The Reserve Bank of India’s Department of Economic and Policy Research (RBI DEPR) recruitment exam is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams for economists in India. Cracking the RBI Grade B DEPR Exam not only demands a strong academic foundation in Economics, Statistics, and Econometrics but also a smart and well-structured preparation strategy
If you are planning to appear for the RBI DEPR Exam, this detailed guide will walk you through the exam pattern, RBI Grade B DEPR syllabus, recommended books, preparation strategy, and mock test practice.
Understanding the RBI Grade B DEPR Exam
The RBI Grade B DEPR (Department of Economic and Policy Research) Exam is a highly competitive recruitment test conducted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to select economists and policy researchers for its prestigious economic analysis wing (DEPR).
As a DEPR officer, you will be involved in policy research, economic analysis, and statistical work that shapes India’s monetary and financial policies.
RBI Grade B DEPR Exam Pattern
Selection of RBI DEPR officers will be based on RBI DEPR Exam which consists of online / written examination divided in 2 Phases, followed by an Interview before the RBI Services Board.
The RBI Grade B DEPR exam pattern consists of 4 Papers in total, 2 at Phase-1 (Economics objective, English Descriptive) and 2 Papers at Phase- followed by an Interview. The detailed RBI DEPR exam pattern is given below:
RBI Grade-B DEPR Examination: Scheme of Selection
Phase Name of the Paper Duration Maximum Marks
Phase-I Paper – I : Objective Type (on Economics) 120 Minutes 100
Paper-II: Descriptive English (Answers to be typed with the help of Keyboard) 120 Minutes 100
Phase-II Paper-I: Descriptive Type (on Economics)
Question paper displayed on computer screen, Answers to be written on paper)120 Minutes 100
Paper-II: Descriptive Type (on Economics)
Question paper displayed on computer screen; Answers to be written on paper)120 Minutes 100
Total 400
RBI Grade B DEPR Syllabus
The RBI Grade B DEPR Syllabus covers a wide range of topics in economics and finance, including subjects like Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Monetary Economics, International Economics, Statistics, Economics, Public Finance and Indian Economy. The RBI DEPR Syllabus is designed to test candidates’ conceptual clarity, quantitative aptitude, and understanding of economic policies relevant to RBI’s role.
RBI Grade B DEPR Books
If you are preparing for the RBI Grade B DEPR Exam, choosing the right RBI Grade B DEPR books is the first and most important step towards success. High‑quality reference books such as Intermediate Microeconomics by Hal R. Varian, Macroeconomics by N. Gregory Mankiw, Basic Econometrics by Damodar Gujarati, and Indian Economy since Independence by Uma Kapila provide the conceptual clarity needed for both objective and descriptive papers. Check detailed RBI DEPR Booklist here.
These RBI Grade B DEPR books cover the complete syllabus and help build strong fundamentals in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Statistics, Econometrics, and the Indian Economy.
Combining these standard texts with previous year papers and a structured RBI DEPR Mock Test Series will maximise your chances of clearing the exam with a high score.
5. How to Prepare for RBI Grade B DEPR Exam
Step 1: Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Before you start, go through the RBI Grade B DEPR syllabus thoroughly. This helps in understanding weightage and identifying strong and weak areas.
Step 2: Strengthen Core Economics Concepts
Your preparation must start with building strong fundamentals in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Statistics and Econometrics. Use standard textbooks and make concise notes.
Step 3: Practice Numerical Questions
The RBI DEPR exam tests your analytical ability, sometime ad RBI DEPR Phase-1 Exam and sometimes at RBI DEPR Phase-2 exam. Practice solving numerical problems from Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Statistics and Econometrics regularly.
Step 5: Take RBI DEPR Mock Test Series
The RBI Grade B DEPR Mock Test Series is essential for:
Time management practice
Identifying weak areas
Improving speed and accuracy
📌 Join our RBI DEPR Mock Test Series
6. Role of Coaching in RBI DEPR Preparation
While self-study works for many, RBI DEPR coaching provides:
Structured syllabus coverage
Expert guidance from economists
Mock test practice with feedback
Doubt resolution
📌 Check our RBI DEPR Coaching for details.
Conclusion
The RBI Grade B DEPR Exam is a golden opportunity for economics graduates and postgraduates to enter the Reserve Bank of India’s prestigious research department. With a clear understanding of the RBI DEPR syllabus, the right set of books, consistent practice, and RBI DEPR Mock Test Series, you can secure your place in one of India’s top economic policy-making institutions.
If you are serious about your preparation, treat this as a strategic journey — plan well, practice smart, and stay committed.