How I scored 43 out of 50 in the RBI Grade B Interview
Standing in front of the massive Reserve Bank of India Office in Chennai is a truly humbling experience. You see the monochromatic behemoth and think to yourself, “What must it feel like to work inside this place?” This place, where countless policies of national importance have been dissected, where the finest minds of the country have charted out the economic & financial roadmap for the largest democracy in the world. Where the dreams of 1.3 Billion people must be nurtured and empowered so that they may realize their hopes and dreams. These were among the thoughts racing through my mind as I stood before this building on the cool, sunny morning of January 22, 2019. I took a deep breath and with a mix of adrenaline and trepidation, walked into the premises. I did not know then that the next few hours would enrich me with the experience of a lifetime.
First Impressions
I had reached Chennai (from my workplace in Karnataka) 3 days earlier and put up at a nearby hotel. I didn’t want to take any chances and be acclimatized to the city. Till 2017 RBI had been conducting interviews in each state Regional Office but due to certain complications stemming from a court case the 2018 exam was already delayed by quite a bit. I reckon that’s why they held interviews only in the 4 metros in 2018, all candidates from the southern states were called to Chennai. It’s noteworthy to remember that only 1 Panel conducts all interviews for RBI Grade B and the decision to narrow down the number of cities cut down on wasted travel time. The RBI Regional Office in Chennai is at Rajaji Salai near the Chennai Port. The security detail inside was quite impressive and all of the interviewee’s were handed Visitor passes to gain access to the main building. As we wove our way into the building through multiple metal detectors I met a couple of guys that I recognized from the Telegram interview group that had been kindly formed by one of the aspirants (it was extremely helpful). All of the men were in suits with the women in formal dresses/suits. On the way we passed by the Financial Gallery that had been inaugurated by Dr. Raghuram Rajan himself. The beauty and grandeur of the place can hardly be overstated.
The Financial Gallery, inaugurated by the man who inspired countless youngsters to pursue a career at RBI
Inside RBI Chennai
We were led up to the 3rd Floor and into a spacious Conference Room (see Floor Plan below) with a big RBI logo emblazoned on the wall. A young RBI employee (Assistant) and another older gentleman (Grade C Officer) informed us that the interviews would start at 9:30 AM. We were allowed to walk in the corridors and saw the RBI logo displayed prominently everywhere. It was clear to us that the people working there had immense pride for the organization. Tea was served and we were provided with multiple financial newspapers. We scoured each one for the top news items- China’s growth slowdown to 6.6% (lowest in over 28 years), May’s new Brexit deal with 3 sweeteners, the government’s propping up of NITI Aayog to set drug prices instead of the NPPA, IDBI insurance JV Stake sale etc. etc. We were then called for the biometrics & document verification one by one. Immediately after these were done the interviews began. We were handed the list and I noticed that I was to be the 10th out of 15 people to be interviewed that day (we were assured that marks didn’t play a part in the order of our interviews).
Floor Plan (3rd Floor)
Biometrics & Document Verification
Soon thereafter I was called for biometric verification. I went into the main waiting area through a big door made out of glossy, varnished wood (picture below). With ornate paintings & exquisite furnishings the place looked more like the lobby of a 5 Star hotel. Biometrics turned out to be a tricky affair for me with the TCS guy being unable to authenticate my finger print. I remembered that during Mains they had used a different device so when I suggested that he swapped out the old device for the new one and I got a perfect match. Phew! Soon I headed into doc verification that was being handled by a kind and aged lady. She was quite senior but had no airs about her. The process was completed without any hitch and she was patient and helpful with some candidates who had a few issues with their docs. However she reminded all of us that there was an ongoing court case in Delhi High Court and our final results would be subject to the verdict of the same.
Varnished door leading into the Main Waiting Area
The waiting game
We were struck by the politeness and grace with which we were treated. It was the first RBI interview for almost all of us and we had been sufficiently wowed by the aura of the place. It was like being on hallowed ground. Finally, the interviews began and one by one each candidate was called in. After months and years of preparation it was finally down to this. The relief on the faces of those who completed and walked out was palpable. Every person who came out of the room was hounded by questions from the others & everyone said the same thing: “Interview was OK”. Some were kind enough to tell us the exact questions they were asked- What is the current global growth rate? American growth rate? Top 3 developmental challenges in India? It was clear that questions were based on the profile of each person and were pretty unique. Finally, my name was called out.
