The Reserve Bank of India has officially released the much-awaited RBI Grade B Notification 2026, setting the stage for one of the most competitive banking exams in the country. As per the latest notification, the online application process has already begun on April 29, 2026. It will remain open until May 20, 2026 (till 6:00 PM). This gives aspirants a clear window to complete their registration without unnecessary last-minute pressure.
The notification, released on April 28, 2026, outlines key details including eligibility criteria, exam pattern, selection process, and important dates for all streams—General, DEPR, and DSIM. With the release of the official advertisement, the RBI Grade B 2026 recruitment cycle is now formally underway.
As expected, the announcement has generated a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation among aspirants. Given the prestige associated with the role and the competitive nature of the exam, it is natural to feel motivated and overwhelmed at this stage.
In this blog, we will walk you through the important exam dates, highlight key takeaways from the latest notification. We will also guide you on how to align your preparation strategy with the three stages of the selection process. Read on to understand what the RBI Grade B 2026 notification reveals and how you can make the most of the time ahead.
RBI Grade B 2026 Notification: Key Details
The Reserve Bank of India RBI Grade B Notification 2026 outlines the application timeline and exam structure and brings clarity on the number of vacancies across different streams. As per the latest notification, there are a total of 60 vacancies for this prestigious role in the Reserve Bank.
Out of the total vacancies, there are 40 vacancies for the General stream, which continues to attract the highest number of applicants every year. The remaining positions are 10 each for DEPR and DSIM. These are more specialized roles that demand academic backgrounds in economics and statistics, respectively. The notification also provides a detailed category-wise breakup of vacancies. This also includes reservations for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD candidates. Here’s a clear breakdown of the vacancies announced by the Reserve Bank of India for RBI Grade B 2026:
| Stream | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| General | 40 |
| DEPR | 10 |
| DSIM | 10 |
| Total | 60 |
RBI Grade B 2026 Notification: Exam Dates
There is a lot of anticipation and excitement among government job aspirants as they wait for the RBI Grade B Recruitment 2026 cycle to unfold. With the official notification released on April 28, 2026, candidates can confidently move ahead with the application process. Once you go through all the important details, you can begin your online application without any confusion .
The RBI Grade B Exam Dates have also been announced, bringing much-needed structure to the preparation journey. As per the schedule, the Phase 1 exam is tentatively set for June 13, 2026 (General) and June 14, 2026 (DEPR/DSIM). Candidates who qualify in this stage will move on to Phase 2, which is scheduled for July 25, 2026 (General) and July 26, 2026 (DEPR/DSIM). With all major details now available, aspirants should avoid delaying their preparation.
RBI Grade B 2026 Notification: Eligibility Criteria
Now that the RBI eligibility criteria for 2026 has been unveiled since the recruitment details are out, you need to have a closer look at the criteria in the notification for 2026. The primary qualification needed for RBI Grade B is a Graduate Degree.
Furthermore, candidates must stick to the RBI Grade B age limit, which is from 21 to 30 years. Additionally, there will also be some age relaxations for reserved categories. For an effective strategy for the upcoming exam, you need to be aware of information in the RBI Grade B Eligibility Criteria. Take a look at what you can expect in the RBI Grade B eligibility criteria from the table below :
| Educational Criteria (As of April 01, 2026) | Graduation in any discipline /Equivalent technical or professional qualification with minimum 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD applicants) |
| Age Criteria (As of April 01, 2026) | Minimum-21 Years / Maximum-30 Years |
| Age Relaxation | Minimum-3 Years / Maximum-13 Years |
RBI Grade B 2026: Selection Process
The Reserve Bank of India follows a structured and multi-stage selection process for the RBI Grade B 2026 exam. The recruitment process is designed to assess candidates at different levels, from basic screening to in-depth subject knowledge and personality evaluation. The selection is carried out in three stages:
- Phase 1 (Preliminary Examination) : This will be an objective screening test of 200 marks and only those candidates who clear this stage will go into Phase 2 or the Mains
- Phase 2 (Mains Examination) : This will be the second phase and it will be a blend of both descriptive and objective papers and writing skills, each section for 100 marks.
- Interview : This is the final stage and only if you clear Phase 1 and Phase 2 can you be considered qualified for this stage.
Candidates must qualify at each stage to move forward in the selection process.
RBI Grade B 2026: Exam Pattern
The RBI Grade B exam is divided into two major written stages—Phase 1 and Phase 2—each serving a distinct purpose in the overall selection process. Phase 1 acts as a screening test and is conducted for 200 marks over a duration of two hours. It is an objective-type exam that includes sections such as General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The marks obtained in this phase are not counted in the final merit list, but clearing the cutoff is essential to proceed to the next stage.
