The RBI Grade B 2026 Phase 1 (Prelims) examination is scheduled for 13th June 2026. Make sure your application is submitted and admit card is downloaded well in advance.
Last Date to Apply Online & Fee Payment - 20th May 2026 (6 PM)
The last date to submit the online application and complete fee payment is 20th May 2026 by 6:00 PM. Do not wait till the last moment - apply early to avoid technical issues.
Official Notification Released & Online Application Started - 29th April 2026
RBI officially released the detailed Grade B 2026 notification on 29th April 2026. The online application window also opened on the same day on the official RBI portal.
Becoming an Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Grade B Officer is a top career goal for many banking and government job aspirants. Before starting preparation, it is important to clearly understand the eligibility criteria set by the RBI. As per the official RBI Grade B Notification 2026, candidates must be between 21 and 30 years of age, and they should also have a bachelor's or master's degree from a recognised university with the required minimum marks as of 1st April 2026. Candidates are advised to keep all necessary documents ready, as any discrepancy during verification can lead to rejection. In this blog, we have explained the RBI Grade B Eligibility Criteria 2026 in detail, including age limit, age relaxation, stream-wise educational qualifications, and other important conditions.
RBI Grade B Eligibility Criteria as on 1st April 2026
Candidates who want to apply for the RBI Grade B Exam must carefully check all the eligibility criteria before filling out the application form. This helps avoid rejection at later stages due to ineligibility. As per the RBI Grade B Notification, candidates must meet the required age limit, educational qualification, nationality, and attempt-related conditions.
Minimum Age: 21 years
Maximum Age: 30 years for General category candidates
Educational Qualification: Graduation degree with at least 60% marks for General/OBC/EWS candidates and 50% marks for SC/ST/PwBD candidates
Number of Attempts: Maximum 6 attempts for General category; no attempt limit for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD candidates
Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen or meet the nationality conditions mentioned under RBI rules
The RBI Grade B Notification 2026 has been officially released on 29th April 2026. As per the notification, a total of 60 vacancies have been announced across different streams. The official PDF contains complete details regarding eligibility criteria, age calculation date, educational qualifications, and other important instructions. Before applying online, candidates should carefully read the notification PDF to understand all requirements clearly and avoid mistakes during the application process.
As per the eligibility criteria released through the RBI Grade B notification PDF, candidates should be between 21 and 30 years of age as on 1st April 2026 to apply for the exam. Applicants must meet this age requirement to be eligible for the RBI Grade B Exam. However, age relaxation is available for candidates from reserved categories and for those with higher educational qualifications, as per RBI rules.
What is the category-wise age relaxation in RBI Grade B 2026?
RBI Grade B Exam 2026 offers age relaxation for different categories of candidates. SC/ST applicants get 5 years relaxation, while OBC candidates receive 3 years. Ex-servicemen are also eligible for 5 years relaxation, and PwBD candidates get relaxation as per rules. Candidates with higher qualifications like M.Phil. and Ph.D. can apply up to 32 and 34 years of age. Also, candidates with work experience in banks, insurance, or financial institutions may get up to 3 years additional relaxation as per guidelines of the RBI.
Category
Age Relaxation
Maximum Age After Relaxation
General (UR)
–
30 years
OBC
3 years
33 years
SC / ST
5 years
35 years
PwBD (General)
10 years
40 years
PwBD (OBC)
13 years
43 years
PwBD (SC/ST)
15 years
45 years
Ex-Servicemen
5 years
35 years
Candidates with M.Phil.
2 years
32 years
Candidates with PhD
4 years
34 years
Candidates with experience in RBI/Banks/FIs
Up to 3 years
33 years
What is the educational qualification required for RBI Grade B 2026?
To apply for the RBI Grade B Exam 2026, candidates must meet the eligibility conditions as on 1st April 2026. For the General stream, applicants should have a bachelor's or master's degree from a recognised university with the required minimum marks. For the DEPR and DSIM streams, candidates must hold a master's degree in subjects like Economics, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, or Data Science.
Candidates with higher qualifications such as M.Phil. or Ph.D. may also get age relaxation and can be given preference during the selection process by the Reserve Bank of India.
Cadre / Post
Educational Qualification, Marks & Other Requirements by 1st April 2026
RBI Grade B (DR) – General
Qualification: Graduation in any discipline or equivalent technical/professional qualification OR Post-Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university.
Minimum Marks: Graduation – 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD)
• Post-Graduation – 55% marks (Pass marks for SC/ST/PwBD).
Course Duration: Graduation must be at least 3 years after Class 12
• Post-Graduation must be at least 2 years after graduation.
Recognition: Degree must be from a recognised university/institute.
Note: Marks are calculated in the aggregate of all semesters/years.
RBI Grade B (DR) – DEPR
Qualification: Master's Degree in Economics / Econometrics / Finance / Financial Economics / Quantitative Economics / International Economics or related specialisations from a recognised university.
Minimum Marks: 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/PwBD).
Requirement: Economics or Finance must be the principal constituent of the programme (at least half of the subjects should belong to these areas).
Desirable: Ph.D. in Economics, research or teaching experience, and published work.
