rbi grade b syllabus 2025

RBI Grade B Syllabus 2025, Check Exam Pattern, PDF Download

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducts the RBI Grade B exam annually to recruit officers for its prestigious Grade B cadre. This highly competitive exam attracts thousands of aspirants due to its lucrative career prospects, job stability, and opportunity to work with the nation’s central bank. To excel in this exam, understanding the RBI Grade B syllabus 2025 is crucial for effective preparation.

The RBI Grade B selection process consists of three stages: Phase 1 (Preliminary Exam), Phase 2 (Mains Exam), and Interview. Phase 1 is an objective test covering General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and Reasoning Ability. Phase 2 is more specialized and includes Economic & Social Issues (ESI), Finance & Management (FM), and English (Descriptive Writing). The final selection is based on the cumulative scores of Phase 2 and the Interview.

Aspirants must focus on conceptual clarity, current affairs, and analytical skills to clear this exam. The RBI Grade B syllabus 2025 has been structured to assess a candidate’s knowledge of financial systems, economic policies, and administrative abilities. A well-planned study approach aligned with the syllabus is essential for success in this prestigious examination.

RBI Grade B 2025 Syllabus – Phase 1 (Prelims)

The RBI Grade B 2025 syllabus consists of two phases followed by an interview round. Below is the detailed syllabus for Phase 1 and Phase 2, along with explanations of each section.

Total Marks: 200 | Duration: 120 minutes
The Phase 1 exam consists of 4 sections:

1. General Awareness (80 Marks)

This section covers current affairs, static general knowledge, and banking & financial awareness.
Topics Covered:

  • Current Affairs: National and international events, government schemes, budget, economic surveys, important summits, agreements, etc.
  • Banking & Financial Awareness: RBI policies, monetary policies, financial institutions, banking terms, inflation, GDP, fiscal policies, etc.
  • Static GK: Important national parks, books & authors, countries & currencies, capitals, awards, etc.

 Strategy:

  • Read newspapers like The Hindu, Economic Times, and RBI’s official website for updates.
  • Focus on RBI-related updates and reports.

RBI Grade B General Awareness Syllabus 2025

The General Awareness section of the RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam is crucial as it carries a significant weightage in the exam. Below is the detailed syllabus for General Awareness (GA) for RBI Grade B 2025:

Banking & Financial Awareness

  • Structure of Indian Banking System
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) – Roles, Functions, and Monetary Policies
  • Basel Norms (Basel I, II, III)
  • Financial Institutions: SEBI, NABARD, SIDBI, EXIM Bank, NHB, IRDAI, etc.
  • Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)
  • Payment Banks, Small Finance Banks
  • NPA, SARFAESI Act, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
  • Digital Banking, UPI, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, Bharat Bill Payment System
  • Recent Banking and Financial Reforms
  • Important Banking Terms and Abbreviations

Economy & Economic Awareness

  • Indian Economy – Basics and Recent Developments
  • Economic Survey, Union Budget, and Key Highlights
  • Five-Year Plans, NITI Aayog, Economic Reforms
  • Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy, Inflation, Deflation
  • Balance of Payments, Current Account & Capital Account
  • Foreign Exchange Market, Exchange Rate Policies
  • GDP Growth Rate, GNP, Per Capita Income, HDI
  • Government Schemes related to the Economy
  • Financial Inclusion & Literacy Programs

Government Schemes & Policies

  • PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, PM Jan Dhan Yojana
  • Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Make in India, Start-up India
  • PM Kisan Yojana, PM Fasal Bima Yojana
  • Ayushman Bharat, Swachh Bharat Mission
  • Skill India Mission, Digital India, National Education Policy

Current Affairs (Last 6-8 months)

  • National & International News
  • Summits & Conferences
  • Awards & Honours
  • Important Days & Themes
  • Sports Events & Achievements
  • Appointments & Resignations
  • Books & Authors
  • Defense & Military Exercises
  • International Relations & Agreements
  • Science & Technology Developments

