The Reserve Bank of India recruits Grade B Officers through three cadres, and two of them are open only to postgraduates: DEPR — the Department of Economic and Policy Research — and DSIM — the Department of Statistics and Information Management.
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They carry the same salary and the same growth path as the General stream. Basic ₹78,450, gross approximately ₹1,54,936, and the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme that almost no other institution in India still offers.
They also carry a different eligibility bar, a different examination structure, and — significantly — what appears to be a different merit calculation.
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And there is an arbitrage in the eligibility that few candidates notice: the 60% graduation requirement that gates the General stream does not apply here.
The 2026 cycle notified 60 vacancies — 40 General DR, 10 DEPR and 10 DSIM. DSIM Phase I was held on 14 June 2026, with Phase II on 26 July 2026.
Overview
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cadres | DEPR — Department of Economic and Policy Research · DSIM — Department of Statistics and Information Management |
| Vacancies (2026) | 10 DEPR, 10 DSIM — of 60 total |
| DEPR qualification | Master’s in Economics with 55% |
| DSIM qualification | Master’s in Statistics / Mathematical Statistics / Mathematical Economics with 55% |
| Structure | Paper I (objective) → Paper II (descriptive) → Paper III (English, descriptive) → Psychometric Test → Interview (75) |
| Salary | ₹78,450 basic · gross approximately ₹1,54,936 — same as General |
| Attempts | 6 for General/EWS; more for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD where seats are reserved |
| Portal | opportunities.rbi.org.in |
1. The Eligibility Arbitrage
This is the point most worth extracting, and it is visible only when the three cadres are set side by side.
| Cadre | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General (DR) | Graduation with minimum 60% (50% SC/ST/PwBD) or Post-Graduation with minimum 55% |
| DEPR | Master’s degree in Economics with minimum 55% from a recognised university |
| DSIM | Master’s degree in Statistics / Mathematical Statistics / Mathematical Economics with 55% |
Read the General row carefully. It requires 60% in graduation — the bar that, as set out in our General-stream guide, excludes candidates whom UPSC, SSC and IBPS would accept.
DEPR and DSIM do not impose it. They require a Master’s at 55%.
The consequence: a candidate with 58% in graduation and a Master’s in Economics at 56% is not eligible for General DR on the graduation route — but is eligible for DEPR.
Note that the General stream also accepts Post-Graduation at 55% as an alternative to the 60% graduation route. The distinction is that DEPR and DSIM require a specific subject; General accepts any discipline.
A Conflict on DSIM Eligibility
Sources differ on the DSIM subject list.
One states the traditional formulation: Master’s Degree in Statistics / Mathematical Statistics / Mathematical Economics.
Another states a broader list: Master’s in Statistics / Mathematics / Data Science / AI & ML with 55%, or a 4-year Bachelor’s with 60% in related fields.
This is a material difference — the second formulation would open DSIM to Data Science and AI/ML postgraduates, and to four-year bachelor’s holders. Verify the subject list in the notification for the cycle you are applying to, as it may have been expanded.
2. What the Cadres Actually Do
DEPR — Department of Economic and Policy Research
The work: primarily undertaking economic analysis and research and contributing to policy formulation, alongside the compilation of data relating to select sectors.
In practice: monetary policy research, economic analysis and policy recommendations.
DSIM — Department of Statistics and Information Management
The work: analytical studies involving statistical and econometric models in the operational areas of interest to the Reserve Bank; development of methodology for measuring and estimating variables; and improvement of the database of various sectors of the economy.
In practice: the collection, compilation, statistical analysis and interpretation of all data relating to banking, corporates and the external sector.
Both are research cadres. They are not general banking supervision, which is the General stream’s domain. Candidates should choose on the basis of the work, not only the eligibility — an economist who dislikes research will find DEPR a poor fit despite qualifying for it.
3. The Examination Structure — Different from General
This is where DEPR and DSIM diverge most sharply from the General stream.
| Stream | Structure |
|---|---|
| General (DR) | Phase I (objective, 200 marks) → Phase II (3 papers: ESI + English + F&M, 300 marks) → Interview (75) |
| DEPR | Paper I (objective, Economics) → Paper II (descriptive, Economics) → Paper III (descriptive, English) → Psychometric Test → Interview (75) |
| DSIM | Paper I (objective, Statistics) → Paper II (descriptive, Statistics) → Paper III (descriptive, English) → Psychometric Test → Interview (75) |
Three papers, not two phases.
Paper I is Objective Type. Papers II and III are descriptive.
Candidates who secure the minimum aggregate marks in Paper I are shortlisted for Paper II and Paper III. The RBI Board decides the minimum aggregate cut-off marks.
The Merit Difference — Verify This
In the General stream, Phase I is purely qualifying. Its marks do not enter the final merit, which rests on Phase II (300) plus Interview (75).
