The RBI Grade B Notification 2026 is expected to be released soon by the Reserve Bank of India for the recruitment of Grade B officers. If you are planning to appear for the exam, starting your preparation early can make a big difference. The competition is high, and a well-planned approach is important, especially for beginners and working professionals managing limited time. Once the notification is released, you usually get around 60 days for Phase 1 preparation, followed by another 60 days for Phase 2. This makes early preparation not just helpful, but necessary to stay ahead.
In this blog, we have provided a detailed month-wise study plan to help you prepare for the upcoming RBI Grade B 2026 exam.
How to cover the entire RBI Grade B syllabus in the next 6 months?
To cover the syllabus effectively in the next six months, candidates need a structured plan that balances Phase 1 preparation (Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Awareness) and Phase 2 preparation (Economic & Social Issues, Finance & Management, and English Writing Skills).
- Balance your schedule: Spend about half your study time on learning new concepts, around 30% on solving questions and practice, and the remaining 20% on revising previously studied topics.
- Start taking mocks early: Begin integrating mock tests from the second month to track your progress and identify weak areas.
- Practice descriptive writing alongside: From the third month, dedicate time to essays, précis, and reading comprehension to strengthen your Phase 2 writing skills.
- Stay consistent with current affairs: Set aside weekly slots to follow national and international news, RBI updates, government schemes, and financial developments.
- Use rolling revision: Continuously revise past topics while learning new ones to ensure long-term retention and avoid last-minute cramming.
What topics should be covered in month 1 of the RBI Grade B study schedule?
The1st month is all about strong foundation. Focus on understanding the core concepts of Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, and General Awareness while starting with basic Phase 2 introductions. Emphasize on learning new topics, solving initial practice questions, and building a habit of daily current affairs updates. Small weekly revisions and practice sessions will help solidify the fundamentals before moving on to more advanced topics.
| Week | Phase 1 Topics + Practice | Phase 2 Topics + Practice |
| Week 1 | Quantitative Aptitude: Number System and Simplification – Practice 80–100 questions focusing on accuracy, BODMAS rules, and approximation techniques. Reasoning Ability: Coding-Decoding and Alphabet Test – Solve 50–60 questions to build basic logical patterns. English Language: Reading Comprehension – Practice 1 passage daily (5–6 questions each) with focus on tone, inference, and vocabulary. | ESI: National Income and Per Capita Income – Study concepts in detail, prepare short notes, and refer to previous year questions. FM: Financial System Structure – Solve 20–30 MCQs and understand components and functions of the financial system. |
| Week 2 | Quantitative Aptitude: Percentage and Ratio & Proportion – Solve 100–120 questions with emphasis on calculation speed and accuracy. Reasoning Ability: Direction Test and Blood Relations – Practice 60–80 questions to improve analytical ability. English Language: Error Spotting – Solve 80–100 questions focusing on grammar rules and sentence correction. | ESI: Poverty Alleviation and Employment – Cover theoretical concepts and relate them with current developments. FM: Financial Institutions (RBI, NABARD, SIDBI) – Solve 25–30 MCQs and revise roles and functions of each institution. |
| Week 3 | Quantitative Aptitude: Profit and Loss – Practice 80–100 questions including real-life application problems. Reasoning Ability: Inequalities and Syllogism – Solve 60–80 questions to strengthen logical reasoning. English Language: Cloze Test – Practice 4–5 sets focusing on contextual understanding and vocabulary. | ESI: Sustainable Development – Understand concepts along with practical examples and case studies. FM: Banking Structure – Solve 25–30 MCQs and revise the structure of the Indian banking system. |
| Week 4 | Quantitative Aptitude: Simple and Compound Interest – Solve 70–80 questions focusing on formula application and shortcuts. Reasoning Ability: Seating Arrangement (Linear) – Practice 15–20 sets to develop arrangement-solving approach. English Language: Para Jumbles – Solve 80–100 questions focusing on logical sequence and coherence. | ESI: Environmental Issues – Study static concepts along with recent developments and reports. FM: Functions of RBI – Solve 20–25 MCQs and revise key functions in detail. |
Also Check: RBI Grade B preparation Strategy
What topics should be covered in month 2 of the RBI Grade B study schedule?
