Topics Covered: RBI Grade B Exam Pattern for 2025 – Subjects, Number of Questions, Total Marks, Negative Marking & Duration, RBI Grade B Officer Syllabus for Phase 1 (Prelims) & Phase 2 (Mains), RBI Grade B Manager Psychometric Test, Interview, and Final Selection

Understanding the RBI Grade B exam pattern is crucial for aspirants as this exam is a multi-phase process, where each phase has its unique structure and syllabus. With the knowledge of the RBI Grade B pattern, you gain insights into the:

  • Total number of papers 
  • Number of subjects
  • Marking scheme: Maximum marks, negative marking, etc.
  • Number of questions
  • Mode of the exam
  • Language of the exam
  • Overall and sectional timing

By grasping the RBI Grade B exam pattern, you can:

  • Compare the exam format with your strengths and background
  • Choose the right study materials 
  • Prioritize high-weightage sections
  • Optimize time management
  • Develop a focused study plan
  • Reduce exam-related stress and anxiety

Now that you know why understanding the pattern is so crucial, let’s dive into the latest RBI Grade B exam pattern and syllabus as per the official notification.

RBI Grade B Pattern 2025

The selection procedure for the RBI Grade B 2025 exam consists of:

  1. Phase 1 (Pre)
  2. Phase 2 (Mains)
  3. Phase 3 (Interview)

Each phase has its own unique challenges, but don’t worry! I’ll break them down step by step, which will help you prepare effectively. So, let’s start by understanding what you’ll be dealing with in the RBI Grade B Phase 1 pattern.

RBI Grade B Phase 1 Pattern 2025

I have broken the prelims pattern of the RBI Grade B 2025 exam to make it simpler for you. Understanding how many questions, marks, and time are assigned for each section is crucial to create a focused and effective RBI Grade B preparation strategy.

Subjects of RBI Grade B

The RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam consists of 4 subjects:

  • General Awareness (GA)
  • Reasoning Ability
  • English Language
  • Quantitative Aptitude

Number of Questions of RBI Grade B

The number of questions per subject varies in the RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam:

  • General Awareness (GA): 80 questions 
  • Reasoning Ability: 60 questions 
  • English Language: 30 questions 
  • Quantitative Aptitude: 30 questions 

Marks of RBI Grade B

Each question carries 1 mark in the RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam, so the maximum marks for each subject are:

  • General Awareness (GA): 80 marks
  • Reasoning Ability: 60 marks
  • English Language: 30 marks
  • Quantitative Aptitude: 30 marks

Duration of RBI Grade B

A specific time limit is allocated to each section of the RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam, so managing your time effectively is crucial:

  • General Awareness (GA): 25 minutes
  • Reasoning Ability: 45 minutes
  • English Language: 25 minutes
  • Quantitative Aptitude: 25 minutes

I’ve summarized all of this information in the table below to help you visualize it better.

RBI Grade B 2025
Phase 1 Pattern
SubjectQuestionsMaximum MarksDuration
General Awareness808025 minutes
Reasoning Ability606045 minutes
English303025 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude303025 minutes
Total200200120 minutes
RBI Grade B exam pattern for the phase 1 exam showing the subjects, total questions, marks, and sectional timing.

RBI Grade B
Free E-Book
5360 Downloads
  • Decoded Syllabus
  • Phase 1+2 Pattern
  • Subject-wise Sources
  • Solved PYQs (since 2019)

Now that you have understood the RBI Grade B preliminary stage exam pattern for the generalist posts, let’s take a look at the additional details. These points will help you get a clearer picture of the exam structure and how to approach it strategically.

Additional Details of RBI Grade B Phase 1 Pattern 2025

Here are some other essential RBI Grade B Phase 1 pattern details:

Mode of RBI Grade B

The RBI Grade B manager Phase 1 exam is conducted in online mode. You’ll be required to tick the right answers on a computer screen, so it’s important to be familiar with the exam interface.

Paper Structure of RBI Grade B

RBI Grade B Generalist Prelims exam consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Nature of RBI Grade B

RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam is qualifying in nature. This means the marks from this phase won’t count toward your final selection—just clearing the cut-off is enough to move forward.

