RBI Grade B DEPR exam, conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, is a popular examination for candidates who want to build a career in economic research, policy making, and financial regulation. It is conducted for the Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR) stream under the RBI Grade B recruitment and checks candidates' knowledge of economics, analytical thinking, quantitative methods, and current economic developments in India.
For better preparation, it is important to clearly understand the syllabus, exam pattern, and important topics that need focused study. In this blog, we have shared the RBI Grade B DEPR 2026 syllabus along with a direct link to download the official syllabus PDF.
What is the syllabus of RBI Grade B DEPR post?
The RBI Grade B DEPR syllabus includes 3 main areas Economics, Quantitative Methods, and the Indian Economy. Phase 1 covers topics such as Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International Trade, Economic Growth and Development, Public Finance, Environmental Economics, Quantitative Methods, and current developments in the Indian economy. It also includes a descriptive English paper.
| 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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What is the exam pattern for the RBI DEPR post 2026?
RBI Grade B DEPR exam, is held in three stages: Phase 1, Phase 2, and the Interview. In Phase 1, candidates appear for one objective Economics paper and one descriptive English paper. Phase 2 includes two descriptive Economics papers that test a deeper understanding of economic concepts. Candidates who clear the Phase 1 cut-off are shortlisted for Phase 2. The final selection for the RBI Grade B DEPR post is based on the overall performance in Phase 1, Phase 2, and the Interview. The English paper must be attempted in English only, while the other papers and the Interview can be taken in either Hindi or English, as per candidate preference.
| 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 |
What is the selection process for RBI Grade B DEPR post?
RBI Grade B DEPR selection process, consists of three stages: Phase 1, Phase 2, and the Interview. Candidates who score the minimum qualifying marks in Phase 1 are shortlisted for Phase 2.
In Phase 2, candidates can write their answers in either Hindi or English, while Phase 1 Paper 2 must be answered only in English. Candidates who qualify for Phase 2 move to the Interview stage, which carries 75 marks and also includes a mandatory personality assessment. The final selection is made based on the overall performance across all three stages.
| Stage | Sub-topic | Details |
|---|
| Phase-I Examination | Papers | Paper 1 & Paper 2 (Objective Type on Economics) |
| Shortlisting | Candidates must secure minimum aggregate marks; cut-off determined by vacancies |
| Language | Paper 1 Hindi/English; Paper 2 English only |
| Phase-II Examination | Papers | Paper 1 & Paper 2 (Descriptive Type on Economics) |
| Eligibility | Only candidates shortlisted from Phase 1 |
| Language | Answers may be written in Hindi or English |
| Interview | Marks | 75 marks |
| Language | Candidate may choose Hindi or English |
| Personality Assessment | Marks | Mandatory before Interview; no marks awarded |
| Final Selection | Criteria | Based on combined performance in Phase-I, Phase-II, and Interview |
Also Check: RBI Grade B DEPR Exam Date
What is the RBI DEPR syllabus for phase 1 paper 1 (objective economics)?
Phase 1 Paper 1 of the RBI Grade B DEPR Exam includes objective questions that test basic economic concepts. It covers topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, international trade, public finance, development economics, and environmental economics. Candidates are also expected to have a basic understanding of current developments in the Indian economy.
| Module | Topics / Details |
|---|
| Microeconomics | Theories of Consumer's Demand, Production, Market Structures and Pricing, Distribution, Welfare Economics |
| Macroeconomics | Theories of Employment, Output and Inflation; Monetary Economics; IS-LM Model; Schools of Economic Thought |
| International Economics | Theories of International Trade; Balance of Payments; Exchange Rate Models |
| Theories of Economic Growth and Development | Classical and Neo-classical Approaches to Economic Growth; Major Theories of Economic Development |
| Public Finance | Theories of Taxation and Public Expenditure; Public Debt Management |
| Environmental Economics | Green GDP, Environmental Valuation, Environmental Policy Instruments |
| Quantitative Methods in Economics | Mathematical and Statistical Methods for Economics; Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) Regression |
| Current Developments in Indian Economy | Growth, Inflation, Poverty, Unemployment; Financial Sector Developments; External Sector Developments; Fiscal Developments; Agriculture, Industry, Infrastructure, Services |
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What is the syllabus for phase 1 paper 2 (English Descriptive)?
