The detailed RBI Grade B syllabus outlines what you need to study for Phase 1 (Reasoning, Quant, English, General Awareness) and Phase 2 (Economic & Social Issues, Descriptive English, Finance & Management)
However, the RBI Grade B exam syllabus mentioned in the official notification is only indicative. While Phase 2 topics are broadly outlined, there is no clear, detailed RBI Grade B officer syllabus provided for Phase 1.
To bridge this gap, I’ve analyzed previous year papers to create a detailed, topic-wise syllabus for RBI Grade B Phase 1 and Phase 2, along with a direct link to download the RBI Grade B syllabus PDF.
How to Download the RBI Grade B Syllabus PDF 2026?
Based on a thorough analysis of the RBI Grade B previous year papers, the detailed syllabus is available below. You can download the RBI Grade B syllabus PDF and begin your preparation with clarity.
- Decoded Syllabus
- Cut-off Marks
- Subject-wise Sources
- Solved PYQs (since 2019)
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Syllabus 2026
The official RBI Grade B notification only mentions the Phase 1 subjects’ names:
- Quant
- Reasoning
- English
- General Awareness
However, it does not provide a detailed, topic-wise RBI Grade B officer syllabus for Phase 1.
Based on our analysis of previous year questions (PYQs), here is the complete subject-wise syllabus for RBI Grade B Phase 1.
RBI Grade B Reasoning Syllabus
Here is the complete list of RBI Grade B syllabus of reasoning topics:
- 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
You can read more about this by clicking on the RBI Grade B Reasoning syllabus.
The image below will let you know the most important, moderately important, and least important topics of the RBI Grade B reasoning syllabus for the 2026 phase 1 exam.
RBI Grade B Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
Here is the complete list of RBI Grade B quant syllabus topics:
- 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
For more details, click on the RBI Grade B Quantitative Aptitude syllabus.
The image below will let you know the most important, moderately important, and least important topics of the RBI Grade B Quantitative Aptitude syllabus for the 2026 phase 1 exam.
- Decoded Syllabus
- Cut-off Marks
- Subject-wise Sources
- Solved PYQs (since 2019)
RBI Grade B English Syllabus
The questions are asked from the RBI Grade B English syllabus topics listed below.
- 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
To know more about the syllabus of English, visit our article on the RBI Grade B English syllabus.
The image below will let you know the most important, moderately important, and least important English topics of the RBI Grade B officer syllabus for the 2026 phase 1 exam.
RBI Grade B General Awareness (GA) Syllabus
The RBI Grade B General Awareness syllabus can be broadly divided into two categories:
- Static GA
- GA Current Affairs
Below is the list of category-wise topics for General Awareness.
RBI Grade B GA Current Affairs Syllabus
- 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 their date and theme
- Persons in News: Obituaries, appointments, retirements
- Sports: Major tournaments and their winners
- Science, Technology, and Space
- Awards and Honours
- Environment
- Banking, Economy-related news
- Reports and Government Schemes
- Books and Authors
RBI Grade B GA Static Syllabus
- 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
Visit our RBI Grade B GA syllabus article to get more details.
The image below will let you know the most important, moderately important, and least important GA topics of the RBI Grade B syllabus for the 2026 phase 1 exam.
- Decoded Syllabus
- Cut-off Marks
- Subject-wise Sources
- Solved PYQs (since 2019)
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Syllabus 2026
RBI Grade B Phase 2 syllabus includes 3 papers:
- Paper 1 (Economic and Social Issues)
- Paper 2 (Descriptive English)
- Paper 3 (Finance and Management)
ESI and FM include a mix of objective and descriptive questions, whereas Paper 2 (English) is entirely descriptive.
RBI Grade B Economic and Social Issues (ESI) Syllabus
The RBI Grade B ESI syllabus is outlined in the official notification; however, it is only indicative in nature. Below, I have provided a detailed RBI GRade B officer syllabus for Economic and Social Issues, covering both objective and descriptive sections:
- Measurement of Growth: National Income and Per Capita Income
National Income
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Gross National Product (GNP)
Net National Product (NNP)
Gross Value Addition (GVA).
HDI and other indices by UNDP
Expenditure, Production, and Income Method.
