Analysis 2021

I have analysed the RBI Grade B 2021 PYQs to identify the number of questions asked from each topic of Management, their difficulty level, and the most important topics.

Number of Questions Asked from Management in RBI Grade B 2021

Objective

• Communication: 3
• Motivation: 3
• Organizational Change and Reinforcement: 3
• Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour: 2
• General Management: 1
• Emotional Intelligence and Interpersonal Behaviour: 1
• Personality and Perception: 1

Descriptive

• Corporate Governance: 1 (15 marks)
• Reinforcement: 1 (10 marks)
• Leadership: 1 (10 marks)

Difficulty Level of Management in RBI Grade B 2021

Objective

• Total Questions: 14
• Easy: 12
• Moderate: 1
• Difficult: 1

Descriptive

• Total Questions: 3
• Easy: 3
• Moderate: 0
• Difficult: 0

Important Management Topics for RBI Grade B

• Motivation 
• Communication 
• Leadership 
• General Management 
• Corporate Governance 
• Organisation Conflict 
• Organisation Change 
• Personality and Perception 
• Ethics

Types of Questions Asked from Management in RBI Grade B 2021

Below are some of the actual questions asked in the RBI Grade B 2021 Management section.

Question 1:  Which of the following is a process theory?

A. Maslow’s hierarchy of Needs

B. McClelland theory of Learned Needs

C. Theory X and Theory Y

D. Vroom’s Expectancy theory

E. None of the above

Question 2: Directions [Q1 – Q2] – Read the passage given below and answer the following questions

__________refers to the actions in which a company or business alters a major component of its organization, such as its culture, the underlying technologies or infrastructure it uses to operate, or its internal processes.

(This is a recreated passage and not the exact one asked in the exam)

Question 1: What is the paragraph talking about?

A. Organizational Change

B. Organizational Structure

C. Organizational Conflict

D. Organizational Justice

E. None of the above

Question 2: What is the name of the second stage of the Lewin Model?

A. Change

B. Development

C. Resistance

D. Compliance

E. None of the above

Examples of Descriptive Management Questions

Question 1: What is Corporate Governance. Define it’s need and Principles. (15 marker)

Question 2: What is Transformational leadership and Transactional Leadership? State difference in transactional leader and transformational leader. (10 marker)

RBI Grade B Descriptive English Previous Year Question Paper Analysis 2021

I have analysed the RBI Grade B 2021 PYQs to identify the number of questions asked from each topic of Descriptive English, difficulty level, and the most important topics. 

Number of Questions Asked from Descriptive English in RBI Grade B 2021

• Essay: 1 (out of 4 options)
• Precis: 1
• Reading Comprehension: 5

Difficulty Level of Descriptive English in RBI Grade B 2021

• Total Questions: 3
• Easy: 0
• Moderate: 3
• Difficult: 0

Important Descriptive English Topics for RBI Grade B

Descriptive English questions can be asked from any of the above-mentioned essay topics. Therefore, it’s essential to cover the RBI Grade B syllabus of ESI & FM and regularly follow reputable newspapers, news websites, official government portals, and magazines to stay informed about these current affairs topics.

Types of Questions Asked from Descriptive English in RBI Grade B 2021

Here are some examples of the actual questions asked from the RBI Grade B 2021 Descriptive English paper.

Question 1: Write an Essay of about 300-320 words on any one of the following topics: (40  Marks)

A. Pros and Cons of teaching Coding/Computer Languages to School Students.

B. Future of BPO Industries in India. 

C. Importance of Creative thinking in Business.

D. An ounce of Prevention is pound worth of Cure.

Question 2: Make a précis based on the given passage in 180 – 200 words: (30 Marks)

The topic was given on the The Environmental and Social Impacts of Sand Extraction.

