Time Saving Tips for ESI & FM Calculations in RBI Grade B

Time Saving Tips for ESI & FM in RBI Grade B: Due to the high level of competition, it is very important for candidates to manage their time efficiently during the exam. A significant portion of exam time is often spent solving ESI and FM questions. In this article, we will explore practical tips and strategies to help you tackle all ESI and FM questions effectively in RBI Grade B Exam.

Understanding the Concept of Each Formula

Knowing the logic behind formulas helps you apply them flexibly and saves time during the exam.

Examples:

  • Simple Interest (SI): SI = (P × R × T) / 100
  • P = Principal, R = Rate of Interest, T = Time in years
  • Logic: SI grows linearly with time. Doubling T doubles the interest.
  • Compound Interest (CI): CI = P × (1 + R/100)^T − P
  • CI grows exponentially. Small changes in R or T significantly impact results.

Tip: Write down why each component matters (e.g., rate changes → CI changes). This prevents mistakes in tricky questions.

Creating a formula sheet for RBI Grade B

A well-organized formula sheet helps candidates quickly recall formulas and examples while revising or solving questions.

CategoryFormulaQuick Example
Profit & LossProfit% = (Profit ÷ Cost Price) × 100Profit ₹20 on ₹200 → 10%
Simple Interest (SI)SI = P×R×T ÷ 100₹1000 at 5% for 2 yrs → ₹100
Compound Interest (CI)CI = P(1+R/100)^T – P₹1000 at 10% for 2 yrs → ₹210
RatioRatio = Qty1 ÷ Qty210:15 → 2:3
Time Value of Money (TVM)PV = FV/(1+R)^TPV of ₹1100 at 10% for 1 yr → ₹1000

How to customize your formula sheet:

  • Use color coding for categories.
  • Include 1–2 solved examples per formula.
  • Review it daily for 10–15 minutes for retention.

Practicing Mental Calculations

Improving mental calculation skills increases speed and accuracy in ESI and FM questions.

Examples of Mental calculation tricks for RBI Grade B exam:

  • Percentage shortcuts:
    • 25% of 480 → 480 ÷ 4 = 120
    • 12.5% of 800 → 800 ÷ 8 = 100
  • Quick multiplication tricks:
    • 19 × 5 → 20×5 – 5 = 95
    • 48 × 12 → (50×12) – (2×12) = 576

Step: Practice mental arithmetic daily under timed conditions. Gradually include ratios, interest, and growth rate problems.

Approximation methods to save time in RBI Grade B exam

Approximation simplifies calculations and saves valuable exam time, especially when answer choices are far apart.

Examples:

  • 19.8% of 1,002 ≈ 20% of 1,000 = 200
  • CI of ₹1020 at 5% for 2 yrs → Approximate P=1000, CI ≈ ₹1023 – 1000 = 23

Tip: Use approximation when precision isn’t critical to quickly eliminate options.

Backward-solving techniques for RBI Grade B FM section

Instead of full calculations, check answer options to see which fits. This will save time and reduces errors.

Example:
Question: Total interest = ? Options: 105, 110, 115

  • SI = P×R×T ÷ 100, P=1000, R=5%, T=?
  • Test options:
    • Option 105 → T = 105 × 100 ÷ (1000×5) = 2.1 yrs fits

Tip: Always eliminate obviously wrong options first to reduce calculation effort.

Regular Practice with Tests

RBI Grade B Mock tests simulate exam conditions and help candidates improve speed, accuracy, and time management in ESI & FM sections.

Step-by-step practice:

  1. Take 1 full-length mock test per week.
  2. Track time taken per question and mark tough topics.
  3. Implement mental math, shortcuts, and approximation methods in subsequent mocks.
  4. Focus on weak areas first to convert slow topics into fast-solving areas.
Other Useful Study Materials
RBI Grade B Descriptive Questions PDF
F and M Formula E-book PDF
RBI Grade B PYP PDFs
RBI Grade B 2024 AIR 1 Handwritten Notes
Know about personalized guidance from AIR-1

FAQs

Q1. Why is time management important for ESI & FM in RBI Grade B?

Due to the high competition, candidates often spend a significant portion of the exam on ESI and FM questions. Efficient time management ensures you attempt all questions without errors.

Q2. How can I understand formulas better for faster calculations?

Focus on the logic behind each formula rather than rote memorization. For example, SI grows linearly while CI grows exponentially. Understanding helps in applying formulas flexibly.

Q3. What is the best way to create a formula sheet?

Categorize formulas (Profit & Loss, SI, CI, Ratio, TVM), include 1–2 solved examples for each, and review it daily. Color coding can help in quick recall.

Q4. How can I improve my mental calculation speed?

Practice basic arithmetic, percentage shortcuts, ratios, and multiplication tricks daily under timed conditions. This builds speed and accuracy for exam questions.

Q5. How often should I take RBI Grade B mock tests?

Take at least one full-length mock test per week. Analyze weak areas, track time per question, and practice shortcuts in subsequent tests.

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