The English paper in Phase 1 evaluates writing skills, comprehension, and expression. Candidates are required to type their answers, demonstrating clarity of thought and proper structuring of content.
| Module | Topics |
|---|
| Writing Skills | Essay writing, précis, comprehension, grammar, vocabulary |
| Expression | Clarity, coherence, and organization of ideas |
| Analysis | Ability to interpret given topics and present arguments logically |
What is the RBI DEPR syllabus for phase 2 paper 1 (descriptive economics)?
Phase 2 paper 1 focuses on detailed economic analysis and theory. It includes microeconomics and macroeconomics modules. Equal weightage is given to both modules. Candidates must write answers on paper based on the computer-displayed question paper.
| Module | Topics | Sub-topics / Details |
|---|
| Microeconomics | Consumer Theory | Cardinal and Marginal Utility Analysis, Consumer Surplus, Indifference Curve Analysis, Price, Income and Substitution Effects, Game Theory |
| Production Theory | Forms of Production Function, Laws of Returns to Scale, Partial Equilibrium vs General Equilibrium Analysis |
| Market Theory | Pricing under Different Market Structures |
| Distribution Theories | Ricardo, Marx, Kalecki, Kaldor |
| Welfare Economics | Pareto Optimality, Schools of Welfare Thought including Arrow, Coase, Sen |
| Macroeconomics | National Income Accounting | Various Methods for Measurement of National Income |
| Theory of Employment and Output | Classical and Neo-classical Approaches, Keynesian Theory of Employment and Output, Post-Keynesian Developments, Business Cycles |
| Inflation | Types of Inflation, Phillips Curve, Taylor's Rule, Lucas Critique |
| Money and Banking | Quantity Theory of Money, Neutrality of Money, IS-LM Model, AD-AS Models, Money Multiplier, Monetary Policy – Scope, Objectives, Instruments, Inflation Targeting |
| Theories of Economic Growth and Development | Theories of Growth: Classical and Neo-classical Approaches; Theories of Economic Development |
| International Trade and Balance of Payments | Theories of International Trade, Determination of Exchange Rates, Impossible Trinity |
| Public Finance | Theories of Taxation, Theories of Public Expenditure, Theories of Public Debt Management |
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What is the syllabus for phase 2 paper 2 (Quantitative & Indian Economy)?
Phase 2 paper 2 is divided into Quantitative Methods in Economics and Indian Economy modules. This paper tests candidates on mathematical, statistical, and econometric tools along with understanding of Indian economic policies and trends.
| Module | Topics | Sub-topics / Details |
|---|
| Quantitative Methods in Economics | Mathematical Methods in Economics | Differentiation and Integration, Optimisation, Sets, Matrices, Linear Algebra, Linear Programming |
| Statistical Methods in Economics | Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Probability, Time Series, Index Numbers |
| Econometrics and Advanced Applications | Regression Analysis, Panel Data Econometrics, Time Series Econometrics, Basics of Bayesian Econometrics, Basic Application of Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning |
| Indian Economy Policy and Trends | Fiscal Policy in India | Evolution, Scope and Limitations, Current Trends |
| Monetary Policy in India | Evolution, Functions of the Reserve Bank of India, Monetary-Fiscal Coordination, Inflation Targeting, Operating Framework of Monetary Policy, Current Trends |
| Banking and Financial Sector Development in India | Banks and other constituents of Indian financial markets, Related developments, Current trends |
| Inflation in India | Trends and Drivers |
| External Sector Developments in India | Exchange Rate Management, External Debt, Balance of Payments, Current Trends |
| Sectoral and Other Developments in India | Agriculture, Industry, Services, Social Sector-related Developments |
What are the job requirements for RBI Grade B DEPR officers?
RBI Grade B DEPR officers, are mainly involved in economic research, data analysis, and policy making. They study different areas of the Indian economy in detail and provide useful insights that support the RBI in forming effective monetary and regulatory policies. This role requires strong analytical ability, a clear understanding of economic concepts, and the skill to interpret data and current economic trends in a simple and meaningful way for better decision-making.
| Job Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Economic Analysis | Conduct research on various sectors like agriculture, industry, services, and finance. |
| Policy Formulation | Provide inputs for monetary, fiscal, and economic policies. |
| Data Compilation | Collect, organize, and analyze data related to the Indian and global economy. |
| Reporting | Prepare reports, briefs, and policy notes for internal and external use. |
Download the RBI Grade B DEPR Syllabus PDF
Aspirants can also directly access and download the official RBI Grade B DEPR 2026 syllabus PDF using the link provided below, which contains the complete topic-wise details for both phase 1 and phase 2 of the examination.
Download the RBI Grade B DEPR Syllabus PDF
