RBI Grade B Selection Process 2026, Know About Phase 1, 2 & Interview

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RBI Grade B Notification 2026 has been released for a total of 60 vacancies, and the application process has also started. As per the notification, the RBI Grade B selection process includes three stages: Phase 1, Phase 2, and Interview for the General, DEPR, and DSIM posts. In this blog, we have provided complete details about the Phase 1, Phase 2, and Interview pattern for all three posts.

What is the RBI Grade B selection process?

RBI Grade B selection process has 3 stages Phase 1, Phase 2, and the Interview. Phase 1 is an online objective exam that includes Reasoning, English, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. Candidates who clear this stage move to Phase 2, which consists of both objective and descriptive papers related to the job role. The final selection is made based on marks obtained in Phase 2 and the Interview round.

StageDetails
Phase 1 Online Examination (Objective Type)• For General: Single paper with General Awareness, English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning
• For DEPR: Objective Economics paper + Descriptive English
• For DSIM: Objective Statistics paper
• Shortlisting is based on minimum qualifying marks and aggregate score for Phase 2
Phase 2 Online/Written Examination (Objective + Descriptive)• For General: Three papers – Economic & Social Issues, General Finance & Management (50% objective + 50% descriptive), and English Writing Skills (descriptive)
• For DEPR: Two descriptive Economics papers
• For DSIM: Descriptive Statistics + Descriptive English
• Shortlisting for interview is based on aggregate Phase 2 marks
Interview / Personality Assessment• Conducted for all cadres and carries 75 marks
• Can be taken in Hindi or English
• Personality assessment is mandatory but not marked separately
Final Selection• Final merit list is prepared based on Phase 2 marks + Interview marks (including any applicable grace marks)

When are the RBI Grade B phase 1 and phase 2 exams scheduled?

The RBI Grade B Exam Date 2026 has been released along with the notification PDF announcing the schedule for both phases. Phase 1 (Prelims) is expected to be held in June 2026, while Phase 2 (Mains) will be held in July 2026.

The dates may vary slightly for General, DEPR, and DSIM streams. Candidates should carefully check the timeline and begin their preparation early, as consistent study and proper planning are important to perform well in both stages of the exam.

EventGeneral (DR)DEPRDSIM
Phase 1 Exam Date13 June 202614 June 202614 June 2026
Phase 2 Exam Date25 July 202626 July 202626 July 2026

What are the stages of the RBI Grade B selection process for (DR) General cadres?

The RBI Grade B Exam is conducted in three stages: Phase 1, Phase 2, and Interview. Phase 1 is an objective test covering Reasoning, Quant, English, and General Awareness with 200 questions and negative marking.

Phase 2 includes three papers with both objective and descriptive sections and is the main selection stage. The final stage is the Interview, carrying 75 marks. Final merit is based on Phase 2 and Interview performance.

PhaseExam DetailsKey Points
Phase 1 – PreliminarySubjects: Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, English200 questions / 200 marks
Duration: 120 minutes
Sectional timing
Negative marking: 1/4 per wrong answer
Phase 2 – MainsPaper 1 & 3: Objective + Descriptive
Paper 2: Descriptive
Marks of all papers considered for final result
Phase 3 – Interview75 marksFinal selection based on Phase 2 marks + interview score

Important Study Materials for RBI Grade B Preparation

What are the stages of the RBI Grade B selection process for (DR) DEPR cadres?

The RBI Grade B DEPR Exam is conducted in three stages Phase 1, Phase 2, and Interview. Phase 1 includes an objective Economics paper and a descriptive English paper (computer-based). Candidates who qualify move to Phase 2, which has two descriptive Economics papers written in pen-and-paper mode. Those who clear Phase 2 are called for the Interview. Final selection is based on Phase 2 performance and Interview marks.

PhaseName of PaperDurationMaximum Marks
Phase – IPaper – I: Objective Type (on Economics) [Online exam]
Paper – II: English – Descriptive (To be typed with help of keyboard)
[Answers typed on computer]
120 minutes for each paper100 for each paper
Phase – IIPaper – I: Descriptive Type (on Economics) (Question paper displayed on computer, answers to be written on paper)
Answers written on paper
120 minutes100
Phase – IIPaper – II: Descriptive Type (on Economics) (Question paper displayed on computer, answers to be written on paper)
Answers written on paper
120 minutes100
Total400

What are the stages of the RBI Grade B selection process for (DR) DSIM cadres?

RBI Grade B (DSIM) selection process includes Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3, and an Interview. Paper 1 is an objective Statistics test used for shortlisting candidates. Candidates who qualify move to Paper 2, which is a descriptive Statistics paper, and Paper 3, which is a descriptive English test. After clearing these stages, candidates are called for the final Interview round.

