The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducts the annual RBI Grade B Officer Exam to recruit qualified graduates for various positions, including General, DEPR, and DSIM cadres. The official notification PDF for the 2026 recruitment cycle has been released, announcing 60 vacancies for Grade B Officers. The application window is now closed, with approximately 62,000 candidates registered for this year's selection process.
About RBI Grade B Exam
The RBI Grade B examination is a premier competitive test, providing a unique gateway to a career with India's central banking institution. Conducted nationwide, the selection process involves three rigorous stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and a personal Interview. Due to the lucrative compensation packages and the high prestige associated with the role, this exam remains one of the most competitive in the country.
RBI Grade B Recruitment 2026- Summary
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has officially launched the recruitment cycle for 2026. This year, the bank aims to fill 60 Grade B (General, DEPR, and DSIM) Officer vacancies through a highly competitive multi-stage selection process.
| RBI Grade B 2026: Key Highlights | |
| Organisation | Reserve Bank of India (RBI) |
| Exam Name | RBI Grade B 2026 |
| Posts | Grade B (General/DEPR/DSIM) Officers |
| Vacancies | 60 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Mains Exam Dates | 25th & 26th July 2026 |
| Qualification | General: Graduation (60% marks) or Postgraduation (55%) DEPR/DSIM: Master’s in Economics/Statistics or related fields |
| Age Limit | 21 to 30 years |
| Selection Process |
|
| RBI Grade B Salary | Rs. 1,54,936/- (Gross Salary) |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official website | https://www.rbi.org.in/ |
RBI Grade B Exam Date 2026 Out
The comprehensive schedule for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 examinations has been published in the official notification. The RBI Grade B Prelims are confirmed to take place on 13th and 14th June 2026.
| Posts | Exam Dates |
| Phase-I Grade 'B'- General | 13th June 2026 |
| Phase-I Grade 'B'- DEPR (Paper-I and II) / DSIM (Paper-I) | 14th June 2026 |
| Phase-II Grade 'B' - General | 25th July 2026 |
| Phase-II Grade 'B' DEPR (Paper-I and II) /DSIM (Paper-II and III) | 26th July 2026 |
RBI Grade B Mains Admit Card 2026: Official Download Link
Important Dates for RBI Grade B Exam
Crucial timelines for the RBI Grade B 2026 exam were announced on 29th April 2026. The online application portal was active from 29th April until the deadline of 20th May 2026 (6:00 PM).
| Events | Dates |
| Notification Release Date | 29th April 2026 |
| Apply Online Starts | 29th April 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 20th May 2026 (6 pm) |
| Application Fees Last Date | 20th May 2026 |
| Application Form Edit Window | 5th June 2026 (11:59 pm) |
| RBI Grade B Admit Card 2026 | 5th June 2026 |
| RBI Grade B Phase-I Exam | 13th & 14th June 2026 |
| RBI Grade B Prelims Result 2026 | 25th June 2026 |
| RBI Grade B Mains Admit Card 2026 | 15th July 2026 |
| RBI Grade B Phase-II Exam | 25th & 26th July 2026 |
RBI Grade B Vacancy 2026
The official vacancy count for the RBI Grade B 2026 recruitment has been confirmed. A total of 60 openings have been announced across multiple cadres, including:
- Officers in Grade 'B' (DR) - (General)
- Officers in Grade 'B' (DR) - DEPR (Department of Economic & Policy Research)
- Officers in Grade 'B' (DR) - DSIM (Department of Statistics & Information Management)
| Posts | Vacancies | UR | EWS | OBC | SC | ST |
| Officers in Grade 'B' (DR) - (General) | 40 | 16 | 4 | 9 | 7 | 4 |
| Officers in Grade 'B' (DR) - DEPR | 10 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Officers in Grade 'B' (DR) - DSIM | 10 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 1 | -- |
| Total | 60 | 24 | 6 | 14 | 11 | 5 |
RBI Grade B Vacancy Trend for the past 5 years
| Year | Vacancies |
| 2026 | 60 |
| 2025 | 120 |
| 2024 | 94 |
| 2023 | 291 |
| 2022 | 294 |
| 2021 | 322 |
- Is the RBI Grade B exam conducted annually?