Paper Language of RBI Grade B

You’ll have the flexibility to choose between Hindi and English to answer most of the questions, except for the English Language section, which is only available in English. So, feel free to pick the language you are most comfortable with for the majority of the exam.

Total Number of Questions of RBI Grade B

There are a total of 200 questions. Each question is worth 1 mark, making it a total of 200 marks for 200 questions.

Total Marks of RBI Grade B 2025

The total marks for the RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam are 200.

Cut-Off Marks of RBI Grade B 2025

The overall and sectional cut-off marks are decided as per the calling ratio, which varies each year depending on the difficulty level of the exam and the number of candidates. Be sure to focus on maximizing your score to comfortably clear the cut-offs.

Negative Marking of RBI Grade B 2025

Be cautious about the negative marking. For each incorrect answer, 1/4th (0.25) marks will be deducted. So, it’s better to skip questions you’re unsure about rather than guessing as there’s no penalty for leaving a question unattempted.

Time Duration of RBI Grade B 2025

Candidates have a total of 2 hours to complete the RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam. But keep in mind that there’s sectional timing for each subject, so it’s important to manage your time wisely and practice time-bound mock tests.

I’ve summarized all of this information in the table below to help you visualize it better.

RBI Grade B 2025
Phase 1 Pattern Other Details
ModeOnline
Paper StructureObjective-Type (MCQs)
NatureQualifying
LanguageHindi & English (Except the test of English) 
Total Number of Questions200
Total Marks200
Overall Cut-Off MarksDecided as per the calling ratio
Sectional Cut-Off MarksDecided as per the calling ratio
Negative Marking0.25 (1/4th for every wrong answer)
Total Duration2 Hours
Sectional TimingYes
Complete RBI Grade B phase 1 pattern details—Mode, language, questions, marks, cut-off marks, negative marking, and duration.

Candidates who achieve the minimum qualifying marks (overall as well as section-wise) set by RBI in the Prelims exam are eligible to appear for Phase 2.

but before jumping on the Phase 2 pattern, here is the link to know the RBI Grade B eligibility criteria.

RBI Grade B Phase 2 Pattern 2025

Phase 2 is the second stage of the RBI Grade B officer selection process. It evaluates candidates in 3 subjects:

  • Economic & Social Issues (ESI)
  • Descriptive English
  • Finance & Management (FM). 

As per the official notification, here is the RBI Grade B Phase 2 pattern:

RBI Grade B 2025
Phase 2 Pattern 
PaperTypeNo. of QuestionsTime(minutes)Total Marks
Paper-1
Economic and Social Issues
50% Objective3030100
50% Descriptive6, out of which 4 to
be attempted
90
Paper-2
Descriptive English
Descriptive 3 Questions
(Precis, RC, & Essay)
90100
Paper-3
Finance and Management
50% Objective3030100
50% Descriptive6, out of which 4 to
be attempted
90

Important Note: 

In the ESI and FM sections of Phase 2, you’ll find two parts:

Objective Section:

  • 10 questions worth 1 mark each
  • 20 questions worth 2 marks each

Descriptive Section:

  • 3 questions worth 15 marks each
  • 3 questions worth 10 marks each

For the descriptive section, you’ll need to attempt 4 questions in total—2 from each category (15-mark and 10-mark questions). If you decide to attempt more than 4 questions, don’t worry, only your first 4 attempts (2 from each category) will be evaluated.

So, be strategic! Make sure you answer thoughtfully and manage your time well for the descriptive section, as quality matters more than quantity.

Objective RBI Grade B Phase 2 exam pattern explaining, subjects, mode, language, questions, time, marks, & negative marking.
Descriptive RBI Grade B Phase 2 exam pattern explaining, subjects, mode, language, questions, time, marks, & negative marking.

Now that you have understood the RBI Grade B Phase 2 exam pattern, let’s take a look at some additional details. 

Additional Details of RBI Grade B Phase 2 Pattern 2025   

Here are some other essential details of the RBI Grade B Phase 2 exam pattern.

Mode of the RBI Grade B

The RBI Grade B Phase 2 exam is conducted online. For objective-type questions, you will select your answers on the screen, and for descriptive questions, you will type your responses using the keyboard.

Paper Language of RBI Grade B

The exam is offered in Hindi and English languages, except for the descriptive English paper which is solely in English.

