RBI Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for Grade B Vacancy, Exam Dates & Eligibility

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to announce its highly anticipated RBI Grade B 2026 recruitment cycle, offering approximately 120 officer-level positions across three specialized streams. This prestigious examination provides opportunities for candidates seeking managerial roles in India's central banking institution. The recruitment will cover Grade B (General), Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR), and Department of Statistics and Information Management (DSIM) streams. With a three-phase selection process comprising preliminary examination, mains examination, and personal interview, the RBI Grade B 2026 notification is anticipated to be released between July and September 2026.

RBI Grade B Recruitment 2026 Overview

RBI Grade B Vacancy 2026 – Total Seats & Categories

The RBI Grade B 2026 recruitment is projected to announce vacancies across three distinct streams, based on the 2025 pattern:

• Grade B (General): 83 posts (Expected)

• DEPR (Department of Economic and Policy Research): 17 posts (Expected)

• DSIM (Department of Statistics and Information Management): 20 posts (Expected)

This stream-wise distribution ensures specialized talent acquisition for critical central banking functions, including economic policy formulation, statistical analysis, and general banking operations oversight.

RBI Grade B Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Age Limit & Qualification

Educational Qualification

For Grade B (General) Stream: Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate for General category candidates (50% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates) from a recognized university. Candidates with a Master's degree must have minimum 55% marks.​

For DEPR Stream: A Master's Degree in Economics/Econometrics/Quantitative Economics/Mathematical Economics/Integrated Economics Course/Finance with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD) from a recognized Indian or Foreign University/Institute is mandatory.​

For DSIM Stream: A Master's Degree in Statistics/Mathematical Statistics/Mathematical Economics/Econometrics/Statistics & Informatics/Applied Statistics & Informatics with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD) from a recognized university is required.​

Age Limit

Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years of age as of the cut-off date specified in the notification. This means candidates must have been born not earlier than the specified date and not later than the specified date.​

Age Relaxation

• SC/ST: 5 years relaxation

• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years relaxation

• PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability): 10 years relaxation (General), 13 years (OBC), 15 years (SC/ST)

• Ex-Servicemen: 5 years relaxation

• M.Phil/Ph.D. holders: Additional 2 years (M.Phil) and 4 years (Ph.D.) relaxation for DEPR/DSIM streams​

Selection Process of RBI Grade B

The RBI Grade B 2026 selection follows a rigorous three-phase structure designed to assess comprehensive competencies:

Phase-I: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)

This qualifying examination consists of 200 objective-type questions carrying 200 marks to be completed in 120 minutes. The paper comprises four sections:​

• General Awareness: 80 questions, 80 marks, 25 minutes

• Reasoning Ability: 60 questions, 60 marks, 45 minutes

• English Language: 30 questions, 30 marks, 25 minutes

• Quantitative Aptitude: 30 questions, 30 marks, 25 minutes

Key Features: Sectional timing applies, with negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. Candidates must secure minimum cut-off marks in each section and overall to qualify for Phase-II.​

Phase-II: Mains Examination (Descriptive Type)

This phase comprises three papers totaling 300 marks:​

• Paper-1: Economic and Social Issues: 50% objective (30 questions, 50 marks) + 50% descriptive (6 questions, attempt 4, 50 marks), 120 minutes

• Paper-2: English (Writing Skills): Descriptive (3 questions: Precis, Reading Comprehension & Essay), 100 marks, 90 minutes

• Paper-3: Finance and Management: 50% objective (30 questions, 50 marks) + 50% descriptive (6 questions, attempt 4, 50 marks), 120 minutes

DEPR/DSIM Streams: These streams have specialized papers focusing on Economics (DEPR) and Statistics (DSIM) instead of Finance and Management.​

Phase-III: Interview

Candidates qualifying Phase-II are called for a personal interview carrying 75 marks. The interview assesses domain knowledge, analytical ability, and suitability for central banking roles. Final selection is based on combined Phase-II and Interview marks (typically 75:25 weightage).​

