One of the first things you absolutely need to get a grip on while preparing for this exam is the RBI Grade B syllabus. It might look manageable at first glance, but once you dive in, you’ll realize just how vast and layered it really is. I remember when I started, I thought covering more topics meant better preparation, but I quickly learned that’s not how this exam works.
The truth is, not every topic carries equal weight. Some sections are repeated year after year, while others barely make an appearance. And if you don’t know where to focus, you could spend weeks studying things that won’t even show up on the paper.
But don’t worry, I’m here to help you avoid that trap. I’ll break down the syllabus in a way that actually makes sense. I’ll show you which areas deserve your attention, how much time you should give to each subject, and how I personally approached it when I was in your shoes. If you’re serious about cracking the RBI Grade B exam, getting strategic with the syllabus is the smartest move you can make.
Start With What’s Common in All Bank Exams
If you’re a beginner like I was, start with Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. These three sections are common in almost all bank exams, including RBI Grade B Phase 1. These are your basics, so the stronger your base, the better you’ll do later.
Phase 1 Syllabus: RBI Grade B
- Quantitative Aptitude
This section is all about numbers. It might feel tough at first, but once you understand the basic methods, it becomes easier. Here are the important topics you should focus on:
Important topics to cover:
- Simplification
- Approximation
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation (DI)
- Quadratic Equations
- Time & Work
- Speed, Time, and Distance
- Profit & Loss
- Percentage and Ratio
RBI Grade B asks more factual and calculation-based questions.
- Reasoning Ability
This part is about logic and problem-solving. Some questions might seem tricky, but once you get the idea, they become fun. Focus on these:
Important topics to focus on:
- Puzzles and Seating Arrangements (these are high-weightage)
- Syllogism
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Inequality
- Input-Output
- Direction Sense
The types of puzzles in RBI Grade B are different, so take lots of mock tests to get used to the pattern.
- English Language
Read English articles daily, editorials, blogs, or even storybooks. Learn 5 new words every day and revise them often. Grammar rules are important but don’t try to memorize everything in one go. Practice is what helps most here.
Key areas to cover:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement
- Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms)
Focus on speed and accuracy. Read a little every day and solve questions right after.
- General Awareness
This part can give you the most marks in less time. If you stay updated with current affairs, you’ll score well here. It includes:
- Current Affairs: Last 6 months are the most important. Read about government schemes, RBI updates, banking news, and economic trends.
- Static GA: Some topics are:
- Important Days
- Chief Ministers and Cabinet Ministers
- Indian Dance Forms
- Headquarters of Banks and Organizations
- Airport Locations and Stadiums
- Power Plants in India
- Countries and their Currencies
Phase 2 Syllabus: RBI Grade B
- Economic and Social Issues (ESI)
Now let’s talk about Phase 2. ESI is a mix of economics, current affairs, and social topics. The paper is divided into two parts; 50 marks objective and 50 marks descriptive. So you’ll need to type answers too. This paper checks how well you understand the Indian economy, social issues, and government policies.
Key topics to study:
- Indian Economy
- Poverty & Unemployment
- Sustainable Development
- Government Schemes
- Globalization
- Economic Reforms
- Social Structure in India
These topics are easy to pick up with a little extra reading. RBI also gives reports and documents that you can read for examples.
- Finance and Management (F&M)
This section is new for most students, and this is where they feel stuck, so you’ll need to spend more time here. It includes financial systems, banking, and basic management concepts.
Important Finance topics:
- Financial Markets
- Basics of Accounting
- Balance Sheet & Profit-Loss Concepts
- Monetary & Fiscal Policy
- Inflation, GDP, Repo Rate
- Banking System in India
- Role of RBI & Other Financial Institutions
Important Management topics:
- Leadership Styles
- Motivation Theories (Maslow, Herzberg)
- Communication
- Organisational Behavior
- Corporate Governance
- Ethics
- Descriptive English
In Phase 2 of RBI Grade B, both ESI and FM include descriptive answers. You’ll have to type your answers on a keyboard under time pressure. Practice topics like:
- Essay Writing
- Precise Writing
- Reading Comprehension
Practice typing every day. Use past RBI questions and try typing them out in a timed setting. Focus on typing speed and the structure of answers.
Final Words
The RBI Grade B syllabus is not small, but it’s also not something you can’t manage. The trick is to go step-by-step, build strong basics, and practice regularly. Start with the subjects common in all exams, then go deep into current affairs and economics.
Don’t try to learn everything in one month. Set weekly targets and revise often. The best part is, the more consistent you are, the easier it gets. Believe me, if I can do it, so can you.
Just stay focused, stay curious, and keep showing up every day. RBI Grade B is absolutely within your reach.