Key Takeaways
- The RBI SO Notification 2026 released on 17th December 2025 announces 93 vacancies across Groups C, D, and E.
- Online applications started on the same day and will close on 6th January 2026.
- The selection process includes preliminary screening, document verification, and interviews.
- The eligibility criteria encompass nationality, age limits, educational qualifications, and relevant work experience.
- Compensation for RBI SO officers varies by grade, with Grade C starting at ₹3,10,000 per month.
The RBI SO Notification 2026 has been released for a total of 93 vacancies for the posts under Groups C, D, and E on 17th December 2025. The online application process has started, and the last date to fill out the online application form is 6th January 2026. In this blog, we have provided details about the application process, eligibility criteria, and more.
When will the RBI SO 2025-26 notification be released?
The RBI SO notification has been released on 17th December 2025 for the recruitment of officers in Group C, Group D, and Group E posts for an initial tenure of three years, extendable further on mutual agreement up to two more years. This recruitment will be conducted for various posts, and the selection process will include preliminary screening/shortlisting by a Screening Committee, followed by document verification and an interview.
Download the RBI SO Notification 2025-26
Candidates awaiting for the detailed RBI SO Grade B Notification 2025-26 can now download the official PDF provided in the official website. We have also provided the direct link to download the PDF.
The RBI SO recruitment notification has been released and the important dates related to the notification includes, application starting date, last date to fill the online application form, and others. The details of the important dates are provided in the table below:
| Events | Dates |
| RBI SO Notification Release Date | 17th December 2025 |
| Apply Online Started on | 17th December 2025 |
| Online Application Last Date | 6th January 2026 |
| Online Payment of Application Fees Last Date | 6th January 2026 |
| Interview Date | TBA |
| Final Result | TBA |
How many vacancies have been released for the RBI SO post?
A total of 93 vacancies have been released under the RBI Specialist Officer (SO) recruitment for Lateral Recruitment of Experts on a Full-Time Contract Basis. These vacancies are released across 29 different posts in multiple departments such as the Department of Information Technology (DIT), Premises Department, and Department of Supervision (DoS).
The posts are offered at Grade C, Grade D, and Grade E levels, with category-wise and post-wise reservation, including horizontal reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
| Category | Number of Vacancies |
| General / Unreserved (GEN/UR) | 77 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 1 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 12 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 3 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 0 |
| Total Vacancies | 93 |
| PwBD (Horizontal Reservation) | 4 |
For which posts has the RBI SO notification been released?
The RBI SO notification has been released for the lateral recruitment of domain experts on a full-time contract basis across 29 specialist posts. These posts are spread across key departments such as the Department of Information Technology (DIT), Premises Department, and the Department of Supervision (DoS).
The recruitment covers positions at Grade C, Grade D, and Grade E levels, primarily in areas like IT, cyber security, data science, risk management, supervision, finance, and project management.
| Department | Posts Notified |
| Department of Information Technology (DIT) | Data Scientist, Data Engineer, IT Security Expert, IT System Administrator, IT Project Administrator, AI/ML Specialist, IT–Cyber Security Analyst, Network Administrator |
| Premises Department | Project Manager |
| Department of Supervision (DoS) | Market & Liquidity Risk Specialist, IT–Cyber Security Analyst, Operational Risk Analyst, Analyst (Credit Risk), Analyst (Market Risk), Risk Analyst, Accounts Specialist, Risk Assessment & Data Analyst, Policy Research Analyst, Business & Financial Risk Analyst, Data Engineer-I, Data Engineer-II, Data Analyst (Micro Data Analytics), Banking Domain Specialist, Data Scientist (Data Modelling), Bank Examiner (Liquidity Risk), Senior Bank Examiner (Liquidity Risk), Data Scientist (Advanced Analytics), Credit Risk Specialist, Programme Coordinator (CoS) |
How to fill the online application form for the RBI SO post?