I adjusted my suit and tie and walked out. My adrenaline was too high to sit on the sofas so I just stood there admiring the ornate grandfather clock. The watch showed 12:30 PM. The door opened and the last candidate gave me a smile as he walked out. The door was shut again. A few moments passed. The guard at the door gestured to me to wait. After what felt like an eternity the bell at the door sounded gently. The doorman nodded to me. I walked to the door and opened it with a smile. Showtime.
The Interview
The Panel comprised of 4 members (3 gentlemen – M1, M2 & M3 and 1 lady – F1). All of them were high level executives with the Chairman Shri. Amitabh Rajan heading the panel in the capacity of the Chairman of the RBI Services Board (RBISB). He was the retired Chief Secretary of Maharashtra. Later we found that some of the other panel members had served in various Boards and were highly respected dignitaries.
I walked in with (I hope) a confident demeanor and wished “Good afternoon” to each member.
M1 asked me to sit in a small chair directly opposite him. I thanked him and moved to the seat. 4 pairs of eyes pored into me and there was no furniture between me and the Panel. They could analyze my entire posture. No hiding.
As soon as I sat down it began.
M1: “You graduated in which stream?”
“Electrical Engineering sir.”
M1: “What were you doing since 2013?”
“I graduated in 2013 and got placed in TCS via the on campus drive. I worked there for 2.5 years and then resigned to join SBI where I have been working as a Probationary Officer for the past 2 years.”
M1: “Are you under training now? Is training over? What do you do in SBI?”
“Sir it got over last month and I’m a confirmed officer now but I am yet to get my next assignment. The SBI PO training covers a whole range of functions holistically over 2 years. I got an opportunity to work in operations for most of it but was exposed to personal segment advances at the fag end of the last year. I try to do the best in the role offered to me to create value in the bank.”
M1: “I am going to give you a topic and you have to speak on it for about 3 minutes. I want to see how you speak, your expressions, clarity of thought and understanding of the topic. The topic is why do you think SBI is lagging behind in customer service? There are a lot of complaints on customer deficiency at SBI, discuss & critically examine the issue in detail.”
“SBI is India’s largest bank and we have the largest deposit base of 42.42 crore customers and also the highest advances portfolio of about 28 crores. I agree that there are a lot of complaints on SBI customer service but this has to be seen in the context of our coverage. SBI is focused not only on being profitable but we have a considerable social mandate. The needs of customer service vary according to regions and the mindset of the customer. The modern definition of customer service has been seized upon by private banks which are more nimble and agile, however SBI has also made great strides. We were deemed to be an elephant but since Smt. Arundhati Bhatacharya’s term the bank has transformed and evolved. We have become much more customer centric. Shri Rajnish Kumar has carried forward the reforms and rolled out new Mission, Vision & Values for the bank. Our outlook is now to be the bank for a new and transforming India. While on the one hand SBI had the most number of banking ombudsman cases filed against it on an absolute basis, as a percentage of the total customers the number is much smaller. Also, SBI has done the most for financial inclusion which attests to the needs of every customer being attended to. We give loans to the biggest corporates and also attend to the LTI customers. I agree there is a lot more that can be done but we have made great strides in attending to every customer’s need.”
(On hindsight I should have started with what is customer service? Lets define it… what it is to a poor man and rich man… how serving customers differs from villages to the cities as expectations change- etc. etc. and then gone on. I didn’t elaborate on that fact, it could have been more interesting. Only afterwards did I realize that what I said was very traditional…)
M2: “Is there any regulatory body which oversees the customer centricity of banks and lays down guidelines that each bank must adhere to? What is the name of that body?”
“Yes Sir it’s the BCSBI, Banking Codes & Standards Board of India.” (Chairman maintained his poker face as M2 took over and started to drive the questioning)
M2: “Is it mandatory for banks?”
“No sir, it’s a purely voluntary code”
M2: “Yes. Do you know about the report published by this body?”
“Sir I am aware of it but haven’t gone through the report.”
M2: “It states that your bank is one of the worst when it comes to serving customers. You put across the case for your bank, but why do you think your bank is unable to excel in customer service?”