Reports, Indexes, & Ranks

  • IMF & World Bank Reports
  • Human Development Index (HDI)
  • Global Competitiveness Index
  • Ease of Doing Business Report
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • RBI Reports & Surveys

Static General Knowledge

  • Indian States & Capitals, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries
  • Dams, Rivers, Mountains in India
  • Important Temples, Historical Places, Dance Forms
  • Indian Constitution – Basic Features, Fundamental Rights, DPSP
  • International Organizations – UN, WHO, WTO, IMF, World Bank, AIIB
  • Headquarters of Important Organizations

Financial & Banking Terms

  • Repo Rate, Reverse Repo Rate, CRR, SLR, Bank Rate
  • Inflation, Stagflation, Disinflation, Hyperinflation
  • GDP Deflator, Core Inflation
  • Capital & Money Market Instruments
  • Bonds, Treasury Bills, Certificate of Deposits

Preparation Tips for RBI Grade B General Awareness:

  • Newspapers & Magazines: Read The Hindu, The Indian Express, and Economic Times for current affairs.
  • Government Reports: Focus on Economic Survey, Union Budget, and RBI Reports.
  • Monthly Current Affairs PDFs: Regularly revise monthly compilations.
  • Mock Tests & Quizzes: Practice daily quizzes for better retention.

RBI Grade B English Language Syllabus (30 Marks)

This section tests your grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Topics Covered:

  • Reading Comprehension – Passage-based questions.
  • Sentence Rearrangement – Jumbled sentences.
  • Error Detection – Grammar-based errors.
  • Fill in the Blanks – Vocabulary-based.
  • Cloze Test – Passage with missing words.

 Strategy:

  • Improve reading skills to tackle comprehension passages faster.
  • Revise grammar rules and practice mock tests.

RBI Grade B English Syllabus 2025

The RBI Grade B English syllabus for Phase 2 (Mains) – Paper 1: English (Writing Skills) primarily focuses on assessing a candidate’s proficiency in English writing, comprehension, and analytical skills. The paper is descriptive in nature and is conducted in an online mode.

RBI Grade B English Syllabus 2025 (Descriptive Paper)

The English paper is designed to test candidates on the following sections:

  1. Essay Writing

    • Current Affairs & Socio-Economic Issues
    • Banking & Financial Topics
    • Government Policies & Economic Reforms
    • Education, Technology, Environment & Sustainability
    • Globalization, Digital Economy, and Emerging Trends
    • Ethics & Governance
    • Social Issues (e.g., Women Empowerment, Poverty, Unemployment)
    • Climate Change & Sustainable Development

  2. Precis Writing

    • Summarizing a given passage concisely
    • Retaining key ideas while maintaining coherence
    • Logical structuring of the summary

  3. Reading Comprehension

    • A passage followed by questions testing:
      • Understanding of the passage
      • Vocabulary & contextual meaning
      • Inference-based and direct questions

  4. Letter Writing

    • Formal & Informal Letters
    • Business or Official Communication (e.g., Complaint, Inquiry, Request)
    • Letter to Editor, Bank Manager, or Government Official.

Exam Pattern for RBI Grade B English (Writing Skills)

  • Mode: Online (Descriptive)
  • Marks: 100
  • Time Duration: 90 minutes

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice Essay Writing on banking, economy, and current issues.
  • Improve Grammar & Vocabulary for better comprehension and precise writing.
  • Work on Time Management to attempt all sections effectively.
  • Read Editorials from newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, or Business Standard to improve writing and analytical skills.

RBI Grade B Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus(30 Marks)

Tests numerical ability, problem-solving skills, and speed.
Topics Covered:

  • Arithmetic – Ratio & proportion, percentage, profit & loss, time & work, averages.
  • Data Interpretation (DI) – Bar graphs, pie charts, caselets.
  • Simplification & Approximation – BODMAS-based calculations.
  • Number Series – Missing and wrong number series.
  • Probability & Permutation Combination – Basic probability-based questions.

 Strategy:

  • Focus on shortcut techniques and speed calculations.
  • Practice DI sets as they are frequently asked.

