Detailed Breakdown of the RBI Grade B DEPR Syllabus for 2025 Aspirants

If you’re aiming for the RBI Grade B DEPR 2025 exam, take a deep breath — you’re stepping into one of the most intellectually fulfilling paths in India’s economics and policy world.

Before you start chasing notes and books, pause for a second. Let’s really understand the RBI Grade B DEPR Syllabus — because this isn’t just a list of topics.It’s a map.It shows you exactly the kind of economist the RBI wants — someone who can think, analyse, and explain how the economy breathes and moves.

Once you see that clearly, studying won’t feel like ticking boxes anymore. It starts feeling like preparation for a purpose.

Why the DEPR Exam Is So Special

The Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR) is, in simple terms, the thinking arm of the RBI. Officers here study, analyse, and write about real-world issues — inflation, growth, employment, banking trends — and their insights directly influence India’s policies.

So this exam doesn’t reward rote learning. It’s about whether you can connect theory with reality. Whether you can take what you know from books and explain what’s actually happening out there.

If that excites you — the idea of using your knowledge to shape real policies — you’re already halfway in the right mindset.

Exam Structure — Know What’s Ahead

The DEPR exam has three written papers and an interview.

• Paper I: Economics (Objective Type)

• Paper II: Economics (Descriptive Type)

• Paper III: English (Descriptive Type)

Each one looks at a different strength.Paper I checks how solid your basics are. Paper II tests your ability to reason and write like an economist. And Paper III ensures you can explain your ideas clearly — because good economists are also good communicators.

Paper I – Economics (Objective Type)

This paper looks simple but can be tricky. It’s a test of sharp understanding — not memorisation. Questions are conceptual and demand clarity. Demand and supply, market structures, producer and consumer theory, welfare economics, and some fundamentals of game theory are important areas of microeconomics to concentrate on. Macroeconomics includes national income accounting, inflation, fiscal and monetary policy, and growth models. Econometrics: Time-series data, regression, hypothesis testing, and fundamental model interpretation. Statistics and Mathematics: Index numbers, correlation, probability, and optimization.

The best way to prepare? Practice.A little every day adds up. Treat every topic like a building block — understand one, then move on to the next.

Paper II – Economics (Descriptive Type)

This paper is all about how you think. Can you take an idea and build a convincing explanation around it? Is it possible to relate theory to policy? Principal Themes Indian economy: employment, fiscal management, growth trends, inflation, and reforms. International Economics: WTO framework, exchange-rate systems, balance of payments, trade theories, and India's trading history. Taxation, public spending, the fiscal deficit, and government budgeting are all aspects of public economics. Environmental policy, poverty, inequality, and sustainable growth are all aspects of development and the environment. Money, Banking & Finance: RBI’s role, digital banking, financial inclusion, and capital market developments.

When you write answers here, keep them simple and logical. The best responses are not fancy — they’re clear. Use examples. Mention current data. Link theories to what’s happening in the Indian economy. That’s what gets you noticed.

Paper III – English (Descriptive Type)

A lot of people underestimate this one, but it’s crucial. The RBI values officers who can communicate clearly and professionally.

You’ll be asked to:

• Write an essay on an economic or policy issue,

• Do precis writing, and

• Attempt comprehension questions.

Your goal is to write clearly and logically. You don’t have to sound like Shakespeare.Think of the English paper as your chance to show you can express complicated ideas simply — just like you’d do in an RBI report.

How to Prepare Without Burning Out

Preparing for DEPR can feel overwhelming at times. The syllabus is big, but here’s the truth — it’s not about covering everything at once. It’s about consistency.

1. Start from the basics. Rebuild your foundation if you have to.

2. Link theory to current events. Read about inflation, fiscal policy, or digital currency in real time.

3. Write regularly. Writing is thinking — it helps you understand better.

4. Stay curious. If a topic feels confusing, dig deeper. That curiosity will pay off.

5. Revise often. Even ten minutes of daily revision beats long weekend marathons.

Study smart, not just hard. The goal is understanding, not exhaustion.

Recommended Books and Resources

You don’t need a mountain of material — just the right ones.

• Microeconomics: H.L. Ahuja, Hal Varian

• Macroeconomics: Olivier Blanchard, Dornbusch & Fischer

• Econometrics: Damodar Gujarati, Jeffrey Wooldridge

• Indian Economy: Uma Kapila, Mishra & Puri

• Development Economics: Todaro & Smith

And yes, the structured test series and curated lessons from Arthapoint Plus are a big help. They keep you focused on what really matters.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Every year, even smart candidates lose marks because of avoidable mistakes:

• Ignoring current events and RBI reports.

• Relying only on coaching notes.

• Treating Paper III (English) casually.

• Skipping regular revisions.

Avoid these, and you’ll already be ahead of most aspirants.

The Interview – Where Knowledge Meets Confidence

The interview is not a memory test. It’s a conversation.The panel wants to see how you think — how you connect what you’ve learned with what’s happening in the economy.

Expect questions that start simple but lead into deeper discussion. If you don’t know something, it’s fine. Be honest, stay calm, and share how you’d go about finding the answer. That humility actually scores points.

A confident, thoughtful candidate always stands out more than a rehearsed one.

Final Words

At first glance, the RBI Grade B DEPR syllabus might seem heavy. However, when you break it down, it's intriguing rather than scary. Every subject gives you a better understanding of how the Indian economy actually operates. This syllabus will do more than just help you pass the test if you maintain consistency, read broadly, and maintain your interest. You will develop as an economist as a result.

Thus, study wisely, take breaks when necessary, and never forget why you began. The RBI will transform from your dream to your place of employment with the correct direction from Arthapoint Plus, perseverance, and consistent labor.