In the second month, shift to a more structured approach by tackling advanced Phase 1 topics while gradually integrating Phase 2 subjects. The focus is on reinforcing your understanding through higher-level practice questions, sectional mocks, and continued current affairs. This is also the ideal time to start incorporating short descriptive writing sessions, laying the groundwork for Phase 2 writing skills.
| Week | Phase 1 Topics + Practice | Phase 2 Topics + Practice |
| Week 1 | Quantitative Aptitude: Time and Work – Solve 80–100 questions focusing on efficiency, work equivalence, and time calculation. Reasoning Ability: Circular Seating Arrangement – Practice 15–20 sets with gradual difficulty increase. English Language: Fill in the Blanks – Solve 80–100 questions focusing on vocabulary and contextual usage. | ESI: Economic History of India – Prepare timeline-based notes and understand key phases of development. FM: Financial Markets (Basics) – Solve 25–30 MCQs and understand types and functions of markets. |
| Week 2 | Quantitative Aptitude: Time and Distance – Solve 80–100 questions including trains, boats, and relative speed concepts. Reasoning Ability: Floor-Based Puzzles – Practice 15–20 sets to strengthen puzzle-solving approach. English Language: Sentence Improvement – Solve 80–100 questions focusing on grammar and structure. | ESI: Industrial Policy and Labour Policy – Study static concepts along with recent updates. FM: Market Instruments – Solve 25–30 MCQs and revise key financial instruments. |
| Week 3 | Quantitative Aptitude: Mixtures and Allegations – Solve 60–80 questions focusing on ratio-based applications. Reasoning Ability: Input-Output – Practice 15–20 sets to understand pattern-based logic. English Language: Word Rearrangement – Solve 70–80 questions focusing on sentence formation. | ESI: Monetary Policy and Fiscal Policy – Focus on concepts, tools, and current relevance. FM: Risk Management (Basics) – Solve 20–25 MCQs and understand types of risks. |
| Week 4 | Quantitative Aptitude: Data Interpretation (Tables) – Practice 15–20 sets focusing on calculation speed and accuracy. Reasoning Ability: Tabulation – Practice 15–20 sets to improve data handling. English Language: Paragraph Completion – Solve 70–80 questions focusing on logical flow. | ESI: Economic Survey and Union Budget – Focus on key highlights, data points, and trends. FM: Financial Market Functions – Solve 20–25 MCQs and revise core concepts. |
What topics should be covered in month 3 of the RBI Grade B study schedule?
The third month is critical as you should try to complete the entire Phase 1 syllabus while actively starting Phase 2 preparation. Along with reasoning, quant, English, and GA practice, you will dedicate time to descriptive writing including essays, précis, and reading comprehension. Weekly mini mocks and targeted revisions will help identify weak areas early, ensuring a smooth transition into intensive Phase 2 preparation.