Poverty Alleviation
Poverty Alleviation Schemes
Poverty Line Definitions
Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
Employment Generation in India
Unemployment Types
Government Initiatives for Employment Generation like Skill India, Make in India, etc
Sustainable Development and Environmental Issues
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Renewable Energy Push (e.g., solar targets)
Environmental Issues
Government Initiatives for climate change, pollution, and deforestation
India’s carbon neutrality pledge by 2070
Per Capita Income
Per Capita Income as an Indicator of Nation’s Economic Performance
- Indian Economy
Economic History of India
Pre-1947: Colonial economy, drain of wealth
1947-1991: Planned economy, Five-Year Plans, License Raj
Post-1991: Liberalization, privatization, globalization (LPG reforms)
Changes in Industrial and Labour Policy, Monetary and Fiscal Policy Since Reforms of 1991
New Industrial Policy 1991, ease of doing business
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes
Labour Codes 2020
Gig economy regulations
RBI tools, Inflation targeting
Budget deficits
Tax reforms (GST), FRBM Act
Priorities and Recommendations of Economic Survey and Union Budget
Economic Survey: Economic performance analysis, growth forecasts, policy suggestions
Union Budget: Revenue, expenditure, key allocations (e.g., infrastructure, health)
Indian Money and Financial Markets: Linkages with the Economy
Money markets (call money, T-bills, etc.)
Capital markets (stocks, bonds)
Interest rates affecting investment and inflation
Stock market as an economic indicator
Role of Indian Banks and Reserve Bank in the Development Process:
Credit disbursement
Financial inclusion initiatives
Monetary policy, banking regulation, and development initiatives (e.g., priority sector lending)
Public Finance
Tax revenue (direct, indirect)
non-tax revenue, fiscal deficit, public debt
Political Economy
Interaction between political systems and economic policies
Federal structure and economic policy coordination
Industrial Developments in India
Manufacturing (Make in India)
MSMEs
Industrial Corridors
Indian Agriculture
Green Revolution and its consequences
Food security and PDS
Agricultural credit and insurance
Recent agricultural reforms
Services Sector
IT-BPM industry
Tourism’s GDP Contribution
Gig Economy
- Globalization
Opening Up of the Indian Economy
LPG reforms
FDI inflows
Trade Liberalization
Balance of Payments, Export-Import Policy
Current account (trade, remittances),
Capital account (FDI, FII),
Export promotion (e.g., MEIS)
Import duties
International Economic Institutions – IMF and World Bank:
IMF, ADB Loans
World Bank projects
Monetary Assistance or Intervention by Other Global Economic Institutions
WTO
Trade agreements
Disputes (e.g., solar panel case)
Subsidies stance
Regional Economic Co-operation
SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, etc
International Economic Issues
Trade wars
Oil price shocks
Currency fluctuations
- Social Structure in India
Multiculturalism
Unity in diversity
Cultural policies
Challenges like communal tensions
Demographic Trends
Population growth
Fertility and mortality trends
Census 2011 data
Urbanisation and Migration
Urban Growth Rates,
Rural-urban Migration,
Smart Cities
Gender Issues
Gender gap (education, workforce),
Gender schemes,
Government schemes for women’s empowerment
Social Justice
Social exclusion and inclusion
Rights of marginalized communities
Social welfare programs and their effectiveness
While this is the complete RBI Grade B exam syllabus for ESI, the topics asked in the objective and descriptive papers often differ.
Based on our analysis, here are the most important, moderately important, and least important topics for the RBI Grade B ESI (objective and descriptive) for the 2026 Phase 2 exam.
For more details, check out our RBI Grade B ESI syllabus article, which will give you a clear idea of what to cover.
RBI Grade B Descriptive English Syllabus
There is no fixed syllabus for descriptive English. Generally, 3 questions are asked from the following topics:
- Essay
5 topics are given, out of which you have to choose one and write on it in about 400-600 words.
- Precis Writing
A passage of about 400-600 words is given, which you will need to summarize in 170-180 words.
- Reading Comprehension:
A passage will be given, based on which 5 questions will be given. You need to write short descriptive answers to those questions.
Here are some topics that you should prepare for the Descriptive English:
- Economic & financial current affairs from an RBI perspective.
- Social & environmental issues like sustainability and development.
- Current trends in technology and digital developments.
- Important national and global events and issues.
To get complete information on this paper, visit our RBI Grade B Descriptive English syllabus article.
- Decoded Syllabus
- Cut-off Marks
- Subject-wise Sources
- Solved PYQs (since 2019)
RBI Grade B Finance & Management (FM) Syllabus
Below is the detailed RBI Grade B manager syllabus for Finance and Management.
Finance Syllabus for RBI Grade B
(a) Financial System
- Measurement of Growth: National Income and Per Capita Income
Structure and Functions of Financial Institutions
Classification, Functions, and Regulations on financial institutions (Banks, NBFCs, DFIs, Insurance, etc.)
