RBI Launches Major Assistant Recruitment Drive for 2026 with 650 Vacancies
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has officially commenced its highly anticipated recruitment process for Assistant positions for the year 2026. In a significant announcement, the central bank has declared a total of 650 vacancies that will be available across its various offices located throughout India. This recruitment initiative will be executed through a nationwide competitive examination, marking a crucial opportunity for aspiring candidates seeking employment in the banking sector.
Application Window Now Open: Key Dates and Details
The registration process for the RBI Assistant recruitment 2026 commenced on February 16, 2026. Eligible candidates are required to submit their applications exclusively through the official RBI website at www.rbi.org.in. It is imperative to note that applications sent via any alternative mode will not be considered under any circumstances.
Important dates for the recruitment process include:
- Application submission window: February 16, 2026 to March 8, 2026
- Payment of examination fee (online): February 16, 2026 to March 8, 2026
- Online Preliminary Examination (tentative): April 11, 2026
- Online Main Examination (tentative): June 7, 2026
The 650 Assistant posts have been distributed across multiple RBI offices in key cities including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jammu, Kanpur & Lucknow, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Patna, and Thiruvananthapuram. The Bank retains the right to adjust the number of vacancies based on operational requirements, which may involve either increasing or decreasing the announced figures.
Eligibility Criteria for RBI Assistant Recruitment 2026
Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify for the RBI Assistant positions. The nationality criteria stipulate that candidates must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India, possessing an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.
Age limit (as on February 1, 2026):
- Minimum age: 20 years
- Maximum age: 28 years
Candidates must have been born between February 2, 1998 and February 1, 2006, inclusive of both dates. Regarding educational qualifications, applicants are required to possess:
- A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks (pass class for SC/ST/PwBD candidates).
- Proficiency in word processing on a computer.
- Competency in the local language of the state or region applied for, encompassing reading, writing, speaking, and understanding skills.
For Ex-servicemen, graduation from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification is mandatory after completing at least 15 years of defence service.
Selection Process and Examination Pattern
The selection procedure for the RBI Assistant recruitment 2026 will be conducted in three distinct stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Language Proficiency Test (LPT)
The Language Proficiency Test will be administered in the official or local language of the respective state. Candidates who fail to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the designated language will face disqualification from the recruitment process.
Examination pattern as per the official notification:
Preliminary Examination:
- English Language – 30 questions (30 marks)
- Numerical Ability – 35 questions (35 marks)
- Reasoning Ability – 35 questions (35 marks)
- Total: 100 questions, 100 marks
- Duration: 60 minutes
Main Examination:
- Reasoning – 40 questions (40 marks)
- English Language – 40 questions (40 marks)
- Numerical Ability – 40 questions (40 marks)
- General Awareness – 40 questions (40 marks)
- Computer Knowledge – 40 questions (40 marks)
- Total: 200 questions, 200 marks
Both examinations will incorporate negative marking for incorrect answers, emphasizing the need for accuracy and thorough preparation.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Prospective candidates should adhere to the following steps to successfully submit their applications:
- Visit the official RBI website at www.rbi.org.in.
- Click on the link titled “Recruitment for the Post of Assistant – Panel Year 2025.”
- Register as a new user to generate a provisional registration number and password.
- Carefully fill in personal, educational, and other required details.
- Upload photograph, signature, and necessary documents as per specified guidelines.
- Complete the payment of the application fee online.
- Click on “Complete Registration” and submit the application form.
- Retain a printout of the submitted application for future reference.
Candidates are strongly advised to monitor the RBI website regularly for updates concerning admit cards, examination specifics, and subsequent stages of the recruitment process. This proactive approach will ensure they remain informed and prepared throughout the selection journey.