(The Chairman was looking straight at me so I figured now is the time to impress him, I’d seen a YouTube speech of his and so decided to bring that reference in)
“Sir, I’ve seen a speech by honourable Chairman sir where he speaks about how Gandhiji advocated for the fact that we must not be sanitary inspectors or lobbyists so I would like to neutrally explain this situation…”
(As soon as I mentioned this the Chairman’s eyes lit up and he seemed to be momentarily shocked! He looked around at others in the panel and they all exchanged glances- don’t know if this was negative or a positive…on hindsight I still don’t know if I should have taken that risk. Was it really worth doing or did the old people think I was being oversmart?)
(I continued) “…SBI faces a lot of big challenges, one of them is the slow adoption of digital modes of transactions. SBI was late to the party, although now there is a huge push to redirect the customers towards alternate channels. Also, SBI is now leveraging big data which it earlier didn’t do, it can help to streamline many issues. As per a Joint Parliamentary Committee report released a few days back the PSBs are suffering from a lack of manpower. By 2019-20 we are expecting over 50,000 retirements at SBI but the pace of hiring has not kept up leading to a shortage of manpower. Many branches are understaffed and this has led to a considerable problem in customer-”
M2 (cutting me off): “I do not buy your argument about lack of manpower. There are other reasons; we get far too many complaints since a long time about SBI staff behaviour.”
(Wow! He just refuted a JPC report! Bitter pill of truth? I was a bit taken aback and felt attacked. He was trying to make me fold. I kept my composure and went ahead.)
“Sir, sometimes it is also down to the fact that we are unable to spread awareness amongst the customers about our products. We have something called the CMS wherein any customer can go online and lodge a complaint if he doesn’t get the requisite service and such complaints are given top priority.”
M2: “It is not just about customers but your staff is also not knowing about many things.”
(There was no point debating this statement, he had me there.)
I nodded. “Yes Sir, sometimes the branch level staff is unaware of latest developments.”
M2 (immediately, without acknowledging my last answer): “You spoke about Banking Ombudsman. Do you know about a similar arrangement like this at the bank level?”
(Damn… what was he talking about? I had no clue!)
“Sir, the customer can approach the Manager and then he can write to the Regional Office.”
M2: “No, I’m talking about something else. Do you know about the Internal Ombudsman scheme?”
(Shit! I remembered reading about the scheme long back but didn’t remember details now…)
“Yes Sir.”
M2: Do you implement it at your branch?
“Yes Sir.”
M2: “How does it work?”
“Sir, if the customer is not satisfied he can approach the internal ombudsman.”
M2: “Is he the first point of contact?”
“No, he can approach the Branch Manager and-”
M2 (cutting me off again): “The staff needs to forward it to Internal Ombudsman, not the customer. I wanted to see whether SBI branch staff is aware of these things but it appears that they are not.”
“Sorry Sir, I was not aware of this fact.”
(Savage! He totally called my bluff & burnt me. This is why total honesty is paramount infront of the Panel- they are way too experienced to be beguiled by anybody. In September 2018 RBI had come out with the Internal Ombudsman scheme for all banks with >10 branches. Later I found it in my Phase 2 notes & regretted not having revised that. Do not make that mistake and revise your Phase 2 notes properly!)
M2: “Your bank is coming up with new things to attract customers, they launched a new app isn’t it?”
“Yes Sir, the YONO App. It has recently crossed 10 million downloads.”
M2: “Yes, but those are frontend. What are they doing to actually improve service inside the bank?”
(I was sick and tired of this topic but it just wouldn’t end!)
“Sir, at the branch level-”
M2 (shutting me down yet again): “Tell me w.r.t bank level not branch level”
(But isn’t it the branches that make up the bank?! The constant interruption to my train of thought was getting bothersome but I told myself that he was acting out the bad cop routine. I could not get agitated or riled up. I had to remain calm)
“Sir at the bank level we take care of the operational risk parameters to ensure a smooth service delivery. There is the ICAAP (Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process) as per Basel norms and also the RBI’s CRILC ( Central Repository of Information on Large Credits)”
M2 : “No, you are going to regulatory level. Think about customer facing aspect of it.”
(I started to speak but now the Chairman M1 chimed in, not to ask anything but to actually restate the things M2 had already touched upon. It seemed he was bored of the topic as well!)
M1: “There is an inherent lack of processes in PSBs, they don’t follow proper systems. The staff is also not aware of latest guidelines especially from regulator. (He motioned to F1 to take over the questioning)”
F1: “You mentioned in your biodata that you like reading books. What is the last book you have read?”
