Which Section to Attempt First in RBI Grade B Phase 1 for Maximum Marks?

The RBI Grade B Phase 1 exam is not just a test of knowledge.It’s a test of strategy, speed, and precision.

Many aspirants walk in confidently, only to walk out confused.They knew the syllabus. They studied hard.But they didn’t crack the code—the right sequence of solving.

So here’s the real question:

Does the order of attempting sections in Phase 1 actually matter?

Absolutely.

And in this blog, you’ll discover:

• The smartest order to approach sections for maximum score

• Common traps most candidates fall into

• How toppers manage time like chess players—one move ahead

• And how the right RBI Grade B DEPR Coaching can sharpen this strategy even further

Let’s break it down.

Phase 1 at a Glance: What Are You Dealing With?

Before we dive into section order, let’s revisit the battlefield.

RBI Grade B Phase 1 Exam Pattern:

• Total Questions: 200

• Total Marks: 200

• Time: 120 minutes

• Sections:

  • General Awareness (80 marks)

  • Quantitative Aptitude (30 marks)

  • English Language (30 marks)

  • Reasoning (60 marks)

All sections are time-bound—but you control the sequence.

This is both an opportunity and a risk.Choose wisely, and you’re halfway through.Fumble the order, and time will slip away faster than you expect.

Start Strong: General Awareness First (Why It Works)

General Awareness (GA) is the giant in the room—80 marks.

It’s fact-based. You either know it, or you don’t.No need to waste time calculating or rereading.

So why attempt GA first?

• Speed advantage:You can fly through 80 questions in under 25 minutes.

• Low cognitive load:It warms up your brain without frying it.

• Scoring potential:Most toppers bag 50–60 marks easily in GA.

• No negative spiral:Even if you don’t know a question, you can skip or guess—no overthinking.

But here’s the catch:

GA is only easy if you’ve done the prep.Not reading the newspaper? Not following RBI updates?

Then you’re walking into a storm without an umbrella.

Want to sharpen your GK instincts?Then investing in expert RBI Grade B DEPR Coaching might be the edge you need.

Next Up: Reasoning (When Your Brain Is Fresh)

Once GA is out of the way, go for the second heaviest section—Reasoning (60 marks).

Why now?

• You’re still mentally sharp

• You’ve built momentum

• You’re not yet drained by math or vocab traps

What kind of questions show up here?

• Puzzles

• Seating arrangements

• Syllogisms

• Input-output

• Inequalities

Sounds complex?

It is.

But it’s also where serious aspirants pull ahead.

You can attempt 30–35 questions in this section alone if you're efficient.

That’s another 30+ marks in your bag—just from two sections.

Time taken? Around 35–40 minutes.

Still thinking of saving Reasoning for the end?

Imagine tackling a 4-variable puzzle when your brain’s already tired.Exactly.

The Middle Game: English Language (Quick & Score-Friendly)

English in RBI Grade B is not Shakespeare.It’s pattern-based. Predictable. And honestly, not too hard.

You’ll face:

• Reading comprehension

• Cloze tests

• Sentence rearrangement

• Grammar-based error spotting

So why place it third?

• Refreshes your brain:After GA and Reasoning, you need something lighter.

• Takes less time:You can finish this in 15–20 minutes if you stay focused.

• Can boost your total score:A decent attempt can get you 15–20 marks here.

Here’s a secret:Most candidates either underestimate English or overcomplicate it.

Toppers treat it as a fast scorer—not a drag.

And with the right comprehension and speed drills—easily covered in elite RBI Grade B DEPR Coaching—you can too.

Save Quant for Last (Yes, Really)

This surprises a lot of people.But leaving Quant for the end is a tactical move.

Here’s why:

• It’s time-consuming

• It’s mentally exhausting

• It demands precision under pressure

By the time you reach this point, you’ve already built a solid score foundation.

You’re not desperate. You’re playing it smart.

Now you can:

• Pick the low-hanging fruit (simpler questions)

• Skip the traps (like lengthy DI sets)

• Manage time more freely since you’ve already cleared the major hurdles

Even 10–12 well-chosen questions here can net you 10+ marks.

And sometimes, that’s all you need to cross the cut-off.

What About Sectional Cut-Offs?

Yes, every section has its own cut-off.And they matter.

But here’s the twist: they’re usually low.

So your aim should be:

• Clear every cut-off

• Maximize score in your strong areas

• Manage time like a sniper, not a spray gun

That’s why section order plays such a massive role.It's not about doing what feels good—it's about what gives maximum output for minimum fatigue.

The Winning Sequence (Tried and Tested)

Let’s summarise the best approach in one clean list:

1. General Awareness (80 marks) – 20–25 mins

2. Reasoning (60 marks) – 35–40 mins

3. English Language (30 marks) – 15–20 mins

4. Quantitative Aptitude (30 marks) – remaining time (~30 mins)

Of course, this isn't rigid.

But for 90% of serious aspirants, this flow:

• Keeps the brain fresh

• Reduces pressure

• Increases overall score

• Minimises silly mistakes

Try it in mocks.And when it starts working, make it your battle plan.

Bonus Tips from Past Toppers

Want to go beyond the obvious?

Here’s what past toppers say about their strategy:

• Attempt mocks with different sequences. You’ll know what drains you and what energizes you.

• Don’t waste more than 45 seconds on any one question. If it’s tough, skip. You’ll thank yourself later.

• Don’t let one section ruin your rhythm. Keep moving forward.

• Don’t aim for perfection—aim for selection.

These aren’t just lines—they’re mindsets.

And that’s exactly what premier programs like RBI Grade B DEPR Coaching are designed to build.

They don't just teach you content.They train you to think like a winner.

Don’t Just Study—Play to Win

The RBI Grade B exam isn’t just about hard work.It’s about smart moves, under pressure, against the clock.

You’re not here to prove how much you know.You’re here to outscore the competition.

So ask yourself:

• Are you using your strongest section first to build confidence?

• Are you burning mental energy on the wrong questions?

• Are you practicing the way you’ll perform?

If not, it's time to recalibrate.

And if you want a structured, proven roadmap from mentors who’ve done it before?

Then there’s no better place to start than RBI Grade B DEPR Coaching by ArthaPoint Plus.

It’s focused.It’s strategic.And it’s built for aspirants who are done with trial-and-error.

Final Thought: It’s Not About Luck—It’s About Control

Every minute in Phase 1 counts.And every section order decision can tilt the game.

The best aspirants don’t leave it to chance.They plan. They practice. They optimise.

So when the clock starts ticking…They already know their first move.

Do you?