Every year, the RBI Grade B Notification is one of the most awaited documents for banking aspirants. It sets the tone for preparation, clarifies eligibility, and reveals the number of opportunities available. With the 2026 Notification PDF now released, aspirants are keen to know: what’s different compared to last year’s notification (2025)? This blog breaks down the changes across vacancies, exam dates, eligibility conditions, and exam pattern, so you can prepare with clarity and confidence.
Vacancy Comparison: 2025 vs 2026
One of the most striking differences this year is the number of posts.
- 2025 Notification: RBI announced 120 vacancies (83 General, 17 DEPR, 20 DSIM).
- 2026 Notification: The number has dropped sharply to just 60 vacancies (40 General, 10 DEPR, 10 DSIM).
This reduction means competition will be fiercer than ever. Aspirants must treat 2026 as a high‑stakes year where smart preparation and consistency will matter more than sheer effort.
Vacancy distribution in 2026:
- General Cadre: 40
- DEPR: 10
- DSIM: 10
Exam Dates: Shifted Timelines
Another major change is in the exam schedule.
- 2025 Notification:
- Phase I (General): October 18, 2025
- Phase I (DEPR/DSIM): October 19, 2025
- Phase II (General): December 6, 2025
- Phase II (DEPR/DSIM): December 7, 2025
- 2026 Notification:
- General Cadre Phase I: June 13, 2026
- General Cadre Phase II: July 25, 2026
- DEPR Phase I: June 14, 2026
- DEPR Phase II: July 26, 2026
- DSIM Phase I: June 14, 2026
- DSIM Phase II: July 26, 2026
The exam cycle has shifted earlier in the year (June–July instead of October–December). This compresses preparation time and makes early Phase II readiness essential.
Eligibility Conditions: Subtle but Important Updates
The age limit and educational qualifications remain largely the same, but there are minor refinements worth noting:
- Age Limit:
- Same as 2025: 21–30 years (with relaxations for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex‑servicemen).
- Additional relaxation continues for M.Phil (32 years) and Ph.D. holders (34 years).
- Educational Qualifications:
- General Cadre: Graduation with 60% (55% for PG).
- DEPR: MA/MSc in Economics/Finance with 55% marks.
- DSIM: Master’s in Statistics/Mathematics/Data Science/AI/ML/Big Data with 55% marks.
The 2026 notification clarifies conversion of CGPA to percentage more explicitly, ensuring transparency for candidates from institutes using grade points.
Number of Attempts: No Change
- General/EWS candidates: Maximum 6 attempts for Phase I.
- SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates: No restriction.
This remains unchanged from 2025, but with fewer vacancies in 2026, aspirants should treat every attempt as critical.
Reservation & Certificates: Updated Guidelines
The 2026 notification reiterates stricter compliance for category certificates:
- EWS: Must produce valid Income & Asset certificate for FY 2025‑26.
- OBC (NCL): Certificate must be issued after April 1, 2026.
- PwBD: Posts identified as suitable for multiple categories including blindness, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, and autism spectrum disorder.
Compared to 2025, the wording is sharper, emphasizing that certificates must be dated on or before the closing date (May 20, 2026).
Application Window: Shorter Duration
- 2025 Notification: Application window was September 10–30, 2025 (20 days).
- 2026 Notification:
- Opens: April 29, 2026
- Closes: May 20, 2026 (6 PM)
This gives aspirants just three weeks to apply, making it crucial to act quickly.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus: Continuity with Minor Tweaks
The exam pattern remains consistent with 2025:
- General Cadre:
- Phase I: Objective (GA, Reasoning, Quant, English).
- Phase II: Papers on Economics & Social Issues, Finance & Management, and Descriptive English.
- DEPR & DSIM:
- Phase I: Subject‑specific papers.
- Phase II: Advanced written papers.
The syllabus framework is unchanged, but the 2026 notification emphasizes descriptive writing practice more strongly, especially for DEPR/DSIM candidates.
Check the official RBI Grade B 2026 Notification PDF here
Key Differences at a Glance
| Parameter | 2025 Notification | 2026 Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Vacancies | 120 | 60 |
| General Cadre Posts | 83 | 40 |
| DEPR Posts | 17 | 10 |
| DSIM Posts | 20 | 10 |
| Application Window | Sept 10–30, 2025 | Apr 29–May 20, 2026 |
| Phase I Exam Date | Oct 18–19, 2025 | Jun 13–14, 2026 |
| Phase II Exam Date | Dec 6–7, 2025 | Jul 25–26, 2026 |
| Eligibility | Same | Same (clarified CGPA rules) |
| Attempts | 6 (GEN/EWS) | 6 (GEN/EWS) |
What This Means for Aspirants
The 2026 notification signals a year of intense competition. With vacancies reduced to just 60, aspirants must:
- Start Phase II prep early (don’t wait for Phase I results).
- Focus on mock tests and descriptive writing.
- Keep certificates ready well before the deadline.
- Treat every attempt as decisive — no room for casual preparation.
Final Thoughts
The RBI Grade B 2026 Notification PDF is more than just an announcement — it’s a roadmap for aspirants. Compared to 2025, the fewer vacancies, earlier exam cycle, and sharper compliance rules make this year uniquely challenging.
But challenges also create opportunities. Serious aspirants who prepare strategically, stay consistent, and adapt quickly will find themselves ahead of the curve.
Download the official PDF above and align your preparation today.
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