Functions of the Reserve Bank of India, Subsidiaries of RBI Banking System in India – Structure and Developments
Commercial banks (Public, Private, Foreign, Small Finance, Payments Banks)
Cooperative banking structure (Urban, Rural)
Regional Rural Banks
Banking sector reforms since 1991
Financial Institutions
SIDBI
EXIM Bank
NABARD
SEBI
NHB
NaBFID
ECGC
IRDAI
Recent Developments in Global Financial System and its impact on Indian Financial System
Global financial architecture and institutions (IMF, World Bank, IFC)
Emergence of digital currencies and fintech
Impact of global monetary policies on India
Role of Information Technology in Banking and Finance
Digital banking channels (Internet, mobile, UPI)
Blockchain technology in banking
Cybersecurity challenges and solutions
Non-Banking System
Types of NBFCs and their classification
Regulatory framework for NBFCs
Housing Finance Companies
Microfinance Institutions
Recent regulatory changes affecting NBFCs
Developments in Digital Payment
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem
RTGS, NEFT, IMPS systems
Digital wallets and prepaid instruments
National Electronic Toll Collection (FASTag)
Bharat Bill Payment System
Central Bank Digital Currency (Digital Rupee)
Regulatory sandbox for payment innovations
Payment aggregators and gateways
(b) Financial Markets
Primary and Secondary Markets- functions, instruments, recent developments
Forex
Money
Bond
Equity
IPO
FPO
BSE
NSE
Foreign Investment
Debt
Debt Instruments
(c) General Topics Syllabus
Financial Risk Management
Definition of Risk
Types of Risk and their Management
Camels & Basel Norms.
Basics of Derivatives
Forward
Futures
Swaps
Options Contracts
Exchange-traded vs. OTC derivatives.
Global financial markets and International Banking – broad trends and latest developments
SWIFT and international payment systems
Nostro and Vostro accounts
Types of International Financial Markets
Financial Inclusion
Definition and importance
Microinsurance and pension schemes
Self-help groups and their role
Microfinance and its evolution
Financial literacy initiatives
Digital financial inclusion
Index of Financial Inclusion
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and its impact
Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
Alternate source of finance, private and social cost-benefit, Public-Private Partnership
Venture capital financing
Private equity investments
Angel investing
Crowdfunding platforms
Infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs)
Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
Viability gap funding
Social impact bonds
Corporate Governance in the Banking Sector
Board composition and responsibilities
Fit and proper criteria for directors
Committee structure in banks
Disclosure and transparency requirements
RBI guidelines on corporate governance
Basel Committee guidelines
The Union Budget – Concepts, approach, and broad trends
Basics of Accounting and Financial Statements
Balance Sheet
Profit and Loss
Cash Flow Statements
Ratio Analysis (such as Debt to Equity, Debtor Days, Creditor Days, Inventory Turnover, Return on Assets, Return on Equity, etc.)
Inflation
Definition, trends, estimates, consequences, and remedies (control)
WPI, CPI – components and trends
Striking a balance between inflation and growth through monetary and fiscal policies
The image below will let you know the most important, moderately important, and least important topics of the RBI Grade B syllabus for Finance (Objective & Descriptive) for the 2026 phase 2 exam.
The image below will let you know the most important, moderately important, and least important topics of the RBI Grade B syllabus for Finance for the 2026 phase 2 exam.
Management Syllabus for RBI Grade B
(a) Fundamentals of Management & Organizational Behaviour
Introduction to management
Evolution of management thought: Scientific, Administrative, Human Relations and Systems approach to management;
Management functions and Managerial roles;
Nudge theory
Meaning & concept of organizational behavior
Personality: meaning, factors affecting personality, Big Five model of personality; concept of reinforcement;
Perception: concept, perceptual errors.
Motivation: Concept, importance, Content theories (Maslow’s need theory, Alderfers’ ERG theory, McClellands’ theory of needs, Herzberg’s two-factor theory, McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y, Theory Z) System view of Motivation, Job satisfaction, & Process theories (Adams equity theory, Vroom’s expectancy theory, House Path Goal Theory, Locke’s Goal-Setting Theory), Concept of Morale, and Application of Motivation.
Leadership
Concepts, Theories (Trait, Behavioural, Contingency (Fiedler’s, Hersey and Blanchard, Robert House’s Path Goal, Vroom-Yetton-Jago, CRT) Charismatic, Transactional, Transformational Leadership, Inspirational Approach);
Emotional Intelligence: Concept, Importance, Dimensions (Interpersonal Behaviour & Transactional Analysis).
Analysis of Interpersonal Relationship: Transactional Analysis, Johari Window;
Conflict: Concept, Sources, Types, Stages, Process, Management of Conflict, Negotiation, and Implications;
Organizational Change: Concept, Factors Affecting Organizational Changes, Planned Change, Human Response to Change, Kurt Lewin Theory of Change, McKinsey, Kotter’s 8 Step Model;
Organizational Development (OD): Organizational Change, Strategies for Change, Theories of Planned Change (Lewin’s change model, Action research model, Positive model).