RBI Grade B Quant Syllabus 2025

The RBI Grade B Quantitative Aptitude syllabus for 2025 includes topics that assess a candidate’s numerical ability, problem-solving skills, and data interpretation proficiency. Here is the detailed syllabus:

Arithmetic

  • Percentage
  • Profit & Loss
  • Ratio & Proportion
  • Averages
  • Simple Interest & Compound Interest
  • Time & Work
  • Time, Speed & Distance
  • Boats & Streams
  • Pipes & Cisterns
  • Mixtures & Allegations

Algebra

  • Simplification & Approximation
  • Quadratic Equations
  • Linear Equations
  • Inequalities
  • Number Series

Data Interpretation (DI)

  • Tables
  • Pie Charts
  • Bar Graphs
  • Line Graphs
  • Mixed Graphs
  • Caselet DI
  • Data Sufficiency

Number System

  • LCM & HCF
  • Factors & Multiples
  • Divisibility Rules
  • Surds & Indices

Probability & Permutation-Combination

  • Basic Probability
  • Permutations & Combinations

Mensuration & Geometry

  • Area & Perimeter
  • Volume & Surface Area of 2D & 3D figures
  • Geometry Basics (Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals)

Miscellaneous

  • Problems on Ages
  • Clocks & Calendars

This syllabus applies to Phase 1 (Preliminary Exam) of the RBI Grade B exam. The Quantitative Aptitude section is a part of the General Awareness, Reasoning, English, and Quantitative Aptitude test in Phase 1.

Reasoning Ability (60 Marks)

Assesses logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Topics Covered:

  • Puzzles & Seating Arrangements – Circular, linear, floor-based puzzles.
  • Syllogisms – Logical reasoning.
  • Blood Relations & Directions – Family tree, directional sense tests.
  • Inequality & Coding-Decoding – Statement-based logical problems.
  • Logical Reasoning & Assumptions – Statement-conclusion-based questions.

 Strategy:

  • Solve reasoning puzzles daily.
  • Practice previous year papers to understand question patterns.

RBI Grade B 2025 Syllabus – Phase 2 (Mains)

Total Marks: 300 | Duration: 330 minutes
Phase 2 consists of three papers:

1. Economic & Social Issues (ESI) – 100 Marks | 90 Minutes

Tests knowledge of economic policies, social issues, and financial awareness.
Topics Covered:

Economic Topics

  • Indian Economy Overview – GDP, Inflation, Economic Reforms.
  • Monetary and Fiscal Policy – Role of RBI, financial markets.
  • Financial Inclusion – Microfinance, banking reforms.
  • Globalization – WTO, IMF, World Bank, trade agreements.

Social Issues

  • Education, Health, Poverty & Unemployment.
  • Sustainable Development & Environmental Issues.
  • Gender Issues & Social Justice.

 Strategy:

  • Read the Economic Survey and Union Budget.
  • Follow reports by NITI Aayog, RBI, World Bank, and IMF.

RBI Grade B ESI Syllabus

 

1. Economic Growth, Development, and Planning

  • Growth and Development: Measurement of growth – National Income and per capita income
  • Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation in India
  • Sustainable Development and Environmental issues
  • Economic Reforms: Structural reforms and Liberalization
  • Monetary and Fiscal Policy
  • Inflation and Business Cycles

2. Indian Economy

  • Indian Economy Overview: Role of Economic Planning
  • Financial Sector Reforms in India
  • Globalization: Impact on the Indian economy
  • Foreign Trade Policy and Balance of Payments
  • Government Schemes and Economic Development Programs
  • Infrastructure Development: Energy, Transport, Communication, etc.
  • Agriculture and Rural Development: Role of NABARD, financial inclusion, and rural credit

3. Social Structure in India

  • Demographic Trends: Population growth, demographic transition
  • Urbanization and Migration: Challenges and solutions
  • Education and Skill Development: National policies and initiatives
  • Health and Sanitation: Government programs like Ayushman Bharat
  • Social Justice and Gender Issues: Women Empowerment, Rights of Minorities, and Inclusive Policies
  • Social Movements and Reforms in India

