What is the English Syllabus of the RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam?

English is one of the key subjects in the RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam, but the official notification does not mention the RBI Grade B syllabus for English, leaving sincere aspirants like you with burning questions, such as: 

• What are the RBI Grade B English syllabus topics? 
• Is the RBI Grade B English syllabus similar to Bank PO exams?
• Which English topics are most important for the RBI Grade B exam?
• Is English easier than the Quant and Reasoning in RBI Grade B Phase 1?

To help you find answers to these questions, I’ll provide the detailed RBI Grade B English syllabus, based on the analysis of previous years’ question papers. It’ll also ensure you prioritize high-weightage topics and select relevant study materials that align with the latest RBI Grade B English syllabus.

What Are the Topics of the RBI Grade B English Syllabus?

I have listed down all the topics of the RBI Grade B English syllabus by analyzing the English questions asked in the last 4 years of the RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam.

Key Observations

1. The maximum number of questions is asked from the topic of Reading Comprehension (RC), making it one of the most important topics for you.
2. The number of questions from topics like Double Fillers, Idioms/Phrases, and Word Reshuffle varies significantly from year to year.
3. You can expect questions from topics that were not seen in the previous years. Questions from Para Jumbles and Odd One Out were asked in 2024 for the first time. 
4. Although the number of questions from topics like fill in the blanks, word replacement, and idioms/phrases is less, you should not neglect them.

Based on the above, find below the list of RBI Grade B English syllabus topics:

1. Reading Comprehension
2. Double Fillers
3. Error Detection
4. Sentence Rearrangement
5. Idiom/Phrases Usage
6. Word Reshuffle 
7. Para Jumbles
8. Sentence Connectors
9. Odd One Out
10. Sentence Completion
11. Fill in the Blanks
12. Statement Correction
13. Sentence Correction
14. Word Replacement
15. Cloze Test

Now, what is the difference between the Reading Comprehension (RC) topic of RBI Grade B Phase 1 and 2?

The main difference lies in the format of the questions:

1. In Phase 1, questions of RC are objective multiple-choice questions (MCQs). You need to select the correct answer based on your understanding of the passage provided.
2. In Phase 2, descriptive questions are asked where you need to type your answers, which requires an in-depth analysis, testing your ability to understand and present information clearly.

Is the RBI Grade B English Syllabus Huge?

While the RBI Grade B English syllabus may seem huge, it’s manageable by understanding the following:

• Sectional Cut-Off
  • You only need to clear the sectional cut-off of English, which ranged between 4.5 and 7.5 marks from 2018 to 2024.
• High-Weightage Topics
  • Prioritizing the below high-weightage topics helps you cover the maximum RBI Grade B English syllabus.
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Double Fillers
    • Error Detection
    • Sentence Rearrangement
    • Idiom/Phrases Usage
    • Word Reshuffle 
    • Para Jumbles
    • Sentence Connectors
• Phase 1 is Qualifying
  • Remember, the RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam is qualifying in nature. 
  • If English is not your strong suit, focus on clearing the sectional cut-off of English and prioritize your strengths in other RBI Grade B subjects to maximize your overall Phase 1 score.

How Much Time Is Needed to Cover the RBI Grade B English Syllabus?

Ideally, you should plan 90 days to prepare for the RBI Grade B English syllabus. However, if you have limited time to cover the RBI Grade B English syllabus, here are the 2 approaches that you can follow:

Approach 1 (Traditional Way):

1. Instead of covering every topic, you should focus on the high-weightage topics (as mentioned above). 
2. Simultaneously, start practicing mock tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
3. Allocate more time to improve your weak areas. 

Approach 2 (Reverse Engineering):

1. Instead of covering every topic, you should begin by reading mock test questions and directly checking their solutions without solving them to understand the concepts.
2. Do this with 3-4 mock tests to familiarize yourself with the concepts of multiple topics.
3. After getting familiar with the majority of the concepts, start practicing full mock tests under timed conditions.

What Next?

A common misconception among some aspirants is that English is easier than Quant and Reasoning, since English involves zero calculation. However, you must keep in mind that English also demands a thorough understanding of grammar rules, a strong vocabulary, and proficient reading skills.

I hope you now understand the RBI Grade B English syllabus and know how to approach it. The next step is to familiarize yourself with the syllabus for the remaining Phase 1 subjects: 

• Reasoning Ability
• Quantitative Aptitude
• General Awareness