The RBI Grade B DEPR exam 2026 is conducted to recruit officers in Grade ‘B' (Direct Recruitment) for the Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR). This role mainly focuses on economic research, data analysis, and policy formulation at the Reserve Bank of India. Candidates selected for this post work closely with macroeconomic data, sectoral studies, and policy-related research. The exam tests both conceptual clarity in economics and the ability to express ideas clearly in writing. It is a specialist-level examination meant for candidates with a strong academic background in economics. In this blog, we have provided the detailed RBI Grade B DEPR 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 is conducted in three stages Phase-I, Phase-II, and Interview. Phase-I includes Paper-I (Economics, Objective) and Paper-II (English, Descriptive), while Phase-II consists of Paper-I and Paper-II (both Descriptive, Economics). Candidates who clear Phase-I cut-offs are shortlisted for Phase-II. The final selection is based on the combined performance in Phase-I, Phase-II, and the Interview. Phase-I and Phase-II papers are conducted in shifts, with a single admit card for all papers. Phase-I English must be answered in English, while other papers and the interview may be in Hindi or English. The details of the exam pattern are as follows:
| Phase | Paper | Type | Duration | Marks | Mode / Language |
|---|
| Phase-I | Paper-I: Economics | Objective | 120 mins | 100 | Online, Hindi/English |
| Paper-II: English | Descriptive | 120 mins | 100 | Online, English only (typed) |
| Phase-II | Paper-I: Economics | Descriptive | 120 mins | 100 | Question on computer, answers on paper, Hindi/English |
| Paper-II: 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 exam 2026 consists of a written examination followed by an interview. The written examination is conducted in two phases: Phase I and Phase II. Candidates must qualify each phase to move to the next stage. Final selection is based on combined performance in Phase I, Phase II, and the interview. The process is strictly merit-based and governed by the RBI Services Board.
- Phase I: Online/Written Examination
- Phase II: Written Examination (Descriptive)
- Interview (75 marks)
What is the RBI Grade B DEPR phase 1 exam pattern 2026?
The Phase I 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 II. Both papers are compulsory, and performance in Phase I 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 I | Economics | Objective | 120 minutes | 100 |
| Paper II | 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 II 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 I 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 syllabus for RBI Grade B DEPR covers Economics, Quantitative Methods, and Indian Economy. Phase-I includes Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International Trade, Economic Growth & Development, Public Finance, Environmental Economics, Quantitative Methods, and Current Developments in Indian Economy, along with an English descriptive paper. Phase-II includes Microeconomics and Macroeconomics modules in Paper-I, and Quantitative Methods and Indian Economy modules in Paper-II, with topics like econometrics, fiscal & monetary policy, banking, inflation, external sector, and sectoral developments. Equal weightage is given to the submodules within Phase-II papers.
| Phase | Paper | Modules / Topics |
|---|
| Phase-I | Paper-I: Economics | Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International Economics, Economic Growth & Development, Public Finance, Environmental Economics, Quantitative Methods, Current Developments in Indian Economy |
| Paper-II: English | Writing skills, comprehension, clarity, expression |
| Phase-II | Paper-I: 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-II: 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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What are the important dates for the RBI DEPR exam?
Based on last year's schedule, the RBI Grade B DEPR Phase 1 exam is expected to be held around 30 to 45 days after the online application process starts, followed by Phase 2, which is likely to be conducted 30 to 45 days after Phase 1. The expected schedule for the RBI Grade B DEPR exam is as follows:
| Event | 2026 | 2025 Exam Cycle |
|---|
| RBI Grade B Phase 1 Admit Card | TBA | 12th Oct |
| RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Date | TBA | 18th and 19th Oct |
| RBI Grade B Phase 2 Admit Card | TBA | TBA |
| RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Date | TBA | 6th and 7th Dec |
| RBI Grade B Interview | TBA | Started from 10th Feb |
Key takeaway
| Aspect | Key Takeaway |
|---|
| Exam | RBI Grade B DEPR 2026 |
| Post | Grade ‘B' Officer – DEPR |
| Stages | Phase I → Phase II → Interview |
| Phase I | Economics (Objective) + English (Descriptive) |
| Phase II | 2 Descriptive Economics Papers |
| Written Marks | 400 |
| Interview | 75 marks |
| Focus Areas | Economics, Quantitative Methods, Indian Economy |
| Final Selection | Phase I + Phase II + Interview |