4. International Economic Organizations

  • IMF, World Bank, WTO, ADB, UNDP: Their role in India’s economic development
  • SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and India’s progress

5. Government Schemes and Policies

  • Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, Startup India
  • MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana, PM Kisan, National Health Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, etc.
  • Economic Surveys and Union Budget Highlights

Exam Pattern for RBI Grade B ESI (Phase 2)

  • Objective Type (100 marks)
    • 50% MCQs will be based on Economy, Social Issues, and Government Schemes
  • Descriptive Type (100 marks)
    • Essay, Precis Writing, and Reading Comprehension on ESI-related topics

2. English (Descriptive) – 100 Marks | 90 Minutes

Tests writing skills through essays, precis, and comprehension.
Topics Covered:

  • Essay Writing – Economy, Banking, Social Issues, Digital India, Financial Inclusion.
  • Reading Comprehension – Passage-based answers.
  • Precis Writing – Summarizing passages.

 Strategy:

  • Improve essay structuring with facts & examples.
  • Practice writing within word limits.

RBI Grade B English Descriptive Syllabus

The RBI Grade B English Descriptive Paper is a part of the Phase 2 exam and evaluates candidates’ writing skills, coherence, and ability to express thoughts clearly. Below is the detailed syllabus for the English (Descriptive) section of RBI Grade B 2025:

RBI Grade B English Descriptive Syllabus 2025

The paper consists of three sections:

  1. Essay Writing
  2. Precis Writing
  3. Reading Comprehension

1. Essay Writing (40 Marks)

  • Candidates have to write an essay on a given topic within the prescribed word limit (around 300-400 words).
  • Topics generally revolve around:
    • Economic and Financial Issues (e.g., Inflation, Banking Reforms, Digital Economy)
    • Social Issues (e.g., Women Empowerment, Unemployment, Education System)
    • Technology & Digitalization (e.g., Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity)
    • Current Affairs & Government Policies (e.g., RBI Monetary Policy, Union Budget)
    • Environmental Issues (e.g., Climate Change, Renewable Energy)

2. Precis Writing (30 Marks)

  • A passage is provided, and candidates need to write a precis (summary) in about 1/3rd of the original length.
  • It tests:
    • Comprehension Skills (Understanding the main theme)
    • Conciseness (Avoiding unnecessary details)
    • Clarity & Coherence (Maintaining logical flow)

3. Reading Comprehension (30 Marks)

  • A passage is given with 5-6 questions.
  • Questions can be:
    • Direct (Factual Questions)
    • Inference-Based (Understanding the Hidden Meaning)
    • Vocabulary-Based (Synonyms, Antonyms, Word Meaning)

Key Features of the Exam

  • Total Marks: 100
  • Time Duration: 90 Minutes
  • Mode of Exam: Online Typing-Based (No Pen-Paper)
  • Language: English Only

Preparation Tips

  • Practice Essays on Economic & Social Topics
  • Read Editorials (The Hindu, Economic Times, Business Standard)
  • Improve Grammar & Vocabulary
  • Practice Writing Summaries & Precis
  • Solve Previous Year Papers

3. Finance & Management (FM) – 100 Marks | 90 Minutes

Topics Covered:

Finance Section

  • Financial Markets – Money Market, Capital Market, RBI Functions.
  • Risk Management – Types of Risks, Basel Norms.
  • Corporate Governance – Business Ethics, SEBI Regulations.
  • Budgeting, Costing & Accounting – Basics of Accounting.

Management Section

  • Leadership & Motivation Theories – Maslow’s Hierarchy, Herzberg Theory.
  • Organizational Structure – Corporate Structure, HRM.
  • Decision Making – Strategic Planning & Change Management.

 Strategy:

  • Refer to RBI official documents & finance textbooks.
  • Study management theories from MBA books.

The RBI Grade B Finance & Management (F&M) syllabus for 2025 is part of Phase 2 of the exam. Below is the detailed syllabus for the Finance & Management section:

RBI Grade B Finance & Management (F&M) Syllabus 2025

1. Finance (50% weightage)

This section covers financial systems, markets, instruments, and related topics.