Yes, the Reserve Bank of India typically holds this recruitment exam every year.- What is the attempt limit for RBI Grade B?
General category candidates have 6 attempts. Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwBD) have no specified limit, provided they remain within the age eligibility criteria.
Important Update: The revised gross salary for RBI Grade B Officers has been increased to Rs. 1,54,936/-, reflecting an upward adjustment from the previous Rs. 1,50,000/-.
RBI Grade B 2026 Notification PDF
The official RBI Grade B 2026 notification, titled “Recruitment of Officers in Grade 'B' (Direct Recruit- DR) (On Probation-OP)- General/DEPR/DSIM Cadres - PY 2026,” is available at www.rbi.org.in. Candidates can review the full document via the link below.
Download the Official RBI Grade B 2026 Recruitment Notification PDF
RBI Grade B Eligibility Criteria
To ensure candidacy for the 2026 recruitment, applicants must strictly adhere to the RBI Grade B Eligibility Criteria regarding age, education, and nationality.
Educational Qualification (as on 01/04/2026)
Educational requirements for the various RBI Grade B positions are detailed below, categorized by the specific role requirements.
| RBI Grade B Educational Qualification | |
| Posts | Minimum Educational Qualifications |
| Officers in Grade 'B' (DR) - (General) | • Minimum of 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD) in Graduation or an equivalent technical/professional qualification. Alternatively, a Post-Graduate degree with at least 55% marks (pass marks for SC/ST/PwBD) in aggregate is required. Important Academic Notes: • Any recognized full-time degree (minimum 3 years duration) obtained after Class XII, or government-recognized technical/professional qualifications, fulfills the basic graduation requirements for the exam. • Candidates who have successfully cleared the Final Examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) are also eligible to apply. OR • Any full-time, government-recognized post-graduation course or equivalent of at least 2 years duration following graduation is accepted for admission. |
| Officers in Grade 'B' (DR) - DEPR | • Essential Qualifications: A Master’s degree in Economics, Econometrics, Quantitative/Mathematical Economics, Finance, or an Integrated Economics course with at least 55% marks from a recognized university. OR b. A PGDM or MBA in Finance from a recognized institution with at least 55% marks in aggregate. OR c. Master’s degree in sub-disciplines of Economics (Agricultural, Business, Developmental, Applied, etc.) with at least 55% aggregate marks. d. Candidates with research or teaching experience at a recognized institution may receive an upper age relaxation of up to three years (excluding probationary periods). |
| Officers in Grade 'B' (DR) - DSIM | Essential Qualifications: a. A Master's Degree in Statistics, Mathematical Statistics, Econometrics, or specialized Statistics & Informatics (from IIT-Kharagpur/IIT-Bombay) with at least 55% aggregate marks. OR b. A Master's Degree in Mathematics (55% marks) combined with a one-year post-graduate diploma in Statistics from a reputed institute. OR c. M. Stat. degree from the Indian Statistical Institute with at least 55% aggregate marks. OR d. Post Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics (PGDBA) jointly offered by ISI Kolkata, IIT Kharagpur, and IIM Calcutta, with at least 55% aggregate marks. |
Age Limit (as on 01/04/2026)
Applicants must be aged between 21 and 30 years as of the specified cutoff. Candidates must have been born between 2nd April 1996 and 1st April 2005. Relaxation is available for candidates holding M.Phil. (up to 32 years) and Ph.D. (up to 34 years) degrees.
Age Relaxation:
Reserved category candidates are entitled to upper age relaxation in accordance with current RBI Board regulations.
| RBI Grade B Age Limit Relaxation | |
| Category | Age relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Physically Handicapped | 10 years |
| PH + OBC | 13 years |
| PH + SC/ST | 15 years |
- Which degree is best for RBI Grade B?
A graduation degree in any discipline is acceptable, while Master's degrees in Economics, Finance, or Econometrics provide a competitive edge.- Are final-year students eligible?
No, students awaiting final-year results are ineligible. Proof of graduation must be dated on or before the notification date.