| Week | Phase 1 Topics + Practice | Phase 2 Topics + Practice |
| Week 1 | Quantitative Aptitude: Data Interpretation (Bar Graph, Pie Chart) – Practice 15–20 sets focusing on accuracy and calculation speed. Reasoning Ability: Advanced Puzzles – Solve 15–20 high-level sets with mixed variables. English Language: Reading Comprehension – Practice 2 passages daily with focus on inference and tone. | ESI: Indian Financial Markets – Study structure, types, and linkages with the economy; revise with examples. FM: Derivatives – Understand basic concepts and solve 20–25 MCQs. |
| Week 2 | Quantitative Aptitude: Mensuration (Cylinder, Cone, Sphere) – Solve 60–80 questions focusing on formulas and applications. Reasoning Ability: Data Sufficiency – Practice 60–80 questions to improve analytical thinking. English Language: Idioms and Phrases – Practice 80–100 questions with usage-based learning. | ESI: Role of RBI and Banks in Development – Focus on functions, policies, and real-world applications. FM: Financial Inclusion – Study schemes, initiatives, and solve 20–25 MCQs. |
| Week 3 | Quantitative Aptitude: Sequence and Series – Solve 60–80 questions including missing and wrong number series. Reasoning Ability: Ranking Test – Practice 50–60 questions to improve order-based logic. English Language: Column-Based Questions – Solve 50–60 questions focusing on comprehension and vocabulary. | ESI: Public Finance – Study taxation, expenditure, and fiscal structure. FM: Alternate Sources of Finance – Understand concepts and solve 20–25 MCQs. |
| Week 4 | Quantitative Aptitude: Permutation, Combination, and Probability – Solve 60–80 questions focusing on concept clarity. Reasoning Ability: Mixed Practice (Puzzles, Syllogism, Inequality) – Solve 80–100 questions. English Language: New Pattern Questions – Practice 50–60 questions based on recent trends. | ESI: Agriculture and Industry – Study structure, challenges, and recent developments. FM: Corporate Governance – Study principles and solve 20–25 MCQs. |
What topics should be covered in month 4 of the RBI Grade B study schedule?
Focus on intensifying Phase 2 preparation while maintaining Phase 1 proficiency. This includes deep dives into Economic & Social Issues (ESI) and Finance & Management (FM), alongside daily Reasoning and Quant practice.
| Week | Phase 1 Topics + Practice | Phase 2 Topics + Practice |
| Week 1 | Phase 1 Full-Length Mocks: Attempt 2–3 mocks during the week and analyse each thoroughly (focus on weak areas and time management). | ESI: Services Sector – Study contribution, trends, and importance in the economy. FM: Accounting Basics – Understand Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss; solve basic numerical questions. |
| Week 2 | Quantitative Aptitude: Speed Mathematics and DI Revision – Practice 10–15 DI sets and revise formulas. Reasoning Ability: Puzzle and Seating Revision – Solve 15–20 mixed sets. English Language: Mixed Practice – Solve 100 questions from all topics. | ESI: Globalization (BoP, WTO, IMF, World Bank) – Study concepts and current relevance. FM: Ratio Analysis – Practice basic ratios and solve 20–25 MCQs. |
| Week 3 | Reasoning Ability: High-Level Practice – Solve 20–25 difficult puzzle sets. Quantitative Aptitude: Mixed Arithmetic Practice – Solve 100 questions. English Language: RC + Grammar Mixed Practice – 2 passages daily + 50 grammar questions. | ESI: Export-Import Policy – Study policies, trends, and examples. FM: Inflation – Study types, causes, and control measures; solve 20–25 MCQs. |
| Week 4 | English Language: Full Practice – Solve 150 mixed questions. Quantitative Aptitude: Revision of weak topics – Solve 80–100 questions. Reasoning Ability: Revision – Solve 15–20 mixed sets. | ESI: Regional Economic Cooperation – Study concepts and global linkages. FM: Monetary vs Fiscal Balance – Understand differences and applications. |
What topics should be covered in month 5 of the RBI Grade B study schedule?
The fifth month is dedicated to full-scale practice and consolidation. You will rotate daily between all subjects Phase 1 and Phase 2 while focusing on weak areas and enhancing speed and accuracy. Descriptive writing continues alongside intensive full-length mock tests. This is the phase where exam temperament is built and preparation becomes more exam-centric, ensuring readiness for the final stages.
| Week | Phase 1 Topics + Practice | Phase 2 Topics + Practice |
| Week 1 | Full-Length Mocks: Attempt 3–4 mocks and analyse each in detail (focus on accuracy and sectional timing). | Management: Functions and Theories (Taylor, Fayol) – Study concepts and prepare short notes. |
| Week 2 | General Awareness: Revise last 4–5 months of current affairs daily (1–2 hours). Phase 1 Mixed Practice: Solve 1 sectional test per subject daily. | Organizational Behavior: Personality, Perception, Motivation – Study theories and examples. |
| Week 3 | Weak Area Correction: Identify weak topics and solve 100–150 targeted questions. Previous Year Questions: Solve topic-wise PYQs. | Leadership Theories and Emotional Intelligence: Study concepts and practical applications. |
| Week 4 | Previous Year Papers: Attempt 2–3 full papers in exam conditions and analyse thoroughly. | Ethics: Theories (Utilitarianism, Justice, etc.) and Corporate Governance – Study concepts and case-based examples. |
Know about personalized guidance from AIR-1
What topics should be covered in month 6 of the RBI Grade B study schedule?
