RBI Grade B Selection Process 2025: RBI Grade B is one of the widely known exams and all those aspirants who want to crack this exam will have to go through the complete RBI Selection Process 2025.
It consists of three stages and the candidates who will clear all three stages will finally get a posting in the Reserve Bank of India. Read through this article, about the complete RBI Grade B Selection Process.
RBI Grade B Selection Process
As per the RBI Grade B 2025 Notification, the selection process is being conducted to select the skilled professionals for General, DEPR, and DSIM roles. It starts with Phase-I, an online objective test on subjects like economics, statistics, reasoning, aptitude, and English.
Qualified candidates move to Phase-II, which includes descriptive and objective papers to test analytical, writing, and role-specific skills. Shortlisted candidates are then called for a personal interview to assess personality, communication, and problem-solving abilities. The final selection is based on Phase-II marks and interview performance.
- Phase-I Online Examination (Objective Type):
- For General: Single paper covering General Awareness, English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning.
- For DEPR: Objective Economics paper + Descriptive English.
- For DSIM: Objective Statistics paper.
- Candidates are shortlisted based on minimum marks and aggregate scores for Phase-II.
- Phase-II Online/Written Examination (Descriptive and Objective):
- 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-II marks.
- Interview/Personality Assessment:
- Conducted for all cadres and carries 75 marks.
- Can be taken in Hindi or English.
- Personality Assessment is mandatory but does not carry marks.
- Final Selection:
- Merit list prepared by adding Phase-II marks and Interview marks, along with any applicable grace marks, determines final selection.
What are the stages of the RBI Grade B selection process for (DR) General cadres?
The RBI Grade B exam is conducted in three phases. Phase 1 is the preliminary exam, which includes Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and English. It has 200 questions for 200 marks and lasts 120 minutes, with sectional timing. A penalty of 1/4th mark is applied for each wrong answer.
Phase 2, the mains exam, has three papers. Paper 1 and Paper 3 include both objective and descriptive questions, while Paper 2 is fully descriptive. Marks from this phase are used to prepare the final result. Phase 3 is the interview, which carries 75 marks. The final selection considers marks from Phase 2 along with the interview score.
| 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 |
Important Study Materials for RBI Grade B Preparation 2025
- 20 Para Jumble Questions for RBI Grade B
- Download RBI Grade B 2025 Free Preparation Kit
- Top 25 Syllogism Questions for RBI Grade B
- Download Free F and M Formula E-book PDF
- Download RBI Grade B Descriptive Questions PDF
- Final Revision of Important Govt Schemes for RBI Grade B
What are the stages of the RBI Grade B selection process for (DR) DEPR cadres?
The selection process for RBI Grade B Officers (DR) DEPR will be conducted in multiple stages, comprising Phase I, Phase II, and an Interview. Phase I is an online/written examination with two papers: Paper I is an objective-type test on Economics, and Paper II is a descriptive English paper that candidates must type using a keyboard.
Candidates who secure the minimum aggregate marks in Phase I are shortlisted for Phase II, which consists of two descriptive-type papers on Economics; the questions are displayed on a computer, but answers must be written on paper. After Phase II, candidates who meet the prescribed minimum marks are called for the interview, which forms the final stage of selection.
The Board decides cut-off marks for each stage based on the number of vacancies, and the roll numbers of shortlisted candidates for Phase II are published on the RBI website.
| Phase | Name of Paper | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| Phase – I | Paper – 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 paper | 100 for each paper |
| Phase – II | Paper – I: Descriptive Type (on Economics) (Question paper displayed on computer, answers to be written on paper) Answers written on paper | 120 minutes | 100 |
| Phase – II | Paper – II: Descriptive Type (on Economics) (Question paper displayed on computer, answers to be written on paper) Answers written on paper | 120 minutes | 100 |
| Total | – | – | 400 |
What are the stages of the RBI Grade B selection process for (DR) DSIM cadres?