StageDescriptionMarks / Duration
Stage 1 – Paper IObjective Type (Statistics) to shortlist candidates for Phase-II100 marks, 120 min
Stage 2 – Paper IIDescriptive Type (Statistics) for shortlisted candidates100 marks, 180 min
Stage 2 – Paper IIIDescriptive Type (English, typed) for shortlisted candidates100 marks, 90 min
Stage 3 – InterviewCandidates clearing all papers are called for Interview; may opt for Hindi or English75 marks
Personality AssessmentConducted before Interview; no marks allotted; does not affect final selection

RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern for (DR) General

RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam is an online qualifying test conducted by the Reserve Bank of India. It consists of four sections: Reasoning, General Awareness, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude. The exam includes 200 questions for a total of 200 marks and is completed within 120 minutes. Each section has a separate time limit to help candidates manage their time effectively during the exam.

SectionsTotal QuestionsMarksDuration
Reasoning606045 minutes
General Awareness808025 minutes
English Language303025 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude303025 minutes
Total200200120 minutes

RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern for (DR) DEPR

The RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam for DEPR and DSIM posts is conducted to shortlist candidates for Phase 2. The exam consists of two papers: an objective paper on Economics and a descriptive English paper that must be typed on a keyboard. Candidates are required to appear for both papers, and the exam is conducted in different shifts. To qualify for the next stage, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks decided by the Board.

PaperDurationMarks
Paper I – Objective (Economics)120 min100
Paper II – Descriptive (English, typed)120 min100
Total200

RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern for (DR) DSIM

The phase 1 is an objective examination on Statistics, held to shortlist candidates for Paper2 and Paper 3. Candidates are required to secure minimum aggregate marks as prescribed by the Board to qualify for the next stage. The exam duration is 120 minutes, and the paper carries 100 marks. Question papers are set in Hindi and English, and the exam is conducted online.

PaperDurationMarks
Paper I – Objective (Statistics)120 min100
Total100

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RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern for (DR) General

RBI Grade B Phase 2 exam includes 3 papers Economic and Social Issues (ESI), English Writing Skills, and Finance and Management (FM). The ESI and FM papers contain both objective and descriptive questions, while the English paper is completely descriptive. Candidates must type descriptive answers on a keyboard, and Hindi typing is allowed for ESI and FM papers.

The total marks for the Phase 2 exam are 300. Except for the English paper, all papers are available in both Hindi and English. The Reserve Bank of India may change the exam pattern or schedule if required.

PapersType of TestTotal MarksDuration
Paper 1 – Economic and Social Issues50% Objective Test (30 objective questions)
50% Descriptive Test (6 descriptive questions out of which 4 need to be answered)
Hindi typing allowed (Inscript/Remington)
50 marks
50 marks
30 mins
90 mins
Paper 2 – English (Writing Skills)Descriptive Test (3 questions) to be typed using keyboard100 marks90 mins
Paper 3 – Finance and Management50% Objective Test (30 objective questions)
50% Descriptive Test (6 descriptive questions out of which 4 need to be answered)
Hindi typing allowed (Inscript/Remington)
50 marks
50 marks
120 minutes

RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern for (DR) DEPR

RBI Grade B Phase 2 exam for DEPR is a descriptive written examination conducted for candidates who qualify in Phase 1. It includes two papers on Economics, where questions are shown on the computer, but answers must be written on paper. The exam is conducted in different shifts, and candidates are required to appear for both papers.

PaperDurationMarks
Paper I – Descriptive (Economics)120 min100
Paper II – Descriptive (Economics)120 min100
Total200

RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern for (DR) DSIM

The phase 2 exam consists of Paper 2 and Paper 3, which are descriptive-type examinations. Paper 2 focuses on Statistics, while Paper 3 is English Descriptive, to be typed using a keyboard. Both papers are conducted on a single day in shifts.

Answers for Paper 2 may be written in Hindi or English, whereas Paper 3 must be answered in English. The duration of Paper 2 is 180 minutes, and Paper 3 is 90 minutes, with each carrying 100 marks. Candidates must secure the prescribed cut-offs to be eligible for the Interview stage.

PaperDurationMarks
Paper II – Descriptive (Statistics)180 min100
Paper III – Descriptive (English, typed)90 min100
Total200

RBI Grade B Selection Process 2026 – Interview

Only those aspirants who clear Phase 2 will be able to appear in the Interview. The interview will be conducted for a total of 75 marks and the candidates are allowed to opt for either language (Hindi or English). Securing good marks in the Interview will increase your chances of appearing in the final merit list.

FAQs

Q1. What is the process of selection for the RBI Grade B Exam?

The process of selection includes Phase 1 (Prelims), Phase 2 (Mains), and Phase 3 (Interview).

Q2. How many attempts are there in the RBI Grade B Selection Process?

For the General Category, the number of attempts is 6.

Q3. How long is the RBI Grade B Selection Process 2026?

Well, you will have to go through the three-tiered processes. Beginning from the notification to be out to the final result, it is expected to be completed in 9-11 months.

Q4. What is the Interview Process for RBI Grade B?

The interview will be conducted for a total of 75 marks. The candidates who will clear phase 2 will appear in the interview round.

Q5. Does the RBI Grade B Exam have negative markings?

Yes, 1/4th of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as negative markings in Phase 1.