(b) Ethics at the Workplace & Corporate Governance
Ethics
Meaning of ethics, scope of Ethics, Elements, why ethical problems occur in business.
Theories of ethics: Utilitarianism: weighing social cost and benefits, Rights and duties, Justice and fairness, ethics of care, integrating utility, rights, justice and caring,
An alternative to moral principles: virtue ethics, teleological theories, egoism theory, relativism theory,
Moral issues in business: Ethics in Compliance, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, etc.
Ethical Principles in Business: Introduction, Organization Structure and Ethics, Role of Board of Directors, Best Practices in Ethics Programme, Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, etc.
Corporate Governance
Factors Affecting Corporate Governance
Mechanisms of Corporate Governance
Models of Corporate Governance
Evolution of Corporate Governance
Board of directors (structure, composition, committees)
Corporate social responsibility
Corporate Theories
Communication
Steps in the Communication Process;
Functions of Communication;
Communication Networks;
Communication Channels;
Direction Communication Channels;
Types of Communication;
Oral versus Written Communication;
Verbal versus non-verbal Communication;
Upward, downward, and lateral communication;
Barriers to Communication,
Role of Information Technology.
The image below will let you know the most important, moderately important, and least important topics of the RBI Grade B syllabus for Management (Objective & Descriptive) for the 2026 phase 2 exam.
Now, you might think that the official RBI Grade B full syllabus for FM is quite comprehensive. We would say it is still not complete. Questions from topics that are not directly mentioned in this official RBI Grade B syllabus have shown up in the past RBI Grade B papers.
Visit this RBI Grade B FM syllabus article to check out the complete topic breakdown of the official syllabus.
- Decoded Syllabus
- Cut-off Marks
- Subject-wise Sources
- Solved PYQs (since 2019)
RBI Grade B Interview Syllabus
The RBI Grade B interview stage consists of a psychometric test and interview.
For the psychometric test and interview, the official RBI Grade B syllabus has not been specified, but here’s what we know so far:
Psychometric Test
- The psychometric test is designed to assess your personality traits.
You’ll be given a series of statement-based questions where you’ll need to choose one of five responses:
- Strongly Agree
- Agree
- Neither Agree nor Disagree
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
- These questions are meant to evaluate how you view yourself in various situations, particularly in the context of work and team dynamics.
Here are some sample questions you might encounter:
- I never make a mistake at work.
- I prefer working alone rather than as part of a team.
- I need little to no supervision to complete my tasks.
- I enjoy being a leader.
Interview
The RBI Grade B interview does not have a fixed syllabus. In the interview, panelists ask about your education, work experience (if any), hobbies, and current affairs.
The aim is to analyse your personality, awareness, and readiness for the RBI Grade B role.
Below are the key areas from which the interview panel commonly asks questions:
- Knowledge about RBI as an organization
- Economics, Finance, and Banking
- Current affairs related to the economy and finance
- Biodata form/DAF-based questions
- Personality and behavioural assessment
- Opinion-based and situational questions
If you want to know more about how RBI Grade B interviews are conducted, you can see our Success Stories section.
Does the RBI Grade B Syllabus Change Every Year?
- Till 2019, the RBI Grade B exam was fully objective.
- The exam wasn’t conducted in 2020 due to COVID.
- In 2021, RBI introduced descriptive answer writing in the ESI and FM papers of Phase 2, the biggest pattern change so far.
- Some minor tweaks have been made to the RBI Grade B syllabus, without any major changes.
However, you must know what topics were added or deleted below in the past 4 years to get a fair idea about the RBI Grade B official syllabus 2026.
| Changes in RBI Grade B Syllabus Past 4 Years | |
| Added Topics | |
| Management 2021 | Finance 2023 |
| Ethics at the Workplace and Corporate Governance: Meaning of ethics, why ethical problems occur in business. Theories of ethics: Utilitarianism: weighing social cost and benefits, Rights and duties, Justice and fairness, ethics of care, integrating utility, rights, justice, and caring, An alternative to moral principles: virtue ethics, teleological theories, egoism theory, relativism theory Moral issues in business: Ethics in Compliance, Finance, HumanResources, Marketing, etc. Ethical Principles in Business: Introduction, Organization Structure and Ethics, Role of Board of Directors, Best Practices in Ethics Programme, Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, etc. | NaBFID Recent Developments in the Global Financial System and its impact on the Indian Financial System Role of Information Technology in Banking and Finance Non-Banking System Developments in Digital Payments Basics of Accounting and Financial Statements – Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss, Cash Flow Statements, Ratio Analysis (such as Debt to Equity, Debtor Days, Creditor Days, Inventory Turnover, Return on Assets, Return on Equity, etc.) |
| Omitted Topics | |
| ESI 2023 | Finance 2023 |
| Positive Discrimination in favour of the under privileged Social Movements – Indian Political System – Human Development – Social Sectors in India, Health and Education. | Impact of the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-08 and the Indian response Role of e-governance in addressing issues of corruption and inefficiency in the government sector. Fintech |
How Much Time Will it Take to Cover the RBI Grade B Syllabus?
