RBI Grade-B DEPR (Department of Economic & Policy Research)
Every year, the Reserve Bank of India opens doors to an exceptional career opportunity through the RBI Grade B DEPR examination. This prestigious exam helps Economics postgraduates secure a role within the Department of Economic & Policy Research (DEPR), a key division responsible for in-depth macroeconomic research and analysis of the Indian economy.
A student must give this exam a try if research and economic analysis is their forte and interest. We’re here to help you tackle any gaps in your preparation, offering guidance on the complexity of the paper, test series, and mentorship that you need. Need a customized timetable or assistance with previous years’ questions? We’ve got you covered!
RBI GRADE-B DEPR Topper 2022
Understanding the RBI Grade-B DEPR Examination
The Reserve Bank of India Grade B DEPR exam is conducted in three distinct phases of 100 marks each. Phase-I, consists of two papers. Paper-I including objectives exclusively from the subject of economics, descriptive questions to be typed with help of keyboard Paper-II covers descriptive English. The shortlisted candidates are eligible to appear for the Phase-II of the examination.
Phase-II, also comprising two papers related to economics, candidates are strongly advised to read till last to understand the detailed instructions. Selected candidates appear for the third and final step is Phase-III, interview. It is mandatory for every selected candidate to appear for the RBI Grade B DEPR interview/ personality test. Here the panel would assess the candidate’s personality, aptitude, attitude and other attributes required for the job.
How is RBI DEPR different from RBI Grade B general?
RBI DEPR and RBI Grade B General differ primarily in their roles and responsibilities.
Job Role:
- RBI Grade B General: Broad responsibilities including financial institution supervision, regulatory compliance, and banking sector policy formulation.
- RBI Grade B DEPR: Focuses on economic analysis, research, and policy formulation, emphasizing macroeconomic trends and monetary policy.
Educational Qualifications:
- RBI Grade B General: Requires a bachelor’s degree with specified percentages; no specific subject requirement.
- RBI Grade B DEPR: Requires a master’s degree in Economics with a minimum of 55% marks; a Doctorate in Economics or related fields is desirable.
Training and Career Path:
- RBI Grade B General: Training on various RBI functions; potential postings in banking supervision, currency management, or monetary policy.
- RBI Grade B DEPR: Involved in economic research and policy formulation within the RBI.
Eligibility Criteria for RBI Grade B DEPR
Candidates appearing for the RBI Grade B DEPR examination must fulfil the following criteria.
- Age Limit for the candidate must be between 21-30 years as of January 1 of the year of application.
- Age relaxation is provided for reserved category candidates as per the norms of Government of India.
- For applicants having an M.Phil degree, the age limit is 32 years and for the Ph.D degree holders its 34 years.
The aforementioned criteria must be followed by every candidate. Moreover, the educational qualification for RBI Grade B DEPR examination are explained as follows.
Educational qualification:
- a. A Master’s Degree in Economics (or any other master’s degree where “Economics” is the principal constituent* of the curriculum/syllabus, namely MA / MSc in Quantitative Economics, Mathematical Economics, Financial Economics, Business Economics, Agricultural Economics, Industrial Economics) OR
- b. A Master’s Degree in Finance (or any other master’s degree where “Finance” is the principal constituent* of the curriculum / syllabus, namely MA / MSc in Quantitative Finance, Mathematical Finance, Quantitative Techniques, International Finance, Business Finance, Banking and Trade Finance, International and Trade Finance, Project and Infrastructure Finance, Agri Business Finance)
Note:
- It should be noted that for (A) & (B) the minimum obtained marks must be 55% or an equivalent grade in aggregate of all semesters / years from a recognized Indian or Foreign University / Institute.
- For SC, ST and PwBD candidates, the minimum marks required for a Master’s degree for (A), (B) must be above 50%.
- “Principal Constituent” is referred to as a syllabus / curriculum stating that half or more of the total courses / electives / credits must be in Economics or Finance.