Total Marks of RBI Grade B

The total marks for the RBI Grade B Manager Phase 2 exam are 300.

Cut-Off Marks of RBI Grade B

Cut-off marks of the RBI Grade B Phase 2 exam are decided as per the calling ratio.

Negative Marking of RBI Grade B

There is a 1/4 negative marking in Phase 2, so be careful with your answers. For each incorrect answer:

  • 1-mark questions will have a deduction of 0.25 marks
  • 2-mark questions will have a deduction of 0.50 marks

If you choose not to answer a question, there will be no penalty.

I have summarised the above-mentioned details below.

RBI Grade B 2025
Phase 2 Pattern
Other Details
ModeOnline
LanguageHindi & English for both objective and descriptive papers
(Except for the test of English) 
Total Marks300
Cut-Off MarksDecided as per the calling ratio
Negative Marking (Objective questions)1/4th for every wrong answer, i.e.,
0.25 for 1 mark questions0.50 for 2 mark questions

Candidates who qualify in RBI Grade B Phase 2 are then shortlisted for an interview. This stage evaluates the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and suitability for the RBI Grade B officer role. 

RBI Grade B Interview Pattern 2025

The RBI Grade B interview is the final stage of the selection process for candidates who have successfully cleared Phase 1 and 2 exams. But before understanding the RBI Grade B exam pattern for the interview stage, let’s take a look at the Psychometric test that candidates must undergo before appearing for the interview.

RBI Grade B Exam Pattern of Psychometric Test

After successfully clearing the RBI Grade B Phase 2, you will receive an email at your registered email address containing a link to complete your psychometric test. 

  • Mode: The psychometric test is online. You can complete it from the comfort of your home.
  • Language Options: You can take the test in English or any of the 9 other Indian languages you’re proficient in.
  • Number of Questions: Expect 100-120 questions to assess your personality and behavioral traits.
  • Marks: No marks are allotted for the psychometric test.
  • Time Duration: Usually, the test should take 15 to 20 minutes. While there’s no time limit to complete the test, the system tracks your completion time, and this information will be included in the report.

Important Note: You must complete the psychometric test within five days of receipt of the mail.

RBI Grade B Exam Pattern of Interview

  • Mode: The interview is conducted in person at various exam centers.
  • Language Options: You can take the interview in Hindi or English, depending on your preference.
  • Number of Questions: The number of questions varies depending on the panel.
  • Marks: The interview carries a weightage of 75 marks.
  • Time Duration: The interview typically lasts between 20 and 45 minutes
RBI Grade B interview pattern—mode, language, marks, number of questions, and duration of psychometric test and interview.
RBI Grade B
Free E-Book
  • Decoded Syllabus
  • Phase 1+2 Pattern
  • Subject-wise Sources
  • Solved PYQs (since 2019)

Final Selection as RBI Grade B Officer

The final RBI Grade B selection process is based on the aggregate marks obtained in RBI Grade B Phase 2 (Papers 1, 2, and 3) and interview.

RBI Grade B Exam Pattern Change

Let’s talk about the recent changes in the RBI Grade B exam pattern. These changes, which took place over the years, have altered the way the exam is structured, and it’s important to keep track of them.

RBI Grade B
Free E-Book
  • Decoded Syllabus
  • Phase 1+2 Pattern
  • Subject-wise Sources
  • Solved PYQs (since 2019)

RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern Change 

The RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam pattern has undergone some modifications in the 2019 notification. Here’s a look at the changes:

Before 2019

  • Composite Time: Candidates received a composite time of 120 minutes to answer all sections of the exam.

Changes Introduced in 2019

  • Sectional Timing: The total exam duration remained 120 minutes. However, RBI introduced a separate time allocation for each subject in the RBI Grade B exam pattern. This means you need to manage your time for each subject carefully.

RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern Changes 

The RBI Grade B exam pattern of Phase 2 and interview underwent some modifications in the 2021 notification. 

Before 2021

  • Phase 2 Papers: Paper 1 (Economic & Social Issues) and Paper 3 (Finance & Management) were entirely objective (multiple-choice questions).
  • Time Allocation: Each Phase 2 paper received 90 minutes.
  • Interview Marks: The interview carried a weightage of 50 marks.