Candidates can fill the online application form for the RBI SO post only through the official RBI website by completing a simple online registration, uploading the required documents, and paying the application fee within the notified dates. The process involves registering with basic details, carefully filling in personal, educational, and experience information, uploading scanned and live images as prescribed, verifying the form, and submitting it after successful fee payment. Once submitted, candidates should download and keep a printout of the application form and e-receipt for future reference.
- Visit www.rbi.org.in and go to Opportunities@RBI then Current Vacancies to Vacancies followed by Lateral Recruitment of Experts on Full-Time Contract Basis
- Click on “Online Application Form” and select New Registration
- Enter basic details to generate the Registration ID and password
- Fill in personal, educational, and experience details carefully
- Upload the scanned photograph, signature, live photograph, left thumb impression, and handwritten declaration
- Upload supporting documents in PDF format as per eligibility claims
- Use Preview to verify all details before final submission
- Pay the applicable application fee/intimation charges online
- Submit the application and print the e-receipt and application form for future use
RBI SO online application form link
The RBI SO online application form has been released, and aspirants can apply through the direct link provided below. The link is now active, and the last date to submit the online application form is 6th January 2026.
What is the eligibility criteria to apply for the RBI SO 2025–26?
The eligibility criteria for RBI SO 2025–26 are decided post-wise and are assessed as on 1st December 2025. Candidates must fulfil the nationality requirements, age limit, educational qualification, and relevant work experience prescribed for the specific Specialist Officer post they are applying for. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per Government norms.
What is the nationality requirement for RBI SO 2025–26?
To apply for the RBI SO post, candidates must meet the nationality conditions specified by the Reserve Bank of India. Certain categories of candidates are required to produce a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
| Eligible Category | Details |
| Citizen of India | Indian nationals |
| Subject of Nepal/Bhutan | Must meet RBI conditions |
| Tibetan Refugee | Must have entered India before 1 January 1962 with intent to settle permanently |
| Person of Indian Origin | Migrated from specified countries intending permanent settlement in India |
| Certificate Requirement | Mandatory for categories other than Indian citizens |
What is the age limit for RBI SO 2025–26?
The age limit for RBI SO 2025–26 varies according to the post and equivalent grade, and it is calculated as on 1st December 2025. Candidates must satisfy both the minimum and maximum age criteria prescribed for the specific post they are applying for. Upper-age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per RBI and Government of India norms.
| Post Name | Grade | Age Limit |
| Data Scientist (DIT) | Grade C | 25–40 yrs |
| IT Security Expert (DIT) | Grade C | 27–40 yrs |
| Project Manager (Premises) | Grade C | 21–40 yrs |
| Accounts Specialist (DoS) | Grade C | 30–45 yrs |
| Analyst (Credit Risk) | Grade C | 30–40 yrs |
| Programme Coordinator (CoS) | Grade E | 40–62 yrs |
Note:
- The minimum age of 21 years applies to posts like Project Manager (Premises Department).
- The maximum age of 62 years applies to senior-level posts such as Programme Coordinator (CoS).
- For most Grade C posts, the upper age limit generally ranges between 40 and 45 years.
- Age relaxation is available for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, and Ex-servicemen candidates as per the notification.
Is age relaxation applicable for reserved categories?
Yes, RBI provides category-wise and cumulative age relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, and Ex-servicemen candidates. However, certain posts like Programme Coordinator (CoS) do not allow age relaxation for Ex-servicemen.
| Category Combination | Maximum Relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| SC/ST + PwBD | 15 years |
| OBC + PwBD | 13 years |
| Ex-servicemen | 5 years |
What are the educational qualification and experience requirements?
