RBI Grade B ESI PYQ Analysis for Phase 2 Exam 2025

The RBI Grade B Phase 2 exam is scheduled to be held on 6th December 2025, leaving you with just over 30 days for Phase 2 preparation. And the Economic and Social Issues (ESI) paper is a pivotal component, carrying a weightage of 100 marks. This paper will decide whether you reach the interview stage or not. And so, having clarity on the nature of questions asked in the previous year becomes indispensable for a strong performance in this year’s exam. In this blog, we’ll revisit some questions from last year, highlight the evolving trends, the prominent themes and topics likely to feature this year, and how you can prepare methodically for the upcoming exam.

RBI Grade B ESI Previous Year Paper Analysis

Now that there is a month left and a few days left for the exam, it is essential to go through the RBI Grade B ESI Paper 1, Economic and Social Issues (ESI), to be aware of the types of questions that become part of the exam. This awareness gives the aspirants an idea about the pattern of the questions, and so they can practice such questions to ensure they can deal with the same level of questions successfully.

RBI Grade B Phase 2 ESI Previous Years’ Questions

Our experts’ analysis of the RBI Grade B 2024 Phase 2 Exam reveals that the ESI section had a balanced mix of conceptual and current-affairs-based questions. It tested candidates on recent government policies, social sector initiatives, and economic reforms, with a strong focus on sustainable development, inclusive growth, and financial inclusion.

The paper had both descriptive and objective parts, with descriptive questions carrying higher weightage. Candidates who had followed current schemes, budget highlights, and economic surveys closely found this section manageable.

Let’s go through the details:

15-Mark Descriptive Questions (Long Descriptive)

These were long-form questions that required depth, clarity, and multidimensional thinking. You couldn’t just write definitions. You had to connect ideas, show examples, and build arguments.

Problems Faced by Youth in Terms of Unemployment (15 Marks)

This question tested awareness of labour market challenges, structural unemployment, and policy measures like Skill India and Start-Up India. Candidates had to discuss structural issues, skill gaps, policy failures, and possible reforms. Those who wrote only surface-level points lost marks.

Conflict Between Sustainability and Economic Growth (15 Marks)

This was a classic dilemma. You had to show both sides: how growth can harm the environment, and how sustainability can slow down development. Balanced answers scored better.

Digital Evolution and India’s Transformation Journey (15 Marks)

Along with this, students were asked to list 5 key technological innovations highlighted in the Union Budget. This question connected technology with governance and productivity.

This was split into two parts:

a) India’s digital journey from Aadhaar to UPI.

b) Five major innovations from the Union Budget (including AI, green energy, and digital infrastructure).

10-Mark Descriptive Questions (Short Descriptive)

These were shorter but still required clarity and structure. Here are some of them:

1. Pros and Cons of AI in the Banking Sector

This tested awareness of emerging technologies, efficiency gains, and associated ethical risks. You had to show how AI improves efficiency, reduces fraud, but also brings risks like job loss and data privacy issues.

2. National Industrial Corridor

A factual + analytical question. Candidates had to explain what it is, why it matters, and how it supports Make in India.

3. Migration Due to Climate Change

This was a current affairs-based question. You had to link climate disasters with forced migration and discuss economic and social impacts.

Objective Section (30 Marks)

This section tested your awareness of reports, indices, and schemes. You either knew the answer or you didn’t. But if you had revised the right sources, you were safe. The objective questions were heavily current-affairs oriented.

Most questions were direct, but some required conceptual clarity combined with current data. The paper rewarded those who kept track of both static ESI concepts and dynamic developments over the last 8–10 months.

Major topics included:

• Economic Survey and Union Budget facts
• Global Gender Gap Index and World Development Report
• Schemes like NPS Vatsalya, Start-Up India, and PM Vishwakarma Yojana
• Reports from IMF, World Bank, and UNDP
• Questions on Inflation Trends, Fiscal Deficit, and GDP growth patterns

What to Expect in RBI Grade B Phase 2 ESI Part in 2025?

The 2025 paper is likely to follow the same structure. But the topics will change. And the difficulty might increase. Based on trends, you should expect more questions on climate change, sustainability, and green finance, and schemes launched in the last 12 months (especially those mentioned in Budget 2025).

What to Expect This Year?

Based on the recent pattern, the trend is shifting toward analytical and issue-based questions rather than purely factual ones.

You should expect:

1. Policy-Based Descriptive Questions– Topics like National Monetization Pipeline, Green Growth Initiatives, or Climate Financing could appear.
2. Technology and Economy Linkages– AI, FinTech, Blockchain, and Digital Inclusion are likely focus areas.
3. Social Sector Themes– Gender Equality, Health Schemes, and Education Reforms remain important.
4. Sustainability and Environment– Questions related to carbon neutrality, renewable energy, and climate adaptation measures.
5. Global Economic Reports– Indices released by the IMF, World Bank, and UNDP may appear again in the objective part.
6. Reports and indices- especially those released by RBI, World Bank, IMF, and UNDP.
7. Social sector themes: like women empowerment, education reforms, and digital inclusion.

If you study these areas systematically, you can easily handle both 10-marker and 15-marker questions. Remember, ESI rewards conceptual depth and awareness of recent government initiatives.

You must prepare for both descriptive and objective formats. And you must practice writing answers. Reading is not enough. You must write. You must revise. You must rehearse.

ESI Resources

If you’re serious about mastering ESI, you need to test yourself. And PracticeMock gives you exactly that. ESI Full-Length ESI Mock Test based on the latest pattern, with descriptive and objective sections. In addition, if you want complete guidance, you can go for a crash course that is crafted by experts who themselves have cleared the RBI Grade B Phase 2 exam.

Also read: 30 Days Mock Test Challenge for RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam 2025

Takeaway

The ESI section of RBI Grade B is about connecting concepts with current issues. The paper reflects what’s happening in the real economy, from digital transformation to sustainable growth.

So, you should study selectively, pay heed to the themes that the exam has included in the past, and keep taking mock tests and try your best to improve via feedback. Now that there are just a few days left for the Phase 2 exam, you must prepare regularly and confidently, as these are the things that you need most right now.

FAQs on RBI Grade B ESI Phase 2