Age Relaxation: M.Phil – 2 years • Ph.D – 4 years.
RBI Grade B (DR) – DSIM
Qualification Options:
• Option 1: Master's Degree in Statistics / Mathematics / Econometrics / Data Science / Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning / Big Data or related fields.
• Option 2: Master's Degree specifically in Data Science / AI / ML / Big Data.
• Option 3: Four-year Bachelor's Degree in Statistics / Mathematics / Econometrics / Data Science / AI / ML or similar fields.
Minimum Marks: PG – 55% marks • UG (4-year) – 60% marks.
Relaxation: SC/ST/PwBD candidates – 50% marks.
Desirable: Ph.D., research or teaching experience, and published work.
Age Relaxation: M.Phil – 2 years • Ph.D – 4 years.
The degree must be from a University incorporated by an Act of the Central/State Legislature, or from an institution declared to be deemed as a University under Section-3 of the UGC Act, 1956.
Can final-year students apply for RBI Grade B 2026?
No, final-year students are not eligible to apply for the RBI Grade B exam unless their final result is declared before the cut-off date mentioned in the official notification. Candidates must have completed their graduation at the time of application or document verification.
Final result must be declared before or on the notification cut-off date
Provisional or appearing status is not accepted
Failure to produce final mark sheet leads to cancellation of candidature
Degree proof is mandatory during document verification
Does RBI Grade B accept distance education degrees?
Yes, degrees obtained through distance education or open universities are valid for RBI Grade B, provided the institution is recognised by the UGC or Government of India. The qualification must also meet RBI's minimum educational requirements.
University must be recognised by UGC or Government of India
Degree must meet RBI minimum marks criteria
Course should be equivalent to regular degree standards
What are the important considerations for the RBI Grade B exam?
Before applying for the RBI Grade B exam, candidates should check a few important points to avoid mistakes and ensure a smooth application process as per the guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India:
Recognised Degree: The degree must be from a university recognised under Central or State law, including institutions approved under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (deemed universities are also valid).
Name Change (Women Candidates): Women who have changed their name after marriage must provide valid proof such as a marriage certificate or affidavit.
Category Certificates: Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/EWS/Ex-servicemen categories must submit valid certificates in the prescribed format.
Age Relaxation (Work Experience): Candidates with officer-level experience in banks (Commercial/PSB/RBI) can get up to 3 years of age relaxation.
Widow Category: Widows are not eligible for age relaxation under these rules. Age relaxation applies only to categories mentioned in the official notification.
What is the CGPA to percentage conversion formula for RBI Grade B 2026?
Some institutes/ universities grant CGPAs, so for those who define the criteria for conversion of CGPA to percentage, the same will be accepted. Those who have not defined the criteria can follow the below-mentioned criteria:
CGPA/ OGPA/ CPI on 10 point scale
Aggregate Percentage
6.75
60%
6.25
55%
5.75
50%
Note: Applicable only when the university does not define its own conversion formula.
What is the CGPA conversion rule if no formula is given by the university?
If a university does not provide a CGPA to percentage conversion formula, RBI applies a standard conversion method. However, if the university has its own official conversion system, that will always be considered first during eligibility evaluation.
What are the nationality requirements for RBI Grade B 2026?
The RBI Grade B Nationality requirements for candidates are from the following:
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of settling permanently, or
A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanent settlement in India.
Is work experience required for RBI Grade B exam?
No, work experience is not mandatory for the RBI Grade B exam. Fresh graduates can also apply if they meet the eligibility criteria. However, candidates with relevant banking or financial experience may get age relaxation benefits.
Not mandatory for General post
Experience in RBI, commercial banks, or financial institutions may give up to 3 years age relaxation
Experience must be in officer-level roles only
Relevant officer-level experience may be considered for age relaxation (as per notification).
What is the RBI Grade B eligibility for female candidates?
As per the RBI Grade B eligibility criteria are the same for female and all other candidates. Applicants must be between 21 and 30 years of age as on 1st April 2026 and should have a graduation degree with the required marks. Female candidates from reserved categories like SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD are also eligible for age relaxation and reservation benefits as per RBI rules.
Age limit: 21 to 30 years (age relaxation available for reserved categories)
Educational qualification: Graduation with required minimum marks from a recognised university
Nationality: Must meet the nationality conditions mentioned in the notification
Attempt limit: 6 attempts for General/EWS; No fixed attempt limit for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates (subject to age limit)
Reservation benefits: Applicable as per category rules
Special documentation requirement: Women candidates who have changed their name or surname after marriage must submit supporting documents such as a marriage certificate, Gazette notification, or affidavit during document verification.
What is the maximum number of attempts to appear for the RBI Grade B exam?
The RBI Grade B Exam notification has clarified the rules on the number of attempts for candidates. For the Grade B (DR) General post, candidates from the General and EWS categories can attempt the exam up to 6 times in total. After using all six chances, they will no longer be eligible to apply for this post again. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and PwBD categories do not have any fixed attempt limit. However, they must still satisfy the prescribed age criteria to apply. This restriction on attempts applies only to the General (DR) post. There is no limit on attempts for DEPR and DSIM posts.
