The RBI Grade B DEPR 2026 eligibility criteria released by RBI provide details about who can apply for this specialist officer post. Candidates must meet all eligibility conditions as on 1st April 2026. Since the DEPR stream is related to economics and research, applicants should have a strong academic background in economics and quantitative subjects. Before applying, candidates must carefully check the age limit, educational qualifications, nationality, and category-wise age relaxation details. In this section, we have provided complete information about the RBI Grade B DEPR 2026 eligibility criteria.
What are the eligibility criteria for RBI Grade B DEPR 2026?
The RBI Grade B DEPR eligibility criteria are 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 1st April 2026, as mentioned in the official notification of the Reserve Bank of India. Age relaxation is provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories, PwBD candidates, ex-servicemen, and candidates with higher academic qualifications. Applicants should carefully check and confirm their eligibility based on the cut-off date before submitting the application form.
| 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 have a master's degree in Economics or Finance by 1st April 2026, where the subject is a key part of the course curriculum. Degrees with a strong focus on quantitative, analytical, and economic subjects are considered suitable, as the role mainly 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 released by the Reserve Bank of India, the number of attempts allowed varies by category. Candidates from the General category can appear for the Phase 1 examination up to 6 times. However, SC, ST, OBC, and PwBD candidates do not have any restriction on the number of attempts, as long as they meet the required age limit given 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 |