“I do what I do by Dr. Raghuram Rajan.”
(Everyone started laughing and exchanged amused glances. It felt like I had inadvertently cracked a joke!)
M1: “Arre, everyone is parroting the name of the same book, it’s the safest answer isn’t it?”
(Ugh. That was pretty rude- How was I supposed to know that others had named the same book!)
F1: “No, tell me name of some other book you read.”
“The Undercover Economist by Tim Harford.”
F1: “What did you learn from it?”
“For me as a non-commerce student, the book was a revelation of sorts. It is directed to the lay person and explains in detail how economics affects our everyday lives. It talks about scarcity power and how places like Times Square in New York or the London Tube can fetch exorbitant rents. The author explains how supermarkets place items on shelves strategically using behavioural economics to derive maximum profit from each individual who walks into the place. It analyzes perfect markets using Game Theory. It also talks about spectrum auction economics & how China grew so fast in so little time. On a broader aspect it talks about why countries are poor and why developed economies have democracies. The book made me passionate about economics.”
F1: “So are you fully focused on RBI? Will you stay or pursue other things?”
“Ma’am, it is my dream to work in RBI. If you allow I would like to tell you why I became so fascinated with central banking.”
(She nodded, so I went on. Everyone was looking at me keenly, my statement had piqued their interest)
“When I was working in TCS my clients were AIG, the American Insurer. We had the job of doing SCRs (Software Change Requests) for their website. In late 2013 we found that the documentations for each SCR increased tremendously. They introduced something called “Fed docs” that we had to fill up and present for each SCR, it became unbearable. I asked my Account Manager and others but no one could tell me why we had to follow this new, hectic system. It was then that I independently researched and found that AIG had been added to the list of SIFIs – Systemically Important Financial Institutions – AIG’s SII status was deemed by IAIS under the aegis of the Federal Reserve because of issues stemming from the 2008 GFC. I had an epiphany as I realized how Central Banking can impact lives, not just in 1 country but even halfway across the world. I read up about AIG’s role in the GFC, how it got an American taxpayer bailout and was rescued by the legendary CEO Bob Benmosche. At the time I was working in TCS the activist investors Carl Icahn and John Paulson had hijacked seats on the board and the current CEO Peter Hancock was wrestling with them to stop them from tearing the company into 3 pieces to remove the SIFI tag (In 2017 AIG finally lost the SIFI tag). Reading about these things I developed an interest in economics and finance and I left my job to join the financial sector with SBI. My ultimate dream was always to work at a Central Bank so I want to join RBI and add value to this esteemed organization.”
(Madam had a big smile on her face as I ended, the others appeared unmoved. The Chairman motioned to M3)
M3 (had been a silent spectator till this point): “You mentioned you are interested in economics, can you tell me why it is that countries with a lot of natural resources are found to be less developed than countries that don’t have those resources?”
“Sir, it is a classic case of the Resource Curse. It has been seen historically across the world that countries which are well endowed with natural resources see a lower level of development, lesser democracy and many other problems. It is due to these countries becoming too dependent on their 1 resource that they enjoy. It is also called the Dutch disease. Too much foreign funds flow into the country and it leads to inherent instability as seen in various crises. Countries with high resources tend to become rent-seeking economies instead of value creation economies. This is why Venezuela had its downfall as the high social spending programs of Hugo Chavez collapsed when oil prices fell causing a severe recession in the country with over 1 million % inflation. However, as we see in the case of Saudi Arabia if a country chooses it can make this curse a boon by divesting away from the primary resource like the Saudis are attempting to do now with the Vision Fund. So proper economic management is important.”
M3: “There is 1 more reason but OK.”
(I was confused when he said that. Perhaps he intended for me to dwelve deep into the forex issue and how high inflows can lead to a 1997 East Asian Crisis kind of situation?)
M3: “There is a mandate of the RBI that each bank must follow regarding customer service, it is prepared by regulator and banks need to design policies about it. Can you tell me what I am talking about?”
Sir, is it the Charter of Customer Rights?
M3: “Yes. Tell me each Right.”
“There are 5 Rights but I don’t remember them exactly right now.”
M3: “It’s ok, you can guess. What does the customer need? Think on that and answer.”
“There is a Right to Privacy, Right to Fair Treatment… Sorry sir, I can’t recollect the others.”
