The RBI Grade B 2026 exam is one of the most sought-after banking exams in India. It recruits Officers in Grade B (Manager level) at the Reserve Bank of India. The official RBI Grade B Notification 2026 has not been released yet, but it is expected between July and September 2026, based on the pattern of previous years. This article gives all the details that the candidates need to start preparing right now i.e eligibility, exam dates, pattern, syllabus, salary, and more.
What is RBI Grade B?
RBI Grade B is an officer-level post in the Reserve Bank of India. It is one of the most prestigious banking jobs in India.
- The role mainly involves policy-making, financial supervision, and economic analysis.
- Officers work in departments related to monetary policy, banking regulation, and finance.
- It offers excellent salary, perks, and career growth opportunities.
- Selection is done through a 3-stage process: Phase 1, Phase 2, and Interview.
- Candidates from any academic background can apply (as per eligibility).
- It is considered a top choice for serious banking and government job aspirants.
RBI Grade B 2026 Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Conducting Body | Reserve Bank of India (RBI) |
| Post Name | Officer in Grade B (DR) – General, DEPR, DSIM |
| Notification Release (Expected) | July – September 2026 (Tentative) |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Application Duration | Approx. 15–20 days after notification |
| Expected Vacancies | 100–120 posts (approx.) across all streams |
| Age Limit (General) | 21 to 30 years |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree with min. 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD) |
| Selection Process | Phase 1 (Prelims) → Phase 2 (Mains) → Interview |
| Application Fee | (General/OBC) = ₹850 + 18% GST |
| (SC/ST/PwBD) = ₹100 + 18% GST | |
| Salary | Starting Basic Pay = ₹78,450/month |
| Gross Monthly Salary = ~₹1,50,374/month (excluding HRA) | |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based) |
| Exam Language | English and Hindi (except English paper) |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer |
| Official Website | rbi.org.in / opportunities.rbi.org.in |
RBI Grade B 2026 Notification & Exam Important Dates
The notice will be released to announce vacancies across the General, DEPR, and DSIM streams. Candidates are advised to check the eligibility criteria and prepare accordingly.
| Event |
Expected Date (Tentative)
|
|
Newspaper Advertisement
|
1 week before official notification
|
|
Official Notification Release
|
July 2026
|
|
Online Application Start
|
On the date of notification release
|
|
Online Application End
|
15–20 days after notification
|
|
Application Edit Window
|
2 days after the application closes
|
|
Phase 1 (Prelims) Admit Card
|
10–15 days before Phase 1 exam
|
|
Phase 1 (Prelims) Exam
|
~1 month after notification
|
| Phase 1 Result |
20–25 days after Phase 1 exam
|
|
Phase 2 (Mains) Exam
|
2–3 weeks after Phase 1 result
|
|
Phase 2 Admit Card
|
Before the Phase 2 exam
|
| Phase 2 Result |
After the Phase 2 exam
|
| Interview |
After the Phase 2 results
|
| Final Result | After Interview |
RBI Grade B Notification 2026
The RBI Grade B Notification 2026 will be released on the official website, outlining the complete details of the recruitment process. This document will include information on vacancies, exam dates, syllabus, eligibility norms, and selection stages.
RBI Grade B Notification PDF (Previous Recruitment Cycle)
Is graduation in any stream sufficient to apply?
Yes, candidates from any stream can apply for RBI Grade B, provided they have at least 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD) in graduation. Some specialized posts may require specific qualifications, but for the general post, any stream is accepted.
RBI Grade B Vacancy 2026
For the year 2026, the Reserve Bank of India will release the number of vacancies under the Grade B cadre. The majority of openings are for the General stream, while a smaller number of posts are reserved for specialized roles in Economic & Policy Research (DEPR) and Statistics & Information Management (DSIM).
| RBI Grade B Vacancy (Previous Recruitment Cycle) | ||
| Post | Vacancies |
Category-wise Distribution
|
| Officers in Grade B (DR) – General | 83 |
UR: 35, SC: 15, ST: 6, OBC: 19, EWS: 8
|
| Officers in Grade B (DR) – DEPR | 17 | UR: 6, SC: 4, ST: 4, OBC: 2, EWS: 1 |
| Officers in Grade B (DR) – DSIM | 20 | UR: 10, SC: 2, ST: 4, OBC: 3, EWS: 1 |
| Total | 120 | |
How many attempts are allowed?
For the General category, a maximum of 6 attempts are allowed. However, there is no restriction on attempts for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PwBD categories, subject to the age limit.
