UPSC Economics Optional Coaching vs RBI Grade B Coaching – Which One First?

Choosing between UPSC Economics Optional Coaching and RBI Grade B preparation is no easy task. Both demand serious commitment, intense focus, and a clear sense of purpose.

But let’s be honest—You only have so many hours in a day.So, where do you begin?

If you’re stuck between these two career-defining choices, you’re not alone. Thousands of aspirants ask the same question each year.

Let’s break it down step by step.Not with theories.But with real reasoning.

First Things First—What’s the Endgame?

Before anything else, ask yourself:

• Do you want to become an IAS officer driving policy change?

• Or do you see yourself analysing India’s economy at the RBI?

One is administrative.The other is regulatory.Both are prestigious.But their paths are very different.

UPSC: A Test of Breadth and Depth

The UPSC exam isn’t just about Economics. It’s about everything—from ethics to environment.

And if you’ve chosen Economics Optional, you’re already narrowing your focus. That’s where UPSC Economics Optional Classes can give you a clear academic edge.

Why?

Because optional papers make or break your UPSC score.And Economics isn’t easy to self-study at this level.

RBI Grade B: Precision over Breadth

In contrast, RBI Grade B is sharper. Focused.No essay-writing. No General Studies.But the Economics? Much deeper.

Especially in the DEPR stream, you’ll need to tackle graduate and postgrad-level topics.

Still thinking, “Which should I start with?”

Let’s weigh the demands.

Exam Pattern Comparison – It’s Not Apples to Apples

Let’s look at both exams side-by-side.

UPSC (with Economics Optional)

• 3 levels: Prelims, Mains, Interview

• Prelims: General Studies + CSAT

• Mains: 9 papers (includes Essay + 2 papers of Economics Optional)

• Interview: Personality Test

• Economics Optional Topics: Micro, Macro, Public Finance, Development Economics, International Trade, Growth Models

RBI Grade B (General or DEPR)

• 3 phases: Phase I (Objective), Phase II (Descriptive), Interview

• Phase I: General Awareness, English, Quant, Reasoning

• Phase II (DEPR): Economics Papers + English Writing

• Interview: Highly technical

Spot the difference?

UPSC tests your ability to think broadly.RBI tests how well you know economics—really know it.

So here comes the real question—

Which One Builds a Better Foundation for the Other?

Let’s flip the usual approach.

Instead of asking which is easier…Ask: Which coaching will lay a stronger groundwork for both?

Start with UPSC Economics Optional Coaching If…

• You want to build strong theory first.

• You’re aiming at both UPSC and RBI in parallel.

• You struggle with conceptual clarity in macro or public finance.

Coaching for Economics Optional introduces you to rigorous models.You study welfare economics, IS-LM, Solow Growth, and more.

This knowledge transitions beautifully into RBI Grade B DEPR prep later.

Still wondering how?

Because RBI expects postgrad-level depth.UPSC Economics Optional already covers 70% of that.

Think of it as a head start.

Or, Should You Start with RBI Prep?

Yes, in some cases, starting with RBI makes perfect sense.

Start with RBI Grade B Coaching If…

• You're short on time and want a job quickly.

• You're confident with Math and Quant.

• You're not sure if you want to commit to the UPSC grind yet.

RBI can give you a prestigious role—faster.You get a job. Experience. Financial security.

Then later, if UPSC still calls you, you return to it with maturity and perspective.

But there’s a catch.

UPSC Prep Demands Full Immersion

You can’t “part-time” UPSC.Especially not with Economics Optional.

That’s where structured learning helps.

Institutes like Arthapoint provide specialised UPSC Economics Optional Classes tailored for students from both economics and non-economics backgrounds.

The coaching dives deep into:

• Dynamic models

• Keynesian analysis

• Trade Theories

• Game Theory

• Public Goods and Externalities

These aren’t topics you casually Google.They need layered understanding.And that takes time.

So if UPSC is your long-term dream, it makes sense to begin here.

What About Overlap? Can You Prepare Together?

Many students try.

Some succeed.Most burn out.

Why?

Because the exam tempo is different.

• UPSC needs long-term consistency.

• RBI needs razor-sharp speed and analysis.

But here’s where it gets interesting.

What Topics Overlap?

• National Income Accounting

• Inflation & Unemployment

• Monetary & Fiscal Policy

• Balance of Payments

• IS-LM and AS-AD Models

• Growth Theories (Solow, Harrod-Domar)

If you're smart about it, this overlap becomes an asset.

But only if your basics are rock solid.

That’s why some aspirants start with UPSC Economics Optional Coaching, then adapt their knowledge for RBI-style MCQs and descriptive answers.

It’s like learning classical music before performing a fusion gig.

Get the base right.Then remix it.

Timeframe – How Much Time Do You Have?

Time is a currency.So, let’s talk timelines.

UPSC Prep Timeline:

• Prelims to Interview: 12–18 months

• Optional Subject Mastery: At least 6–8 months of focused coaching

• Revision + Mock Tests: 3–4 months minimum

RBI Prep Timeline:

• Entire cycle: 6–9 months

• Economics Theory + MCQs: 4–5 months

• Descriptive writing + speed practice: 2 months

So if you’re in your final year of graduation, starting with UPSC gives you more leverage.

But if you're a postgrad looking to enter the workforce quickly, RBI is a pragmatic first move.

Your Academic Background Matters More Than You Think

Let’s not ignore this.

Are you from an Economics background?Have you studied Micro and Macro already?

If Yes:

• You’ll thrive in UPSC Economics Optional.

• You’ll be comfortable with RBI DEPR-level questions.

If No:

• Start with a coaching program that bridges the basics.

• Don’t rush into RBI DEPR directly. The technical bar is too high.

• Consider writing RBI Grade B (General) first, then specialise.

What About Career Security?

Let’s talk real life.

• UPSC offers power, responsibility, and impact.

• But it’s a gamble. Fewer seats. More uncertainty.

• You may take 2–3 attempts to clear it.

• RBI Grade B offers stability.

• The role is respected, technical, and well-paying.

• Even if you miss UPSC later, you won’t feel “left behind.”

So, what’s the ideal path?

Smart Path Strategy: A Suggested Roadmap

If you're still unsure, here’s a plan many toppers recommend:

Step 1: Start with UPSC Economics Optional Coaching

• Build strong theory.

• Understand complex models.

• Gain a deeper academic grip on Economics.

Step 2: Use That Foundation to Prepare for RBI Grade B

• Tweak your answers to fit RBI’s descriptive format.

• Focus on MCQ speed and writing accuracy.

• Practice with RBI-style mocks.

Step 3: Attempt Both Strategically

• Target UPSC Prelims and Mains in one year.

• Attempt RBI the same year or the next with prepared fundamentals.

This dual approach is intense.But possible—if guided well.

Final Verdict: Which Coaching Should Come First?

Let’s not overthink.

Ask yourself:

• Want to master Economics and keep both doors open? → Start with UPSC Economics Optional Classes.

• Want quick job security and see if civil services suit you later? → Begin with RBI.

But if your heart says UPSC—don’t delay.The learning curve is long.Start early, and build deep.

Because in both exams, clarity beats cramming.And strategy beats stress.

Still Confused?

You don’t need to decide everything today.But you do need to start somewhere.

A clear foundation in Economics will serve you no matter what.

So why not begin with structured coaching that simplifies complex ideas and aligns with both exams?

Visit Arthapoint Plus to explore personalised UPSC Economics Optional Classes designed for students like you.

Whether your path leads to LBSNAA or Mint Road—It all begins with smart, focused preparation.

Ready to make that first move?