The RBI Grade B DEPR 2026 exam is being conducted to recruit Grade ‘B' (Direct Recruitment) officers for the Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR). This role mainly focuses on economic research, data analysis, and policy-related work. Selected candidates handle macroeconomic data, sector studies, and other research tasks related to economic policies.
The exam tests both economics knowledge and the ability to present ideas clearly in writing. It is a specialist-level exam designed for candidates with a strong background in economics. In this blog, we have explained the Phase 1 and Phase 2 exam patterns, along with the selection process and syllabus in detail.
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?
Phase 1 exam of the RBI Grade B DEPR recruitment conducted by the Reserve Bank of India is the screening stage. It has two papers: an objective Economics paper and a descriptive English paper. Candidates must score the minimum overall cut-off to qualify for Phase 2. Both papers are compulsory, and candidates need to appear in all shifts as scheduled. The performance in Phase 1 is also considered in the final selection process.
| 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 of the RBI Grade B DEPR exam is the main evaluation stage. It includes 2 descriptive papers based on Economics. Questions are shown on the computer, but answers are written on paper. Only candidates who clear Phase 1 are eligible to appear for Phase 2. Both papers carry equal importance and play a key role in the 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?
RBI Grade B DEPR syllabus includes Economics, Quantitative Methods, and the Indian Economy. In Phase 1, candidates study basic topics such as Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International Trade, Economic Growth and Development, Public Finance, Environmental Economics, Quantitative Methods, and recent developments in the Indian Economy, along with a descriptive English paper.
In Phase 2, the syllabus covers advanced concepts from Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Quantitative Methods, and the Indian Economy. It includes topics like econometrics, fiscal and monetary policy, banking system, inflation, external sector, and sector-wise economic analysis. All these areas are important for the DEPR exam preparation and final selection.
| 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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