RBI Grade B Salary Structure 2026

The RBI Grade B Officer position offers one of the most attractive compensation packages in the Indian banking sector. The salary structure includes:

• Basic Pay: ₹78,450 per month (starting)

• Pay Scale: ₹78,450-4,050(9)-1,14,900-EB-4,050(2)-1,23,000-4,650(4)-1,41,600 (16 years)​

• Gross Monthly Emoluments: Approximately ₹1,50,374 (including Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Special Allowance, and other benefits)​

• Annual CTC: ₹20-24 lakhs (including allowances, perks, and benefits)​

Additional Benefits: Furnished accommodation, medical facilities, education allowance, leave travel concession, pension scheme, and performance-linked incentives.​

Important Dates

Note: These dates are projected based on historical patterns and the 2025 recruitment cycle timeline.​

How to Apply Online for RBI Grade B Recruitment 2026

Step 1: Access Official Portal
Visit the official RBI website at rbi.org.in and navigate to the "Opportunities@RBI" section under the "Careers" tab.

Step 2: Locate Grade B Notification
Find the advertisement for "Direct Recruitment for Officers in Grade 'B' (Direct Recruit-DR) (On Probation-OP) (General/DEPR/DSIM) Cadres – Panel Year – 2026" and click on the notification link.

Step 3: New Registration
Click on "New Registration" and provide basic details including name, email ID, mobile number, and date of birth. A provisional registration number and password will be generated and sent to your registered email and mobile number.

Step 4: Complete Application Form
Log in using the credentials and fill the detailed application form with personal information, educational qualifications, work experience (if any), and stream preference (General/DEPR/DSIM).

Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of:

• Recent passport-size photograph (20-50 KB, JPG/JPEG format)

• Signature (10-20 KB, JPG/JPEG format)

• Educational certificates and mark sheets

• Category certificate (if applicable)

• ID proof (Aadhar Card, PAN Card, etc.)

Step 6: Pay Application Fee
Pay the applicable application fee through online payment modes. The fee structure will be detailed in the official notification.

Step 7: Final Submission & Printout
Review all entered details carefully and submit the application. Download and print the completed application form for future reference. Preserve the registration number for downloading admit cards and checking results.

Important Links

• Official Website: rbi.org.in

• Careers Page: rbi.org.in/Scripts/Opportunities.aspx

• Official Notification PDF: To be available upon release

• Apply Online: Link will be activated post-notification

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many vacancies are expected in RBI Grade B 2026?
The RBI Grade B 2026 recruitment is expected to announce approximately 120 vacancies across three streams: Grade B (General) - 83 posts, DEPR - 17 posts, and DSIM - 20 posts.​

Q2: What is the age limit for RBI Grade B 2026?
Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years of age as of the cut-off date specified in the notification. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government norms.​

Q3: Is there any written examination for RBI Grade B 2026?
Yes, the selection process comprises two written examination phases: Phase-I (Objective Prelims) and Phase-II (Descriptive Mains), followed by a personal interview. All three phases are mandatory for final selection.​

Q4: What is the salary of an RBI Grade B Officer?
The starting basic pay is ₹78,450 per month, with gross monthly emoluments of approximately ₹1,50,374. The total annual CTC ranges between ₹20-24 lakhs, including various allowances and benefits.​

Q5: When will the RBI Grade B 2026 notification be released?
The RBI Grade B 2026 notification is expected to be released between July and September 2026, based on historical trends and the 2025 recruitment cycle timeline.​

Q6: What is the educational qualification required for RBI Grade B General stream?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates) in aggregate from a recognized university. Candidates with a Master's degree must have minimum 55% marks.​

Q7: How many attempts are allowed for RBI Grade B exam?
General category candidates can attempt the examination 6 times. There is no attempt limit for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates.​