RBI Assistant Syllabus 2026, Check Exam Pattern, PDF

The RBI Assistant exam is a highly sought-after opportunity for candidates aspiring to work with the Reserve Bank of India, the nation’s apex financial institution. To ace this competitive exam, understanding the RBI Assistant syllabus is crucial. The Reserve Bank of India Assistant syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ proficiency in Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and English Language in the Preliminary phase, while the Mains phase includes additional sections like General Awareness and Computer Knowledge. A well-structured preparation strategy tailored to the syllabus helps candidates tackle each section effectively. This article provides a detailed overview of the RBI Assistant syllabus to streamline your exam preparation.

RBI Assistant Syllabus 2026

Like all Bank Exams, RBI Assistant Syllabus 2026 revolves around the basic tricks and techniques that a student learned in English, Maths and Reasoning during his/her high school. Apart from that, a candidate must have basic knowledge of General Awareness and Computer Application terms to excel in RBI Assistant Exam. Let’s have a look at the detailed RBI Assistant Syllabus for the same.

RBI Assistant English Language Syllabus

The questions in the English section will be asked from the below topics. The candidate must have the proper knowledge of tenses to score good marks in this section. Building a habit of reading newspapers and magazines daily would be of great help.

1. Reading Comprehension
2. Synonyms
3. Antonyms
4. Sentence Correction
5. Word Meanings
6. Cloze Test
7. One Word Substitution
8. Sentence Rearrangement
9. Sentence Completion
10. Phrases
11. Active & Passive Voice

RBI Assistant Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

The questions of Numerical Ability/Quantitative Aptitude in the RBI Assistant Exam will be from the below-listed topics. The candidate must practice as much as questions to improve their speed and accuracy which is the most important thing to be taken care of this section.

1. Time and Distance
2. Time and Work
3. HCF and LCM
4. Simple and Compound Interest
5. Problems on Trains
6. Average
7. Probability
8. Allegations and Comparison
9. Permutation and Combination
10. Pipes& Cistern
11. Number System
12. Geometry
13. Mensuration
14. Percentage
15. Algebra
16. Trigonometry

RBI Assistant Reasoning Syllabus

The questions in the reasoning section will be assessing the candidate’s presence of mind and speed of solving tricky problems. To score good marks in this section, the candidate must focus on their speed. Practising previous year question papers would be of great help for the same.

1. Number Series
2. Blood Relations
3. Analogy
4. Odd Man Out
5. Number Series
6. Coding and Decoding
7. Directions Based Concept
8. Row Arrangements
9. Symbols
10. Statement Reading, Understanding

RBI Assistant Computer Knowledge Syllabus

A basic knowledge of Computer is mandatory for the post of Assistant in the banking sector as most of the job responsibilities revolves around working on computers. The candidates will be assessed on the basis of their knowledge of the below topics.

1. Languages
2. Basic Hardware and Software
3. History of Computers
4. Devices
5. Viruses and Hacking

RBI Assistant General Awareness Syllabus

The candidates must be aware of their surroundings to ace good marks in this section. The candidates must have a habit of reading current affairs, geography, history, and other topics as mentioned below.

1. Current World News
2. Current India News
3. Geography Concepts
4. History Concepts
5. Political Science
6. Banking Awareness
7. RBI Terms
8. Emoluments and Other Benefits
9. Acts and Laws related to Bank (RBI)

RBI Assistant Exam Pattern 2026

The RBI Assistant Exam is conducted in two main phases: the Preliminary Exam and the Mains Exam, followed by a Language Proficiency Test (LPT). Here’s the detailed exam pattern for both stages:

RBI Assistant Preliminary Exam Pattern

• The preliminary exam is objective-based and conducted online.
• It consists of three sections with a total of 100 questions.

• Important Notes:
  • There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
  • Marks obtained in the prelims are not considered for the final selection; this stage is qualifying in nature.

RBI Assistant Mains Exam Pattern

• The mains exam is also objective and conducted online.
• It consists of five sections with a total of 200 questions.

• Important Notes:
  • There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.
  • Marks obtained in the mains exam are considered for the final selection.

RBI Assistant Language Proficiency Test (LPT)

• Candidates shortlisted after the mains exam must appear for the LPT.
• The test is conducted in the official/local language of the respective state/UT for which the candidate has applied.
• Failure to qualify in the LPT will result in disqualification.

The local language that is to be tested as per the official RBI Assistant notification are given below:

RBI Assistant Syllabus 2026 PDF Download

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducts the RBI Assistant examination in two main phases: Prelims and Mains. Each phase comprises multiple sections designed to assess various competencies. PDF Link will be updated soon.

Preliminary Examination:

• English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Para jumbles/Sentence Rearrangement, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks.
• Numerical Ability: Data Interpretation, Number Series, Simplification/Approximation, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic Problems.
• Reasoning Ability: Syllogism, Coding and Decoding, Alphanumeric Series, Blood Relations, Inequality, Puzzles and Seating Arrangement, Miscellaneous.

