Background: 23M, Software engineer with ~2 years total experience (1 year at a Tier-1 service company in GenAI domain, before that at a global product company
i had done BE in IT, 8.6 CGPA, Currently at 9 LPA
Why I'm considering this: Private IT feels like a treadmill — constant upskilling, interview prep every 2 years just to maintain salary growth, layoff anxiety despite doing everything right. I want stability, decent pay, and mental peace. Not looking to coast — I'll work hard wherever I am, but I want the foundation to be secure.
Why RBI Grade B specifically: The WLB, the pay (₹1.5L gross), the prestige, and the fact that the work seems intellectually non-trivial compared to standard PSU bank roles. UPSC is out — too hard to prep alongside a full-time job. SBI SCO Scale-I doesn't make sense given the bond + salary delta.
Situation: Unmarried, low expenses, next 12-18 months is probably my best window before life gets complicated. Applying for 2026 as a dry run. Seriously targeting 2027 cycle.
Questions for people who've cleared it or are deep into prep:
First of all how do you look at this transition, Fair? Is 12 months realistic for a working professional with zero economics background to crack this?
ESI and FM — how did you approach them from scratch? Any resources that actually worked?
For engineers specifically — did the Phase 1 aptitude section feel like an advantage or was it negligible?
Any honest downsides of the job that aren't obvious from the outside?
Not looking for coaching ads. Just real talk from people who've been through it.