The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Grade B DEPR exam is one of the most prestigious exams for candidates aspiring to build a career in economic research, policy-making, and financial regulation. For the DEPR (Department of Economic and Policy Research) stream, this exam evaluates a candidate's understanding of economics, analytical skills, quantitative methods, and current developments in India. Preparing effectively requires knowing the syllabus thoroughly, the exam pattern, and the areas where focus is most needed. In this blog, we have provided the RBI Grade B DEPR 2026 syllabus along with the direct link to download the syllabus PDF.
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 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 |
What is the selection process for RBI Grade B DEPR post?
The selection process for RBI Grade B DEPR comprises three stages Phase-I (Objective Type), Phase-II (Descriptive Type), and the Interview. Candidates who achieve the minimum aggregate marks in Phase-I are shortlisted for Phase-II. Both Phase-I and Phase-II are conducted in shifts, and a single Admit Card is issued for all papers. Phase-II allows answers in Hindi or English, whereas Phase-I Paper II must be answered in English. Shortlisted candidates then appear for the Interview, which carries 75 marks. The final selection is based on the cumulative performance across Phase-I, Phase-II, and the Interview. Additionally, candidates undergo a Personality Assessment before the Interview, which is mandatory but does not contribute to the final score.
| Stage | Sub-topic | Details |
|---|
| Phase-I Examination | Papers | Paper I & Paper II (Objective Type on Economics) |
| Shortlisting | Candidates must secure minimum aggregate marks; cut-off determined by vacancies |
| Language | Paper I – Hindi/English; Paper II – English only |
| Phase-II Examination | Papers | Paper I & Paper II (Descriptive Type on Economics) |
| Eligibility | Only candidates shortlisted from Phase-I |
| 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 tests basic economic concepts through objective questions. It covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, international trade, public finance, development, and environmental economics. Candidates are also expected to be aware 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 primarily work in economic research, data analysis, and policy formulation. They are expected to conduct in-depth research on various sectors of the economy and provide insights that guide RBI's policies. The role requires strong analytical skills, an understanding of economic theory, and the ability to interpret data and current trends.
| 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
