RBI, Banking and Inflation PYQs

Previous Questions SeriesIndian EconomyUpdated July 2026

RBI, Banking and Inflation PYQs

Concept revision + 10 clickable questions + detailed explanations

10Questions
4 OptionsEach question
ExplanationFor every answer
OfficialPaper repositories linked
How this page is prepared

This lesson converts recurring previous-paper concepts into an exam-ready revision set. Question wording is independently rewritten for clarity; explanations are original; and official APPSC, UPSC, SSC and RRB repositories are linked for verification.

Topic Focus

RBI history, policy rates, reserves, MPC, inflation and development banking.

Accuracy rule: An exact exam name or year is not attached unless it can be verified from a primary paper or official key. Questions marked “PYQ-based concept” reflect recurring tested ideas, not a claim of verbatim reproduction.

Rapid Answer Map

No.Question focusCorrect answer
1The Reserve Bank of India began operations in:1935
2The headquarters of RBI is located in:Mumbai
3Repo rate is the rate at which:RBI lends short-term funds to banks against eligible collateral
4Cash Reserve Ratio requires banks to keep a share of deposits as cash with:RBI
5Statutory Liquidity Ratio is maintained mainly in the form of:Specified liquid assets such as cash, gold and approved securities
6The Monetary Policy Committee has:Six members
7India’s flexible inflation target is centred on:4 per cent with a tolerance band of ±2 percentage points
8NABARD was established in:1982
9Inflation means a sustained increase in:General price level
10When RBI raises the repo rate, the usual policy intention is to:Tighten monetary conditions and restrain inflationary demand
Revision method: Answer first without opening the explanation. Then read the related fact and write one additional fact in your notebook. Repeat the test after 48 hours.

10 Clickable MCQs

PYQ-based concept

The Reserve Bank of India began operations in:

Answer: A) 1935
RBI commenced operations on 1 April 1935 under the RBI Act, 1934.
Related fact: It was nationalised in 1949.
PYQ-based concept

The headquarters of RBI is located in:

Answer: B) Mumbai
RBI’s central office is in Mumbai.
Related fact: It was initially established in Kolkata and moved permanently to Mumbai in 1937.
PYQ-based concept

Repo rate is the rate at which:

Answer: B) RBI lends short-term funds to banks against eligible collateral
Repo is a policy rate for RBI lending to banks against securities.
Related fact: It influences monetary conditions.
PYQ-based concept

Cash Reserve Ratio requires banks to keep a share of deposits as cash with:

Answer: B) RBI
CRR is maintained with RBI.
Related fact: RBI can use CRR changes to influence system liquidity.
PYQ-based concept

Statutory Liquidity Ratio is maintained mainly in the form of:

Answer: B) Specified liquid assets such as cash, gold and approved securities
Banks maintain SLR in permitted liquid assets.
Related fact: It is distinct from CRR kept with RBI.
PYQ-based concept

The Monetary Policy Committee has:

Answer: B) Six members
The MPC has six members: three from RBI and three appointed by the Central Government.
Related fact: The RBI Governor chairs it.
PYQ-based concept

India’s flexible inflation target is centred on:

Answer: B) 4 per cent with a tolerance band of ±2 percentage points
The target is 4 per cent CPI inflation with a 2–6 per cent tolerance range.
Related fact: The framework is periodically notified by the Government.
PYQ-based concept

NABARD was established in:

Answer: C) 1982
NABARD was established in 1982 as the apex development bank for agriculture and rural development.
Related fact: It took over specified functions from RBI and ARDC.
PYQ-based concept

Inflation means a sustained increase in:

Answer: A) General price level
Inflation is a sustained rise in the general price level, reducing purchasing power.
Related fact: CPI is a major measure of retail inflation.
PYQ-based concept

When RBI raises the repo rate, the usual policy intention is to:

Answer: B) Tighten monetary conditions and restrain inflationary demand
A higher repo rate generally makes borrowing costlier and can moderate demand.
Related fact: Transmission depends on financial conditions.

Common Exam Traps

Trap 1: Read the Article, date, unit or institution carefully; nearby facts are common distractors.
Trap 2: Distinguish a legal provision from a policy objective or historical background.
Trap 3: Do not assume familiar wording is the exact constitutional or scientific wording.
Trap 4: Use elimination only after checking the core concept and time context.

Quick Revision Checklist

  • 1. 1935 — It was nationalised in 1949.
  • 2. Mumbai — It was initially established in Kolkata and moved permanently to Mumbai in 1937.
  • 3. RBI lends short-term funds to banks against eligible collateral — It influences monetary conditions.
  • 4. RBI — RBI can use CRR changes to influence system liquidity.
  • 5. Specified liquid assets such as cash, gold and approved securities — It is distinct from CRR kept with RBI.
  • 6. Six members — The RBI Governor chairs it.
  • 7. 4 per cent with a tolerance band of ±2 percentage points — The framework is periodically notified by the Government.
  • 8. 1982 — It took over specified functions from RBI and ARDC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these questions copied from coaching websites?

No. Questions are independently rewritten from recurring concepts in official paper repositories and standard sources.

Why is an exact exam year not shown beside every question?

An exam and year are shown only when the source can be checked reliably. This prevents incorrect PYQ attribution.

How should I use this page?

Attempt all questions once, study explanations, revise the answer map, and reattempt after two days.

Prepared by Learn With Mahesh

Original, exam-oriented explanations for APPSC, TSPSC, UPSC, SSC, Railway, Banking and Police examinations.

Fact-checked: 21 July 2026.

Official Paper Sources

Study and Accuracy Note: Examination patterns and syllabi can change. Always compare this page with the latest official notification and syllabus.

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