The RBI Grade B DEPR 2026 exam, conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, is held to recruit Grade ‘B' (Direct Recruitment) officers for the Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR). This role mainly involves economic research, data analysis, and policy formulation. Selected candidates work with macroeconomic data, sector studies, and policy-related research work.
The exam checks both economics knowledge and the ability to present ideas clearly in writing. It is a specialist-level exam for candidates with a strong background in economics. In this blog, we have shared the detailed Phase I and Phase II exam pattern, along with the selection process and syllabus.
What is the exam pattern for the RBI DEPR post 2026?
The RBI Grade B DEPR exam, conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, is held in three stages: Phase 1, Phase 2, and Interview. Phase 1 includes Paper 1 (Economics Objective) and Paper 2 (English Descriptive). Phase 2 has two descriptive Economics papers. Candidates who clear the Phase 1 cut-off are shortlisted for Phase 2.
The final selection is based on the combined performance in Phase 1, Phase 2, and the Interview. Phase 1 and Phase 2 exams are conducted in shifts, and a single admit card is issued for all papers. In Phase 1, the English paper must be answered in English, while other papers and the Interview can be attempted in Hindi or English. The details of the exam pattern are as follows:
| Phase | Paper | Type | Duration | Marks | Mode / Language |
|---|
| Phase 1 | Paper 1: Economics | Objective | 120 mins | 100 | Online, Hindi/English |
| Paper 2: English | Descriptive | 120 mins | 100 | Online, English only (typed) |
| Phase 2 | Paper 1: Economics | Descriptive | 120 mins | 100 | Question on computer, answers on paper, Hindi/English |
| Paper 2: Economics | Descriptive | 120 mins | 100 | Question on computer, answers on paper, Hindi/English |
| Interview | Personal Interview | 75 | Hindi/English |
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What is the selection process for the RBI DEPR exam 2026?
The selection process for the RBI Grade B DEPR 2026 exam, conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, includes a written examination followed by an interview. The written exam is held in two phases: Phase 1 and Phase 2. Candidates must qualify each phase to move to the next stage.
The final selection is based on the combined performance in Phase 1, Phase 2, and the interview. The entire process is merit-based and managed by the RBI Services Board.
- Phase 1: Online/Written Examination
- Phase 2: Written Examination (Descriptive)
- Interview (75 marks)
What is the RBI Grade B DEPR phase 1 exam pattern 2026?
The Phase 1 exam serves as the screening stage for the RBI Grade B DEPR recruitment. It includes two papers: one objective paper on economics and one descriptive paper on English. Candidates must clear the minimum aggregate cut-off decided by the Board to qualify for Phase 2. Both papers are compulsory, and performance in Phase 1 is counted in the final merit list. The exam is conducted in shifts, and candidates must appear for all papers.
| Paper | Subject | Type | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|
| Paper 1 | Economics | Objective | 120 minutes | 100 |
| Paper 2 | English | Descriptive (Typing on keyboard) | 120 minutes | 100 |
| Total | 200 |
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What is the RBI Grade B DEPR phase 2 exam pattern 2026?
Phase 2 is the core assessment stage of the RBI Grade B DEPR exam. It consists of two descriptive papers on economics. The questions are displayed on the computer, but answers must be written on paper. Only candidates shortlisted from Phase 1 are eligible to appear for Phase II. Both papers carry equal weightage and are critical for final selection.
| Paper | Subject | Type | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|
| Paper I | Economics | Descriptive | 120 minutes | 100 |
| Paper II | Economics | Descriptive | 120 minutes | 100 |
| Total | 200 |
What is the syllabus of RBI Grade B DEPR post?
The RBI Grade B DEPR syllabus, conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, includes Economics, Quantitative Methods, and the Indian Economy. Phase 1 covers topics like Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International Trade, Economic Growth and Development, Public Finance, Environmental Economics, Quantitative Methods, and current developments in the Indian economy, along with a descriptive English paper. Phase 2 includes advanced topics from Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Quantitative Methods, and the Indian Economy such as econometrics, fiscal and monetary policy, banking, inflation, the external sector, and sectoral developments, with equal importance given to all areas.
| Phase | Paper | Modules / Topics |
|---|
| Phase 1 | Paper 1: Economics | Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International Economics, Economic Growth & Development, Public Finance, Environmental Economics, Quantitative Methods, Current Developments in Indian Economy |
| Paper 2: English | Writing skills, comprehension, clarity, expression |
| Phase 2 | Paper 1: Economics | Microeconomics: Consumer & production theory, market structures, distribution, welfare economics
Macroeconomics: National income, employment, output, inflation, money & banking, economic growth, international trade, public finance |
| Paper 2: Economics | Quantitative Methods: Mathematical & statistical methods, econometrics, AI/ML basics
Indian Economy – Policy & Trends: Fiscal & monetary policy, banking & financial sector, inflation, external sector, sectoral & social developments |
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