Question 3: Read the given comprehension and answer the questions that follow: – (30 Marks)

The paragraph was given on the Agorism: The Philosophy and Practice of Counter-Economics

A. What does doctrine of Agorism mean in the passage?

B. Briefly explain the difference between Counter economy and Counter economics?

C. What are the two pillars of Counter economics.

D. What does the doctrine of Agorism claim?

E. Differentiate between Vertical and Horizontal theories of the doctrine.

RBI Grade B ESI Previous Year Question Paper Analysis 2021

I have analysed the RBI Grade B 2021 PYQs to identify the number of questions asked from each topic of Economics and Social Issues, their difficulty level, and the most important topics. 

Number of Questions Asked from ESI in RBI Grade B 2021

Objective

• Government Schemes: 13
• ESI Current Affairs: 10
• Reports: 5
• ESI Static: 2

Descriptive

• Finance Commission: 1 (15 Marks)
• Poverty: (15 Marks)
• Global Financial Crisis: 1 (15 Marks)
• Budget: 1 (10 Marks)
• Demography: 1 (10 Marks)
• Climate Change: 1 (10 Marks)

Difficulty Level of ESI in RBI Grade B 2021

Objective

• Total Questions: 30
• Easy: 8
• Moderate: 12
• Difficult: 10

Descriptive

• Total Questions: 6
• Easy: 0
• Moderate: 3
• Difficult: 3

Important ESI Topics for RBI Grade B

• Measurement of Growth: National Income and Per Capita Income
• Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation in India
• Economic History of India
• Sustainable Development and Environmental Issues
• Monetary and Fiscal Policy Since Reforms of 1991
• Opening up of the Indian Economy – Balance of Payments
• International Economic Institutions – IMF and World Bank – WTO

Types of Questions Asked from ESI in RBI Grade B 2021

Here are some examples of the actual questions asked from the RBI Grade B 2021 ESI paper.

Question 1: Which of the following are correct regarding the objectives of the recently enacted Labour Codes in India?

1. Remunerating contract workers at the same rate as regular workers for similar work.

2. Protect the interests of gig workers and migrant workers.

3. Promote gender equality by allowing women workers to work at night subject to obtaining their consent

4. Delegitimize strikes in India.

A. 1, 2 and 3 only

B. 2, 3 and 4 only

C. 1, 3 and 4 only

D. 1, 2 and 4 only

E. None of the above

Question 2: Directions [Q1 – Q4] – Read the passage given below and answer the following questions

An organisation which is headquartered in Paris, has collaborated and joined hands with an organisation headquartered in Washington, D.C.

One question on Interim Report released by OECD in March 2021 with title “Strengthening the recovery: The need for speed”. This Interim Report provides updates for global and G20 country projections made in the December 2020 issue of the OECD Economic Outlook (Number 108).

(This is a recreated passage and not the exact one asked in the exam.)

Question 1: Which one of the following organisations has released the report mentioned in the passage?

A. World Bank – Global Economic Prospects

B. IMF – World Economic Outlook 

C. OECD – OECD Economic Outlook  

D. WEF – Global Competitiveness Report   

E. WTO – World Trade Monitoring Report

Question 2: What has been the most common measure taken by governments around the world to help alleviate the stress on cash-strapped small businesses, which was taken by 77% of the governments? 

A. Moratorium in loan payments 

B. Decrease in interest rate 

C. Public loan guarantee 

D. Cash Flow Loans

E. None of the above

Question 3: As per the report mentioned in the passage, what is the GDP projection of India for fiscal year 2021-22?

A. 14.2%

B. 10%

C. 8%

D. 9.5%

E. 12.6%

Question 4: As per the passage, growing global economic interdependence means that the socio-economic prospects of OECD countries will be ever more tightly linked to that of ______ 

A. Benefit of developed economies only

B. Benefit on on-developed economies only

C. Benefit of volatile economies only

D. Benefit of developing and transition economies

E. None of the above

Examples of Descriptive ESI Questions

Question 1: Discuss the recommendations of 15th Finance Commission – Horizontal and Vertical Transfers. (15 marker)

Question 2: Climate change commitment of India considering socio-economic, development and health factors. (10 Marker)

Were any RBI Grade B 2021 PYQs out of Syllabus?