M3: “Ok, do you know there is something called the Right to Suitability? What is it?”
“Sir, this Right basically underscores the fiduciary responsibility of the bank towards the customer. So if a customer approaches the bank for a product the bank must look into the customer’s exact needs and find a suitable product for the same. The decision of which product to sell should not be based on how much profit or commissions the bank gets from the same, but on what product will serve the customer’s current requirement.”
M1: “Ok, you may go.”
(I stood up and looked around at each member & said the following:)
“Thank you everyone. It has been an honor and a privilege to appear before you today. Thank you.”
(Everyone had a slight smile, even the Chairman whom I could see from the corner of my eye as I left the room. I felt good. I had given it my best shot. But then again with these things you never know until the final results come out)
Total time spent in the room: 15 to 20 minutes.
The End
When you walk out of that interview room the sense of relief that flows thorough you can hardly be described with words. After months of sacrifices, hard work & dogged persistence when you finally finish it all there’s a sense of stillness and emotional emptiness. After the interviews we were handed the TA forms and instructed to head to the CES (Central Establishment Section) department. A kind lady there reimbursed all our travelling expenses. Everyone was deeply respectful to us, and we felt like RBI was full of genuinely helpful and nice people. Even those who did not carry their ticket only had to sign a declaration to be paid. In cash! We were handed crisp newly minted notes right on the spot. Then we headed to the 4th floor canteen (which looked more like a classy restaurant with teak wood furniture & the finest ambience) and were treated to a scrumptious meal. At the end we were probably sad to have to leave the place, but 1 opinion we shared unanimously- it had been the experience of a lifetime.
Expect the unexpected
The overwhelming theme for me was banks & customer management. I actually felt like a fool for having studied so much! I remember thinking to myself that even if I had given the interview in November when it started it would have gone the exact same way. Some were asked factual data, others were asked technical stuff while many others had totally generic interviews. I was ready with a lot of technical banking jargon and had memorized tons of financial data from SBI’s Annual Report. I pored over RBI’s Balance Sheet & knew all about the burning issues at RBI. None of that was asked. No question on why CRR was 9%. Nothing from RBI speeches many of which I had studied intricately. No Preamble. No RBI Functions. No economic data. I came back feeling like there isn’t any formula to crack the RBI Interview. You can prepare as much as you want (and you definitely should!) but what happens inside that room will surprise you. Just relax and enjoy the moment- it passes by faster than you’d expect.
Final Thoughts
I did not get selected in RBI Grade B 2018 and the day of the result was truly heartbreaking. Only a few of you reading this right now will find your roll number in that final PDF. The vast majority of us do not get into RBI. I hope you succeed but even if you don’t remember that it isn’t the end of the world. Not even if it’s your last attempt. It took some time but I got over it. Life goes on. I feel like preparing for RBI changed me for the better. There are other things in life than an exam. After all this is over think about yourself. You will notice a considerable difference between who you were when you started and who you became after it was over. While failure is painful, it might just be a stepping stone to something much better. Trust that the universe has got your back. You will be where you need to be. At the right moment in time. Thank you for reading and wish you all the best.
Subscribe to my FREE newsletter for Future Updates & exclusive Email Content!
Supriyo Panda
Originally from the City of Joy, now reside in Karnataka. Bengali by heart, Indian by choice. My love for writing is rivalled by my love for finance, economics, technology and business. Connect with me on Facebook
Not even for a second, I felt like I am reading the interview transcripts of an RBI aspirant!! Such was the flow and way of your writing sir.
Thanks Sourav!
Hello sir, just read your wonderful experience about RBI interview.
Sir for the preparation a right direction is the most important .As Internet is full of information ,how to utilise time for the preparation for this prestigious examination ?
Supriya I have a doubt. Do people from Tamil Nadu clear RBI grade B?😲. I am from T.N and unable to final even a single success story of aspirants who have cleared grade B exam. 🤔
They do. Don’t worry just prepare.
Ok done 😇
Hi Supriyo,
How do you write so well? How did you become so good at english reading and writing? Give me some idea to become good at this. I have read all your 7 Parts for SBI PO. It helped me a lot and it was also well written. Can you please elaborate your preparation of RBI Phase 2 like you have written for SBI.
