How to Start RBI Grade B DEPR Prep in College Without Hampering Your CGPA

Thinking about cracking RBI Grade B DEPR while still in college?

You’re not alone.

Many ambitious economics students dream of clearing this prestigious exam—but worry that preparing early might ruin their CGPA.

The truth?

You don’t need to sacrifice one for the other.With a smart plan, you can balance both seamlessly.

Let’s break it down step-by-step—because starting early is the best thing you can do for your RBI DEPR journey.

Why Start DEPR Prep in College?

Ever heard the phrase “strike while the iron is hot”?

That’s exactly what college is—a golden opportunity.

Here’s why:

• You already have momentum. You’re studying economics daily.

• You can build depth. DEPR isn’t just about clearing a test—it’s about strong concepts.

• You have fewer distractions. Real-world responsibilities haven’t hit yet.

And most importantly?

The earlier you start, the less pressure you’ll face later.

But What Exactly Is the DEPR Exam?

RBI Grade B DEPR (Department of Economic and Policy Research) is one of the most challenging government exams for economics graduates.

It demands:

• Solid macro and microeconomic knowledge

• Strong writing skills for descriptive papers

• The ability to apply economic theory to real policy issues

Tough? Yes.Impossible? Not if you begin right.

So How Can You Start Without Ruining Your CGPA?

Let’s answer the question that’s been bugging you.

How do you prepare without falling behind in college?

The answer lies in strategy over struggle.

Here’s a roadmap just for you.

1. Start with the Syllabus—But Don’t Memorise It

First things first.Understand the RBI DEPR syllabus inside out.

But don’t just glance at it—study it.

• Break it into sections: Micro, Macro, Stats, and Indian Economy

• Note which topics you already cover in college

• Highlight what you’ll need to do separately

This gives you clarity.

And clarity reduces stress.

2. Make Your College Classes Work For You

Are you listening in class just to pass the semester?

Shift your mindset.

Turn your lectures into RBI prep time.

Here’s how:

• Ask deeper questions—think policy applications

• Relate classroom theory to current affairs

• Use class notes to build your RBI foundation

You’re already attending lectures.Why not double the value?

3. Follow a 3-Hour Weekly Plan to Start Small

Worried about time?

Don’t start with 4-hour study marathons.

Start with just 3 hours a week—that’s all.

• 1 hour for revising a topic from college that’s also in the DEPR syllabus

• 1 hour for something outside college (like economic survey, or past papers)

• 1 hour for mock test or reading editorials

Sounds doable, right?

The key is consistency—not intensity.

4. Choose Guidance That Understands Both Your Worlds

This is crucial.

You’re a student.You don’t need a coaching system that piles more pressure on you.

You need a roadmap that fits your college schedule.

That’s why platforms like ArthaPoint’s RBI Grade B DEPR Coaching are so effective.

Why?

• Designed by top scorers who’ve been in your shoes

• Flexible classes you can attend on weekends or evenings

• Deep-dive sessions that overlap with your academic curriculum

The goal? Let coaching become your learning partner—not your burden.

5. Use University Exams to Reinforce DEPR Concepts

Here’s a smart hack.

Instead of treating your semester exams and RBI prep as separate journeys—combine them.

• Choose research paper topics that align with DEPR themes

• When revising for college tests, go deeper than required

• Use DEPR-level sources for assignments (RBI bulletins, NIPFP papers, etc.)

This builds your DEPR edge—without any extra hours.

Work smarter. Not harder.

6. Follow RBI Reports Like They’re Netflix Series

Think the RBI Annual Report is boring?

Not if you start reading it in small doses.

Pick one chart or table a week.

Understand it.Ask questions.Write your own 100-word analysis.

This trains your brain for:

• Data interpretation

• Policy thinking

• Report-writing (which is crucial for DEPR mains)

Remember: The more familiar you are with RBI language, the more confident you’ll feel in the exam hall.

7. Leverage Vacations for DEPR Mastery

Semester break coming up?

Use it like gold.

• Revise core economic theories

• Solve 2–3 previous year DEPR papers

• Build a project or essay on a current economic issue

The goal is simple:

Use free time for focused depth—so you can cruise through busier months.

8. Build the Right Peer Group (Even If It's Online)

Who you study with changes everything.

Find 2–3 like-minded people who also want to crack DEPR.

• Start a WhatsApp group

• Share RBI articles, paper analysis, or prep tips

• Keep each other accountable

Don’t have DEPR aspirants around?

Join a digital cohort through ArthaPoint’s DEPR Coaching.You’ll get access to a tribe of students just like you—committed, smart, and driven.

9. Learn to Say “No” to Distractions (Tactfully)

Yes, college is fun.

Fests, hangouts, internships, movie nights…

But here’s a reality check:

Every “yes” to distraction is a “no” to your future.

That doesn’t mean becoming a hermit.

It means learning selective focus.

• Attend events that add value to your profile

• Politely decline things that cost your mental energy

• Use tools like Forest or Notion to stay focused

Discipline doesn’t kill freedom—it creates it.

10. Be Honest with Yourself, But Not Harsh

This journey will test you.

You’ll fall behind.Miss study hours.Score badly in mocks.

And that’s okay.

The key is to stay honest with yourself—but not spiral into guilt.

• Track your time weekly

• Celebrate small wins

• Reflect monthly on what worked

Because motivation fades.But habits stay.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

Still thinking, “Maybe I’ll start in my final year”?

Here’s the problem:

• You’ll have internship pressure

• Job applications to submit

• Final-year projects

• And... little time for deep prep

Starting early isn’t a burden—it’s an investment.

One that pays off when you clear DEPR in your very first attempt.

The Final Word

If you’re in college and thinking about RBI DEPR—you’re already ahead of 90% of aspirants.

The only thing left?

Start now.Start small.Start smart.

And if you want guided support tailored to your college schedule, ArthaPoint’s RBI Grade B DEPR Coaching has your back.

No pressure.Just smart prep for students who want it all—a top CGPA and an All India Rank.

Ready to make the leap while everyone else waits?

The future economist in you is waiting.

Why not give her a head start?