My Experience with the RBI Grade B Exam 2019: Tips and Insights

For those who worked hard, the RBI Grade B exam in 2019 was indeed an awesome achievement. This article delves into the experience of a candidate who appeared for the exam and shares valuable insights that potential aspirants can benefit from. Additionally, it references the key points of several questions that were discussed in previous forums, including insights from Yagyavalkya Joshi and Sachi Singla.

Overview of the Exam

The exam consisted of multiple sections, each requiring a different level of preparation and approach. Here, I discuss my preparation and performance in each section of the exam.

General Awareness (GA)

The GA section often surprises candidates with its unique and varied questions. My expectations were high, as I anticipated questions on the Index Committee and GDP. However, the questions were mostly based on factual data and required extensive revision. Despite thorough preparation, the majority of the questions were new to me, but I managed to attempt 63 questions out of 80. The cutoff for GA was anticipated to be around 50 out of 100.

Reasoning

The reasoning section was unexpectedly challenging, a stark contrast to the previous mocks in which I had been scoring between 25 to 45 marks. Initially, I started working on puzzles but wasted precious time. However, I managed to attempt 27 questions in the end. This section required quick thinking and analytical skills, areas where I needed improvement.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

My nerves were on high alert when it came to the QA section. In my previous mocks, I had scored up to 23 marks, but this time, with careful time management, I managed to attempt all 23 questions accurately. The QA section was crucial and I aimed for 100% accuracy in this area.

English

The English section was quite straightforward, making it easier to attempt. Within 25 minutes, I managed to answer 25 out of 30 questions, giving me a solid foundation in the language pack.

Totals and Cut-Offs

Based on the level of the paper and my attempts, the overall cut-off was estimated to be around 110-150. Here are my individual section scores:

GA: 63 Reasoning: 27 QA: 23 English: 25 Total: 138

The performance in the exam reflects a mix of preparation, endurance, and a bit of luck. While I'm optimistic about my results, normalization factors and the scoring pattern can impact the final outcome. Nonetheless, consistent practice and a thorough revision of GA are key to success.

Preparation and Conclusion

The 45 days before the exam were intense for me. After the exam, despite the challenges, I was relieved to have attempted the maximum possible questions across all sections. However, I faced difficulties in the reasoning section. With the normalization from last year, where a score of 87 was achieved with 137 attempts, my performance will need to be evaluated against the new standards.

For those preparing for the upcoming exams, here are some tips based on my experience:

Focus on General Awareness to cover a wide range of topics. Work on your Analytical and Logical Reasoning skills to prepare for unexpected challenges. Practice Quantitative Aptitude questions to ensure accuracy in time-bound conditions. Assess your English skills and practice time management.

While the exam is a significant hurdle, with dedication and practice, it is indeed achievable. The RBI Grade B exam is a milestone in the career of many, and the preparation journey is both demanding and revealing of one's capabilities. Good luck to all other aspirants!