The final month is all about revision, refinement, and mock test practice. You will focus on revising all subjects, practicing descriptive writing daily, and taking multiple full-length mocks to strengthen confidence and time management. Weak areas should be revised on a regular basis. Current affairs, along with the revision of formulas, concepts, and notes, ensures complete readiness for the exam day.
| Week | Phase 1 Topics + Practice | Phase 2 Topics + Practice |
| Week 1 | Full-Length Mocks: Attempt 4–5 mocks during the week with strict timing. Revision: Revise formulas, shortcuts, and key concepts daily. | ESI: Complete revision using short notes; focus on key definitions and current linkages. |
| Week 2 | Previous Year Papers: Solve 3–4 full papers and analyse mistakes. Accuracy Improvement: Focus on reducing negative marking. | FM: Complete revision of all topics including formulas and concepts. |
| Week 3 | General Awareness: Revise last 6 months of current affairs thoroughly. Light Practice: Solve 1 mock every alternate day. | Descriptive English: Practice 2–3 Essays and 2 Precis; review structure and clarity. |
| Week 4 | Final Revision: Revise all formulas, notes, and weak areas; avoid new topics. Mock Practice: 2–3 light mocks to maintain rhythm. | Reading Comprehension + Answer Writing: Practice 2 passages daily and revise answer frameworks. |
What is the RBI Grade B exam pattern?
The RBI Grade B exam pattern consists of three phases. Phase 1 is the preliminary exam and includes Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and English. It has 200 questions for 200 marks, lasts 120 minutes, and has sectional timing. A penalty of 1/4th mark is applied for each wrong answer.
Phase 2 is the mains exam with three papers. Paper I and Paper III have both objective and descriptive questions, while Paper II is fully descriptive. Marks from Phase 2 are considered for the final merit list.
Phase 3 is the interview, which carries 75 marks. The final selection is based on the marks obtained in Phase 2 and the interview.
| Phase | Exam Details | Key Points |
| Phase 1(Preliminary) | Subjects: Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, English200 questions / 200 marks Duration: 120 minutes | Sectional timing Negative marking: 1/4 per wrong answer |
| Phase 2 (Mains) | Paper 1 & 3: Objective + Descriptive Paper 2: Descriptive | Marks of all papers considered for final result |
| Phase 3(Interview) | 75 marks | Final selection based on Phase 2 marks + interview score |
Also Check: RBI Grade B FM Practice Quiz
What is the RBI Grade B syllabus?
The RBI Grade B syllabus is designed to test a candidate’s knowledge and skills across multiple areas for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 exams, including reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English, general awareness, economics, finance, management, and writing skills.
RBI Grade B phase 1 syllabus (Objective)
- Reasoning: Logical reasoning, puzzles, seating arrangement, blood relations, coding-decoding, syllogism, tabulation, alphanumeric series, ranking/direction tests, data sufficiency, coded inequalities.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Simplification, profit & loss, ratio & proportion, percentages, time & work, speed & distance, SI & CI, mensuration, data interpretation, number series, probability, permutation & combination, mixtures & allegations.
- English Language: Reading comprehension, cloze test, para jumbles, fillers, error spotting, sentence improvement, idioms & phrases, paragraph completion.
- General Awareness (GA): Current affairs (national, international, financial), financial awareness (RBI & SEBI updates), government schemes, reports, static GK (capitals, banks, awards, important days).
