RBI Assistant 2026 exams consist of Prelims on April 11, 2026, Mains on June 7, 2026, and a subsequent Language Proficiency Test (LPT).
Exam Stages
Prelims: Qualifying online test (100 questions, 60 minutes) covering English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning; held on a single day across multiple shifts.
Mains: Merit-based online exam (200 questions, 135 minutes) including Reasoning, English, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge.
LPT: Post-Mains test for local language proficiency, conducted regionally.
Schedule Overview
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Prelims Exam | April 11, 2026 |
| Mains Exam | June 7, 2026 |
| Admit Cards | To be notified |
RBI Assistant Prelims exam pattern and marking scheme
RBI Assistant Prelims is a qualifying online objective exam scheduled for April 11, 2026, with 100 questions worth 100 marks over 60 minutes (20 minutes per section).
Exam Structure
The test covers three sections without sectional cutoffs, but candidates must qualify overall via RBI-determined minimum marks.
Each correct answer awards 1 mark; it’s bilingual (English/Hindi) except for English Language.
Section Details
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 min |
Negative marking of 1/4th mark (0.25) applies per wrong answer; unanswered questions score zero. Normalisation may adjust scores for shift variations.
RBI Assistant Prelims Syllabus Table
| Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| English Language (30Q) | Reading comprehension, cloze test, para jumbles, error spotting, fill in blanks, sentence improvement, phrase replacement |
| Numerical Ability (35Q) | Simplification/approximation, number series, quadratic equations, DI (tables/graphs/pie charts/caselets), arithmetic (percentage, profit/loss, SI/CI, ratio, average, time/work/distance, mixtures, mensuration, probability) |
| Reasoning Ability (35Q) | Puzzles/seating (linear/circular/floor), syllogism, inequality, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, input-output, data sufficiency, alphanumeric series |
RBI Assistant Mains exam pattern and marking scheme
The RBI Assistant 2026 Mains exam, scheduled for June 7, 2026, is the merit-deciding online objective test with 200 questions worth 200 marks over 135 minutes, including sectional timings.
Exam Structure
It features five sections with mandatory sectional cutoffs and overall qualifying marks set by RBI. The exam is bilingual (English/Hindi) except for the English Language.
Section Details
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 40 | 40 | 30 min |
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 30 min |
| Numerical Ability | 40 | 40 | 30 min |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 25 min |
| Computer Knowledge | 40 | 40 | 20 min |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 135 min |
Each correct answer scores 1 mark, with 0.25 negative marking per wrong answer; unanswered questions get zero. Scores determine merit for the Language Proficiency Test qualification.
RBI Assistant Mains Syllabus Table
| Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Reasoning (40Q) | Advanced puzzles/seating (floor/linear/circular), input-output, logical reasoning, data sufficiency, coding-decoding, inequalities, blood relations, direction sense |
| English Language (40Q) | Reading comprehension, cloze test, sentence improvement, para jumbles, error spotting, vocabulary (synonyms/antonyms), fill in blanks, phrase replacement |
| Numerical Ability (40Q) | Advanced DI (caselet/missing DI), quantity comparison, number series, quadratic equations, arithmetic (profit/loss, SI/CI, time/work, pipes/cisterns, mixtures, probability, mensuration) |
| General Awareness (40Q) | Current affairs (last 6 months), banking/RBI functions/policies, static GK (economy, awards, sports, books/authors), financial awareness |
| Computer Knowledge (40Q) | Basics (hardware/software), MS Office (Word/Excel/PPT), internet/networking, database, cybersecurity, keyboard shortcuts, history/evolutions |
RBI Assistant Exam Guidelines
The RBI Assistant 2026 exams follow strict online protocols for Prelims (April 11), Mains (June 7), and LPT, emphasising fairness and discipline.
Key Exam Day Rules
Arrive 60 minutes early with an admit card, photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN), and 2 passport photos; no electronic gadgets allowed inside.
Biometric verification (thumb/fingerprints, photo) mandatory; impersonation leads to disqualification and legal action.
No login after 30 minutes; no breaks or discussion; server issues resolved by the centre head.
Conduct Guidelines
| Aspect | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Dress Code | Formal, no metallic items |
| Prohibited Items | Mobile, calculator, notes, watches |
| Question Paper | Online only, no download/print |
| Rough Work | Use the provided sheet; return before leaving |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 per wrong answer |
RBI Assistant cut-off trends for Prelims and Mains
RBI Assistant Prelims and Mains cutoffs vary by category, zone/state, vacancies, exam difficulty, and candidate numbers; 2026 cutoffs will be released post-exam on rbi.org.in with results.
Prelims Cutoff Trends
Overall cutoffs (out of 100) typically range 90-120 for the General category, highest in Chandigarh (e.g., 96.50 in 2023), lower in Mumbai/Bangalore (~91).
Trends show slight increases yearly; SC/ST often 5-10 marks below General, OBC 2-5 marks below.
Mains Sectional Cutoff Trends (2022 Example, out of 40)
| Category | Reasoning | English | GA | Computer | Numerical |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC/ST | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| OBC | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| EWS/Gen | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
Cutoffs rise with more vacancies (650 in 2026); expect Prelims General ~95-105, influenced by normalisation across shifts.
Exam Strategies
RBI Assistant 2026 exam strategies emphasise structured study plans, mock tests, and section-wise mastery for Prelims (April 11) and Mains (June 7).
60-Day Plan Overview
Divide preparation into phases: Days 1-20 for basics, 21-40 for advanced topics/sectionals, 41-60 for mocks/revision. Allocate 6-8 hours daily: 2 hours each for Quant/Reasoning/English, 1 hour GA/Computer, 1-2 hours mocks.