Application Fees
The application fee is Rs. 850/- for General and OBC candidates. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/PwD categories are required to pay a reduced fee of Rs. 100/-.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General/OBC | Rs. 850/- + 18% GST |
| SC/ST/PWD | Rs. 100/- + 18% GST |
| Staff@RBI | Nil |
RBI Grade B Handwritten Declaration Format: Check Requirements
Steps to Apply for RBI Grade B Recruitment 2026
Application forms must be submitted via the official RBI website (www.rbi.org.in), including digital copies of educational certificates, work experience proof, and recent photographs.
- Visit the official page of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) at https://www.rbi.org.in/.
- Scroll down and click on “Opportunities@RBI”, then a new page with url https://opportunities.rbi.org.in opens.
- Now click on “Current Vacancies” >> “Vacancies”.
- Search for “Direct Recruitment for the post of Officers in Grade ‘B’ (Direct Recruit-DR) (General/DEPR/DSIM) Streams- Panel Year 2026”.
- Now click on “Online Application” and start with the registration process by filling out the application.
- Afterwards, attach the required documents and pay the requisite application fee.
- Download and keep the application form safe for future reference.
Selection Process
The selection process for the RBI Grade B 2026 exam consists of three phases: a Preliminary (Phase I) objective-type test, followed by a Mains (Phase II) exam featuring both objective and descriptive components, and a final personal Interview.
- Phase-I exam- Preliminary
- Phase-II exam- Mains
- Interview process
Exam Pattern
Candidates must successfully qualify in all three stages to be appointed as Grade B Officers. Below is a detailed overview of the examination structure and format.
RBI Grade B Prelims Exam Pattern
The Phase I Prelims examination is a 200-mark paper. Candidates are provided 120 minutes in total, with specific time slots allocated for individual sections within the paper.
| RBI Grade B 2026 Prelims Exam Pattern | |
| Subject Names | General Awareness |
| Quantitative Aptitude | |
| English Language | |
| Reasoning | |
| No. of Questions | 200 |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Time Duration | 2 Hours |
Important Note:
While 120 minutes are allotted for the Prelims, strict sectional time limits apply. Detailed instructions regarding the examination process will be provided in an Information Handout, which will be accessible upon downloading the call letter.
RBI Grade B Mains Exam Pattern
The examination consists of three primary papers: Paper I (Statistics) is an objective test, while Papers II and III consist of descriptive-type questions.
| S No | Sections / Subjects | Paper Type | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration (minutes) |
| 1. | Paper I: Economics and Social Issues | 50% Objective Type | 30 | 100 | 30 minutes |
| 50% Descriptive | 06 (to be attempted-4) | 90 minutes | |||
| 2. | Paper II: English (Writing Skills) | Descriptive | 03 | 100 | 90 minutes |
| 3. | Paper III: Finance and Management | 50% Objective Type | 30 | 100 | 30 minutes |
| 50% Descriptive | 06 (to be attempted-4) | 90 minutes |
RBI Grade B Officer Interview Process
Shortlisting for the Interview phase is based on the cumulative scores achieved in Paper I, Paper II, and Paper III of Phase II. The personal interview carries a weightage of 50 marks.
- Is RBI grade B phase 1 Qualifying?
Yes, candidates have to secure minimum marks separately for each test as well as in aggregate. - Is the RBI Grade B Interview tough to crack?
RBI Grade B Interview is considered challenging, and candidates must have a strong command of subject knowledge.
RBI Grade B 2026 Syllabus
The RBI Grade B Syllabus for Prelims aligns with general banking examination patterns, covering key areas essential for assessment.
- Reasoning
- Quantitative Aptitude
- General Awareness and
- English Language
| RBI Grade B Exam Syllabus | |||
| English | Quantitative Aptitude | Reasoning | General Awareness |
| Grammar | Mensuration | Puzzles | Banking & Financial Awareness |
| Vocabulary | Time and Work | Seating Arrangement | Monetary Policies |
| Error Spotting | Average, Ratio, Percentages | Directions and Distance | Economic Terms |
| Comprehension | Speed, Distance and Time | Data Sufficiency | Current Affairs |
| Passage Making | Mixture and Allegations | Blood Relations | Financial & Economics News |
| Jumble Words | Permutation and Combination | Syllogism | Static GK |
| Fill in the Blanks | Data Interpretation | Coding-Decoding | Government Schemes, Agreements & Deals |
| Sentence Framing | Probability | Inequality | Banking terms, rates, processes |
Complete RBI Grade B 2026 Syllabus (Prelims & Mains)
Download RBI Grade B Previous Year Question Papers (PDFs)
RBI Grade B Salary Structure
The pay scale for RBI Grade B Officers is Rs. 78,450-4,050(9)-1,14,900-EB 4,050(2)-1,23,000-4,650(4)-1,41,600 (16 years). This basic pay is supplemented by various allowances, including Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Telephone Allowance, and more.