With 4-5 hours of focused study daily, you can comfortably cover the entire RBI Grade B syllabus in around 6 months.
However, you may need a little extra time if:
- You are a beginner, as everything will be new.
- You come from a non-commerce background, where finance and economics concepts may take time to grasp.
That said, it’s completely manageable with consistency.
If you already have some preparation, you can shift your focus more towards current affairs, mock tests, and descriptive writing.
Bottom line: With discipline and consistency, 6 months is enough to be fully exam-ready.
- Decoded Syllabus
- Cut-off Marks
- Subject-wise Sources
- Solved PYQs (since 2019)
RBI Grade B Syllabus Comparison with Other Exams
Below, I have compared the syllabus of the RBI Grade B exam with other popular exams to help you understand overlap, differences, and preparation level:
RBI Grade B Syllabus vs UPSC CSE Syllabus:
Below is the comparison of the RBI Grade B syllabus with UPSC CSE:
Subjects
- Common Subjects:
- Economy (ESI ↔ GS Papers)
- General Awareness (Current Affairs)
- Quant
- Reasoning
- English
- Social Issues
- Unique to RBI Grade B:
- Finance & Management
- Banking & RBI-specific topics
- Unique to UPSC CSE:
- History
- Geography
- Polity
- Environment
- General Science: Biology, Physics, Chemistry.
- Ethics (GS Paper 4)
- Optional Subject
Marks (Weightage)
- RBI Grade B:
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- General Awareness: 80 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 60 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 30 marks
- English Language: 30 marks
- Phase 2 (Mains – 300 Marks)
- Economic & Social Issues (ESI): 100 marks
- Finance & Management (FM): 100 marks
- English (Descriptive): 100 marks
- Interview: 75 marks
- Total: 375 Marks (Final Merit)
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- UPSC CSE:
- Prelims (Qualifying)
- General Studies Paper 1: 200 marks
- CSAT (Paper 2): 200 marks (qualifying)
- Mains (1750 Marks)
- Essay: 250 marks
- General Studies Paper 1: 250 marks
- General Studies Paper 2: 250 marks
- General Studies Paper 3: 250 marks
- General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics): 250 marks
- Optional Subject Paper 1: 250 marks
- Optional Subject Paper 2: 250 marks
- Interview: 275 marks
- Total: 2025 Marks (Final Merit)
- Prelims (Qualifying)
Percentage Overlap
There is an overall 30-40% syllabus overlap between RBI Grade B and UPSC CSE.
Know more about these exams’ syllabus comparison in our UPSC CSE vs RBI Grade B Syllabus article.
- Decoded Syllabus
- Cut-off Marks
- Subject-wise Sources
- Solved PYQs (since 2019)
RBI Grade B Syllabus vs NABARD Grade A Syllabus
Below is the comparison of the RBI Grade B syllabus with the NABARD Grade A:
Subjects
- Common Subjects:
- Economic & Social Issues
- General Awareness (Current Affairs)
- English (objective + descriptive)
- Reasoning
- Quant
- Unique to RBI Grade B:
- Finance & Management (FM)
- Banking & RBI-specific topics
- Unique to NABARD Grade A:
- Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD)
- Decision Making
- Computer Knowledge
Marks (Weightage)
- RBI Grade B:
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- General Awareness: 80 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 60 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 30 marks
- English Language: 30 marks
- Phase 2 (Mains – 300 Marks)
- Economic & Social Issues (ESI): 100 marks
- Finance & Management (FM): 100 marks
- English (Descriptive): 100 marks
- Interview: 75 marks
- Total: 375 Marks (Final Merit)
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- NABARD Grade A:
- Prelims (200 Marks Qualifying)
- Reasoning Ability: 20 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 20 marks
- English Language: 30 marks
- General Awareness: 20 marks
- Computer Knowledge: 20 marks
- Decision Making: 10 marks
- Economic & Social Issues (ESI): 40 marks
- Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD): 40 marks
- Mains (200 Marks)
- Paper 1 (Descriptive English): 100 marks
- Paper 2 (ESI + ARD (Objective + Descriptive)): 100 marks
- Interview: 50 marks
- Total: 250 Marks (Final Merit)
- Prelims (200 Marks Qualifying)
Percentage Overlap
There is an overall 50-60% syllabus overlap between RBI Grade B and NABARD Grade A.
