The RBI Grade B DEPR 2026 Eligibility Criteria define who can apply for one of the most prestigious specialist roles at the Reserve Bank of India. Since the Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR) recruits candidates with a strong foundation in economics and quantitative analysis, meeting the eligibility requirements is non-negotiable. From age limit and educational qualifications to nationality and relaxations, aspirants must carefully check every condition before applying. In this, we have provided all the details for RBI Grade B DEPR eligibility criteria 2026, along with the details of the age limit, educational qualification, nationality, and more.
What is the eligibility criteria for RBI Grade B DEPR 2026?
The RBI Grade B DEPR eligibility criteria is the minimum conditions candidates must meet to apply for this specialist post. Aspirants must satisfy the prescribed age limit, educational qualifications, and applicable relaxations as per the official notification (based on the last cycle notification). Failing to meet any of these conditions can lead to disqualification at any stage of the recruitment process, even after submitting the application.
| Eligibility Parameter | Requirement |
|---|
| Age Limit | 21 to 30 years |
| Educational Qualification | Master's degree in Economics or Finance |
| Age Relaxation | Applicable for reserved categories, PwBD, ex-servicemen, and higher qualifications |
| Basis | As per the last RBI Grade B DEPR notification |
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What is the age limit for RBI Grade B DEPR?
Candidates applying for RBI Grade B DEPR must be between 21 and 30 years of age as on the reference date which will be mentioned in the official notification. Age relaxations are provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories, PwBD candidates, ex-servicemen, and those with higher academic qualifications. Aspirants should carefully verify their eligibility with respect to the cut-off date before applying.
| Category | Age Limit | Age Relaxation | Maximum Age |
|---|
| General | 21–30 years | – | 30 years |
| OBC | 21–30 years | 3 years | 33 years |
| SC/ST | 21–30 years | 5 years | 35 years |
| Ex-servicemen / Ex-bank employees | 21–30 years | 5 years | 35 years |
| ECOs / SSCOs | 21–30 years | 5 years | 35 years |
| Children/family of 1984 riots victims | 21–30 years | 5 years | 35 years |
| PwBD – General | 21–30 years | 10 years | 40 years |
| PwBD – OBC | 21–30 years | 13 years | 43 years |
| PwBD – SC/ST | 21–30 years | 15 years | 45 years |
| Candidates with M.Phil / PhD / relevant research or teaching experience | 21–30 years | 2–4 years | 32–34 years |
What educational qualifications are required for RBI Grade B DEPR?
To be eligible for RBI Grade B DEPR, candidates must possess a Master's degree in Economics or Finance, where the subject forms the core component of the course. Degrees with strong quantitative, analytical, and economic orientation are considered suitable, as the role involves economic research and policy analysis.
| Stream | Eligible Degrees / Specializations |
|---|
| Economics | MA / MSc in Economics, Quantitative Economics, Mathematical Economics, Financial Economics, Business Economics, Agricultural Economics, Industrial Economics |
| Finance | MA / MSc in Finance, Quantitative Finance, Mathematical Finance, International Finance, Business Finance, Banking & Trade Finance, Project & Infrastructure Finance, Agri Business Finance |
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What is the nationality requirement for RBI Grade B DEPR?
To apply for RBI DEPR post, candidate must fulfill one of the following nationality conditions:
- Be a citizen of India, or
- Be a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- Be a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
- Be a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or certain East African countries (such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) with the intention of settling in India permanently.
- Candidates other than Indian citizens must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
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What is the number of attempts for RBI Grade B DEPR?
As per the RBI Grade B DEPR eligibility criteria, there are limits on the number of attempts based on the candidate's category. General category candidates are allowed a maximum of six attempts for the Phase I (Preliminary) examination. However, SC, ST, OBC, and PwBD candidates do not have any restriction on the number of attempts, provided they meet the prescribed age limit mentioned in the official notification.
| Category | Number of Attempts |
|---|
| General | Maximum of 6 attempts for Phase 1 (Preliminary Exam) |
| SC/ST/OBC/PwBD | No restriction on attempts, subject to meeting the prescribed age limit |
Key Takeaway
The details of the RBI Grade B DEPR eligibility criteria are as follows:
| Parameter | Key Detail |
|---|
| Post | RBI Grade B DEPR |
| Age Limit | 21–30 years |
| Qualification | Master's in Economics / Finance |
| Nationality | Indian & specified foreign nationals |
| Attempts (General) | Max 6 |
| Attempts (Reserved) | No limit (age-based) |
| Selection Note | Eligibility mandatory at all stages |
