The RBI Assistant exam is one of the most sought-after competitive exams in India. Conducted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), this exam is for individuals aiming to secure a job as an assistant in various RBI branches across the country. The exam tests your knowledge in areas such as general awareness, quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and English language proficiency. If you want to succeed in this exam, the key is preparation, strategy, and using the best resources available. Here’s everything you need to know about the RBI Assistant exam and the best books you can use to prepare for it.
What is the RBI Assistant Exam?
The RBI Assistant exam is conducted in three stages:
The exam is designed to assess a candidate's aptitude, reasoning ability, general awareness, and command of the English language. Those who pass the Prelims and Mains are shortlisted for the Language Proficiency Test, which is mandatory but qualifying in nature.
Prelims Exam Pattern:
The Preliminary Exam consists of 100 questions, divided into four sections:
Each section carries a certain weightage, and the total time allotted for this exam is 1 hour. Candidates need to answer as many questions correctly as possible within the given time frame to qualify for the Mains exam.
Mains Exam Pattern:
The Mains exam consists of 200 questions divided into the following sections:
The total time for the Mains exam is 2 hours, and candidates need to answer the questions quickly and accurately to score well.
Language Proficiency Test (LPT):
The Language Proficiency Test is a qualifying test and is conducted after the Mains exam. The candidates need to be proficient in the local language of the state for which they are applying. If you are not proficient, you may not be considered for the final selection, even if you clear the Prelims and Mains exams.
Best Books for RBI Assistant Exam Preparation
Effective preparation for the RBI Assistant exam requires using the right books. These books will help you cover all the important topics and improve your chances of success. Below are some of the best books and publications you can use for each section of the exam:
1. General Awareness
To stay updated with current affairs and general knowledge, consider the following books:
General Awareness for RBI & IBPS Bank Exams by Disha Experts This book covers all important general awareness topics for the RBI Assistant exam. It includes information on banking awareness, current affairs, and economic developments.
Banking Awareness by Arihant Experts This book offers a deep dive into banking terms, operations, and regulations, which are essential for the General Awareness section.
2. English Language
For improving your English proficiency and preparing for this section, you can refer to:
Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) A comprehensive book for building a strong foundation in English. It covers all important topics like grammar, vocabulary, sentence formation, and reading comprehension.
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis A great book to enhance your vocabulary. It helps in learning new words, their meanings, and usage.
3. Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative aptitude is an important section that requires solid preparation and practice. Below are the best books to cover this section:
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Agarwal This book is ideal for mastering quantitative aptitude concepts, with detailed explanations and practice exercises for different topics.
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma It offers quick tricks and techniques to solve arithmetic problems efficiently, which is important for time management in the exam.
4. Reasoning Ability
Reasoning ability tests your problem-solving skills. The following books will help you prepare for this section:
A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Agarwal This book is highly recommended for building a strong foundation in reasoning. It covers both verbal and non-verbal reasoning with practice exercises.
Logical Reasoning for Competitive Exams by K. Kundan This book offers a variety of reasoning problems with different difficulty levels, which will help you tackle reasoning questions confidently.
5. Computer Knowledge
For the computer knowledge section, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of basic computer concepts. Here are the best books:
Computer Awareness by R. Pillai and S. Agarwal This book covers all aspects of computer knowledge, including hardware, software, and basic operations.
Computer Knowledge for Banking Exams by Disha Experts It is a perfect book for brushing up on computer knowledge in a simplified manner, including topics like MS Office, internet basics, and computer terminologies.
Recommended Publication Names
Here are some reputable publishing houses that offer excellent study materials for the RBI Assistant exam:
Arihant Publications
Arihant is one of the leading publishers for competitive exam preparation in India. They offer a range of books that cover all sections of the RBI Assistant exam. Their books are well-structured, easy to understand, and widely used by aspirants.
Disha Publications
Disha Publications is another reliable source for exam preparation books. Their books are designed to cater to the needs of competitive exam aspirants, offering both theoretical content and practice questions.
Oswal Publishers
Oswal Publishers is well-known for their exam-specific books and practice sets. They offer books for banking exams, including RBI Assistant, that are tailored to the latest exam patterns.
S. Chand Publications
S. Chand is a trusted name in the educational publishing sector. Their books cover a variety of competitive exams and offer in-depth explanations and ample practice material for the RBI Assistant exam.
Target Publications
Target Publications offers high-quality books that are designed specifically for competitive exams. Their books cover all subjects required for the RBI Assistant exam and offer plenty of practice questions to enhance your problem-solving skills.
FAQ Section
1. What is the eligibility for the RBI Assistant exam?
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. The minimum age is 20 years, and the maximum age is 28 years. Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories.
2. What is the selection process for RBI Assistant?
The selection process includes three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Language Proficiency Test (LPT). Candidates who qualify the Prelims and Mains are eligible for the LPT.
3. What is the difficulty level of the RBI Assistant exam?
The difficulty level of the RBI Assistant exam is considered moderate. It requires consistent practice and thorough knowledge of the topics covered in the syllabus.
4. How can I improve my speed for the exam?
To improve your speed, practice regularly with time-bound mock tests. Focus on improving your time management skills, and make sure you are aware of shortcuts and tricks for solving questions quickly.
5. Is there negative marking in the RBI Assistant exam?
Yes, there is negative marking. For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks are deducted from your score.
Final Tips for Exam Preparation
Start Early
Give yourself ample time to prepare for the exam. The earlier you start, the more time you have to revise and practice.
Follow a Study Plan
Make a daily study plan and stick to it. Prioritize topics based on their importance and difficulty level.
Practice Mock Tests
Regularly take mock tests to improve your time management and get used to the exam pattern.
Revise Regularly
Revising the topics you’ve studied is crucial to ensure you retain the information for the exam.
Stay Updated
Read newspapers and watch the news to stay informed about current affairs and banking developments.
By following these tips and using the best books mentioned above, you can maximize your chances of success in the RBI Assistant exam. Keep your focus, practice consistently, and stay confident.