Category
Maximum Attempts
General
6 attempts
EWS
6 attempts
OBC
No limit (subject to age limit & reservation)
SC/ST
No limit
PwBD
No limit
Note
Attempt limit applies only to Grade B (Generalist)
Is medical examination mandatory for RBI Grade B selection?
Yes, candidates selected for the RBI Grade B post must undergo a medical examination as part of the final selection process. This health check is conducted at an RBI-approved medical centre to ensure the candidate is physically fit to take up the responsibilities of the role. The examination includes basic physical assessments, laboratory tests, and other routine evaluations, and additional tests may be advised if any concerns are identified.
Physical assessment: height, weight, and blood pressure
Blood tests: CBC, blood sugar, liver function, and other essential parameters
Urine test: includes a pregnancy test for married female candidates
Chest X-ray for respiratory and structural evaluation
ECG for heart health
Eye test to check vision and overall eye condition
What happens after the RBI Grade B medical examination?
After the RBI Grade B medical examination, candidates are checked based on their overall health and medical condition. The final selection depends not only on exam performance but also on medical fitness. Based on the medical test results, RBI places candidates into different medical fitness categories before giving the final appointment.
Healthy: Candidates who are fully fit and are appointed without any restrictions.
Partially Healthy: Candidates with minor health issues who are still eligible for appointment but may require monitoring.
Not Fit: Candidates who do not meet the medical standards and are not appointed.
Which language must be known to appear for the RBI Grade B exam?
The RBI Grade B exam is conducted online across India, and both the Prelims and Mains papers are available in English and Hindi. However, the English Language section must be attempted only in English. This bilingual format helps candidates from different regions attempt the exam in the language they are most comfortable with.
What are the RBI Grade B eligibility and documentation guidelines?
As per the RBI Grade B Exam 2026 notification, candidates must meet all eligibility conditions before applying. The age limit is 21 to 30 years, and applicants must have a graduation degree from a recognised university with at least 60% marks. For SC, ST, and other reserved category candidates, the minimum marks required are 50%. Eligibility will be checked as on 1st April 2026. RBI also provides age relaxation for reserved categories, Ex-Servicemen, and candidates with higher qualifications like M.Phil. or Ph.D. Applicants are advised to keep all required documents ready in advance for a smooth application and verification process.
Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID)
Recent passport-size photographs
Educational certificates and mark sheets
Category or reservation certificates, if applicable
PwBD certificate, if applicable
What are the common reasons for RBI Grade B eligibility rejection?
RBI Grade B applications can be rejected if candidates do not meet the eligibility conditions or provide incorrect documents. Even small mistakes in eligibility proof or academic records can lead to cancellation during verification.
Age Criteria Not Met: Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years of age to apply for RBI Grade B 2026. Applications of candidates who do not meet the required age limit set by the Reserve Bank of India may be rejected.
Incorrect CGPA or Percentage Conversion: Candidates should carefully convert CGPA into percentage as per their university guidelines. Wrong calculation or incorrect marks entry can lead to disqualification during verification.
Degree from Unrecognised University: The graduation degree must be obtained from a recognised university or institution approved by the government or relevant authorities. Degrees from unrecognised institutions are not accepted.
Final Year Result Not Declared: Candidates appearing in the final year of graduation must ensure that their final result is declared before the cut-off date mentioned in the official notification.
Invalid Category Certificate: Reserved category candidates must upload valid and updated category certificates in the prescribed format. Expired or incorrect certificates may lead to cancellation of reservation benefits.
Exceeding Attempt Limit: Candidates belonging to the General category must check the maximum number of attempts allowed for the RBI Grade B exam before applying.
Incorrect or Missing Documents: All required documents must be uploaded correctly during the application and verification process. Missing, unclear, or incorrect documents can result in rejection of candidature.
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FAQs
Indian candidates with a bachelor’s degree, aged between 21 and 30 years as of 1st April 2026, are eligible to apply for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Grade B 2026 exam.
The age limit is between 21 and 30 years. However, certain age relaxations have been provided to the candidates belonging to various categories such as SC, ST, OBC, EWS, etc.
If you belong to the General category, then you can give 6 attempts but if you belong to SC/ST/ OBC/PwD/EWS category, then there is no restriction on attempts.
The reference date for the calculation of RBI Grade B Eligibility is 1st April 2026.
No, the final year students cannot apply for RBI Grade B Exam. By the time notification comes, you must have passed your graduation and must become a graduate.
To apply for the RBI Grade B Officer post, candidates must be Indian citizens aged between 21 and 30 years. They should have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD) or a Postgraduate degree with 55% marks (pass marks for SC/ST/PwBD). Age relaxations are available for reserved categories as per RBI Grade B Age Eligibility rules.
Yes, if the candidate has at least 60% marks in graduation and meets the age and other criteria.
No, only candidates with a recognized Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a recognized university/institute are eligible.
Yes, if the degree is from a UGC/AICTE-recognized university and meets all other eligibility criteria.
Post-graduation marks cannot override graduation requirements unless explicitly mentioned in the notification.
