The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the RBI Grade B 2025 Notification on 8th September 2025 for 120 vacancies of Officers in Grade ‘B’. To prepare effectively, candidates must understand the RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2025, as it clearly defines the structure of Phase I, Phase II, and the Interview stage.
Overview of RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2025
The exam pattern is designed to test candidates’ analytical, quantitative, writing, and communication skills. Selection is conducted in three stages:
- Phase I (Objective Test)
- Phase II (Descriptive + Objective Papers)
- Interview
Candidates must qualify each stage to move forward.
| Stages | Mode of Exam | Nature | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase I | Online | Objective | 200 |
| Phase II | Online (Objective + Descriptive) | Subject-Specific | 300 |
| Interview | Face-to-Face | Personality Assessment | 75 |
| Total | — | — | 375 |
RBI Grade B Selection Process 2025
The entire selection process for RBI Grade B (General, DEPR, DSIM) follows this sequence:
- Phase I Examination: Screening stage to shortlist candidates.
- Phase II Examination: Subject-focused and descriptive tests to assess deeper knowledge.
- Interview: Final personality and suitability assessment by RBI Board.
Only candidates clearing Phase I are called for Phase II, and only those clearing Phase II are invited to the Interview. Final merit is prepared on the aggregate of Phase II + Interview
RBI Grade B Phase I Exam Pattern 2025 (General)
The Phase I exam is objective type and conducted online. It consists of 200 questions for 200 marks, with a total duration of 120 minutes.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 80 | 80 | 25 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 25 mins |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 25 mins |
| Reasoning | 60 | 60 | 45 mins |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 mins |
- There is sectional timing for each part.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deduction for each wrong answer.
- Candidates must secure minimum marks in each section and overall to qualify for Phase II
RBI Grade B Phase II Exam Pattern 2025
Phase II is both objective and descriptive in nature. It consists of 3 papers of 100 marks each.
| Paper | Subject | Type | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Economic & Social Issues (ESI) | Objective + Descriptive | 100 | 90 mins |
| Paper II | English (Writing Skills) | Descriptive (Essay, Precis, Comprehension) | 100 | 90 mins |
| Paper III | Finance & Management | Objective + Descriptive | 100 | 90 mins |
| Total | — | — | 300 | — |
- Papers are held in different shifts on the same day.
- Candidates must type descriptive answers using a keyboard.
- Cut-offs are applied on each paper as well as in aggregate.
RBI Grade B Exam Pattern for DEPR & DSIM
For DEPR and DSIM posts, Phase II includes specialized subject papers instead of Finance & Management.
- DEPR: Papers in Economics and related subjects.
- DSIM: Papers in Statistics, Econometrics, Data Analytics, etc.
Each subject paper follows a Paper I (Objective) and Paper II (Descriptive) structure.
RBI Grade B Interview 2025
The final stage is the Interview, carrying 75 marks.
- Conducted face-to-face at RBI centres.
- Questions revolve around academics, economics, finance, current affairs, and personal background.
- Candidates can opt for the interview in Hindi or English.
The final merit list is prepared on the basis of Phase II (300) + Interview (75) = 375 marks
Also Read: RBI Grade B Eligibility Criteria 2025, Age Limit, Qualification
RBI Grade B Marking Scheme 2025
- Correct Answer: +1 mark (in Phase I objective).
- Wrong Answer: –0.25 mark (negative marking).
- Unattempted: 0 mark.
- In descriptive papers, marks are awarded based on clarity, structure, and quality of answers.
FAQs on RBI Grade B Exam Pattern 2025
Q1. How many phases are there in the RBI Grade B Exam 2025?
Ans: There are three phases – Phase I (Prelims), Phase II (Mains), and the Interview.
Q2. Is there negative marking in RBI Grade B?
Ans: Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in Phase I.
Q3. What is the duration of the RBI Grade B Phase I exam?
Ans: The Phase I exam is of 120 minutes with sectional timing.
Q4. How is the final merit list prepared in RBI Grade B?
Ans: The final merit is based on Phase II (300 marks) + Interview (75 marks). Phase I is qualifying in nature.
Q5. What type of questions are asked in Paper II (English) of Phase II?
Ans: Paper II is descriptive, testing essay writing, precis, and comprehension skills.
Q6. Is Phase II common for all RBI Grade B posts?
Ans: No. While the structure is similar, General, DEPR, and DSIM have different subject papers.