A. Financial System

  • Structure of the Indian Financial System
  • Role of Financial Institutions
  • Banking System in India (Regulatory Framework, Basel Norms, NPAs, Risk Management)
  • Financial Markets – Money Market, Capital Market, Forex Market, Debt Market
  • Primary & Secondary Markets (SEBI Regulations, IPO, FPO)

B. Financial Markets & Instruments

  • Money Market Instruments (T-Bills, CPs, CDs, Call Money, etc.)
  • Capital Market Instruments (Shares, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Derivatives)
  • Foreign Exchange Market (Exchange Rate System, Hedging, SWAPs)
  • Debt Market (G-Secs, Corporate Bonds)
  • Interest Rate Derivatives, Credit Derivatives

C. Financial Sector Regulations & Developments

  • Role of RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA
  • Banking and Financial Institutions (NBFCs, DFIs, Payment Banks, Small Finance Banks)
  • Financial Inclusion & Priority Sector Lending
  • Inflation, Monetary Policy, and Fiscal Policy
  • Impact of Global Financial Markets on India

D. Corporate Finance

  • Financial Statement Analysis
  • Cost of Capital, Capital Structure Theories
  • Investment Decisions (NPV, IRR, Payback Period, etc.)
  • Dividend Policy & Corporate Valuation
  • Mergers, Acquisitions & Restructuring

2. Management (50% weightage)

This section focuses on leadership, HRM, motivation theories, and corporate governance.

A. Management – Nature & Functions

  • Nature, Principles, and Functions of Management
  • Evolution of Management Thoughts – Classical, Neo-Classical, and Modern Theories
  • Planning, Organizing, Leading, Controlling (POLC Framework)

B. Organizational Behavior & Leadership

  • Individual & Group Behavior in Organizations
  • Motivation Theories (Maslow, Herzberg, McGregor, Vroom)
  • Leadership Theories (Trait Theory, Transformational, Transactional)
  • Decision Making & Conflict Management

C. Human Resource Management (HRM)

  • HR Planning, Recruitment, and Selection
  • Training & Development
  • Performance Appraisal & Compensation Management
  • Industrial Relations & Labor Laws

D. Ethics & Corporate Governance

  • Business Ethics, CSR, and Sustainability
  • Corporate Governance Framework in India
  • Role of Board of Directors, Independent Directors
  • Whistleblower Policy & Corporate Social Responsibility

Exam Pattern for Finance & Management (Phase 2)

  • Total Marks: 100
  • Question Types: Objective + Descriptive
  • Time Duration: 120 minutes
    • Objective Section: 30 questions (50 marks)
    • Descriptive Section: 2 out of 3 questions (50 marks)

RBI Grade B Interview Round (Phase 3)

  • Based on RBI-related knowledge, banking & finance, economic awareness, and personality traits.
  • Marks: 50
  •  Tip: Stay updated on RBI’s latest policies and reports.

RBI Grade B Interview Syllabus 2025

Important Topics for RBI Grade B Interview

The interview panel evaluates candidates on various parameters. Some key areas include:

1. Personal & Educational Background

  • Questions about your academic background (especially if related to Finance, Economics, or Commerce).
  • Why you want to join RBI despite having other career opportunities?
  • If switching from a different career (IT, Engineering, etc.), be ready to justify your career shift.

2. Banking & Finance Awareness

  • Role of RBI in monetary policy, financial stability, and economic development.
  • Functions of RBI (repo rate, reverse repo rate, inflation control, currency management).
  • Basics of Commercial Banking vs. Central Banking.
  • Current RBI policies & their impact on the economy.

3. Current Affairs & Economic Developments

  • Recent Union Budget highlights.
  • Indian & global economic trends (GDP growth, inflation, employment rates, etc.).
  • Important reports published by RBI, World Bank, IMF, etc.
  • Impact of global financial issues on India (e.g., recession, banking crises, stock market trends).
  • Major financial scams and RBI’s role in preventing them.