Thank You,
Vips
Hi Vips,
Thank you. Everything is possible with hard work and time. It took me years to get to this point by reading 1000s of books, watching countless movies and TV Shows. To master any language Pick up any non fiction book and start. For the speaking part movies and TV shows are great. I will update about RBI Phase 2 in a separate post. Make sure to subscribe to my newsletter here and you’ll be the first to know when the post comes out.
Thank You Supriyo
You’re welcome. Hope you have gone through the new Post as well. You can find it here
Just found your Youtube channel today and came here. Reading this I felt like even I was there in every moment. Perfectly narrated. Great n all the best :))
Thank you for your kind words, Trupti!
Most RBI Interview transcripts seem bland and boring or they seem quite disconnected. It’s weird because the actual interview is SO interesting! It was my intention to write about this interview so that people who are reading this feel like they are there in the room with me. It should be interesting and make one inspired to go for RBI. So I’m super glad you understood it the exact way it was meant to be gauged. 😃
Good morning sir .
Sir English plays a very important role in grade B exam and this is the subject which looks like a low hanging fruit.
Sir I want to know how to start prep. for English in a daily manner.
It is. Buy a business newspaper (I recommend Mint) or get their app and go through it for 1-2 hours every day. Note down the new words you learnt in a diary. Every 3 days choose a topic and just write on it yourself. Watch business channels on YouTube or TV. Hold yourself accountable to do it every day.
Did 2018 RBI exam your last attempt? If not then why hadnt you sit for the next year.
Had you appeared for RBI grade B Phase 2 2019??
No
I know the following is deep down to your ability , but I was eager to ask you this…Why don’t you get a RBI Assistant job and further get a promotion?
not interested in assistant job brother.
Sir were your marks less in mains or vacancies are this less that even 43 out of 50 marks in interview is not enough? You are so knowledgeable and yet not selected makes me feel little bit demotivated because if you didn’t get it, how will I!
Thanks for this!
Hi Supriyo,
I was asked a question on the Dutch Disease yesterday by the Panel. I knew that only because of this blog. Your YouTube channel and the blog has helped me a lot.
Irrespective of the final result, I just want to say a big Thank You from the bottom of my heart. 🙂
Cheers!
That means a lot to me, Rajit. Your comment made my day 🙂
All the best for results, hope to read your success story very soon 🙂
The results came out after a long delay today and I scrapped through. Still think that Dutch disease answer was the game changer in the interview. But then, hindsight is always 20/20.
Forever indebted. 🙂
I am so happy to know this Rajit! Congratulations! You deserve it buddy! Wish you a great start to your brand new journey in RBI! 🙂
Hello,
When I was reading your transcript, I thought I was in the same room. You are really good at penning your thoughts down on paper. I think you should become a writer. I truly enjoy your prose.
That’s a great suggestion, Kuldeep! Maybe someday I will 🙂
Thanks for your kind words and for taking the time to read through my entire experience. Hope it helps you someday!
Hello supriyo.
I want a suggestion from you.
Supriyo I am getting problem in current affairs section.
Last year I used to make notes of current affairs on daily basis.
But after Grade B PRE result I stopped making notes .
Because it consumes my time in writing them and then I decided to read the monthly magazine from bankers Adda but facing retention problem though I am revising it but after some time it feels like it’s new and therefore I am confused whether to start making notes again on daily basis?
Can you tell me any method to solve this issue. Please.
Amazing write up.The whole post was so engaging. As someone commented above we could visualize the whole thing.
Thanks Vivek!
sir i want to prepare for rbi grade b but i have no idea how to start my preperation and what sources should i refer to what is the exact syllabus. in most of the books a lot of content is irrelevnt to the exam and i am unable to determine what i should study and what i should omit please guide me
check my RBI Grade B video it will clear all doubts.
Hello,
Thanks for all the efforts that you put in writing these blogs and inspiring people.
I have done my Economics Hons from Delhi University and currently working in MNC at a manager position. I aspire to become an RBI GRADE B officer. If I start now, would it be possible to be even close to crack the exam?
I have barely given any competitive exams before and I watched your video that helps me strategize my preparation. I am skeptical about GA part as I am too poor in memorizing the data and the “news”, “current affairs” have not really been my forte or area of interest. For GA, I barely understand where to start and how much to prepare?
Could you please answer my two questions in brief? I could really use some of your guidance.
Thanks in advance!
Regards
Himani
Yes absolutely. 5-6 months of dedicated study can help you crack it. Watch my latest GA video on YouTube you will get all the answers regd. GA.
