Best Books for RBI Grade B 2026: Phase 1 & Phase 2
Updated: June 2026 · By Ash K.
RBI Grade B shares Phase 1 books with bank exams but needs special books for the Phase 2 ESI and Finance & Management papers.
RBI Grade B has two written phases. Phase 1 is an objective screening like other bank exams, so the quant, reasoning, and English books overlap with IBPS and SBI.
Phase 2 is what sets RBI Grade B apart: Economic and Social Issues (ESI) and Finance & Management (F&M). These need dedicated books not used in other bank exams.
Treat Phase 1 as a qualifier you clear with standard bank books, then invest your real effort in the Phase 2 specialist papers where the selection actually happens.
🧭Reading order at a glance
🔢Phase 1 (Quant, Reasoning, English) books
The objective screening shares its syllabus with IBPS and SBI, so the same books work.
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations
Standard quant for Phase 1, same as other bank exams. Add Arun Sharma for tougher DI.
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
Covers all Phase 1 reasoning types with detailed solutions.
Objective General English
Standard English grammar and comprehension for the Phase 1 screening.
📈Phase 2: Economic & Social Issues books
ESI tests the Indian economy, growth, development, and social issues. This is where RBI prep gets specialist.
Indian Economy
A strong, accessible base for the economy portion of ESI. Widely used by RBI aspirants.
Indian Economy
More academic depth for the development economics topics in ESI.
Sociology
Covers the social issues portion of ESI that pure economy books miss.
💼Phase 2: Finance & Management books
F&M covers financial systems, regulators, and management theory. Pair books with current financial news.
Finance & Management (RBI Grade B Phase 2)
A dedicated F&M guide for the syllabus. Always supplement with RBI's latest reports and financial current affairs, as this paper is current-heavy.
🛒Buying tips
❓Frequently asked questions
Book prices and editions are approximate and last checked in June 2026. Confirm the latest edition before buying. This is an independent guide and not affiliated with RBI or any publisher.