4. Government Schemes & Policies

  • Important schemes related to banking, financial inclusion, and economic development (PMJDY, MUDRA, PM-KISAN, etc.).
  • GST, Fiscal Policy, Direct & Indirect Taxes.
  • Digital banking, UPI, and fintech developments.

5. RBI Reports & Publications

  • RBI Annual Report
  • Monetary Policy Report
  • Financial Stability Report
  • Any major announcements from RBI regarding policy changes.

6. Leadership & Decision-Making Skills

  • Situational questions to assess your decision-making ability.
  • How would you handle a financial crisis as an RBI officer?
  • Ethical dilemmas and integrity-related questions.

7. Behavioral & HR-Based Questions

  • Your strengths and weaknesses.
  • A challenge you faced and how you handled it.
  • How do you handle pressure and deadlines?
  • Why should we select you?

Preparation Tips for RBI Grade B Interview

  1. Read the latest RBI publications – Understand RBI’s current policies, reports, and monetary policy updates.
  2. Stay updated with financial and economic news – Follow The Hindu, Economic Times, Business Standard, and RBI’s official website.
  3. Revise your bio-data thoroughly – Be ready for questions related to your education, work experience, and personal background.
  4. Practice mock interviews – Take guidance from mentors, RBI officers, or coaching institutes.
  5. Improve communication skills – Express your thoughts clearly and confidently.
  6. Understand the job role – Be well-versed in what RBI officers do and how they contribute to the economy.

RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2025

The RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2025 in tabular form:

Phase 1: Prelims Exam Pattern

Subjects Questions Marks Time Duration
General Awareness 80 80 25 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude 30 30 25 minutes
English Language 30 30 25 minutes
Reasoning Ability 60 60 45 minutes
Total 200 200 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Each question carries 1 mark.
  • There is negative marking of 0.25 marks per incorrect answer.
  • Sectional timing is applicable.

Phase 2: Mains Exam Pattern

Paper Subjects Type Marks Time Duration
Paper 1 Economic & Social Issues (ESI) Objective & Descriptive 100 90 minutes (50 mins for objective + 30 mins for descriptive)
Paper 2 English (Writing Skills) Descriptive 100 90 minutes
Paper 3 Finance & Management (FM) Objective & Descriptive 100 90 minutes (50 mins for objective + 30 mins for descriptive)
Total — — 300 270 minutes (4.5 hours)
  • Descriptive questions in Paper 1 & 3 will be typed on a computer.
  • Sectional and overall cut-offs apply.

Phase 3: Interview

Stage Marks
Interview 75
  • Candidates can choose to answer the interview in Hindi or English.
  • The final merit list is prepared based on Mains (300 Marks) + Interview (75 Marks) = 375 Marks.

Final Words

  • Phase 1 is objective, so focus on speed and accuracy.
  • Phase 2 is conceptual, so prepare deeply.
  • Read Economic surveys, Budget, and RBI Reports for better insight.
  • Practice mock tests and previous year’s papers regularly.

RBI Grade B Syllabus 2025 PDF Download

Get RBI grade B Syllabus 2025 PDF here by clicking on this link: RBI grade b syllabus pdf

FAQs

1. What are the subjects covered in the RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam?

The Phase 1 exam consists of four sections:

  • General Awareness
  • Quantitative Aptitude
  • English Language
  • Reasoning

2. What are the subjects in the RBI Grade B Phase 2 exam?

The Phase 2 exam includes:

  • Economic & Social Issues (ESI)
  • Finance & Management (FM)
  • English (Descriptive Writing)

3. Is there a negative marking in the RBI Grade B exam?

Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 (for objective-type questions).

4. What is the weightage of the interview in the RBI Grade B selection process?

The interview carries 75 marks, and the final selection is based on the Phase 2 exam (300 marks) + Interview (75 marks), totaling 375 marks.

5. Are there any changes in the RBI Grade B syllabus for 2025?

As of now, the syllabus remains similar to previous years, but candidates should check the official RBI notification for any updates or changes.

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