RBI Grade B preparation strategy: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the country’s apex bank, and many candidates dream of getting a job there. If you want to secure a Grade B Assistant, DEPR, or any other post, a holistic preparation plan is paramount. This is especially true for aspirants who are about to take this exam for the first time. A strong RBI Grade B preparation strategy will prevent you from wasting time studying less important topics, improve your time management ability, and reinforce major concepts. In turn, you can crack RBI Grade B in the first attempt. Keep reading as we break down a well-designed RBI Grade B preparation strategy for 2025.
RBI Grade B Preparation Strategy for 2025
RBI Grade B is one of the most competitive exams. In fact, phase 1 of this exam is more challenging than civil services. However, this should not deter you from embarking on a thorough preparation strategy for phases 1 and 2 of this exam. With consistent practice and determination, you will be able to crack it, no matter the difficulty level.
So, what does a well-rounded RBI Grade B preparation strategy look like? It consists of the following steps:
1. Understanding the RBI Grade B exam pattern and syllabus
2. Working on your basics through books and online study material.
3. Finding your strengths and weaknesses and focussing more on your weaknesses to improve results.
4. Creating a section-wise preparation strategy for RBI Grade B phase 1 and 2.
Start RBI Grade B Exam Preparation from Scratch
Now that you know the major steps in RBI Grade B preparation strategy, let us explain each one in detail. If you are preparing for this exam from scratch, these steps will help you immensely.
Know the Syllabus & Exam Pattern in detail
The first and foremost step that a candidate must take before starting the preparation for any exam is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus.
For RBI Grade B Phase 1, a single paper will be conducted for 200 marks in 120 minutes. Phase 2, is divided into three papers. The detailed syllabus & exam pattern are released along with the RBI Grade B Notification.
Phase 2 or Mains paper has three tests of 100 marks each. Paper 1 is objective and descriptive, paper 2 includes questions that test your writing skills, while paper 3 is again objective and descriptive. Phase 3 is the interview for chosen candidates.
Work on Your Basics
For those who are starting RBI Grade B preparation from scratch, they should devote more time to strengthen their basic concepts and know the weightage given to them. Many common questions come from Current Affairs, banking, economics, and other sections. When you know the core concepts you will gain the confidence to solve advanced questions. Also, revise basic concepts regularly.
- To boost your basic conceptual understanding, use books and online study material. Check this complete list of the best RBI Grade B books.
- Use free RBI Grade B study material for different sections. The topic-wise curation of study materials gives you comprehensive knowledge and clarity over different concepts.
Find Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Candidates must identify their strengths and weaknesses in various areas of RBI Grade B preparation.
To do so, take free mock tests and analyze previous year’s questions (PYQs). You will understand the nature of the questions and how fast you can solve a set of questions.
As a result, you can create a tailored monthly or weekly study plan for yourself. Such a plan will allow you to mend your weaknesses and improve your score.
Create a Section-Wise RBI Grade B Preparation Strategy
To prepare for the exam optimally, make a section-wise preparation schedule based on the weightage to different topics. We have provided a detailed phase 1 and phase 2 section-wise study schedule below.
RBI Grade B Phase 1 – General Awareness
Candidates find this section the toughest as this is the vast section. With the right preparation, the General Awareness section can help you score high marks in RBI Grade B Exam. Candidates must know at least 6 months of current affairs before the date of the exam. As this is the exam for RBI, the candidates must focus on Banking & Financial Awareness section very well.
Particulars | RBI Grade B Preparation – General Awareness |
Target Score | 30-35 Questions/ 30-35 marks |
Time to be Spent | 10 minutes for confirm questions for high accuracy 10 minutes for elimination & good accuracy 5 minutes for rest questions (take call based on total attempts) |
Topics | PIB, Government Schemes, Finance Current Affairs, RBI Circulars & Updates, Reports, Static GA & RBI Notifications. |
RBI Grade B Phase 1 – English Language
The candidates must make it a habit of reading the newspaper which will help them in Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary as well.
- If you find it difficult to understand the Editorial then regularly attend the Hindu Editorial Analysis.
- For the grammatical part, clear your concepts from books, YouTube videos, or paid courses.
- Practice questions or attempt mock tests along with the classes.
Particulars | RBI Grade B Preparation – English | RBI Grade B Preparation – English |
Target Score | 20-25 Questions | 20-25 Marks |
Time to be Spent | 15 minutes for easy questions & single statement | 10 minutes for complex questions |
Topics | 1. Vocabulary 2. Grammar 3. Other single liner questions | 1. Reading Comprehension 2. Cloze Test 3. Rearrangement |
RBI Grade B Phase 1 – Reasoning
This is the most loved sections of the candidates as it seems to be interesting and is scoring as well.
- The trickiest part here is solving puzzles in less time. For the same, the aspirants need regular practice.
- Candidates must solve at least 3-5 puzzles per day with a set timer.
- For other topics such as alphanumeric series, input-output, and coding-decoding, make sure to understand the concepts well.
- Allotting dedicated 2-2.5 hours per day to this section will be enough.
Particulars | RBI Grade B Reasoning Preparation | RBI Grade B Reasoning Preparation |
Target Score | 20-25 Questions | 20-25 Marks |
Time to be Spent | 25 minutes for easy questions | 20 minutes for complex questions |
Topics | 1. Alphanumeric Series 2. Coding Decoding 3. Syllogism 4. Inequality 5. Blood Relations 6. Direction Sense 7. Ranking & Order 8. Machine Output, etc | 1. Seating Arrangement 2. Puzzles 3. Critical Reasoning |
RBI Grade B Phase 1 – Quantitative Aptitude
Most of the students find it difficult to score well in this section.