RBI Grade B 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for RBI Grade B 2026, candidates must meet certain rules related to nationality, age, education and the number of attempts. If candidates don’t meet these conditions than their application may be rejected or they could be disqualified later in the selection process. So, it’s important to check and follow all the eligibility criteria before applying for any posts.
Educational Qualification
The educational qualification required for RBI Grade B 2026 is a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% marks. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PWD categories are eligible with 50% marks. Equivalent qualifications are also accepted, and preference may be given to candidates with higher academic achievements.
|
Educational Qualifications
|
|
| Post |
Minimum Educational Qualifications
|
| Officers in Grade B (DR) – General |
– Graduation in any discipline or equivalent technical/professional qualification with 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD) or equivalent CGPA, or
– Post-Graduation in any discipline or equivalent technical qualification with 55% marks (pass marks for SC/ST/PwBD) in aggregate of all semesters/years. – Additional Qualifications: – Full-time course (3 years post-Class XII) recognized as equivalent to graduation. – Final Examination for Membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). – Full-time course (2 years post-graduation) recognized as equivalent to post-graduation. |
| Officers in Grade B (DR) – DEPR |
– Essential:
– Master’s Degree in Economics, Econometrics, Quantitative Economics, Mathematical Economics, Integrated Economics Course, or Finance with 55% marks or equivalent grade (50% for SC/ST/PwBD), or – PGDM/MBA in Finance with 55% marks or equivalent grade (50% for SC/ST/PwBD), or – Master’s Degree in Economics (sub-categories: agricultural/business/developmental/applied) with 55% marks or equivalent grade (50% for SC/ST/PwBD). – Additional: Candidates with research/teaching experience at recognized institutions are eligible for age relaxation (up to 3 years, excluding probationary period). |
| Officers in Grade B (DR) – DSIM |
– Essential:
– Master’s Degree in Statistics, Mathematical Statistics, Mathematical Economics, Econometrics, Statistics & Informatics (IIT-Kharagpur), or Applied Statistics & Informatics (IIT-Bombay) with 55% marks or equivalent grade (50% for SC/ST/PwBD), or – Master’s Degree in Mathematics with 55% marks or equivalent grade and a one-year postgraduate diploma in Statistics or related subjects from a reputed institute, or – M. Stat. Degree from the Indian Statistical Institute with 55% marks, or – Post Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics (PGDBA) from ISI Kolkata, IIT Kharagpur, and IIM Calcutta with 55% marks or equivalent grade. |
Age Criteria
- General: 21 to 30 years
- OBC (NCL): 21 to 33 years (+3 years)
- SC/ST: 21 to 35 years (+5 years)
- PwBD: Up to 40 years (+10 years)
- M.Phil holders: Up to 32 years (+2 years over General)
- PhD holders: Up to 34 years(+4 years over General)
Number of Attempts
| Category |
Maximum Attempts Allowed
|
| General / EWS |
Maximum 6 attempts
|
|
SC / ST / OBC / PwBD
|
No limit on attempts
|
Final Year Students are NOT Eligible. The graduation result must be officially declared by the notification date. Students who have only appeared in the final exam but are awaiting their result cannot apply.
RBI Grade B 2026 Selection Process
The selection for RBI Grade B (General) is done in 3 stages. You must qualify each stage to move to the next. The final merit list uses only Phase 2 + Interview marks — Phase 1 marks are NOT added to your final score.
| Stage | Component | Type | Mode | Marks Counted in Final Merit | Key Points |
| Phase 1 – Prelims | Qualifying Test | Objective (MCQ) | Online (Computer-based) | No |
Must clear sectional + overall cut-off to qualify
|
| Phase 2 – Mains | Merit-Based Exam | Objective + Descriptive | Online | Yes |
Sectional cut-offs in all 3 papers
|
| Phase 3 – Interview | Personality Test | Oral | Offline/Panel | Yes (75 marks) |
Language: Hindi or English
|
| Additional | Psychometric Test | Assessment | Before Interview | No |
No marks assigned
|
| Final Selection | Merit List | — | — | Based on Phase 2 + Interview |
Merit list prepared in descending order
|
RBI Grade B Online Application 2026
The RBI Grade B 2026 online application process is expected to start soon after the official notification is published. Eligible candidates will need to register on the RBI portal, provide their personal and educational details, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee within the specified dates. To ensure a smooth application process, aspirants should keep their academic certificates, ID proof, and recent photographs ready in the prescribed format beforehand.
RBI Grade B Apply Online 2026- Inactive
RBI Grade B 2026 Application Fee
The application fees mentioned here are based on the previous RBI Grade B. Candidates from the General and OBC categories are required to pay ₹850 plus 18% GST for the final submission of the application form, while candidates from ST, SC, PWD, and EXS categories need to pay ₹100 plus 18% GST.
