Can You Crack RBI Grade B DEPR Without a Background in Economics?
- ArthaPoint
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
You’ve probably heard it before: RBI Grade B DEPR is only for students with a strong background in economics or finance. Engineering? Commerce? No chance—right?
Not quite.
Let’s slow down and look at the real picture.
It’s a Common Question. For a Good Reason.
Every year, bright, hardworking students from fields like engineering, statistics, or business eye the DEPR post. But many of them hesitate. The moment they see terms like “econometrics” or “macroeconomic modelling,” they freeze.
Why?
Because we’ve been made to believe that only economics graduates belong here.
That’s just not true.
What RBI Actually Wants From You
RBI doesn’t ask for a PhD. Nor do they require five years of formal economics study.
What they expect is clarity.
You should:
Understand how economic systems work
Know how to interpret trends, policies, and data
Be able to apply concepts—not just quote definitions
Whether you picked up economics in college or on your own, it doesn’t matter. What matters is whether you can demonstrate understanding.
So, What's in the Syllabus?
You’ve heard it’s vast—and it is.
But if you're serious about the exam, the RBI Grade B DEPR syllabus is your first friend, not your enemy.
Here’s what it broadly includes:
Microeconomics – Basic and advanced models
Macroeconomics – Growth, inflation, monetary tools
Indian Economy – Reforms, development, sectoral analysis
International Economics – Trade, balance of payments, exchange rate
Statistics and Econometrics – Regression, testing, data analysis
Mathematical Economics – Optimisation, algebra, some calculus
Looks like a lot?
Sure. But it’s nothing you can’t tackle with structure and time.
Where Do You Start if You Haven’t Studied Economics Before?
That’s the big question.
Step one—don’t panic. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to start at the right point.
Forget the heavy textbooks for now.
Start here:
NCERT Economics (Class 11 and 12) – Extremely useful, even underrated
“Principles of Economics” by Mankiw – A clean introduction
“Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh – Great for understanding policy
You're not aiming for academic mastery. You're aiming for working knowledge with strong application.
What Does the Exam Look Like?
RBI DEPR selection is split into three papers.
Here’s how it unfolds:
PHASE 1
Paper I – Objective (Economics)
Concepts tested directly
Numerical and theory mix
Speed and clarity matter
Paper II – Descriptive (Economics)
Deeper understanding tested
You need to write answers
Questions based on real scenarios, policy-related topics
PHASE 2
Paper III – Descriptive (Economicsnglish)
Microeconomic & MacroeconomicsOften neglected—but high scoring
Check academic preparation in these two subjectsEssays, précis, comprehension
Helps in understanding the scope and depth expected from candidateslevel the playing field if economics isn’t your strength
Paper II – Descriptive (Economics)
Quantitative Methods in Economics & Indian Economy
To equip students with analytical tools to model economic behavior and verify theories
Prepares candidates for data interpretation, model building, and research
Does Coaching Help?
It can, but only if it’s focused.
Generic UPSC or economics coaching won’t do.
What you need is:
A course that covers every section of the DEPR syllabus
Teachers who explain concepts simply
Mock tests with feedback
Regular answer writing practice
There’s no need to chase fancy jargon. You need solid fundamentals and a clear writing style.
What’s the Ideal Study Approach?
There’s no perfect routine, but a smart structure helps.
If you’re just beginning:
Spend 1.5–2 hours a day on core economics
Use an hour to revise graphs or solve simple numericals
Practice writing short answers every two days
Keep weekends for mock papers or reading reports
Avoid cramming. Build gradually. The goal isn’t to study everything—it’s to retain what matters.
But What If You Start Doubting Yourself?
It’ll happen.
You’ll meet students from top econ colleges. You’ll see people referencing research papers you’ve never heard of.
Here’s the thing: most of them are struggling too.
This isn’t about being the smartest in the room. It’s about staying consistent, learning daily, and building confidence piece by piece.
Mistakes to Avoid Early On
A lot of students waste their first few months. Here’s how you can avoid that:
Don’t skip descriptive writing practice.This is where you show RBI how you think.
Don’t hoard study material.Three core books and one mock test source are enough.
Don’t ignore current economic affairs.Budget, Monetary Policy Reports, and Economic Survey matter.
But Is One Year Enough?
Absolutely.
In fact, many aspirants clear it in 8 to 10 months of serious prep. Even while working or studying.
What matters is:
How consistent you are
How well you understand the concepts
How much time you give to revision and mocks
It’s not about long hours. It’s about focused hours.
Should You Really Attempt If You’re from a Non-Eco Background?
Here’s the honest answer:
If you're willing to put in the effort, you absolutely should.
A degree in economics doesn’t guarantee success in this exam.
But discipline, focus, and structure often do.
So yes, commerce grads, engineers, and even law students crack DEPR. Every year. Quietly. Without big coaching tags or flashy resumes.
How to Build Momentum?
Feeling overwhelmed in month one is normal.
But things start clicking when:
You revisit the same concept three or four times
You explain a macro model in your own words
You write a descriptive answer without looking at notes
You read an RBI bulletin and actually understand what’s being said
These small wins add up.
And before you know it, you’re no longer the outsider—you’re in the race.
Final Thoughts
RBI Grade B DEPR is not reserved for economists.
It’s built for thinkers.
If you can break down a policy, connect dots in the economy, and express yourself with logic—RBI will take notice.
Don’t let your academic background hold you back. Your willingness to learn is far more important.
So, can you crack DEPR without economics?
Yes.
Not easily. But definitely.
Start slow. Build smart. Finish strong.
Know What You're Signing Up For
If you're serious, begin by going through the RBI Grade B DEPR syllabus. Read it top to bottom. Understand what each term means. See where your gaps are.
The more clarity you have at the start, the better your prep will go.
Don’t prepare blindly. Prepare with purpose.
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