- For Quantitative Aptitude, the candidates must be good with calculations as the candidates need to solve more questions in less time and with accuracy.
- Candidates must learn tables, squares, and cubes by heart so that they don’t have to waste their time calculating them.
- Data Interpretation will help you fetch good marks so regularly practice DIs including Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, etc.
- Number Series, Simplification & Approximation are some other topics that will help you score well.
- For Arithmetic, learn some tricks or shortcuts along with the concepts. Check out RBI Grade B Courses.
Particulars | RBI Grade B Quants Preparation | RBI Grade B Quants Preparation |
Target Score | 10-15 Questions | 10-15 Marks |
Time to be Spent | 12 minutes for easy or single statement questions | 13 minutes for multi statement & complex questions |
Topics | 1. Simplification 2. Number Series 3. Quadratic Equations 4. Percentage 5. Ratio & Easy Arithmetic, etc | 1. DI 2. Time Speed & Distance 3. Time & Work 4. SI & CI 5. Profit & Loss, etc |
RBI Grade B Preparation Strategy and Sources for Phase 2
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Preparation Tips – General Awareness
General Awareness is one of the toughest sections in all competitive exams, including RBI. Here are some ways to cover it effectively.
- Create a plan to cover month-wise news specific to a state daily.
- Focus on government schemes related to different ministries, ESI current affairs and finance current affairs topics.
- Solve a lot of MCQ questions on current affairs.
- Attempt RBI Grade B live tests to assess your knowledge in GA.
- Review budget and economic summary documents as many questions are asked from these areas.
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Preparation Tips – ESI
- Study topics like national and per capita income, poverty alleviation, monetary and fiscal policy, sustainable development, and the economic history of India. These are the most important sections to prepare for RBI Grade B ESI.
- Some good RBI Grade B preparation sources for ESI are Vikaspedia for Government schemes, official ministry websites for Government policies, and PIB.
- You can also check out our RBI Grade B ESI MCQ video series.
- Questions from Indian agriculture, Indian industrial developments, Indian services sector, and social and gender issues are rarely asked. So, do not spend much time on them.
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Preparation Tips – Finance
- Key areas to study for Finance objective and descriptive papers include the Indian Financial System. functions of RBI, financial risk management, corporate governance, Union Budget, and inflation.
- Don’t focus much on numerical because, in the absence of calculators, the risk of making calculation mistakes increases.
- Strengthen your basic concepts in Finance through books like An Introduction to Economics: A. W. Stonier and D. C. Hauge, Monetary Theory and Public Policy: Kenneth Kurihara, Indian Economy: Mishra and Puri, and Indian Economy: R. Dutt and K. P. M. Sundaram.
- Practice questions related to the Finance section in previous year’s question papers and take mock tests.
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Preparation Tips – Management
- Study Management from different sources like books, previous year question papers, and free study material.
- Do not read the entire books to cover management. Instead only go through the Management topics related to the RBI Grade B phase 2 exam.
- Motivation, Communication, Leadership, General Management, and Ethics are the most important Management topics.
- Take topic-wise tests after completing each topic.
- Attempt sectional mock tests to evaluate your preparation.
Our RBI Grade B Toppers Preparation Strategy
In this section, you will find various blogs on the RBI Grade B Preparation Strategy of our toppers. Some of the common pointers are:
- Attempted Oliveboard’s Mock Tests on a regular basis
- Spent time evaluating their performance in each mock test and worked on their weaknesses.
- Read Newspapers or was regular with Oliveboard Editorial sessions
- Were regular with RBI Annual Reports & other reports
- Read Ebooks for Regulatory Exams
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Preparation 2025 FAQs
Definitely yes. Any average/ normal student can crack RBI Grade B exam with the right preparation, sources and dedication.
Yes, many aspirants have cleared the RBI Grade B exam in their first attempt. One advice here is that manage the time wisely. Implement the time management strategy while attempting mock tests.
Important Ebooks for Regulatory Exams
Download some important ebooks for all regulatory exams. These ebooks are free of cost and are created by experts for the aspirants.
- 100+ Important Economic and Finance Terms
- 120+ Management MCQs
- Important MSME Schemes
- Atal Innovation Mission
- UPI: Revolutionizing Digital Payments
- RBI New Governor: Key Challenges
- Poverty Alleviation
- National Mission on Natural Farming
- Jalvahak Scheme
- Prime Minister Internship Scheme
- Smile Program
- Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme
- SEBI New Measures for SME
- Svamitva Scheme
- PM Surya Ghar Muft BijlI Yojana
- India State of Forest Report
- Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres (ACABC) Scheme
- Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India
- RBI Grade B Application Form, Check RBI Grade B 2025 Registration Date
- RBI Grade B 2025 Notification Date, Exam Date, Eligibility & More
- RBI Grade B DEPR Notification 2025, Know Exam Date, Salary & More
- RBI Grade B Study Plan 2025, Month, Week & Day-Wise
- RBI Grade B Final Result 2024-25 Out, Check RBI Result PDFs, Merit List
- RBI Grade B Cut Off 2024, Get Phase 1, 2 & Final RBI Cut Off Marks

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