To get more information on how the exams’ syllabi compare with each other, read our NABARD Grade A vs RBI Grade B Syllabus article.
- Decoded Syllabus
- Cut-off Marks
- Subject-wise Sources
- Solved PYQs (since 2019)
RBI Grade B Syllabus vs SEBI Grade A Syllabus
Below is the comparison of the RBI Grade B syllabus with the SEBI Grade A:
Subjects
- Common Subjects:
- Economics
- General Awareness (Current Affairs)
- English (objective + descriptive)
- Reasoning
- Quant
- Finance
- Management
- Unique to RBI Grade B:
- Social Issues
- Unique to SEBI Grade A:
- Commerce & Accountancy
- Costing
- Companies Act
Marks (Weightage)
- RBI Grade B:
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- General Awareness: 80 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 60 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 30 marks
- English Language: 30 marks
- Phase 2 (Mains – 300 Marks)
- Economic & Social Issues (ESI): 100 marks
- Finance & Management (FM): 100 marks
- English (Descriptive): 100 marks
- Interview: 75 marks
- Total: 375 Marks (Final Merit)
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- SEBI Grade A:
- Prelims (200 Marks Qualifying)
- General Awareness: 25 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 25 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 25 marks
- English Language: 25 marks
- Commerce, Accountancy, Management, Finance, Costing, Companies Act & Economics: 100 Marks
- Mains (200 Marks)
- Paper 1 (Descriptive English): 100 marks
- Paper 2 (Commerce, Accountancy, Management, Finance, Costing, Companies Act & Economics): 100 Marks
- Interview: Not mentioned in the official SEBI Grade A notification.
- Total: 200 + interview Marks (Final Merit)
- Prelims (200 Marks Qualifying)
Percentage Overlap
There is an overall 80% syllabus overlap between RBI Grade B and SEBI Grade A.
To get more details about the exams’ syllabus comparison, read our SEBI Grade A vs RBI Grade B Syllabus article.
- Decoded Syllabus
- Cut-off Marks
- Subject-wise Sources
- Solved PYQs (since 2019)
RBI Grade B Syllabus vs PFRDA Grade A Syllabus
Below is the comparison of the RBI Grade B syllabus with the PFRDA Grade A:
Subjects
- Common Subjects:
- Economics
- General Awareness (Current Affairs)
- English (objective + descriptive)
- Reasoning
- Quant
- Finance
- Management
- Unique to RBI Grade B:
- Social Issues
- Unique to PFRDA Grade A:
- Commerce & Accountancy
- Costing
- Companies Act
- Pension Sector
Marks (Weightage)
- RBI Grade B:
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- General Awareness: 80 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 60 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 30 marks
- English Language: 30 marks
- Phase 2 (Mains – 300 Marks)
- Economic & Social Issues (ESI): 100 marks
- Finance & Management (FM): 100 marks
- English (Descriptive): 100 marks
- Interview: 75 marks
- Total: 375 Marks (Final Merit)
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- PFRDA Grade A:
- Prelims (200 Marks Qualifying)
- General Awareness: 25 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 25 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 25 marks
- English Language: 25 marks
- Commerce, Accountancy, Management, Finance, Costing, Companies Act, Economics, & Pension Sector: 100 Marks
- Mains (200 Marks)
- Paper 1 (Descriptive English): 100 marks
- Paper 2 (Commerce, Accountancy, Management, Finance, Costing, Companies Act, Economics, & Pension Sector): 100 Marks
- Interview: Not mentioned in the official PFRDA Grade A notification.
- Total: 200 + interview Marks (Final Merit)
- Prelims (200 Marks Qualifying)
Percentage Overlap
There is an overall 80% syllabus overlap between RBI Grade B and PFRDA Grade A.
