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The RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam is scheduled for June 13, 2026 (General stream) and June 14, 2026 (DEPR/DSIM stream). Phase 2 follows on July 25-26, 2026. The Reserve Bank of India conducts its recruitment examinations through TCS iON as the technology partner, with strict identity verification and conduct protocols at all exam centres.
This page covers everything needed for both exam days: admit card download process, mandatory documents, the critical sectional timing rules unique to RBI Grade B Phase 1, prohibited items, biometric verification checkpoints, PwBD accommodations, and a complete night-before checklist for both phases.
Unlike SSC CHSL or SBI PO Prelims where candidates move freely within a single time block, RBI Grade B Phase 1 has strictly enforced sectional timers. Each section has its own timer. When a section's time expires, the system automatically locks that section and you cannot return to it.
| Section Time Allotted What Happens When Time Expires | ||
| General Awareness | 25 minutes | Section locked; system may move to next section |
| English Language | 25 minutes | Section locked |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 minutes | Section locked |
| Reasoning | 45 minutes | Section locked; exam ends or proceeds |
| Total | 120 minutes | -- |
This means every unattempted question in a section when its timer expires is a permanent 0. There is no opportunity to return. Practising with exact sectional timers during preparation is essential to avoid this outcome on exam day.
Order of sections: The sections may appear in a fixed order or candidates may choose which section to attempt at any time within its allotted window, depending on the exam software configuration. Read the on-screen instructions carefully at the start of the exam. In recent cycles, each section's timer runs independently, and candidates may navigate to any unlocked section within its time window.
The admit card for Phase 1 is expected approximately 10 to 15 days before the exam date.
| Step Action | |
| 1 | Visit opportunities.rbi.org.in or rbi.org.in |
| 2 | Find "RBI Grade B 2026 — Phase 1 Call Letter" link |
| 3 | Enter Registration Number and Date of Birth |
| 4 | Enter captcha code |
| 5 | Admit card PDF appears |
| 6 | Download and print on A4 paper (colour preferred) |
| 7 | Print at least 2 copies; keep one at home |
| Field Check | |
| Candidate Name | Must match photo ID and application exactly |
| Roll Number | Unique exam identifier |
| Stream | Confirms General or DEPR/DSIM |
| Exam Date and Shift | Note the reporting time and gate closure |
| Exam Centre Address | Map route; calculate travel time |
| Photograph | Should match current appearance |
| Self-declaration section | BLANK; fill only at the exam centre |
| LTI/Signature box | BLANK; complete at the exam centre |
The RBI Grade B Phase 1 is typically conducted in two shifts per day. Exact timings are printed on the admit card.
| Shift Reporting Time Gate Closes Exam Start Exam End | ||||
| Shift 1 (Morning) | 8:00 AM | 8:30 AM | 9:00 AM | 11:00 AM (120 min) |
| Shift 2 (Afternoon) | 12:00 PM | 12:30 PM | 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM (120 min) |
These are approximate timings based on recent cycles. The exact timings are printed on the admit card and override any general guidance. Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before the gate closure time to complete document verification and biometric processing before the exam starts.
Every candidate must carry all of the following. Entry is denied if any mandatory item is missing.
| Document Specification | |
| Printed Phase 1 Admit Card | Hard copy on A4; digital copy not accepted |
| Original Valid Photo ID | One government-issued original |
| Photocopy of the Same Photo ID | One self-attested copy |
| Passport-size Photographs | Two to three recent colour photos matching application photo |
| ID Condition | |
| Aadhaar Card | Physical card or official e-Aadhaar printout from uidai.gov.in |
| PAN Card | Valid |
| Voter ID (EPIC) | Valid |
| Passport | Within validity period |
| Driving Licence | Within validity period |
| Photo ID issued by Central/State Government | Recognised authority |
| Bank Passbook with Photograph | From scheduled commercial bank |
The photo ID must carry the same name as the admit card. Any discrepancy requires a supporting document (Class 10 certificate, gazette notification) to explain it.
RBI Grade B Phase 1 implements Aadhaar-based biometric identity verification at exam centres.
| Requirement Detail | |
| Carry original Aadhaar | Physical card or official e-Aadhaar printout from uidai.gov.in |
| Biometric must be UNLOCKED | Check at uidai.gov.in at least 3 days before exam |
| m-Aadhaar or DigiLocker copy | NOT accepted |
| Locked biometric | Candidate may be denied entry; prevent by unlocking in advance |
Check biometric status: Visit uidai.gov.in → My Aadhaar → Lock/Unlock Biometrics → Enter Aadhaar number and OTP → Verify status is unlocked. Unlocking may take up to 24 hours to reflect. Do this at least 3 days before the exam.
| Item Status | |
| Mobile phones (switched off or not) | Strictly prohibited |
| Smartwatches and digital watches | Prohibited |
| Calculators | Prohibited |
| Bluetooth earphones or earpieces | Prohibited |
| Tablets and laptops | Prohibited |
| Any device capable of recording or transmitting | Prohibited |
| Item Status | |
| Books, notes, printed material | Not permitted |
| Paper chits | Not permitted |
| Rough sheets from home | Centre provides official rough sheets |
| Item Status | |
| Bags and backpacks | No storage at most centres; leave outside |
| Metal jewellery | Remove before arriving |
| Non-religious head coverings | Face must remain visible |
| Food and beverages | Not permitted unless medically declared |
The admit card contains a self-declaration section with space for signature and LTI. All three must be completed at the exam centre in the invigilator's presence.
