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RBI Assistant

RBI Assistant recruits assistants in various offices of the Reserve Bank of India. Selection is conducted through a country-wide competitive examination in two phases (Preliminary and Main examination) followed by a Language Proficiency Test (LPT) in the official/local language of the state concerned. Latest checked cycle: Notice dated October 06, 2023 (450 vacancies).

At a glance
Conducted by Reserve Bank of India
Stages Phase I: Preliminary Examination (qualifying) → Phase II: Main Examination (merit) → Phase III: Language Proficiency Test (LPT)
Vacancies 450 regular vacancies, state-wise (Recruitment notice dated October 06, 2023; subject to increase/decrease by the Bank)
Qualification Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks (pass class for SC/ST/PwBD candidates) in the aggregate and knowledge of word processing on PC
Age limit 20–28 years (born not earlier than specified dates in the notification; upper age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen as per government guidelines)
Application fee As specified in the notification (intimation charges / application fees for GEN/OBC/EWS; nil for SC/ST/PwBD/ESM as per official notice)
Official notification RBI Notice dated October 06, 2023 (Advt. for Assistant-2023)

Official sources

Exam pattern

Phase I: Preliminary Examination (Objective): Online objective test consisting of 100 questions for 100 marks with a total duration of 60 minutes (1 hour). Each section has an individual sectional timing of 20 minutes.

Section Questions Marks Duration
English Language 30 30 20 minutes
Numerical Ability 35 35 20 minutes
Reasoning Ability 35 35 20 minutes
Total 100 100 60 minutes

Preliminary qualifying criteria: Candidates have to qualify in the Preliminary Examination for appearing in the Main Examination. Candidates must pass in each of the objective tests as per the criteria decided by the Bank.

Phase II: Main Examination (Objective): Online objective test consisting of 200 questions for 200 marks with a total duration of 135 minutes (2 hours 15 minutes). Each section is separately timed.

Section / Test Questions Marks Duration
Test of Reasoning 40 40 30 minutes
Test of English Language 40 40 30 minutes
Test of Numerical Ability 40 40 30 minutes
Test of General Awareness 40 40 25 minutes
Test of Computer Knowledge 40 40 20 minutes
Total 200 200 135 minutes

Main qualifying criteria: Final selection is based on candidate's performance in the Main Examination, biometric verification, and qualifying in the Language Proficiency Test (LPT) taken together in order of merit. Candidates must pass in each of the objective tests.

Negative marking: In both Preliminary and Main online examinations, there is negative marking for wrong answers. 1/4th (25%) of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each incorrect answer.

Phase III: Language Proficiency Test (LPT): Candidates provisionally shortlisted from the Main online examination undergo an LPT in the official/local language of the State concerned. The test is qualifying in nature; candidates not proficient in the official/local language are disqualified.

Syllabus

The official notification defines test areas corresponding to standard banking modules: - English Language: Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, error spotting, sentence completion and rearrangement. - Numerical Ability / Quantitative Aptitude: Number series, simplification, quadratic equations, arithmetic data, and data interpretation (tables, bar graphs, line charts). - Reasoning Ability: Puzzles, seating arrangement, syllogism, inequality, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense. - General Awareness: Current affairs, banking and financial awareness, RBI notifications, economic news, static GK. - Computer Knowledge: Basic computer hardware and software, operating systems, MS Office (word processing, spreadsheets), internet, and networking basics.

How to prepare (free, in order)

  1. Master speed and accuracy: Prelims requires solving 100 questions in 60 minutes with sectional timing (20 minutes each). Regular timed sectional practice is essential.
  2. Clear sectional and aggregate cut-offs: Practice each of the five sections for Mains thoroughly, giving special attention to General Awareness and Computer Knowledge alongside Quant, Reasoning, and English.
  3. Language proficiency: Ensure fluency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding the official/local language of the State you apply for, as LPT is mandatory and qualifying.
  4. Follow official updates: Monitor Opportunities@RBI for upcoming recruitment notifications and official notices.

Free resources