- Decoded Syllabus
- Cut-off Marks
- Subject-wise Sources
- Solved PYQs (since 2019)
RBI Grade B Syllabus vs IRDAI Grade A Syllabus
Below is the comparison of the RBI Grade B syllabus with the IRDAI Grade A:
Subjects
- Common Subjects:
- Economics and Social Issues
- General Awareness (Current Affairs)
- English (objective + descriptive)
- Reasoning
- Quant
- Management
- Unique to RBI Grade B:
- Finance
- Unique to IRDAI Grade A:
- Economic and Social Issues Impacting Insurance
- Insurance
Marks (Weightage)
- RBI Grade B:
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- General Awareness: 80 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 60 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 30 marks
- English Language: 30 marks
- Phase 2 (Mains – 300 Marks)
- Economic & Social Issues (ESI): 100 marks
- Finance & Management (FM): 100 marks
- English (Descriptive): 100 marks
- Interview: 75 marks
- Total: 375 Marks (Final Merit)
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- IRDAI Grade A:
- Prelims (160 Marks Qualifying)
- General Awareness: 40 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 40 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 40 marks
- English Language: 40 marks
- Commerce, Accountancy, Management, Finance, Costing, Companies Act, Economics, & Pension Sector: 100 Marks
- Mains (300 Marks)
- Paper 1 (Descriptive English): 100 marks
- Paper 2 (Economic and Social Issues Impacting Insurance): 100 Marks
- Paper 3 (Insurance and Management): 100 Marks
- Interview: 15 marks
- Total: 315 (Final Merit)
- Prelims (160 Marks Qualifying)
Percentage Overlap
There is an overall 70% syllabus overlap between RBI Grade B and IRDAI Grade A.
- Decoded Syllabus
- Cut-off Marks
- Subject-wise Sources
- Solved PYQs (since 2019)
RBI Grade B Syllabus vs IFSCA Grade A Syllabus
Below is the comparison of the RBI Grade B syllabus with the IFSCA Grade A:
Subjects
- Common Subjects:
- Economics
- General Awareness (Current Affairs)
- English (objective + descriptive)
- Reasoning
- Quant
- Finance
- Management
- Unique to RBI Grade B:
- Social Issues
- Unique to IFSCA Grade A:
- Commerce & Accountancy
- Costing
- Companies Act
- IFSCA-related regulations
- IFSCA Act
- Union Budget
- Economic Survey
- Indian Banking Sector
- Capital Market
- Insurance and Pension Funds
- Bullion Market
- GIFT City and GIFT IFSC
- IFSCA’s regulatory role
- Global Financial Centres
Marks (Weightage)
- RBI Grade B:
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- General Awareness: 80 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 60 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 30 marks
- English Language: 30 marks
- Phase 2 (Mains – 300 Marks)
- Economic & Social Issues (ESI): 100 marks
- Finance & Management (FM): 100 marks
- English (Descriptive): 100 marks
- Interview: 75 marks
- Total: 375 Marks (Final Merit)
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- IFSCA Grade A:
- Prelims (200 Marks Qualifying)
- General Awareness: 25 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 25 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 25 marks
- English Language: 25 marks
- Financial Markets, Indian Economy, Commerce & Accountancy, Management, Costing, Companies Act, and IFSCA-related regulations: 100 Marks
- Mains (300 Marks)
- Paper 1 (Descriptive English): 100 marks
- Paper 2 (IFSCA Act, Union Budget, Economic Survey, Indian Banking Sector, Capital Market, Insurance and Pension Funds, Bullion Market, GIFT City and GIFT IFSC, IFSCA’s regulatory role, and Global Financial Centres): 100 Marks
- Interview: 100 marks.
- Total: 300 (Final Merit)
- Prelims (200 Marks Qualifying)
Percentage Overlap
There is an overall 50-60% syllabus overlap between RBI Grade B and IFSCA Grade A.
- Decoded Syllabus
- Cut-off Marks
- Subject-wise Sources
- Solved PYQs (since 2019)
RBI Grade B Syllabus vs SBI PO Syllabus
Below is the comparison of the RBI Grade B syllabus with the SBI PO:
Subjects
- Common Subjects:
- General Awareness (Current Affairs)
- English (objective + descriptive)
- Reasoning
- Quant
- Unique to RBI Grade B:
- Economic & Social Issues (ESI)
- Finance & Management (FM)
- Unique to SBI PO:
- Computer Aptitude
Marks (Weightage)
- RBI Grade B:
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- General Awareness: 80 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 60 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 30 marks
- English Language: 30 marks
- Phase 2 (Mains – 300 Marks)
- Economic & Social Issues (ESI): 100 marks
- Finance & Management (FM): 100 marks
- English (Descriptive): 100 marks
- Interview: 75 marks
- Total: 375 Marks (Final Merit)
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- SBI PO:
- Prelims (100 Marks Qualifying)
- English Language: 30 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 35 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 35 marks
- Mains (200 Marks)
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: 60 marks
- Data Analysis & Interpretation: 60 marks
- General/Economy/Banking Awareness: 40 marks
- English Language: 40 marks
- Descriptive English: 50 marks
- Interview/GD: 50 marks.
- Total: 250 (Final Merit)
- Prelims (100 Marks Qualifying)
Percentage Overlap
There is an overall 40-50% syllabus overlap between RBI Grade B and SBI PO.
To know more about the exams’ syllabus comparison, head to our SBI PO vs RBI Grade B Syllabus article.