Each RBI SO post has specific educational and professional experience requirements, depending on the department and equivalent grade. Candidates must possess degrees from recognized Indian universities or equivalent foreign institutions.
| Post Name | Grade | Educational Qualification | Work Experience |
| Data Scientist (DIT) | Grade C | Master’s in Statistics/Maths/Data Science/Economics/Finance or BE/B.Tech (CS) | Minimum 4 years as Data Scientist |
| IT Security Expert (DIT) | Grade C | BE/B.Tech/MCA/M.Tech in CS/IT/Electronics with Info Security | Minimum 5 years in Information Security |
| Project Manager (Premises) | Grade C | Civil Engineering + PMP Certification | Minimum 5 years in construction project management |
| Accounts Specialist (DoS) | Grade C | CA / ICWA | Minimum 5 years in banks/financial institutions |
| Analyst (Credit Risk) | Grade C | PG in Statistics/Economics/Finance | Minimum 5 years as Credit Analyst |
| Programme Coordinator (CoS) | Grade E | Postgraduate in Economics/Finance | 10–15 years teaching/banking experience |
What is the RBI SO selection process?
The RBI SO selection process for the Lateral Recruitment of Experts on a Full-Time Contract Basis is a multi-stage process conducted by the RBI Services Board (RBISB). The selection involves preliminary screening/shortlisting, document verification, and a personal interview. RBI reserves the right to shortlist candidates by enhancing the minimum educational qualification, work experience, or by adopting any other suitable criteria.
Merely meeting the minimum eligibility conditions does not guarantee an interview call. Final selection is strictly based on eligibility, performance in the interview, and fulfillment of all prescribed conditions, including compensation-related disclosures.
| Stage | Details |
| Preliminary Screening / Shortlisting | Conducted by a Screening Committee. RBISB may limit interview calls by raising minimum education, experience, or using other shortlisting criteria. Meeting minimum eligibility does not ensure selection. |
| Document Verification | Shortlisted candidates’ claims related to age, category, educational qualification, and experience are verified through uploaded certificates. Incorrect or false claims lead to cancellation of candidature. |
| Interview | Interview call letters are sent via email only. Candidature is provisional. Candidates must declare expected monthly compensation and past salary details. Final compensation is decided after negotiation by the Selection Committee. |
Important Note: If a candidate is found ineligible at any stage or provides incorrect information, their candidature will be cancelled. False claims discovered even after appointment may invite disciplinary action.
What is the salary structure of an RBI SO officer?
The salary structure of an RBI SO officer recruited through Lateral Recruitment of Experts on a Full-Time Contract Basis is offered as a consolidated monthly compensation, which varies according to the equivalent grade (Grade C, D, or E).
The compensation includes a fixed consolidated pay along with a housing allowance applicable at the place of posting (generally Mumbai) and is subject to tax deductions. The final pay is negotiable within a prescribed range based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and skill set, and it also includes annual increments and limited-service benefits during the contract period.
| Equivalent Grade | Level | Fixed Base Monthly Compensation | Negotiable Compensation Range |
| Grade ‘C’ | Level 3 | ₹3,10,000/- | ₹3,10,000/- to ₹4,10,000/- |
| Grade ‘D’ | Level 4 | ₹4,30,000/- | ₹4,30,000/- to ₹5,10,000/- |
| Grade ‘E’ | Level 5 | ₹4,80,000/- | ₹4,80,000/- to ₹6,00,000/- |
Additional benefits and increments
- No superannuation, pension, or regular RBI allowances; only emergency medical facility (self) within office premises is provided
- Annual increment of 7% on monthly compensation (excluding housing allowance) after every 12 months
- Housing allowance for suitable accommodation at the place of posting
- TA, HA, VOF, hotel, and hired car facility for official domestic tours as per equivalent grade
- 30 days of leave per calendar year, credited on a pro-rata basis
FAQs
The RBI SO 2025–26 notification was released on 17th December 2025.
The last date to submit the online application form is 6th January 2026.
A total of 93 vacancies have been released across Grade C, D, and E posts.
The selection process includes shortlisting, document verification, and interview.
No, there is no written examination for RBI SO lateral recruitment.
Priti Palit, is an accomplished edtech writer with 4+ years of experience in Regulatory Exams and other multiple government exams. With a passion for education and a keen eye for detail, she has contributed significantly to the field of online learning. Priti’s expertise and dedication continue to empower aspiring individuals in their pursuit of success in government examinations.