For DEPR and DSIM, sources indicate this is not the case.
One states that the final merit is prepared on the basis of marks obtained in Paper I plus Paper II and Paper III plus the interview. Another states that final selection is based on performance in all three papers — Papers I, II and III — as well as the interview.
If correct, Paper I counts toward merit for DEPR and DSIM but not for General. That is a significant strategic difference: a DEPR candidate cannot treat Paper I as a screening hurdle to clear efficiently, the way a General-stream candidate can.
This is important enough to verify directly in the notification before allocating preparation time.
The Psychometric Test
DEPR and DSIM selection is described as: Online/Written Examination and Psychometric Test, followed by Interview.
The General stream does not carry this stage in the same terms. Candidates should expect it and confirm its weighting in the notification.
4. The Papers in Detail
DEPR
| Paper | Type | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Objective | Economics |
| Paper II | Descriptive | Economics |
| Paper III | Descriptive | English |
The standard is stated explicitly by RBI: “Papers on Economics would be of the standard concurrent with those of the Master’s Degree examination in Economics of any Central University in India.”
That is an unusually precise benchmark, and it is the one to prepare against — not a coaching syllabus, but a Central University Master’s paper.
Phase-wise content: objective questions from Economics in Paper I; advanced concepts including econometrics and micro/macroeconomics in the descriptive paper.
RBI’s own suggested reading for DEPR:
- Monetary Policy Report
- Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India
- Financial Stability Report
- Economic Survey published by the Government of India — past 2 years
These are the primary sources. For a research cadre, the institution’s own publications are the syllabus in substance.
DSIM
| Paper | Type | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Objective | Statistics |
| Paper II | Descriptive | Statistics |
| Paper III | Descriptive | English |
Content: objective questions from Statistics in Paper I; probability, multivariate analysis and stochastic processes in the descriptive paper.
The syllabus is set according to the role of the DSIM cadre — the collection, compilation and statistical analysis of banking, corporate and external sector data.
The English Paper
Common to both streams. “The English paper shall be set in a way so as to assess your writing skills, including expression and understanding of a topic.”
It is not a grammar test. It assesses whether a research officer can express an argument.
5. Language Rules — Read These Precisely
The language provisions are specific and cost marks when misread:
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Question papers | Set in Hindi and English — except Paper III on English |
| Paper II (descriptive, Economics/Statistics) | Answers may be written in either Hindi or English |
| Paper III (English) | Must be answered in English only |
| Interview | Candidates may opt for either Hindi or English |
The Paper II provision is genuinely useful. A candidate whose economics or statistics training was in Hindi may write the subject paper in Hindi. Only the English paper is restricted.
6. Salary — Identical to General
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic pay | ₹78,450 |
| Pay scale | ₹78,450 – 4050 (9) – ₹1,14,900 – EB – 4050 (2) – ₹1,23,000 – 4650 (4) – ₹1,41,600 over 16 years |
| Initial gross | Approximately ₹1,54,936 |
| Total CTC | Approximately ₹25 to 30 lakh per annum |
Salaries and growth paths are the same across all three streams.
Benefits are identical to the General cadre: Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, staff quarters or HRA at 15% of basic, full medical coverage for employee and family, concessional loans, LFC/LTC, and the Knowledge Updation Allowance introduced in 2026.
This is the essential point about DEPR and DSIM: you are not accepting a lesser post for an easier entry. Same pay, same pension, same ladder — a different department and a subject-based examination.
7. The Competition Arithmetic
| Cadre | Vacancies (2026) |
|---|---|
| General DR | 40 |
| DEPR | 10 |
| DSIM | 10 |
Ten posts sounds discouraging until you consider the field.
The 2026 cycle drew approximately 62,000 applications across all cadres. The overwhelming majority chose the General stream — as sources note, “most of the aspirants choose the General stream”, because DEPR and DSIM require an academic background in Economics or Statistics.
A DEPR candidate competes against Economics postgraduates. A General candidate competes against everyone.
Vacancy history for context: RBI has announced 120, 94 and now 60 Grade B posts across recent cycles — the count varies substantially year to year, and backlog vacancies from previous years are included in the 2026 figure.
8. Attempts and Age
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 21 to 30 years as on 1 April 2026 |
| Attempts (General/EWS) | 6 — candidates who have already appeared six times for Phase I are not eligible |
| Attempts (SC/ST/OBC/PwBD) | May appear more than six times where seats are reserved for them |
As with the General stream, an attempt is counted only when a candidate appears for the Phase I examination.