- Decoded Syllabus
- Cut-off Marks
- Subject-wise Sources
- Solved PYQs (since 2019)
RBI Grade B Syllabus vs SSC CGL Syllabus
Below is the comparison of the RBI Grade B syllabus with the SSC CGL:
Subjects
- Common Subjects:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
- English Language
- General Awareness
- Unique to RBI Grade B:
- Economic & Social Issues (ESI)
- Finance & Management (FM)
- Descriptive English
- Unique to SSC CGL:
- Static GK (History, Geography, Polity, Science)
- Computer Knowledge
Marks (Weightage)
- RBI Grade B:
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- General Awareness: 80 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 60 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 30 marks
- English Language: 30 marks
- Phase 2 (Mains – 300 Marks)
- Economic & Social Issues (ESI): 100 marks
- Finance & Management (FM): 100 marks
- English (Descriptive): 100 marks
- Interview: 75 marks
- Total: 375 Marks (Final Merit)
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- SSC CGL:
- Prelims (200 Marks Qualifying)
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: 50 marks
- General Awareness: 50 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 50 marks
- English Comprehension: 50 marks
- Mains (390 Marks)
- Mathematical Abilities: 180 marks
- Reasoning & General Intelligence: 150 marks
- English Language & Comprehension: 120 marks
- General Awareness: 90 marks
- Computer Knowledge: 60 marks
- Interview: No interview
- Total: 390 (Final Merit)
- Prelims (200 Marks Qualifying)
Percentage Overlap
There is an overall 50-55% syllabus overlap between RBI Grade B and SSC CGL.
- Decoded Syllabus
- Cut-off Marks
- Subject-wise Sources
- Solved PYQs (since 2019)
RBI Grade B Syllabus vs RBI Assistant Syllabus
Below is the comparison of the RBI Grade B syllabus with the RBI Assistant:
Subjects
- Common Subjects:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
- English Language
- General Awareness
- Unique to RBI Grade B:
- Economic & Social Issues (ESI)
- Finance & Management (FM)
- Descriptive English
- Unique to RBI Assistant:
- Computer Knowledge
Marks (Weightage)
- RBI Grade B:
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- General Awareness: 80 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 60 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 30 marks
- English Language: 30 marks
- Phase 2 (Mains – 300 Marks)
- Economic & Social Issues (ESI): 100 marks
- Finance & Management (FM): 100 marks
- English (Descriptive): 100 marks
- Interview: 75 marks
- Total: 375 Marks (Final Merit)
- Phase 1 (Objective – 200 Marks)
- RBI Assistant:
- Prelims (100 Marks Qualifying)
- English Language: 30 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 35 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 35 marks
- Mains (200 Marks)
- English Language: 40 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 40 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 40 marks
- Computer Knowledge: 40 marks
- General Awareness: 40 marks
- Interview: No interview
- Total: 200 (Final Merit)
- Prelims (100 Marks Qualifying)
There is an overall 50-55% syllabus overlap between RBI Grade B and RBI Assistant.
- Decoded Syllabus
- Cut-off Marks
- Subject-wise Sources
- Solved PYQs (since 2019)
RBI Grade B Syllabus vs JAIIB Syllabus
The syllabus of the Reserve Bank of India Grade B exam and the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance JAIIB exam is largely different, with only a limited overlap in ESI and FM (RBI Grade B) and Indian Economy & Indian Financial System (JAIIB).
Overlapping Topics
The common areas between both exams include:
- Indian Economy
- Sectors of the Indian Economy
- Economic Planning in India
- Globalization & Economic Reforms
- Foreign Trade Policy
- Climate Change & Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- International Economic Organizations
- Fundamentals of Economics (Micro & Macro)
- Types of Economies
- Supply & Demand
- Money Supply & Inflation
- Monetary Policy & Fiscal Policy
- Union Budget
- Indian Financial System
- Indian Banking Structure
- Financial Markets & Money Markets
- Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)
- Capital & Revenue Expenditure
- Ratio Analysis
- Balance Sheet Equation
- Cash Flow & Funds Flow
There is an overall 15% syllabus overlap between RBI Grade B and JAIIB.
- Decoded Syllabus
- Cut-off Marks
- Subject-wise Sources
- Solved PYQs (since 2019)
Final Thoughts
The RBI Grade B syllabus may seem vast at first, but once you break it down into micro topics, it becomes much more manageable.
The key is not to rely solely on the indicative syllabus given in the notification. Instead, focus on a topic-wise, PYQ-driven approach to understand what actually gets asked in the exam.
If you cover the syllabus smartly by prioritizing important topics, aligning your RBI Grade B preparation with previous year trends, and revising consistently, you can complete it effectively without feeling overwhelmed.
Best of Luck!
