Are you dreaming of a secure government job in India’s central bank? The Reserve Bank of India RBI Assistant position offers exactly that opportunity. This comprehensive guide explains the complete selection process in simple terms that anyone can understand.
RBI Assistant Selection Process: Three Main Steps
The RBI follows a transparent, merit-based selection process with three stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
This is your first hurdle. The preliminary exam is conducted online and tests your basic skills.
Exam Pattern:
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Important Points:
- Total time is 60 minutes (1 hour)
- Each section has separate timing
- All questions are multiple choice
- Negative Marking: 1/4 mark deducted for each wrong answer
- You must qualify in each subject separately
- Exam available in both English and Hindi (except English section)
Stage 2: Main Examination
If you clear the preliminary exam, you’ll be called for the main examination. This is more detailed and comprehensive.
Exam Pattern:
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Key Features:
- Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Each section has separate timing
- Negative marking: 1/4 mark for wrong answers
- All sections (except English) available in Hindi and English
- Must qualify in each section separately
Qualification Criteria:
Approximately twice the number of vacancies are shortlisted from the main exam.
Stage 3: Language Proficiency Test (LPT)
This is the final step. The LPT checks whether you can actually use the local language of your state.
Important Details:
- Conducted at RBI regional offices
- Tests your ability in the official language of that state
- Mandatory: No exemptions given to anyone
- You must pass this test to get selected
- Failure in LPT means disqualification, even if you scored well in written exams
State-wise Languages:
Different RBI offices test different languages:
- Ahmedabad – Gujarati
- Bengaluru – Kannada
- Bhopal – Hindi
- Bhubaneswar – Odia
- Chandigarh – Punjabi/Hindi
- Chennai – Tamil
- Guwahati – Assamese/Bengali/Khasi/Manipuri/Bodo/Mizo/English
- Hyderabad – Telugu
- Jaipur – Hindi
- Jammu – Urdu/Hindi/Kashmiri
- Kanpur & Lucknow – Hindi
- Kolkata – Bengali/Nepali
- Mumbai – Marathi/Konkani
- Nagpur – Marathi/Hindi New
- Delhi – Hindi
- Patna – Hindi/Maithili
- Thiruvananthapuram & Kochi – Malayalam
Also Read: RBI Office Attendant Exam Centre List 2026
Reservation Policy: Equal Opportunity for All
The RBI follows the Government of India’s reservation policy:
Category-wise Reservation
- SC (Scheduled Caste): 45 posts
- ST (Scheduled Tribe): 56 posts
- OBC (Other Backward Classes): 71 posts
- EWS (Economically Weaker Sections): 37 posts
- General/Unreserved: 241 posts
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
- Horizontal reservation provided
- 4% of total vacancies reserved
- Suitable positions identified for different disability types
- Special provisions like scribe facility and extra time available
Ex-Servicemen Quota
- 4.5% of vacancies reserved
- Priority given to disabled ex-servicemen
- Second priority to dependents of servicemen killed in action
Preparation Tips for Success
Check simple tops:
For Preliminary Exam
1. English Language:
- Practice reading comprehension daily
- Learn basic grammar rules
- Solve previous year questions
- Read newspapers in English
2. Numerical Ability:
- Master basic arithmetic
- Practice time and work problems
- Learn percentage calculations
- Practice data interpretation
3. Reasoning Ability:
- Practice puzzles and seating arrangements
- Learn syllogisms and blood relations
- Solve coding-decoding questions
- Practice regularly
For Main Exam
1. General Awareness:
- Read newspapers daily
- Follow current affairs for last 6 months
- Learn about banking and economy
- Study RBI’s role and functions
2. Computer Knowledge:
- Learn MS Office basics
- Understand computer fundamentals
- Study internet and networking
- Learn about cyber security
Time Management Strategy
- Attempt easier questions first
- Don’t spend too much time on one question
- Keep track of time for each section
- Practice with mock tests regularly
Important Documents Required
You’ll need these documents at different stages:
For Document Verification
- Birth certificate or 10th mark sheet (age proof)
- Educational certificates (degree, mark sheets)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Ex-servicemen certificate (if applicable)
- Photo identity proof (Aadhar, PAN, Passport, etc.)
Caste Certificate Requirements
- Must be in prescribed government format
- Should mention caste name exactly as in central list
- Issued by competent authority
- OBC certificate should be non-creamy layer
- Valid for current financial year
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong category selection: Once submitted, cannot be changed
- Poor quality photo/signature: Application may be rejected
- Incorrect email or mobile: You won’t receive important updates
- Applying after deadline: No late applications accepted
- Not reading instructions: May lead to disqualification
- Providing false information: Cancellation at any stage
After RBI Assistant Selection Process: What Happens Next?
Check Below:
Medical Examination
- All selected candidates must pass medical test
- Conducted as per RBI’s health standards
- Failure in medical test means no appointment
Document Verification
- Original certificates verified
- Any discrepancy leads to cancellation
- All claims must be supported by documents
Joining and Posting
- Selected candidates join as RBI Assistant
- Initially posted in applied region
- Later may be transferred within zone
- Training provided after joining
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for multiple offices?
No, you can apply for only one office.
Q2: Is there any interview for RBI Assistant?
No, selection is based only on exam performance and LPT.
Q3: Can I appear in both Hindi and English medium?
Yes, except English section, all tests available in both languages.
Q4: What if I fail in one subject but pass others?
You must qualify in all subjects separately. Failure in one means overall failure.
Q5: Can I use calculator in exam?
No, calculators are strictly prohibited.
Q6: Is coaching necessary for this exam?
Not mandatory, but proper preparation is essential. Self-study with right materials can work.
Q7: How many attempts are allowed?
No limit on attempts, but you must meet age criteria.
Q8: What is the probation period?
Usually 1-2 years, during which performance is assessed.
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