Where to Download RBI Grade B Previous Year Question Paper with Solutions

The RBI Grade B previous year question paper is an essential tool in the arsenal of any serious aspirant preparing for this competitive exam. Whether you're just starting out or polishing your preparation before the final phase, practicing past papers helps you understand exam trends, question patterns, and difficulty levels giving you a clear strategic advantage. In this blog, we’ll guide you on where to find RBI Grade B previous year question papers with solutions, how to use them effectively, and why they’re a non-negotiable part of your preparation strategy.

Why You Must Practice RBI Grade B Previous Year Question Papers

Before we dive into the sources, it’s important to understand why solving previous year papers is so critical:

Real Exam Experience
These papers reflect the actual difficulty level, format, and time constraints you will face. No mock test - no matter how well-designed - can fully replicate this.

Identify Repeated Concepts
Over the years, RBI has repeated themes or framed similar questions in areas like Economics, Social Issues, and Finance. Recognizing these trends can boost your confidence and accuracy.

Improve Time Management
Attempting papers under timed conditions improves your speed and helps you develop a time-allocation strategy across sections.

Sharpen Accuracy and Minimize Guesswork
Through consistent practice, you'll know which questions to attempt and which to leave - crucial in an exam with negative marking.

Descriptive Practice for Phase 2
Past questions from English Descriptive, ESI, and FM help you understand the level of analysis and structure expected in written answers.

Structure of RBI Grade B Exam – Where Past Papers Help

Phase 1 (Objective – 200 marks)

1. General Awareness

2. Quantitative Aptitude

3. Reasoning

4. English Language

Phase 2 (Descriptive & Objective – 300 marks)

1. Paper I: Economic & Social Issues (ESI)

2. Paper II: English (Descriptive Writing)

3. Paper III: Finance & Management (FM)

Note: The descriptive element in Phase 2 was introduced in 2021. So papers before that will be MCQ-based, but still useful for understanding concepts.

Where to Download RBI Grade B Previous Year Question Paper with Solutions

Here are reliable and safe sources to access RBI Grade B past papers with detailed solutions:

1. Edutap RBI Grade B Previous Year Questions

One of the most reliable and exam-oriented portals for RBI aspirants. Here's what you'll find:

1. Year-wise papers from 2017 to latest

2. Both Phase 1 and Phase 2 question sets

3. Solved answers with detailed explanations

4. Descriptive writing samples for ESI, FM, and English

5. Free and paid access depending on depth

Why Edutap.

The platform is tailored specifically for RBI and other regulatory exams, making it a focused source.

2. RBI’s Official Website (rbi.org.in)

While RBI doesn’t release detailed question papers, it sometimes uploads sample questions, exam schemes, and official syllabi for different recruitment cycles.

Steps:

1. Go to: Opportunities@RBI > Current Vacancies > Results/Advertisements

2. Look for PDFs titled “Information Handouts,” “Scheme of Selection,” or “Sample Questions”

Limitations: Does not provide complete papers or solutions.

3. ForumIAS, Gradeup (BYJU’S Exam Prep), Oliveboard, Unacademy

These platforms provide:

1. Previous year questions as part of free test series or blogs

2. Some have discussions and video explanations

3. Useful especially for practicing MCQs from Phase 1 and descriptive mock tests

Tip: Use them for variety but always cross-verify answers, especially for analytical and descriptive questions.

4. Books That Compile Past Papers

If you prefer offline preparation, these publishers offer compilations:

1. Disha Publications: RBI Grade B 15+ Year Papers (Phase 1 focused)

2. Arihant Experts: Solved papers with brief explanations

3. Practice Sets from Edutap or Guidely (PDF form)

Note: Always ensure the edition is updated for the latest exam pattern.

How to Use the Papers Effectively

1. Practice in Exam Conditions
Simulate the actual paper. Use a timer, avoid distractions, and stick to the exam pattern.

2. Review and Analyze Your Mistakes
After solving, go back to each question and understand:

1. Why was it wrong.

2. What is the correct explanation.

3. Was it due to lack of concept clarity or time pressure.

3. Track Your Performance
Maintain a log:

1. Score

2. Time taken

3. Accuracy per section

4. Commonly repeated errors

This helps you fine-tune your strategy.

4. Integrate with Current Affairs and Concept Notes
For example, if a question is asked on Monetary Policy from a 2022 paper:

1. Revise that concept

2. Update it with the latest data/policy changes

3. Note how it could appear in descriptive format

Special Note on Descriptive Paper (Phase 2)

Descriptive writing (introduced in 2021) is where many aspirants struggle. Past papers help here too.

1. English Paper: Practice essays, précis, and reading comprehension from previous years.

2. ESI & FM: Write 600-word answers using past questions. Focus on structuring, data use, and real examples.

Tip: Practice 2–3 descriptive answers per week and get feedback if possible.

Examples of Questions from Past Years

Phase 1 GA (2022)
Q. Which organization publishes the Financial Stability Report.
Answer: Reserve Bank of India

ESI (Descriptive – 2021)
Q. Discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing digital financial inclusion in rural India.

Finance (Objective – 2020)
Q. Basel III norms are applicable to which of the following?
a) Cooperative Banks
b) Regional Rural Banks
c) Scheduled Commercial Banks
d) Payments Banks
Answer: c) Scheduled Commercial Banks

Mistakes to Avoid

1. Relying solely on coaching notes and skipping official material

2. Memorizing previous answers without understanding

3. Not adapting old MCQs to the current syllabus structure

4. Ignoring descriptive writing under the assumption that language alone will suffice

Conclusion

If you’re preparing seriously for RBI Grade B, solving previous year question papers is not optional - it’s essential. They show you where you stand, what the RBI expects, and how far your preparation has come. Start with free papers, move to full-length mocks, and gradually simulate exam conditions as the date approaches. And remember, platforms like Edutap provide all-in-one access to previous year papers, expert solutions, and descriptive model answers, making it a must-have resource for RBI aspirants.