- educational institutiontips
- Jun 5
- 3 min read

Cracking the RBI Grade B DEPR exam requires more than just reading and preparation—it demands strategic and effective revision. With both Phase 1 (objective) and Phase 2 (descriptive economics papers) testing different skill sets, revising the right way is key to converting knowledge into results.
In this article, we’ll walk you through smart and practical revision techniques to help you retain concepts, improve accuracy, and boost your confidence before the big day.
Set Clear Revision Goals
Revision without a target is like a ship without a compass. Start by identifying what needs to be revised:
Core concepts from Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and International Economics
Formulas and diagrams for quick recall in descriptive answers
Current economic events relevant to Phase 2
Quant, English, and Reasoning basics for Phase 1
Make a checklist based on the syllabus and previous year questions. It helps you stay focused and avoid wasting time on less relevant material.
Organize Your Study Material
Having organized notes is the foundation of quick and effective revision. Here’s how to streamline your materials:
Concise handwritten notes or digital notes from your main books
Flashcards for formulas, definitions, and key economic terms
Mind maps and summary charts for quick visual recall
Error logs from mock tests so you don’t repeat the same mistakes
This setup saves time and allows you to revise more in less time.
Use the 3–1–1 Weekly Rule
Make a 5-day rotation out of your revision week:
3 Days: Revise core economics topics (e.g., Macro, Money & Banking, Growth theories)
1 Day: Attempt full or sectional mock tests
1 Day: Review your mistakes and revisit weak areas
Rotate subjects and difficulty levels weekly. This strategy ensures comprehensive coverage and boosts retention.
Active Recall & Spaced Repetition
Instead of passively reading, use active recall to test yourself:
Close your notes and try writing or explaining a topic
Solve short questions or fill in concept gaps
Attempt previously wrong questions again after a week
Use resources such as these to combine this with spaced repetition:
Anki flashcards
Self-made quiz notebooks
Weekly and monthly review cycles
This combination helps shift concepts from short-term to long-term memory.
Solve Past Year Papers Strategically
Past papers are gold for understanding RBI's pattern. Here’s how to use them wisely:
Attempt one paper weekly under timed conditions
Check recurring topics (e.g., inflation, monetary policy, external sector)
Evaluate answer structure and depth
Re-write a few answers to polish presentation skills
This improves familiarity and builds confidence for descriptive paper handling.
Simulate Exam Conditions
Taking mock tests in a controlled setting is essential:
Sit at a desk, time yourself, and avoid interruptions
Prior to the test, try at least five or six full-length practice tests.
Analyze results and maintain an error journal
Pay close attention to slow passages and common mistakes when revising.
This sharpens your decision-making ability under pressure.
Revise With a Focus on Conceptual Clarity
Memorizing won’t help in Phase 2. Aim for conceptual clarity:
Link theories to real-world examples (e.g., apply IS-LM to India’s monetary policy)
Use simple flowcharts to break down answers
Avoid jargon and write clear, structured responses
This clarity helps you fetch better marks in descriptive questions.
Use Group Revision Sessions
Studying with peers—online or offline—can reinforce your learning:
Discuss tough concepts and doubts
Exchange notes or mock answers
Explain topics to others—it strengthens your own understanding
Platforms like Telegram groups or forums are useful if you’re preparing online.
Final 10-Day Revision Plan
Your final days should focus on revision, not learning new content.
Phase 1: Focus on mocks, GA revision, and shortcuts
Phase 2: Revise 2–3 core economics topics daily
Write at least one answer every day for Paper II (descriptive)
Maintain mental clarity—sleep and rest are essential.
Avoid cramming and stick to topics you’re already familiar with.
Conclusion
Revision is the bridge between preparation and performance. With the right strategies like active recall, mock test practice, and smart scheduling, you can turn your preparation into success. Don’t let panic or disorganization ruin your efforts.
Also Read: https://educationaltips.hashnode.dev/how-to-balance-phase-1-and-phase-2-preparation-for-rbi-depr