RBI Grade B (GEN): Understanding the Nuances of the Examination

• The Reserve Bank of India provides an opportunity to shape the economy through RBI Grade B (GEN) examination. 
• Every year lakhs of candidates appear for the prestigious examination. 

Being a Reserve Bank of India Grade B Officer is a dream for lakhs of aspirants, but success comes with proper understanding and strategy. Over two lakh students appear every year for the examination and only a few are selected. The examination pattern starts with Phase I, Preliminary, filtering candidates for Phase II, Mains, and selected candidates go for Phase III, the interview. 

Candidates who successfully cross all three phases, use their knowledge and expertise to boost the Indian economy. Also, they are provided with a handsome salary, and the title of an RBI Officer. The procedure starts with notification, followed by filling the form, which eventually ends with the selection after clearing the final interview. 

Understanding the RBI Grade B (GEN)

RBI Grade B is considered to be one of the most prestigious banking examinations conducted across the country. The RBI Grade B Officer recruitment exam is an entry level examination conducted by the Reserve Bank of India. This way RBI provides an opportunity to lakhs of candidates to become RBI Grade B Officers. 

In 2023 the total number of vacancies were 291 while lakhs of candidates appeared for it. Data suggests that the examination is tough and requires utmost dedication and perseverance. But before diving into books, understanding the exam first is important. 

The first two phases are written exams and the third phase is the personal interview. Moreover the selected candidates are tasked with creating policies and regulating Indian Banks, and doing things that maintain market prices.Every year the Reserve Bank of India releases notifications about the vacancies for various posts including; Officers in Grade B (DR) – (GEN), Officers in Grade B (DR) – DEPR, and Officers in Grade B (DR) – DSIM. 

Job Profile of RBI Grade B Officer

The Reserve Bank of India, is one of the prominent banks of the country, and the money-minting master. Its functionality makes RBI an irreplaceable part of the Indian Economy. An RBI Officer is tasked with approval of the credit appraisal system of banks, KYC AML guidelines, huge cash amount, functioning & the overall security of the branch apart from other related functions. 

The prestigious job profile also involves the task of ensuring that the banks under their jurisdiction function as per the banking regulations act of 1949. It is a great responsibility as it comes with ensuring the protection of public interest and money along with safeguarding the interests of the depositors. 

Moreover the job profile would involve a tenure of up to four years during their post-trial supervision. Officers are randomly selected and are assigned to departments. For instance officers with experience in banking could be tasked to work in HRD. 

Salary of an RBI Grade B Officer

As per the job description the salary also seems lucrative. RBI as an institution has quite a reputation and has garnered the trust of lakhs of aspiring candidates. Apart from the pride of working with the Reserve Bank of India, and helping in economic growth of the country, there are liberal payment perks and emoluments. 

The salary of an RBI Officer is compatible with a top official in the corporate sector. As it happens the salary and associated perks would keep on increasing with time. The basic pay is ₹ 55,200/- along with the initial monthly gross emoluments takes the grand total to approximately ₹ 1,08,404/-.

RBI Grade B (GEN): Eligibility Criteria

With aforementioned information becoming an RBI Officer might sound as a great option. But starting the strenuous preparation could be futile if you do not fulfil the eligibility criteria. Following are the various eligibility criteria a candidate must fulfil if they are to appear for the RBI Grade B (GEN) examination. 

The Selection Process for RBI Grade B (GEN)

The selection procedure for the RBI Grade B General examination is carried out in three distinct stages. Preliminary examination Phase-I, Mains examination Phase-II, and Final Interview/Personality Test Phase-III. 

• Phase I: Preliminary Examination
  • The preliminary examination or prelims is an objective type test covering four sections. These sections are Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language & General Awareness. Candidates are required to score the minimum qualification marks in each section along with aggregate to qualify for the mains examination. 

• Phase II: Mains Examination
  • The mains examination is also an objective type test consisting of three papers: Economics & Social Issues (ESI), Finance & Management (FM), and English Language. Here too candidates are required to secure a minimum qualifying marks in each of the three papers along with aggregate marks to qualify for the interview. 

• Interview
  • This is the final stage of the selection process,where a panel of experts will assess the candidates. It is also known as a personality test where the candidate is judged based on their communication skills, personality along with knowledge of banking and finance. 

The cutoff marks that need to be met by the candidates are released within 3-4 weeks after the commencement of the respective examination. 

RBI Grade B General Syllabus

The syllabus as prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India is vast and is meticulously designed to judge the calibre of the candidate as per the job requirements. Following is the table explaining the syllabus at a glance. 

To get selected for this prestigious position, experts advise the aspiring candidates with a few tips. They should start early, and gain a better understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern. This would give them a better grasp over their preparation and the insights to change the strategy whenever required. 

Aspiring candidates are advised to keep an eye on upcoming notification, while continuing the preparation. We at Ecoholics are ready to help you with your preparation strategy. Book your consultation today for more details.