Full Details: RBI Grade B Salary, Allowances, and Promotion Hierarchy
- Which pays more, SBI or RBI?
The RBI Grade B salary is significantly higher than the SBI PO salary. SBI PO's gross salary is around Rs. 94,000–Rs. 98,000 monthly, while a Grade B officer's is approximately Rs. 1,54,936/- per month.
Exam Preparation Tips
To maximize performance, candidates should focus on the current syllabus and exam pattern. Online Result provides comprehensive offline coaching and mock test series to aid in strategic preparation. Consistent self-assessment and practice are key to achieving a high score.
- Take regular mock tests to understand the exam pattern and improve time management.
- Practice previous year's question papers to understand the difficulty level and pattern of the questions asked.
- Regularly revise the topics you have studied to ensure your efficiency when solving the questions from those topics.
- Stay updated with the latest news, especially in the economy, finance, and banking.
- For the English Descriptive Paper, practice essay writing, précis writing, and comprehension regularly.
View RBI Grade B 2026 Examination Centre List
RBI Grade B 2026 Cut Off
Cut-offs are determined post-exam completion for each phase. Candidates can compare their scores against historical cut-off trends to gauge their qualifying prospects. Reviewing past years' data is highly recommended for strategic planning.
| RBI Grade-B Cut-Off 2025 for Phase-I Exam | |||||
| Section | General/UR | EWS | OBC | SC | ST |
| General Awareness | 24 | 16 | 20 | 16 | 16 |
| English Language | 9 | 6 | 7.50 | 6 | 6 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 9 | 6 | 7.50 | 6 | 6 |
| Reasoning | 18 | 12 | 15 | 12 | 12 |
| Total Score Aggregate | 77.50 | 64.75 | 69 | 65 | 64.75 |
RBI Grade B: Previous Years' Cut-Off Marks
FAQs
The RBI Grade B Prelims examination is scheduled for 13th and 14th June 2026.
The application fee is Rs. 850/- for General and OBC candidates, and Rs. 100/- for SC/ST/PwD applicants.
Yes, a penalty of 0.25 marks per incorrect answer applies to both the Preliminary and Main examination stages.
The starting basic pay scale for the Grade B officer role is Rs. 78,450/-.
No, candidates in their final year of study are ineligible to apply for the RBI Grade B 2026 examination as official degree completion is required.
A career as an RBI Grade B official offers progression paths that can reach the level of Deputy Governor or Governor of the Reserve Bank.
While both the UPSC Civil Services Exam and RBI Grade B are challenging, the UPSC IAS exam is widely considered more intensive due to its broader syllabus.
Yes, the RBI Grade B exam is frequently cited as exceptionally difficult, particularly due to the depth of Economics and Finance topics in the Phase II papers.
Recommended Reads
- RBI Grade B General Awareness Questions (13 June 2026) - Prelims Memory-Based
- RBI Grade B Exam Analysis 2026 (13 June): Difficulty Level, Good Attempts & Questions
- RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2026: Prelims & Mains Syllabus and Marking Scheme
- RBI Grade B Application 2026: Last Day to Apply Online, Register Now
- RBI Grade B Mains Admit Card 2026 Released: Download Phase 2 Call Letter at rbi.org.in
- RBI Grade B Cut Off 2026 Released: Check Category-wise Prelims Scores
- RBI Grade B 2026 Preparation Strategy: A Comprehensive Guide to Success
- RBI Grade B Previous Year Question Papers PDF (Last 6 Years)
- RBI Grade B Result 2026: Phase 1 Merit List PDF Out at rbi.org.in
- RBI Grade B Salary 2026: Pay Scale, In-Hand Salary & Perks
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