Changes Introduced in 2021

  • Phase 2 Papers: Descriptive sections were introduced in Paper 1 (ESI) and Paper 3 (FM) along with the already existing objective section.
  • Time Allocation: The time allotted to Paper 1 and Paper 3 went up from 90 to 120 minutes to accommodate both objective and descriptive sections.
  • Interview Marks: The weightage of the interview increased from 50 to 75 marks and a psychometric test was introduced as a part of the selection process.

Check out the RBI Grade B previous year question paper to gain a deep understanding of the exam pattern.

Now that you have understood the RBI Grade B pattern for General posts, let’s understand the scheme of selection for RBI Grade B specialized posts.

RBI Grade B Exam Pattern of DEPR

The RBI Grade B DEPR selection procedure comprises Phase 1, Phase 2, and interview.

RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern of DEPR

The RBI Grade B DEPR Phase 1 examination consists of:

  • Paper 1: Objective paper on Economics
  • Paper 2: Descriptive paper on English
RBI Grade B DEPR 2025
Phase 1 Exam Pattern
PaperDurationMaximum Marks
Paper 1: Economics (Objective)120 minutes100
Paper 2: English (Descriptive)(To be typed with the help of a keyboard)120 minutes100
Total240 minutes200

Candidates who secure minimum aggregate marks in Papers 1 & 2 of Phase 1, as prescribed, are shortlisted for Phase 2. 

RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern of DEPR

RBI Grade B DEPR Phase 2 exam consists of 2 Descriptive papers on Economics.

RBI Grade B DEPR 2025 
Phase 2 Exam Pattern
PaperDurationMaximum Marks
Paper 1: Economics (Descriptive)(Question paper displayed on computer, answers to be written on paper)120 minutes100
Paper 2: Economics (Descriptive)(Question paper displayed on computer, answers to be written on paper)120 minutes100
Total240 minutes200

Important Note: While the format of both papers in the RBI Grade B DEPR Phase 2 exam is the same, their syllabus differs.

RBI Grade B DEPR pattern for the phase 1 and 2 exams showing the subjects, maximum marks and questions for each paper.

The minimum aggregate cut-off marks for being shortlisted for Phase 2 of the examination is decided by RBI according to the number of vacancies. 

RBI Grade B Interview Pattern of DEPR

The interview pattern for RBI Grade B DEPR positions is the same as for the General posts.

Now that you have understood the RBI Grade B DEPR pattern, let’s understand the scheme of selection for the RBI Grade B exam pattern for the DSIM post.

RBI Grade B Exam Pattern of DSIM

The pattern of the RBI Grade B DSIM exam comprises Phase 1, Phase 2, and interview.

RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern of DSIM

The RBI Grade B DSIM Phase 1 examination consists of 1 paper:

RBI Grade B DSIM 2025
Phase 1 Exam Pattern
PaperDurationMaximum Marks
Paper 1: Statistics (Objective)120 minutes100

Candidates who secure minimum cut-off marks in Papers 1 of Phase 1, as prescribed, are shortlisted for Phase 2. 

RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern of DSIM

RBI Grade B DSIM Phase 2 exam consists of 2 Descriptive papers on Statistics and English.

RBI Grade B DSIM 2025 
Phase 2 Exam Pattern
PaperDurationMaximum Marks
Paper 2: Statistics (Descriptive)(Question paper displayed on a computer, answers to be written on paper)180 minutes 100
Paper 3: Descriptive English (To be typed with the help of a keyboard)90 minutes 100
Total 200

The minimum aggregate cut-off marks for being shortlisted for Papers 2 and 3 will be decided by RBI according to the number of vacancies.

RBI Grade B DSIM pattern for the phase 1 and 2 exams showing the subjects, maximum marks and questions for each paper.

RBI Grade B Interview Pattern of DSIM

The interview pattern for RBI Grade B DSIM positions is the same as for the General posts.

After understanding the detailed RBI Grade B pattern, let’s know the syllabus.