- “Specialisation” in Economics / finance states that a third or more of the total courses / electives / credits in second year must surround Economics / Finance.
- Candidates having M.Phil degree and a Doctorate Degree from a recognized Indian / Foreign University / Institute in economics wil have age limit relaxation for 2 and 4 years.
- Candidates having Master’s Degree with research / teaching experience at a recognized Indian University / Foreign University / Institute in Economics will be eligible for relaxation in upper age limit.
- It will be applied to the extent of the number of years of such experience.
- Will be subject to a maximum of three years. In case of experience the probationary period will not be reckoned.
- The aforementioned age relaxation will not be cumulatively available with age relaxation available to various categories as mentioned above.
The General category aspirant is provided with 6 attempts to appear for the RBI Grade B DEPR Phase I examination. At the same time there is no limit for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/EWS aspirants.
RBI Grade B DEPR Syllabus & Exam Pattern
The applicants are required to have a clear idea about the syllabus and exam pattern for the RBI Grade B post before applying for the examination. The RBI Grade B syllabus includes the following points.
- Standard of papers on Economics similar to that of Master’s Degree examination in Economics for any Central University of India.
- The paper on English is framed in a manner to assess the writing skills including expression and understanding of the topic.
Note: 1/4th negative marks on a wrong answer in the objective type paper
Highlights of the RBI Grade B Examination
Here are some major highlights of the Reserve Bank of India Grade B, DEPR examination as follows.
| Title | Details |
| Conducting Organisation | Reserve Bank of India |
| Exam Level | National |
| Post | RBI GRADE B (DR)-DEPR |
| Frequency | Once a Year |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Application Fees |
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| Exam Mode | Online |
| Exam Duration |
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| Language | English |
| Official Website | https://www.rbi.org.in/ |
Important books and references to refer
- Mathematical Economics: A C Chiang
- Econometrics: Damodar Gujrati
- Macroeconomics: Richard Froyen, H L Ahuja
- Growth & Development: A P Thirwal, Michael Todaro
- International Economics: Dominick Salvatore
- Microeconomics: Hal Varian
- Statistics: SC Gupta
Candidates are advised to refer to the following study material.
- RBI publications like Annual Report, Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India.
- Monetary Policy Report and Financial Stability Report.
- Economic Survey published by the Government of India over the last two years.
What Ecoholics will offer you ?
To know how to get started with your preparation journey and what points to be kept in mind contact us and we will provide you with a complete strategy for that.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
RBI Grade B DEPR and DSIM are two different streams of recruitment for the Reserve Bank of India. DEPR stands for Department of Economic and Policy Research, while DSIM stands for Department of Statistics and Information Management. Both departments are involved in conducting research and analysis for the RBI, but they have different roles and responsibilities.
Yes, the RBI Grade B DEPR exam has 1/4th negative marks on a wrong answer in the objective type paper.
Yes, the written paper and the interview phase have Hindi or English available as an optional language except for Phase I-Paper II (English).
Selected Candidates will draw a starting basic pay of ₹55,200/-p.m. in the pay scale of ₹55200 Officers in Grade B and they will also be eligible for various allowances. At present, initial monthly gross emoluments (without HRA) are Rs. 1,16,914/- (approximately).
There is no ideal strategy for any exam but a tailored strategy, where we can help you.
But some general points to strategize your preparation are:
- Phase 1 is about memorizing facts and key ideas for multiple choice questions. Use tricks and visuals to help you remember.
- Phase 2 is about going deeper and understanding the “why” behind the facts. You’ll need to explain things in your own words, give examples, and connect what you’re learning to current events. Practice writing essays and answering case studies.
- The key is to understand the material well so you can answer both short and long answer questions. Review regularly, take practice tests, and learn how to manage your time effectively.
Ecoholics will help you in all the way possible to help you crack the exam.