Section Strategies
Reasoning: Start with easy topics (inequalities, syllogism, blood relations); practice 2 puzzle sets daily; skip time-consuming questions in exam (target 25-30 attempts).
Numerical Ability: Focus on simplification/DI first (50 questions/day), then arithmetic; use shortcuts for speed; aim 80% accuracy.
English: Read newspaper daily for RC/vocab; practice 2 passages + grammar (error spotting/cloze); target perfect 30/30 score.
GA (Mains): Cover 6-8 months current affairs + RBI policies/banking terms; revise monthly notes daily.
Computer (Mains): Memorise basics/shortcuts; quick 20-min prep suffices.
Mock Test Tips
From Day 20, take 1 full mock every 2 days (analyse errors 2x test time); track progress to hit 70+ in Prelims mocks; focus on weak areas.
A daily timetable for RBI Assistant Mains preparation (June 7, 2026) should total 6-8 hours, balancing all five sections with mocks, revision, and breaks for sustained focus over ~100 days available.
Sample Daily Timetable (8-Hour Plan)
| Time Slot | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00-7:00 AM | Newspaper + Current Affairs (notes for GA) |
| 7:00-8:30 AM | Reasoning (puzzles/input-output, 40Q practice) |
| 8:30-9:00 AM | Breakfast/Break |
| 9:00-10:30 AM | Numerical Ability (DI/arithmetic, 40Q timed) |
| 10:30-11:30 AM | English (RC/grammar, 2 passages + vocab) |
| 11:30-12:00 PM | Short Break |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | General Awareness (banking/RBI + revision) |
| 1:00-2:00 PM | Lunch/Break |
| 2:00-2:30 PM | Computer Knowledge (basics/shortcuts) |
| 2:30-4:30 PM | Full Mains Mock (135 min) + Quick Review |
| 4:30-6:00 PM | Mock Analysis (error notebook, weak topics) |
| 6:00 PM+ | Light Revision + Rest |
Time management techniques during RBI Assistant exam
Time management during RBI Assistant exams (Prelims: 60 min, Mains: 135 min) focuses on prioritizing easy questions, adhering to sectional timings, and avoiding guesswork penalties.
Core Techniques
Scan the entire section in 1-2 minutes to identify easy/medium questions first; attempt them to secure 60-70% marks quickly before tackling puzzles/DI.
Set internal timers: allocate exact time per section (e.g., Prelims: 20 min each), move on ruthlessly if stuck >1 min per question.
Section-Wise Strategies
Prelims (20 min/section): English (10-12 min: RC/cloze first), Quant (18 min: simplification/DI > arithmetic), Reasoning (15 min: inequalities/coding > puzzles).
Mains: GA/Computer first (quick 20-25 min for 30+ attempts), then English/Reasoning/Quant evenly; revisit leftovers in final 10 min.
Quick Tips Table
| Technique | Application |
|---|---|
| Prioritize Easy | Solve low-hanging fruit first (build score/confidence) |
| Use On-Screen Clock | Track every 5 min; flag & skip time-sinks |
| Mock Practice | Simulate exam; analyse time per question type |
| Avoid Over-Attempt | Target 75-85 attempts; accuracy > quantity (0.25 penalty) |
| Last 5 Min Review | Unflag/review silly errors only |
RBI Assistant Exam Instructions
RBI Assistant 2026 exams (Prelims: April 11, Mains: June 7) have strict guidelines detailed in the admit card and notification to ensure smooth conduct.
Pre-Exam Instructions
Arrive at the centre 60 minutes early with a printed admit card, original photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID/DL/Passport), and 2 recent passport photos matching the uploaded images.
No electronic devices (mobile, smartwatch, calculator), stationery, or bags allowed; only a transparent water bottle permitted.
During Exam Rules
Log in using credentials on the designated computer; no section switching except as timed; no breaks or leaving until completion.
Biometrics (photo, fingerprints/thumb) captured at entry; follow invigilator directives; rough work only on the provided sheet (return it).
Instructions Table
| Aspect | Key Rules |
|---|---|
| Reporting Time | 60 min before shift start |
| Prohibited Items | Electronics, notes, metallic objects |
| Marking Scheme | +1 correct, -0.25 wrong, 0 unanswered |
| Language | English/Hindi (English section excepted) |
| Post-Exam | Do not discuss questions; await results |
RBI Assistant 2026 Official Websites
| Purpose | Official Website/Link |
|---|---|
| Main RBI Site | rbi.org.in |
| Recruitment Portal | opportunities.rbi.org.in |
| Notification PDF | rbi.org.in > Opportunities > Current Vacancies |
| Online Application | opportunities.rbi.org.in (active until Mar 8) |
RBI Assistant 2026 FAQs
Q1: When is the RBI Assistant Prelims exam?
A: April 11, 2026.
Q2: What are the Mains exam dates?
A: June 7, 2026, followed by the Language Proficiency Test.
Q3: How many vacancies?
A: 650 posts across RBI offices.
Q4: Application dates and fees?
A: Feb 16 – Mar 8, 2026; GEN/OBC: ₹450+GST, SC/ST/PwBD: ₹50+GST.
Q5: Age and qualification eligibility?
A: 20-28 years; Bachelor’s degree (50% for GEN/OBC).
Q6: Official websites?
A: rbi.org.in and opportunities.rbi.org.in.
Q7: Document upload specs?
A: Photo (20-50KB JPG), signature (10-20KB JPG), certificates (≤200KB PDF).
Q8: Prelims pattern?
A: 100Q/100M, 60 min (English 30, Numerical 35, Reasoning 35); 0.25 negative marking.
Q9: Mains sections?
A: Reasoning, English, Numerical, GA, Computer (40Q each, 135 min total).
Q10: Cutoff trends (Prelims General)?
A: Typically 90-105 marks; varies by zone/category.