RBI Grade B Syllabus 2025

Here is the RBI Grade B syllabus for Phase 1 and Phase 2:

RBI Grade B Phase 1 Syllabus 2025

The official notification does not mention the detailed syllabus for the RBI Grade B officer Phase 1 (prelims) exam, which can leave many candidates wondering what exactly to focus on. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Our team at EduTap has analyzed the previous years’ questions (PYQs) to list down the decoded syllabus for each subject. This gives you a clear, topic-wise breakdown of what to study, helping you streamline your preparation and stay on track.

RBI Grade B Syllabus for Reasoning

Here is the RBI Grade B syllabus for reasoning:

  • Alphabetical, Alphanumeric Series
  • Coding & Decoding
  • Syllogism
  • Direction Sense
  • Inequality
  • Ranking
  • Blood Relation
  • Seating Arrangement
  • Puzzles
  • Machine Input Output
  • Statement – Assumption
  • Statement – Course of Action
  • Cause and Effect
  • Statement Argument
  • Statement Conclusion
  • Data Sufficiency

RBI Grade B Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude (Maths)

Here is the RBI Grade B syllabus for quant:

  • Percentage
  • Profit & Loss, Discount
  • Ratio & Proportion
  • Simplification
  • Simple & Compound Interest
  • Time & Work
  • Pipes & Cistern
  • Number Series & Number System
  • Time, Speed, & Distance 
  • Trains & Boats
  • Mixture
  • Average
  • Ages
  • Partnership
  • Area, Volume
  • Probability
  • Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency
  • Quadratic Equation
  • Quantity Comparison

RBI Grade B Syllabus for English

Here is the RBI Grade B syllabus for English:

  • Grammar
  • Error Spotting
  • Sentence Improvement
  • Comprehension Ability
  • Comprehension passage
  • Cloze Test
  • Rearrangement
  • Para Jumbles
  • Double Fillers
  • Vocabulary – Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word Substitution, and Phrasal Verbs

RBI Grade B Syllabus for General Awareness (GA)

Here is the RBI Grade B syllabus for GA:

RBI Grade B Syllabus for GA Current Affairs

Here is the syllabus for RBI Grade B GA current affairs:

  • National News: MoUs, summits, and major events related to India.
  • International: Summits and conferences held abroad.
  • Financial & Economics News
  • Financial Awareness: RBI and SEBI Notification and Regulations
  • Defence: Military exercises, drills, and major updates related to the defence sector of India
  • Days in News: Major events or days, along with its date and theme
  • Persons in News: Obituaries, appointments, retirements
  • Sports: Major tournaments and its winners
  • Science, Technology, and Space
  • Awards and Honours
  • Environment
  • Banking, Economy related news
  • Reports and Government Schemes
  • Books and Authors
RBI Grade B Syllabus for GA Static

Here is the syllabus for RBI Grade B GA static:

  • Chief Ministers and Cabinet Ministers
  • National Parks and Sanctuaries
  • Airport Locations, Stadiums
  • Organisations’ Headquarters
  • Banks’ Headquarters and Taglines
  • Power Plants in India
  • Indian Dance Forms
  • Countries Capitals and their Currencies
  • Important Days

RBI Grade B Phase 2 Syllabus 2025

Here is the RBI Grade B Phase 2 syllabus for the 2025 exam:

RBI Grade B Syllabus for Economic and Social Issues

Here is the detailed RBI Grade B ESI syllabus:

  • Growth and Development 
  • Indian Economy
  • Globalization
  • Social Structure in India

RBI Grade B Syllabus for Descriptive English

There is no defined descriptive English syllabus mentioned in the official RBI Grade B notification. Generally, 3 questions are asked from the following topics:

  1. Essay 
  2. Precis Writing 
  3. Reading Comprehension 

RBI Grade B Syllabus for Finance and Management

Here is the detailed RBI Grade B FM syllabus:

Finance

  • Financial System
  • Financial Markets
  • General Topics

Management

  • Fundamentals of Management & Organizational Behaviour
  • Leadership
  • Ethics 
  • Corporate Governance
  • Communication

Conclusion

Understanding the RBI Grade B exam pattern and syllabus provides a roadmap for your 2025 preparation. This knowledge empowers you to start your preparation journey with confidence. By familiarizing yourself with the latest requirements, you can:

  • Compare the exam format with your strengths and background.
  • Choose the right study materials 
  • Prioritize high-weightage sections
  • Develop a focused study plan