Main Examination:

• Reasoning Ability: Similar to Prelims with added complexity.
• Quantitative Aptitude: Advanced Data Interpretation, Number Series, Simplification/Approximation, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic Problems.
• English Language: Advanced Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Para jumbles/Sentence Rearrangement, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks.
• Computer Knowledge: Fundamentals of Computer, MS Office, Internet, Networking, Keyboard Shortcuts.
• General Awareness: Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, Static GK, Economic News.

Mandatory Books for RBI Assistant Exam

Subject-wise list of mandatory and highly recommended books you should consider for preparing for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Assistant Exam (Prelims + Mains), covering all core sections: English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge.

English Language

These books help build grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and overall accuracy:

• Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis (excellent for vocabulary)

• Objective General English – S.P. Bakshi (grammar, usage + practice)

• High School English Grammar & Composition – Wren & Martin (grammar basics)

• English Language Question Bank – G.K. Publications (practice)

Quantitative Aptitude (Maths)

Important for both Prelims & Mains:

• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations – R.S. Aggarwal (core concepts + examples)

• Fast Track Objective Arithmetic – Rajesh Verma (shortcuts + speed methods)

• Magical Book on Quicker Maths – M. Tyra (speed boosting tricks)

• Data Interpretation & Analysis materials (Oliveboard or Testbook) for DI practice, especially for Mains

Reasoning Ability

For puzzles, logical reasoning, seating, syllogism, etc.:

• A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R.S. Aggarwal

• Analytical Reasoning – M.K. Pandey (strong reasoning foundation)

• A New Approach to Reasoning (Verbal & Non-Verbal) – B.S. Sijwali & Indu Sijwal

• Puzzle Mania / Logical Reasoning Practice – various practice sets (e.g., Oliveboard)

General Awareness & Banking Awareness

Important for Mains, especially GK & current events:

• Manorama Yearbook – static general knowledge and yearly facts

• Indian Yearbook – government data & facts

• Banking Awareness / GK Book – Arihant Publications or similar banking guides

• Daily Current Affairs (Hindu/The Indian Express/online monthly PDFs) – essential ongoing practice

Computer Knowledge

This section is included in the Mains exam:

• Fundamentals of Computers – E. Balaguruswamy

• Computer Fundamentals – Pradeep K. Sinha

• Objective Computer Awareness – R. Pillai (practice questions)

All-in-One / Solved-Papers Books

Great for revision & practice tests:

• RBI Assistant – Study Guide (GK Publications) – includes PYQs + practice papers (Pre + Mains)

• Any complete Mock Test / Practice Book with sectional + full-length tests (EduGorilla/Oliveboard) helps track progress

Preparation Tips

Start with basics from core books (R.S. Aggarwal, S.P. Bakshi).
Simultaneously do section-wise practice + mock tests to identify weak areas.
Keep a short GK notebook and revise daily current affairs.
Solve previous years’ papers for pattern insight.

FAQs

1. What are the main subjects included in the RBI Assistant Syllabus?

The syllabus covers three sections for the Preliminary Exam:

• English Language
• Numerical Ability
• Reasoning Ability

For the Main Exam, it includes:

• English Language
• Numerical Ability
• Reasoning Ability
• General Awareness
• Computer Knowledge

2. Is the syllabus for the Preliminary and Main Exams different?

Yes, the Preliminary Exam focuses on basic skills in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability.
The Main Exam is more comprehensive, adding General Awareness and Computer Knowledge.

3. What topics are covered in the General Awareness section?

The General Awareness section includes:

• Current Affairs (last 6 months)
• Banking Awareness
• Static GK (e.g., countries and capitals, important dates)
• Economic and Financial Awareness (RBI-related updates, policies, and budgets).

4. What level of difficulty should I expect in the Numerical Ability section?

The Numerical Ability section is of moderate difficulty, covering:

• Arithmetic topics (Percentages, Ratios, Profit & Loss, Time & Work)
• Simplifications
• Data Interpretation
• Number Series
• Quadratic Equations

The focus is on speed and accuracy.

5. Are there any specific resources recommended for preparation?

Yes, some popular resources include:

• English Language: Wren & Martin, Editorials from newspapers like The Hindu
• Numerical Ability: RS Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude
• Reasoning Ability: A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
• General Awareness: Daily news updates, Manorama Yearbook, and monthly magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan
• Computer Knowledge: Arihant’s guide for Computer Awareness

About The Author

Brajesh

Brajesh (MCA, M.Tech (IT)) is a passionate education and career content creator with a strong academic background in Computer Applications (MCA) and Technology (M.Tech). With years of hands-on experience in exam preparation strategies, syllabus analysis, and government job updates, he helps students and aspirants navigate their academic and professional journeys with clarity and confidence.

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