Really, such a wonderful experience for not only you but also for us… By reading this… I even wonder how u gained this much knowledge and your English talking and writing…
U mentioned that rbi grade b interview had a experience that had changed you before and after… That touched me alot.. I was even thinking how much hardwork u have done for this…. Really great sir
I’m also wanted to prepare for RBI GRADE B but thinking of these questions that have been asked to u..I’m in fear…
How to improve English and what books you have read to gain knowledge.. Plss suggest us
Hi Kranthi, you can check my English playlist on YouTube it will help you. Books I have read many so I’ll need to make a list and will update soon. I wish you lots of success!
Thank you sir
Hi, Very succinctly written experience. Not sure if you’re still trying but I do hope you keep trying and eventually get through. With that kind of Interview marks, I believe you just need to emphasize little more on the Phase II. All the best. Hope to see you in RBI soon and when you do join, remember to remove the office pics and floor plans (Strictly not permitted as per RBI’s social media policy).
Regards
A former SBI PO and Current Grade B DR.
Thank you for your kind words & for the heads up, and many thanks for taking the time to read this 🙂
Sir i am a beginner from which books I should start my preparation for SBI PO 2021?
Please give some guidance 🙂
Check my SBI PO preparation playlist on YouTube.. have mentioned and linked to all books you need. Good luck!
Well written, truly inspired, highly motivated,
Thank You For Doing This !!
The real interview experience really ignites me to work hard. Thank you very much. I’m gonna write grade b in 2021.
Hi Supriyo,
It was a wonderful experience reading your blog. I am a 2009 Batch PO from SBI(Bengaluru Circle). The efforts taken by you and the interview experience was truly amazing. Regardless of not getting selected in RBI, I must say that the interview must have been a lifetime experience for you; those 15-20 minutes must have been one of the most precious and memorable experiences of your life. Your blog reminds me of my interview experience in SBI wherein it was totally different from what I expected. It is unfortunate(for SBI) that you have resigned. However, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours and may the almighty give you all the happiness. God bless you!
Hii Supriyo or should I call you Sir? I have a dream to work in RBI but after this interview experience I am totally overwhelmed. You have written it so so beautifully that even a non aspirant would love to have this day in their life. The way you write, the way you speak, the kind of passion you have and the efforts you put in everything is unexplainable. I adore you a lot. Thank you for motivating me and thousands of aspirants. I wish I too can experience this day in my life and I would love to share my experience to you.
❤❤❤❤
Thank you so much for your kind words Aakanksha. I’m glad you got some inspiration out of this, I’ll be eagerly waiting to read your success story! All the very best to you! 🙂
Hello Supriyo…I am amazed by the way you write👍..when I started reading the blog,I thought you would have been definitely selected but it was really heart breaking for me when I came to know that you wasn’t …I know it would be by a very small margin…felt sorry for you…this blog has literally grown my interest in RBI…Thanks for that ..
Thanks for your kind words Devesh, I missed it by 2.25 marks.
Supriyo, did you clear this time in 2019?
Supriyo, did you clear this time in 2019? Planning for 2020?
no, didn’t attempt. Not giving in 2020.
Ur a inspiration dada.🤗🙏🙇. Lot’s of love & tons of success to u.
#fromtripura
sir!! simply great explanation …:) and very inspiring too…
felt shocked when yu said yu had just missed by a meagre margin…
sir yu planning to attempt 2020 grade b exam???!!!
nope
sir when can we expect notification from rbi in 2020???
high chances are there, otherwise latest by Jan/Feb 2021.
oh hi sir, just read your blog… very useful for aspirants like us… sir some websites started giving 2021 MAY notification dates… will rbi grade b happen in 2020??? biggest query for many rbi aspirants…
yes it will happen but will be slightly delayed
hello sir, incase if they release notification by latest jan/feb… when will phase 1 exam will happen?
usually 1 to 1.5 months are provided between announcement and phase 1 exam date.
sir, will rbi notify exam dates for 2020 or they ll skip this years and follow previous mode of exam dates like the ones usually happen during april / may 2021?
the 2019 joinees are soon going to get their postings and RBI is hurrying the process now for their induction. From that I assume they want to conduct the next exam very soon, I expect notification within 1 month.
