Hey! Are you appearing for RBI Grade B (DEPR) examination? Well, then you’ve come to the right place! This article is aimed at giving more clarity to aspirants about the the pattern of RBI Grade B (DEPR) exam. The Job Profile and scheme of examination has been given below:

Job Requirements: The job profile primarily involves undertaking economic analysis and research and contribute to policy formulation, apart from compilation of data relating to select sectors.

Scheme of Selection: Selection will be through Online/ Written Examination (WE) and interview. There are 3 papers for the Examination. Paper I Objective Type (on Economics) to be held on March 6, 2021 and Paper II & III will be held separately on March 31, 2021 (date to be confirmed in admit cards).

For the 2020-21 examination, the scheme of examination is given below: 

Table 1: Scheme of Examination (RBI Grade B-DEPR- 2020-21)

 Name of PaperDuration (in Minutes)Maximum Marks
Phase IPaper I - Objective Type (on Economics)120100
Phase IIPaper II - Descriptive Type (on Economics)
(Question Paper displayed on computer screen and answers to be written on paper)
180100
Paper III English Descriptive
(To be typed with the help of keyboard)
90100
Total Marks300

Phase I: In 2019-20, Phase-I consisted of an objective test containing questions on economics to be answered in 120 minutes. Other details pertaining to the pattern followed for 2019-20 examination (Phase-I) are given below:

S.No.Objective Type TestNo. of QuestionsMax MarksDuration (in minutes)
1.Economics62100120

a) There were three sections in the exam with total 62 questions (all mandatory).

b) Section I and II carried one, two and three mark questions and Section III carried one, two and four mark questions.

c) For wrong answers, there was negative marking . The extent of negative marks was 1/3 marks for 1 mark questions, 1/2 marks for 2 marks questions, 1 mark for 3 marks questions and 2 marks for 4 marks questions for all sections.

d) No Mathematical tables, Engineering tables, Calculators or Communication devices (including Cellphones) were supplied or allowed to be used or even allowed to be kept with the candidates.

Candidates, who secured minimum aggregate marks in Paper I, as prescribed, were shortlisted for Paper-II/ Paper III of the examination. The minimum aggregate cut-off marks for being shortlisted for Paper II and Paper III of the examination were decided by the Board in relation to the number of vacancies

PHASE II: The Paper II and Paper III Examination will be conducted only for the candidates who are shortlisted on the basis of results of Paper-I. If the pattern of 2019-20 examination is continued in 2020-21, we may expect the scheme of examination in Phase II may be as follows:

ShiftPaperName of PaperDuration
(in Minutes)
Max MarksNumber of Questions
MorningPaper-IIEconomics1801005
AfternoonPaper-III
(Online)
English (Writing Skills)901003

Paper II will be a descriptive paper on Economics. The questions will be displayed on Computer screen and answers will have to be written on paper

Paper III will be a descriptive paper. The paper will have to be answered by typing the answers with the help of the keyboard.

Further, candidates may note the following about selection scheme:

a) The Paper II and Paper III examination will be in shifts. Candidates are required to appear for all shifts. Separate Admission Letters will be issued for each shift.

b) Question papers for ‘WE’ will be set in Hindi and in English (except Paper-III on English). Answers for Paper-II may be written either in Hindi or English. Paper-III will have to be answered in English only.

c) Candidates may opt for Hindi or English, as their preferred language for interview.

Final selection will be on the basis of performance in the ‘WE’ (Paper I, II and III) and interview taken together.