Updated for 2026 Exam
Official Notification Based
RBI Grade B Phase II
Complete Syllabus &
Study Materials 2026
Comprehensive, well-structured guide with detailed topic-wise syllabus, exam pattern, high-priority topics, and the best recommended study resources.
3 Papers • 300 Marks
Objective + Descriptive
3
Papers in Phase II
300
Total Marks
90 min
Per Paper
Interview
75 Marks (Phase III)
STEP 01
Phase II Exam Pattern
Phase II is the most important stage. Marks are counted for final merit along with Interview.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Economic & Social Issues (ESI) | 100 | Objective + Descriptive | 90 minutes |
| Paper 2 | English (Descriptive) | 100 | Fully Descriptive | 90 minutes |
| Paper 3 | Finance & Management (FM) | 100 | Objective + Descriptive | 90 minutes |
| TOTAL | 300 | 4.5 Hours | ||
Important Note on Pattern:
In ESI and FM papers, there are typically 30 objective questions and descriptive questions (usually attempt 4 out of 6). The objective part carries significant weightage.
In ESI and FM papers, there are typically 30 objective questions and descriptive questions (usually attempt 4 out of 6). The objective part carries significant weightage.
Sectional Cut-offs Apply:
RBI has sectional cut-offs in Phase II. You must clear the cut-off in each paper individually along with the overall cut-off.
RBI has sectional cut-offs in Phase II. You must clear the cut-off in each paper individually along with the overall cut-off.
PAPER 1
Economic & Social Issues (ESI)
Most scoring paper if prepared well. Heavy overlap with Phase 1 GA but tested at much greater depth.
100
MARKS
Growth & Development
- • National Income Accounting (GDP, GNP, NNP, GVA, Methods)
- • Measurement of Growth – Per Capita Income, HDI, MPI
- • Economic Growth vs Development Theories
- • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) & India’s progress
- • Poverty Alleviation & Employment Generation Programmes
HIGH PRIORITY
Indian Economy – Structure & Reforms
- • Pre-Liberalization (1947-1991) & Post-Liberalization Era
- • LPG Reforms 1991 – Impact on different sectors
- • Industrial Policy, Labour Reforms & New Labour Codes
- • Monetary & Fiscal Policy in India
- • Agriculture, Industry & Services Sector Developments
- • Make in India, PLI Schemes, MSMEs, Gig Economy
Public Finance & Globalization
- • Union Budget, Economic Survey & Key Highlights
- • Fiscal Policy, FRBM Act, Finance Commission
- • Taxation System (GST, Direct & Indirect Taxes)
- • Globalization, FDI, FPI, Balance of Payments
- • International Institutions – IMF, World Bank, WTO, ADB
- • Regional Economic Cooperation (ASEAN, BIMSTEC, etc.)
HIGH PRIORITY
Social Issues & Development
- • Poverty, Unemployment & Inequality Measurement
- • Demographic Trends, Population & Census
- • Education, Health, Women Empowerment & Gender Issues
- • Social Justice, Inclusion & Welfare Schemes
- • Urbanisation, Migration & Smart Cities
- • Environmental Issues & Climate Change Policies
Pro Tip: Focus heavily on recent Economic Survey, Union Budget, and RBI publications for current affairs integration in ESI.
PAPER 2
Descriptive English (Writing Skills)
Tests your ability to express ideas clearly on economic, social, and contemporary issues.
100
MARKS
Essay Writing
- → Economic & Financial Issues
- → Social & Contemporary Developments
- → Governance, Technology & Environment
- → Ethical & Abstract Themes
400-600 words | Choose 1 out of 5 topics
Precis Writing
Summarize a 400-600 word passage into a crisp 170-180 word precis. Focus on capturing the core essence without adding opinions.
Key Skill: Conciseness + Accuracy
Reading Comprehension
A passage followed by 5 descriptive questions. Answers must be well-structured, relevant, and in your own words.
