Introduction
The RBI Grade B Phase II examination is one of the most challenging yet rewarding milestones for aspirants aiming for a prestigious career in the Reserve Bank of India. Among the three papers, Economic and Social Issues (ESI) stands out for its dynamic blend of static knowledge, applied concepts, and current affairs.
In 2024, the descriptive ESI paper tested candidates’ understanding of critical socio-economic challenges, policy reforms, and technological disruptions shaping India’s future. The pattern reinforces the need to go beyond rote learning and demonstrate analytical clarity, structured writing, and awareness of real-world issues.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the descriptive ESI section from RBI Grade B 2024, along with insights for 2025 aspirants.
Exam Pattern for Descriptive ESI
- Paper-I (Economic and Social Issues)
- Objective Type: 30 minutes, 50 marks
- Descriptive Type: 90 minutes, 50 marks
- Total: 120 minutes, 100 marks
Candidates had to type answers on screen, testing both conceptual clarity and time management.
RBI Grade B – Descriptive ESI Exam Pattern
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 6 descriptive questions will be given. |
| Questions to Attempt | 4 questions (only the first 4 attempted will be evaluated). |
| Marking Scheme | – 2 questions × 15 marks each = 30 marks – 2 questions × 10 marks each = 20 marks |
| Total Marks | 50 marks |
| Word Limit | – 15-mark questions: ~600 words each – 10-mark questions: ~400 words each |
| Answer Mode | Answers must be typed on computer (no handwritten responses). |
| Evaluation | Only first 4 attempted answers will be considered for marking. |
| Time Allocation | 90 minutes (for Descriptive section only). |
Descriptive ESI Questions Asked in 2024
15-Mark Questions
- Problems Faced by Youth in Terms of Unemployment
- India’s demographic dividend is often celebrated, but unemployment—especially disguised and educated unemployment—remains a pressing issue.
- Structural mismatches (skill vs. job availability), automation, and slow job creation have widened the gap.
- Government interventions such as Skill India, Startup India, and PLI schemes need critical assessment in addressing youth employment challenges.
- Conflict Between Sustainable Development and Economic Growth
- Candidates had to analyze the balance between growth targets and environmental sustainability.
- Issues include industrial expansion vs. carbon emissions, infrastructure projects vs. ecological balance, and the global debate around “green growth.”
- References to SDG targets, COP-28 commitments, and India’s Net Zero 2070 goal were highly relevant.
- Transformative Journey of India in Digital Evolution + 5 Key Technical Innovations in the Union Budget
- India’s digital journey has moved from Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile (JAM) trinity to UPI, ONDC, and Digital Public Infrastructure.
- Union Budget innovations included AI Centres of Excellence, National Digital Library, Digital Rupee pilot, 5G labs, and Agri-tech initiatives.
- Candidates were expected to connect these to financial inclusion, governance, and productivity.
10-Mark Questions
- Problems Faced by the Economy due to Migration Caused by Climate Change
- Climate-induced migration is creating stress on urban infrastructure, labor markets, and rural productivity.
- Aspirants had to highlight how erratic monsoons, droughts, and cyclones push vulnerable populations to migrate.
- National Industrial Corridor
- A factual yet analytical question. Candidates had to explain how industrial corridors like Delhi–Mumbai, Amritsar–Kolkata, and Bengaluru–Chennai aim to boost manufacturing, logistics, and exports.
- Linking corridors to Make in India, employment generation, and regional balance was essential.
- Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Banking Sector
- AI applications: fraud detection, risk assessment, customer service (chatbots), and efficiency gains.
- Challenges: job displacement, ethical risks, data privacy, and algorithmic bias.
- Candidates had to present a balanced perspective with RBI’s cautious stance on AI adoption.
Key Takeaways for 2025 Aspirants
1. Balance Between Static and Current Affairs
- Questions drew from basic ESI syllabus (unemployment, sustainable development) but framed in the light of recent developments (climate migration, Union Budget innovations).
2. Analytical Writing Over Mugged-Up Facts
- High scorers were those who:
- Used structured answers (Intro–Body–Conclusion).
- Integrated data points (unemployment rate, migration stats).
- Referenced government schemes & RBI reports.
3. Focus Areas for 2025
- Digital India 2.0: AI, blockchain, CBDC.
- Green Growth & Climate Finance: Budget 2025 emphasis.
- Employment & Skilling: NEP 2020 linkages.
- Industrial Corridors & Logistics Policy: Manufacturing revival.
- Global Issues with Indian Context: COP commitments, global economic slowdown.
Answer Writing Strategy for Descriptive ESI
- For 15-mark questions (600 words):
- Use data + scheme + analysis + way forward.
- Example: While writing on unemployment, cite CMIE data (7.9% unemployment rate), government interventions, and suggest reforms like vocational training and AI-driven job portals.
- For 10-mark questions (400 words):
- Be concise, factual, and precise.
- Focus on 2-3 key arguments with examples.
- Language and Flow:
- Maintain academic tone.
- Avoid bullet-point only answers; blend paragraphs with headings.
Conclusion
The RBI Grade B ESI descriptive paper is not about lengthy memorization but about critical thinking, policy awareness, and clarity of expression. The 2024 paper emphasized the intersection of economy, society, and technology, which will remain the central theme for 2025 as well.
Aspirants must therefore regularly update themselves with government reports, RBI bulletins, and Union Budget highlights, while simultaneously practicing structured answer writing.