Do not pre-fill, pre-sign, or apply LTI before reaching the centre. Pre-completed sections are flagged as irregular.
LTI at the centre:
A webcam records periodic images during the exam. Maintain clear facial visibility throughout. Do not cover your face or look away from the screen for extended periods.
| Rule Detail | |
| Do not start until instructed | Wait for the invigilator's signal |
| Read on-screen instructions carefully | Section rules and navigation instructions appear before the exam |
| Check workstation function | Report issues immediately |
| Note the section sequence and timers | Understand how the sectional timing works before Question 1 |
| Rule Detail | |
| Sectional timing is strictly enforced | When any section's timer expires, that section is permanently locked |
| No returning to expired sections | Once the 25-minute GA timer ends, GA cannot be reopened |
| Negative marking: 0.25 per wrong answer | Apply accuracy discipline; skip genuinely uncertain questions |
| Use official rough sheets only | No personal paper for calculations |
| No photography or screen capture | Strictly prohibited; grounds for disqualification |
| Washroom break | Permitted with escort; section timer continues |
| Cannot leave before exam ends | Must remain until all sections are complete |
| Section Time Recommended Approach | ||
| General Awareness (25 min) | 80 questions in 25 min = 18.75 sec/question | Prioritise banking/RBI questions first; skip if unsure |
| English (25 min) | 30 questions in 25 min = 50 sec/question | Fill in Blanks and Error Spotting first; RC last |
| QA (25 min) | 30 questions in 25 min = 50 sec/question | Series and Simplification first; DI sets last |
| Reasoning (45 min) | 60 questions in 45 min = 45 sec/question | Syllogism/Inequalities first; Puzzles after quick wins |
The 25-minute GA section is the most time-pressured because 80 questions must be assessed (not necessarily answered) in 25 minutes. The practical approach is to attempt questions on known topics immediately and skip unknowns rather than spending time deliberating on uncertain questions.
Phase 2 is held on July 25 (General) and July 26 (DEPR/DSIM), 2026. It is a significantly longer sitting than Phase 1.
| Paper Duration Session | ||
| Paper I: ESI (Objective + Descriptive) | 90 minutes | Morning |
| Paper II: English Writing Skills | 90 minutes | Afternoon or sequential |
| Paper III: Finance and Management | 90 minutes | Sequential |
| Total | 270 minutes (4.5 hours) | Same day |
Same documents as Phase 1. Additionally:
For the descriptive portions of Papers I and III (ESI and Finance), and the entire Paper II (English Writing), candidates type their answers on-screen using a keyboard. There is no handwriting requirement for Phase 2.
The on-screen typing interface is provided in the exam software. Practising typing speed and structured essay organisation on a keyboard (rather than handwriting) during preparation aligns with the actual exam format.
RBI does not issue a formal dress code. General guidance:
| Recommendation Reason | |
| Light, plain clothing | Easier security screening |
| Remove all metal accessories before leaving home | Metal detectors at entry |
| Comfortable clothing suitable for 2 to 4.5 hours of sitting | Exam halls may be air-conditioned |
| No religious head coverings that obstruct facial visibility | Face must be visible for biometric |
| Accommodation Detail | |
| Extra time | 20 minutes per hour for Phase 1 (120 min standard = 160 min for PwBD); 20 min/hour for Phase 2 papers |
| Scribe | Must be pre-declared in application; not requestable on exam day |
| Original disability certificate | Carry to each exam session |
| Scribe eligibility | Not appearing in same cycle; qualifications per RBI rules |
| Accessible seating | Assigned at ground floor or accessible location |
| Item Status | |
| Phase 1 admit card printed (2 copies) | Done / Print now |
| Aadhaar biometric unlocked and verified | Checked at uidai.gov.in |
| Original Aadhaar card (or e-Aadhaar printout) | In document folder |
| Valid photo ID (original) | In folder |
| Photocopy of photo ID | In folder |
| 2-3 passport-size photographs | In folder |
| Exam centre address confirmed | Route mapped; travel time estimated |
| Departure time planned | 30-45 min before gate closure |
| Alarm set and tested | Done |
| Mobile phone plan | Leave at home or with companion outside |
| Metal accessories removed | Left at home |
| Self-declaration on admit card | BLANK |
| Sectional timing strategy confirmed | Know the order you will attempt sections |
| Sleep | Target 7-8 hours |
Can I switch between sections freely in Phase 1? Each section has its own 25 or 45-minute timer. Within a section's active window, you can attempt and review questions freely. Once a section's timer expires, it is permanently locked. Check the on-screen instructions at the start of the exam for the specific navigation rules.
Is there negative marking in Phase 1? Yes. 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in Phase 1. Apply accuracy discipline: skip questions where you have no idea rather than guessing randomly.
Is Phase 2 conducted on the same day as Phase 1? No. Phase 1 is June 13-14, 2026. Phase 2 is July 25-26, 2026. They are conducted approximately 6 weeks apart.
Is typing required in Phase 2? Yes. The descriptive portions of all Phase 2 papers are answered by typing on-screen using the exam software's text editor. Practise typing structured answers on a computer during preparation.
What if there is a problem with my workstation during Phase 1? Inform the invigilator immediately without disturbing other candidates. Technical issues are documented and the invigilator will arrange a resolution. Do not attempt to fix the workstation yourself.