The selection process for RBI Grade B Officers (DR) DSIM involves Paper-I, Paper-II, Paper-III, and an Interview. Paper-I is an Objective Type on Statistics and is conducted first to shortlist candidates for the next stage. Based on the results of Paper-I, candidates are called for Paper-II (Descriptive on Statistics) and Paper-III (Descriptive English, typed), which are conducted in shifts on a later date.
Candidates must appear for all papers in their respective shifts, and a single Admit Card is issued for Paper-II and Paper-III. Finally, candidates who clear all papers and meet the minimum cut-offs are called for the Interview, which carries 75 marks. Candidates may opt for the Interview in either Hindi or English, and a Personality Assessment is conducted before the Interview, though it does not carry marks. The final selection is based on the combined performance in all three papers and the Interview.
| Stage | Description | Marks / Duration |
| Stage 1 – Paper I | Objective Type (Statistics) to shortlist candidates for Phase-II | 100 marks, 120 min |
| Stage 2 – Paper II | Descriptive Type (Statistics) for shortlisted candidates | 100 marks, 180 min |
| Stage 2 – Paper III | Descriptive Type (English, typed) for shortlisted candidates | 100 marks, 90 min |
| Stage 3 – Interview | Candidates clearing all papers are called for Interview; may opt for Hindi or English | 75 marks |
| Personality Assessment | Conducted before Interview; no marks allotted; does not affect final selection | – |
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern for (DR) General
The RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam is a qualifying stage and has four sections: Reasoning, General Awareness, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude. Reasoning consists of 60 questions for 60 marks with 45 minutes duration. General Awareness has 80 questions for 80 marks with 25 minutes, while English Language and Quantitative Aptitude have 30 questions for 30 marks each, with 25 minutes allotted to each section.
In total, the exam has 200 questions for 200 marks, and the total duration is 120 minutes. The table below shows the detailed distribution of questions, marks, and timing for each section, which helps candidates plan their preparation and manage time effectively during the exam.
| Sections | Total Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Reasoning | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| General Awareness | 80 | 80 | 25 minutes |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 25 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 25 minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes |
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern for (DR) DEPR
The Phase-I examination for RBI Grade B Officers (DR) – DEPR and DSIM is an online/written test designed to shortlist candidates for Phase-II. It consists of two papers: Paper I is an Objective Type on Economics, and Paper II is a Descriptive Type on English, which candidates must type using a keyboard.
The exam will be conducted in shifts, and candidates are required to appear for both papers in their respective shifts. Question papers are set in Hindi and English, except for Paper II, which must be answered in English. Candidates need to secure the minimum aggregate marks prescribed by the Board to qualify for Phase-II.
| Paper | Duration | Marks |
| Paper I – Objective (Economics) | 120 min | 100 |
| Paper II – Descriptive (English, typed) | 120 min | 100 |
| Total | – | 200 |
RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern for (DR) DSIM
The phase-I is an objective examination on Statistics, held to shortlist candidates for Paper-II and Paper-III. 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.
| Paper | Duration | Marks |
| Paper I – Objective (Statistics) | 120 min | 100 |
| Total | – | 100 |
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RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern for (DR) General
As per the 2025 notification, the RBI Grade B Phase II Online Examination is scheduled for 6th December 2025, only for candidates who qualify in Phase I and meet the cut-off. The exam will be held in shifts, and candidates must appear for all papers in all shifts. A single admit card will be issued for both shifts, which will include the detailed timetable.
Phase II has three papers Paper I – Economic and Social Issues, Paper II – English (Writing Skills), and Paper III – General Finance and Management. Papers I and III include a mix of 50% objective and 50% descriptive questions, with descriptive answers typed using a keyboard. Candidates can type in Hindi using Inscript or Remington (GAIL) keyboard layouts. Paper II is fully descriptive and tests English writing skills.