Phase 2, on the other hand, is the core of the examination and plays a crucial role in final selection. It consists of three papers: Economic and Social Issues (ESI), English (Writing Skills), and Finance and Management (FM). While ESI and FM assess a candidate’s conceptual understanding of the economy, financial systems, and management principles, the English paper evaluates writing skills through essays, précis, and comprehension. You can check the table below for further details on the RBI Grade B Exam Pattern and Syllabus:
| Phases | Exam Type | Marks | Duration | Exam Language |
| Phase 1 (Prelims) | Objective | 200 marks | 2 hours | Bilingual (Except the test for English language.) |
| Phase 2 (Mains) | Paper 1 (Objective & Descriptive) | 100 marks | 30 minutes (Objective) & 1 hour 30 minutes (Descriptive) | |
| Paper 2 (Writing Skills) | 100 marks | 1 hour 30 minutes | ||
| Paper 3 (Objective & Descriptive) | 100 marks | Composite time of 2 hours | ||
| Phase 3 (Interview) | Interview | 75 marks | ||
RBI Grade B Specialised Streams Exam Structure
For candidates applying to specialized streams like DEPR and DSIM, the Phase 2 pattern differs slightly with a stronger focus on domain-specific subjects. DEPR candidates are tested on advanced economic theory, econometrics, and research methodology, while DSIM candidates are assessed on statistics, data analysis, and computer applications.
This makes it important for aspirants to tailor their preparation based on the specific stream they are applying forFor the specialized streams of DSIM (Data Science and Information Management) and DEPR (Economic Policy Research), Phase II has additional papers:
RBI Grade B Phase III: The Interview
The final stage is the interview. It’s a personality assessment where candidates interact with a panel of experts. The interview evaluates communication skills, general awareness, problem-solving abilities, and overall suitability for the RBI’s culture and ethos. It helps the panel assess a candidate’s potential to contribute effectively to the organization.
Tips for the Upcoming RBI Grade B Exam 2026
Each student has their own unique way of preparing for the exam and how to practice concepts relevant to the syllabus. However, keeping in mind that the RBI Grade B exam is right around the corner, here are some exam tips that will help all students in some way or the other.
Understanding the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The first step towards success is a thorough understanding of the battleground. Spend the initial days diligently analyzing the RBI Grade B syllabus and exam pattern. Break down the syllabus into manageable topics and sub-topics. This will help you create a focused study plan and avoid wasting time on irrelevant areas.
Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Self-assessment is crucial for strategic preparation. Take mock tests or practice previous year papers to identify your strengths and weaknesses based on the syllabus. Allocate more time to subjects or topics you find challenging. Don’t be afraid to seek help from mentors or online resources for clarification on complex concepts.
Create a Realistic Study Plan
With around 45 days remaining, time management becomes paramount. Craft a realistic study plan that covers all sections of the syllabus. Prioritize topics based on their weightage in the exam and your understanding. Ensure a healthy balance between theory and practice by allocating sufficient time for both concept learning and question solving.
RBI Grade B Exam 2026 Mock Tests and Revision
Take regular RBI Grade B mock tests and analyze your performance thoroughly. Learn from your mistakes and revisit concepts you find challenging. Utilize mock tests and even RBI Grade B previous year papers to develop exam temperament and practice applying your knowledge under pressure.
Revision is key to retaining information and solidifying your understanding. Dedicate ample time for revising the entire syllabus. ixamBee’s RBI Grade B Online Course will also be very helpful for you when it comes to preparing for the exams. Create concise notes, flashcards, or mind maps to aid in quick revision. Revisit important concepts and formulas regularly to ensure they stay fresh in your memory.
Summing Up
With the RBI Grade B exam all set to begin in June, the tensions are high. But a focused study plan with daily determination will help you give your best in the exam. Remember to fill out the application form as soon as the link is active and to not wait for the last date to complete the application along with fee payment.
Students should also remember to download and carry their admit cards to the exam centers. Keep checking the official RBI website for any updates or changes in dates or RBI Grade B exam related information. As you embark on your preparation, stay focused, motivated, and confident. We wish all aspirants the very best in their endeavors!
ixamBee specializes in providing expert guidance and resources for banking exams 2025, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the Upcoming Bank Exams like RBI Grade B, NABARD Grade B, IBPS SO, and more. Our courses align with the bank exam calendar 2025, covering all the essential topics. With a focus on the upcoming bank jobs, our Previous Year Papers, BeePedia, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC MTS and other Mock Tests are designed to help you excel in upcoming banking exams.
Also Read
How to start RBI Grade B Exam Preparation from Scratch?
Preparing for RBI Grade B Exams with NCERT Books
ICAI Executive Officers Recruitment 2026: Notification, Exam Pattern, Eligibility & More