Hello Supriyo Sir! Just now, I have read your experience in the RBI Grade B interview. First of all, the way you have penned down all your experiences is really commendable. As I read each and every sentence, I felt like as if I were experiencing it. Do write a book sir. I am sure you are going to become a good writer in the future.While reading all your writings, it reminds me of Mitochandria. Mitochandria is the store house of energy but you are the store house of knowledge. You are such a gem of person. By going through the comments, I came across the comment of Rajit brother. I can really feel the joy you experienced when something we did is helpful for others. This shows the worthy of the content in your youtube channel as well as in the blog. Keep up the good work sir; Keep inspiring and informating us. My best wishes:)
Thank you so much for your kind words Aruna, wish you lots of success in your upcoming exams 🙂
Such a lucid and vivid share of experience, it made me more motivated to prepare for next stage of RBI.
Sir, I completed my MSc in 2018, since then wrote UPSC 2019, 2020 and reached interview stage both times. In 2019, failed to get a final rank and 2020 interview still pending. Meanwhile, hopeful and confident of clearing RBI 2021 (my second attempt after RBI 2019) Phase 2. Since I don’t have any work experience, if asked what I was doing post-MSc, what should be my answer? Lying before RBI board will be caught easily and I fear that mentioning UPSC might hamper my interview marks as they may think this guy will leave if he gets UPSC. Please suggest.
You can mention UPSC it does not really matter. They are bound to know it. You can be honest and say that I tried UPSC but could not crack for 3 years. Now I want to settle down and RBI is the best place for that. I can grow in my career and reach great heights. That is the best answer. If asked whether you will attempt again you can just smile and say that sometimes destiny has different things in store. Many of my friends got selected in RBI and gave up UPSC Prep, I realized that they enjoy the autonomy and don’t want to be a cog in the administrative bureaucracy. An answer like this will impress them for sure.
Sir i want to contact you regarding this year RBI grade b 2021 mock interview. please share details for the same
Please send me an email after registering from following link: http://eepurl.com/dqpNhX
Attach your bio data form and also let me know the date of your interview.
Sir I have registered on the above link as well as I have mailed my bio data to bankingbysupriyo@gmail.com.
Kindly guide me regarding the same
sure thing buddy I will check it soon. Remember to let me know the date of interview once you have it so I can prioritize.
Hi Supriyo ? I always followed your youtube channel from the beginning. Believe me or not, the only channel that follow for the bank exams is yours. Its because the way you speak is easier to connect.
was going through quora about RBI Grade B and say a RBI Grade B officer mentioned about you that your blog made him to ace the interview. So I suddenly jumped into your blog and man!!!! This is one of the best blog I’ve ever read in my life. Though I have read many good blogs, but none of them gave an immersive experience as yours. I felt as if I was sitting in the interview and each part made me feel that as if I am experiencing. Thank You so much for writing this blog and sharing your priceless experience.
But even though scoring whopping 43/50, why didn’t you convert ? Can you explain us, so that it will be useful for the upcoming aspirants ?
Hi Supriyo ? I always followed your youtube channel from the beginning. Believe me or not, the only channel that follow for the bank exams is yours. Its because the way you speak is easier to connect.
was going through quora about RBI Grade B and say a RBI Grade B officer mentioned about you that your blog made him to ace the interview. So I suddenly jumped into your blog and man!!!! This is one of the best blog I’ve ever read in my life. Though I have read many good blogs, but none of them gave an immersive experience as yours. I felt as if I was sitting in the interview and each part made me feel that as if I am experiencing. Thank You so much for writing this blog and sharing your priceless experience.
But even though scoring whopping 43/50, why didn’t you convert ? Can you explain us, so that it will be useful for the upcoming aspirants ?
Hey buddy thanks for the kind words. My ESI marks let me down I got very low in it. I would say from 2020 Interviews have become a lot more important because 75 marks is a lot. And make sure you mug up things, especially every detail about govt schemes, that’s the key along with a strong hold on current affairs. Good luck!
Sir were your marks less in mains or vacancies are this less that even 43 out of 50 marks in interview is not enough? You are so knowledgeable and yet not selected makes me feel little bit demotivated because if you didn’t get it, how will I!
My interview marks were not an issue, I scored very low in ESI. My mistake was not mugging up govt schemes. Those are the keys to ESI success so don’t make the same mistake I did and read every govt scheme from late 90s till today.
Thank u for the insight sir!
You nailed it, Sir