RBI Grade B phase 2 syllabus (objective + descriptive)
- Economic & Social Issues (ESI): Growth & development, Indian economy (industrial, fiscal, monetary policy), globalization, international institutions, social structure, demographics, urbanization, gender issues, social justice.
- Finance & Management (FM): Financial system and institutions, banking structure, financial markets, risk management, accounting, ratio analysis, corporate governance, management principles, organizational behavior, ethics at workplace.
- English Writing Skills: Essay (400–600 words), précis (summarizing 400–600 words into 170–180 words), reading comprehension with descriptive answers.
Also Check: RBI Grade B ESI Practice Quiz
Toppers’ strategies to crack the RBI Grade B exam
One of the smartest ways to prepare for the RBI Grade B exam is by learning from those who have already succeeded. Toppers’ strategies not only provide tested methods but also help avoid common mistakes. Let’s look at the success stories of Tanay Gaurav and Hardik Mehta, exploring how they planned their preparation and what aspirants can learn from their journeys.
AIR 1 Tanay Gaurav’s success story
Tanay Gaurav achieved AIR 1 in his second attempt through a disciplined approach, strategic preparation, and unwavering determination. His preparation strategy, challenges faced, and insights are a great guide for aspirants aiming to excel in the exam.
Effective study approach
Tanay’s preparation involved setting weekly and daily goals and focusing on high-scoring topics like Blood Relations and Simplification in Quantitative Aptitude. He recommended solving RBI previous years’ questions (PYQs) to understand the exam pattern and identify important topics. His daily routine consisted of 7–8 hours of study, including buffer days for breaks to maintain consistent progress.
Phase 1 and Phase 2 strategy
He followed a 70-30 study plan, dedicating more time to Phase 2 until one month before Phase 1. For government schemes and economic surveys, he relied on quality resources like Oliveboard. For Phase 2, he focused on descriptive writing skills, ensuring his answers were concise, structured, and content-rich, which helped him excel in the exam.
AIR 1 Hardik Mehta’s strategy
Hardik Mehta (AIR 1, 2016) followed a strategy-driven approach emphasizing smart planning, quality mock tests, and consistent self-assessment.
Phase 1 preparation
Hardik prioritized mock tests from Oliveboard to identify gaps in preparation. For time management, he allocated 10 minutes each for General Awareness (70 questions) and English (25 questions), dedicating the remaining time to Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning.
His resources included:
- General Awareness: The Telegraph, Economic Times, Mint
- English: CAT preparation books
- Quantitative Aptitude: Arun Sharma’s books
He stressed giving maximum focus to General Awareness due to its significance in Phase 1.
Phase 2 preparation
Hardik began by building a strong foundation in Finance, Management, and Economic & Social Issues (ESI) using RBI Grade B study materials. He first took sectional tests to improve accuracy and later moved to full-length mocks with detailed analysis.
After the last-minute pattern change, he adapted using Oliveboard’s updated mocks. Recommended books included:
- Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
- Financial Management by Prasanna Chandra
- Day to Day Economics by Satish Deodhar
- Ratios Made Simple by Robert Leach
- UGC NET Management by Arihant Publications
Tip: Fully understand technical terms and never skip unfamiliar concepts.
Interview preparation
- Regularly followed the RBI website and key publications including governor speeches and annual reports
- Read newspapers and watched business news channels consistently
- Reviewed reports and ratings from agencies like CRISIL and ICRA
FAQs
Ans. A structured 6-month preparation plan is suggested for effective coverage.
Ans. Yes, essays, précis, and reading comprehension are crucial for Phase 2.
Ans. Focus on revision, multiple full-length mocks, descriptive practice, and weak area improvement.
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Hi, I’m Aditi. I work as a Content Writer at Oliveboard, where I have been simplifying exam-related content for the past 4 years. I create clear and easy-to-understand guides for JAIIB, CAIIB, and UGC exams. My work includes breaking down notifications, admit cards, and exam updates, as well as preparing study plans and subject-wise strategies.
My goal is to support working professionals in managing their exam preparation alongside a full-time job and to help them achieve career growth.