RBI Grade B 2026 Prelims Exam Pattern
The RBI Grade B 2026 Prelims Exam is expected to follow the same structured pattern as previous years, assessing candidates across four major sections. Understanding the distribution of questions, marks, and sectional timing helps aspirants plan an effective attempt strategy.
| Name of the Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 25 Minutes |
| General Awareness | 80 | 80 | 25 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 25 Minutes |
| Reasoning | 60 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 Minutes |
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Marking Scheme
The RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam is the first step in the selection process and primarily serves to shortlist candidates for Phase 2. It is an online, objective-type test that evaluates basic aptitude and knowledge across multiple sections.
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Marking Scheme:
- The exam is conducted in online mode.
- It is qualifying in nature to shortlist candidates for Phase 2.
- The paper consists of objective-type questions.
- Candidates can attempt the exam in Hindi or English, except the English Language section, which is only in English.
- Each correct answer carries full marks.
- For every incorrect answer, 1/4th of the marks are deducted as negative marking.
- No penalty is applied for unattempted questions.
RBI Grade B 2026 Mains Exam Pattern
The RBI Grade B Mains Exam 2026 will be conducted online and includes three papers: Economics & Social Issues (ESI), English (Writing Skills) and Finance & Management (FM). Each paper carries 100 marks, making a total of 300 marks.
The exam has both objective (multiple-choice) and descriptive sections. The descriptive part will test candidates writing and analytical skills, while the objective part checks their conceptual knowledge.
| Paper Name | Type of Paper | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| Economics & Social Issues (Paper I) | 50% Objective (MCQs) and 50% Descriptive (Typed answers) | 100 | 120 minutes |
| English (Writing Skills) (Paper II) | Descriptive (3 Questions – Essay, Comprehension, and Letter Writing) | 100 | 90 minutes |
| Finance & Management (Paper III) | 50% Objective (MCQs) and 50% Descriptive (Typed answers) | 100 | 120 minutes |
| Total | 300 Marks |
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Marking Scheme
- The RBI Grade B Phase 2 exam is conducted in online mode.
- Phase 2 consists of three papers, which are held separately.
- Candidates can choose to write the papers in Hindi or English, except for the English Language paper, which must be attempted in English only.
- The papers include objective and descriptive questions.
- For objective-type questions, negative marking applies.
- 1/4th (0.25) marks are deducted for every wrong objective answer.
- No marks are deducted for questions that are not attempted.
Benefits of Becoming an RBI Grade B Officer
A career as an RBI Grade B Officer is highly sought after due to its prestige, job security, and growth opportunities. The role offers not only financial rewards but also a chance to contribute to India’s economic development while enjoying a balanced work life.
Key Benefits of Being an RBI Grade B Officer:
- Attractive starting salary of ₹78,450 per month, with potential to reach around ₹1.5 lakh with allowances.
- Opportunity to work in India’s central bank and influence national financial policies.
- Excellent work-life balance compared to many other government roles.
- Regular promotions and career growth prospects.
- Postings primarily in metro cities, ensuring convenience and lifestyle benefits.
- High respect and recognition associated with the role in the banking and financial sector.
RBI Grade B 2026 Syllabus
The RBI Grade B Syllabus for General posts is divided into two phases. Phase I focuses on General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning, while Phase II emphasizes Economic and Social Issues, English, and Finance & Management. As the topics for each phase differ significantly, a thorough understanding of the complete syllabus is essential for effective preparation and success in the exam.
RBI Grade B 2026 Salary
Below we have given the comprehensive understanding of the salary structure, candidates can refer to the detailed RBI Grade B 2026 salary information.
| Salary Component | Amount |
| Basic Salary | ₹78,450/- |
| Special Allowance | Varies |
| Grade Allowance | Varies |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Varies |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) |
15% of Basic Salary (if no bank housing provided)
|
| Total Monthly Salary (Without HRA) | ₹1,50,374/- |
| Pay Scale |
₹78,450 – ₹1,41,600 (over 16 years)
|
How to Start Preparation for RBI Grade B 2026
To succeed in the RBI Grade B exam, it’s crucial to start preparing early and with a clear strategy. Focus on understanding the syllabus and planning your study routine.
Preparation Tips:
- Collect standard study materials, reference books, and current affairs resources.
- Create a balanced daily study schedule, prioritizing weaker areas.
- Solve previous year question papers and take regular mock tests.
- Go through the complete syllabus for Phase I and Phase II.
- Analyze mistakes and work on improving accuracy and speed.
- Stay updated with the latest developments in economics, finance, and banking.
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