As you already know, RBI doesn’t release the Phase 1 syllabus in the official notification, so it is relevant to say that any topic is out of the syllabus. Moreover, in the RBI Grade B 2021 Phase 1 exam, questions were asked from commonly expected topics.

Similarly, in Phase 2, all the questions were asked from the expected topics, which were already mentioned in the official notification.

Important Note: Even if there are 1 or 2 out-of-syllabus questions, a thorough syllabus coverage will enable you to score well; these few questions shouldn’t be your primary concern.

Comparison of RBI Grade B 2021 PYQs with 2019

The overall difficulty level of the RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam remained Moderate in both 2021 and 2019. However, English was more difficult in 2021, while Quant was relatively easier in 2019.

 Similarly, the overall difficulty level of Phase 2 was Moderate in both years, with the Descriptive English paper being slightly more challenging in 2021. 

Key Takeaways

• Quantitative Aptitude 
  • Data Interpretation was among the most important topics, accounting for 7 questions.
  • Data Sufficiency (8 questions) carried unusually high weightage.
  • Quantity Comparison, Number Series, and Arithmetic topics were also important.
  • The paper was more calculation-intensive than in recent years.
• Reasoning Ability 
  • Puzzle and Seating Arrangement dominated the section with 28 questions combined.
  • Critical Reasoning was another major area with 12 questions.
  • Input-Output remained a fixed and important topic.
  • Most of the paper was based on logical and analytical reasoning.
• English Language 
  • Reading Comprehension dominated the section with 15 questions.
  • Cloze Test and vocabulary-based questions also carried good weightage.
  • The paper was more reading-intensive than in recent years.
  • Strong comprehension skills were essential for scoring well.
• General Awareness
  • Static GK formed a major portion of the paper.
  • ESI Current Affairs, Finance Current Affairs, and Schemes received significant weightage.
  • RBI Notifications had relatively lower weightage compared to later years.
  • A balanced preparation of current affairs and static topics was required.
• ESI (Objective) 
  • Government Schemes were the most important topic by a large margin.
  • ESI Current Affairs and Reports also contributed significantly.
  • The paper was heavily focused on current economic and social developments.
  • Static concepts were tested mainly through their application to current issues.
• ESI (Descriptive) 
  • Questions were spread across different parts of the syllabus.
  • Financial System, Monetary Policy, Urbanisation, and Social Sectors were covered.
  • No single topic dominated the paper.
  • Comprehensive preparation was necessary.
• Descriptive English 
  • The pattern remained fixed with Essay, Precis, and Reading Comprehension.
  • Writing practice and time management were crucial.
  • Regular answer writing was sufficient to score well.
• Finance (Objective) 
  • The Debt Market was the most important topic.
  • PPP, FinTech, and Union Budget also carried good weightage.
  • The paper focused on practical banking and financial sector developments.
  • Both static and current finance topics were important.
• Management (Objective)
  • Communication, Motivation, and Organisational Behaviour dominated the section.
  • Questions were largely conceptual and theory-based.
  • Basic management concepts were tested repeatedly.
• FM (Descriptive) 
  • Leadership, Risk Management, Corporate Governance, Financial Institutions, and Union Budget were important areas.
  • There was no fixed pattern in topic selection.
  • Broad syllabus coverage was more important than selective preparation.

What Next?

After gaining valuable insights into the RBI Grade B 2021 previous year questions, such as understanding their difficulty, types, and significant topics, it’s time to apply this knowledge. Your next steps should involve the following: 

• Practice the RBI Grade B 2021 PYQs under timed conditions to be exam-ready.
• Conduct a thorough performance analysis to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
• Focus on high-weightage topics to maximize your score. 
• Select relevant mock tests that align with the latest patterns

Implementing these steps will significantly enhance your preparation and boost your chances of success.