Practice daily editorial reading
PAPER 3
Finance & Management (FM)
Combined paper. Finance is dynamic (current + static). Management is largely theoretical and static.
100
MARKS
Finance
Banking & Financial System
- • RBI – Functions, Monetary Policy Tools, Subsidiaries
- • Indian Banking Structure, Reforms since 1991
- • NBFCs, Housing Finance, Microfinance, Digital Banking
- • Financial Inclusion & Priority Sector Lending
Financial Markets
- • Money Market, Capital Market, Forex Market
- • Primary & Secondary Markets, IPO/FPO, Debt Instruments
- • SEBI, Stock Exchanges (BSE/NSE)
Risk, Regulation & Recent Developments
- • Risk Management, Basel Norms, CAMELS
- • Derivatives (Forwards, Futures, Options, Swaps)
- • FinTech, UPI, Digital Rupee, Cybersecurity in Banking
- • Corporate Governance in Banks & NBFCs
Accounting & Public Finance
- • Basics of Accounting, Financial Statements, Ratio Analysis
- • Inflation (CPI/WPI), Public Finance, GST, FRBM
Management
Principles of Management & OB
- • Evolution of Management Thought (Scientific, Human Relations, Systems)
- • Functions of Management & Managerial Roles
- • Personality, Perception, Motivation Theories (Maslow, Herzberg, McGregor)
- • Leadership Theories (Trait, Behavioural, Contingency, Transformational)
Organisational Behaviour & Development
- • Emotional Intelligence, Communication, Conflict Management
- • Organisational Change (Lewin’s Model, Kotter’s 8 Steps)
- • Organisational Development & Nudge Theory
Ethics & Corporate Governance
- • Business Ethics – Theories & Application
- • Corporate Governance – Principles, Board Structure, CSR
- • Whistleblowing, Code of Conduct, Stakeholder Theory
STEP 02
Best Study Materials & Resources
Curated list of the most recommended books and free resources by toppers.
Economic & Social Issues
- Core Book: Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh (McGraw Hill)
- Alternative: Indian Economy by Uma Kapila / Mishra & Puri
- Free Must-Read: Economic Survey (Latest) + Union Budget
- Reports: RBI Annual Report, NITI Aayog Reports
- Current Affairs: PIB, The Hindu / Indian Express Editorials
Finance & Management
FINANCE
- • Indian Financial System – M.Y. Khan
- • Financial Management – Prasanna Chandra
- • Principles & Practices of Banking – Macmillan (IIBF)
- • RBI Website (Monetary Policy, Reports)
MANAGEMENT
- • Organisational Behaviour – Robbins, Judge & Vohra
- • Principles of Management – L.M. Prasad
- • Management – Stephen P. Robbins
Descriptive English + Free Resources
- English: Practice Essay + Precis from previous years + Editorials
- Free Sources:
- • rbi.org.in (All official publications)
- • Economic Survey PDF (indiabudget.gov.in)
- • PIB Daily Summary
- • CrackTarget Free Notes & PDFs (check website)
Pro Tip: Read one editorial daily and write one essay every week.
Smart Preparation Strategy
PHASE 1 + PHASE 2 TOGETHER
Many topics overlap. Prepare static portions of ESI and FM while doing Phase 1 GA. Saves time and builds strong foundation.
CURRENT AFFAIRS INTEGRATION
60-70% of ESI and FM questions have a current angle. Read Economic Survey, Budget, RBI speeches, and monthly current affairs magazines.
DESCRIPTIVE PRACTICE
Write at least 1 essay + 2 precis every week. Get them evaluated. Focus on structure, flow, and RBI perspective in answers.
Disclaimer: This syllabus is based on the latest available official notification and previous year trends.
The official syllabus is indicative in nature. Always refer to the latest RBI notification for any updates.
Improved & redesigned by CrackTarget • 2026 Edition