Objective questions in Papers I and III have 30 questions for 50 marks, while descriptive questions have 6 questions, of which 4 must be attempted (2 of 15 marks and 2 of 10 marks). The total marks for Phase II are 300, and all papers (except English) are bilingual in Hindi and English. The Board may change exam dates or timings at its discretion.
| Papers | Type of Test | Total Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 – Economic and Social Issues | 50% 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 keyboard | 100 marks | 90 mins |
| Paper 3 – Finance and Management | 50% 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
The Phase-II examination is a Descriptive Type written exam for candidates shortlisted from Phase-I. It consists of two papers on Economics, with questions displayed on the computer but answers to be written on paper.
The exam will be conducted in shifts, and candidates must appear for both papers. Answers can be written in Hindi or English. The final selection of candidates is based on the combined performance in Phase-I, Phase-II, and Interview, where the interview carries 75 marks. Candidates may opt for the interview in either Hindi or English.
| Paper | Duration | Marks |
| Paper I – Descriptive (Economics) | 120 min | 100 |
| Paper II – Descriptive (Economics) | 120 min | 100 |
| Total | – | 200 |
RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Pattern for (DR) DSIM
The phase-II exam consists of Paper-II and Paper-III, which are descriptive-type examinations. Paper-II focuses on Statistics, while Paper-III is English – Descriptive, to be typed using a keyboard. Both papers are conducted on a single day in shifts.
Answers for Paper-II may be written in Hindi or English, whereas Paper-III must be answered in English. The duration of Paper-II is 180 minutes, and Paper-III is 90 minutes, with each carrying 100 marks. Candidates must secure the prescribed cut-offs to be eligible for the Interview stage.
| Paper | Duration | Marks |
| Paper II – Descriptive (Statistics) | 180 min | 100 |
| Paper III – Descriptive (English, typed) | 90 min | 100 |
| Total | – | 200 |
RBI Grade B Selection Process 2025 – 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.
What are the differences in the RBI Grade B selection process for General, DEPR, and DSIM cadres?
The RBI Grade B selection process varies for General, DEPR, and DSIM cadres. The General cadre has Phase-I as a single objective paper on General Awareness, English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning, and Phase-II with three papers (Economic & Social Issues, General Finance & Management, and English) plus a 75-mark interview.
DEPR focuses on economics, with Phase-I covering objective economics and descriptive English, and Phase-II having two descriptive economics papers before the interview.
DSIM emphasizes statistics and data analysis, with Phase-I as an objective statistics paper and Phase-II including descriptive statistics and English papers, followed by the interview.
| Aspect | General | DEPR | DSIM |
| Exam focus | Multi-disciplinary (GA, English, Quant, Reasoning) | Economics and policy research | Statistics, econometrics, data analysis, AI/ML applications |
| Phase-I Papers | Single objective paper (200 marks) | Objective Economics + Descriptive English | Objective Statistics |
| Phase-II Papers | 3 papers: Economic & Social Issues, General Finance & Management, English Writing Skills | 2 descriptive Economics papers | Descriptive Statistics + Descriptive English |
| Total papers & marks | 4 papers, 300 marks (Phase-II) | 4 papers, 400 marks | 3 papers, 300 marks |
| Interview | 75 marks, Hindi or English | 75 marks, Hindi or English | 75 marks, Hindi or English |
| Answer modes | Partly objective, partly descriptive (English typed) | Descriptive written for Economics, typed for English | Written for Statistics, typed for English |
| Language | Hindi or English (except English papers) | Hindi or English (except English papers) | Hindi or English for stats, English only for English paper |
| Shortlisting criteria | Phase-I aggregate followed by Phase-II then Interview | Phase-I aggregate followed by Phase-II then Interview | Phase-I marks followed by Phase-II then Interview |
FAQs
The process of selection includes Phase 1 (Prelims), Phase 2 (Mains), and Phase 3 (Interview).
For the General Category, the number of attempts is 6.
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.
The interview will be conducted for a total of 75 marks. The candidates who will clear phase 2 will appear in the interview round.
Yes, 1/4th of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as negative markings in Phase 1.
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