9. The 2026 Calendar
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Short notification | 28 April 2026 |
| Detailed notification | 29 April 2026 |
| Application window | 29 April to 20 May 2026 (6 PM) |
| General Phase I | 13 June 2026 |
| DSIM Phase I | 14 June 2026 |
| General Phase II | 25 July 2026 |
| DSIM Phase II | 26 July 2026 |
Note the staggering: the streams sit on consecutive days. Candidates should confirm their own stream’s dates rather than working from the General calendar.
10. Documents Checklist
- ☐ Master’s degree in Economics with 55% — for DEPR
- ☐ Master’s degree in Statistics / Mathematical Statistics / Mathematical Economics with 55% — for DSIM
- ☐ Four-year Bachelor’s with 60% in related fields — where the notification permits it for DSIM
- ☐ Class 10 certificate — age proof
- ☐ Caste / category certificate
- ☐ PwBD certificate, where applicable
- ☐ Eligibility certificate from the Government of India, for Nepal/Bhutan subjects
- ☐ Handwritten declaration
- ☐ Printed admit card and valid photo ID
11. Assessment
In favour:
- The 60% graduation bar does not apply — a Master’s at 55% in the relevant subject is the requirement
- Same salary as General — ₹78,450 basic, gross ₹1,54,936, CTC ₹25–30 lakh
- Same Defined Benefit Pension, staff quarters, medical cover and concessional loans
- Same growth path
- A far smaller competing field — Economics or Statistics postgraduates, not the general applicant pool
- Paper II may be answered in Hindi
- The standard is explicitly defined — Central University Master’s level, which makes preparation targetable
- RBI’s own publications are the primary reading — Monetary Policy Report, Financial Stability Report, Economic Survey
Against:
- 10 posts per cadre — a small absolute number
- Three papers, two of them descriptive — a heavier writing load than the General stream’s single descriptive component
- Paper I may count toward merit, unlike General — verify before assuming otherwise
- A Psychometric Test additional to the written stages
- Subject-specific — a Commerce or Engineering postgraduate has no route here
- The work is research, not general banking supervision
Recommendations:
If you hold a Master’s in Economics or Statistics, apply to DEPR or DSIM rather than General. Same pay, same pension, same ladder — against a fraction of the field.
If your graduation percentage is below 60% but your Master’s is 55% or above in the relevant subject, DEPR or DSIM may be open where General DR on the graduation route is not. Check the notification.
Verify whether Paper I counts toward merit for your stream before deciding how much to invest in it. If it does, the General-stream logic of clearing Phase I efficiently and concentrating on Phase II does not transfer.
And prepare against the stated benchmark — a Central University Master’s paper in Economics — using RBI’s own publications. For a research cadre, that is not supplementary reading. It is the syllabus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the eligibility for RBI Grade B DEPR? A Master’s degree in Economics with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognised university. The 60% graduation requirement that applies to the General stream does not apply to DEPR.
Q2. What is the eligibility for DSIM? A Master’s Degree in Statistics / Mathematical Statistics / Mathematical Economics. Sources differ — one indicates a broader list including Mathematics, Data Science and AI & ML with 55%, or a 4-year Bachelor’s with 60% in related fields. Verify in the notification.
Q3. Is the salary lower than the General stream? No. Salaries and growth paths are the same across all three streams — basic ₹78,450, initial gross approximately ₹1,54,936, CTC ₹25–30 lakh per annum, with the same Defined Benefit Pension and benefits.
Q4. How is the DEPR/DSIM exam structured? Three papers. Paper I is objective (Economics for DEPR, Statistics for DSIM). Papers II and III are descriptive — the subject paper and English. A Psychometric Test and an Interview (75 marks) follow. Candidates securing the minimum aggregate in Paper I are shortlisted for Papers II and III.
Q5. Does Paper I count toward the final merit? Sources indicate it does for DEPR and DSIM — final selection is described as based on all three papers plus the interview — unlike the General stream, where Phase I is purely qualifying. Verify in the notification, as this materially affects preparation strategy.
Q6. What standard are the Economics papers set at? RBI states that papers on Economics are “of the standard concurrent with those of the Master’s Degree examination in Economics of any Central University in India.”
Q7. Can I answer in Hindi? Paper II — the descriptive subject paper — may be answered in either Hindi or English. Paper III on English must be answered in English only. Question papers are set in both languages except Paper III. The interview may be taken in either Hindi or English.
Q8. How many vacancies are there? 10 for DEPR and 10 for DSIM in the 2026 cycle, of 60 total. Most applicants choose the General stream, since DEPR and DSIM require an academic background in Economics or Statistics — so the competing field is substantially smaller.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Vacancy numbers, eligibility, subject lists, examination structure, merit calculation, age limits, attempts, salary and dates are set by the official RBI notification and are revised each cycle. Secondary sources conflict on the DSIM subject list and on whether Paper I marks enter the final merit for DEPR and DSIM. Candidates must read the official notification on opportunities.rbi.org.in before applying and treat it as the final authority.