Indian Economy·Prelims Strategy

Digital Payment Infrastructure — Prelims Strategy

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Version 1Updated 7 Mar 2026

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Prelims Strategy

For Prelims, a factual and conceptual clarity is paramount. Begin by understanding the core components: UPI, RTGS, NEFT, IMPS, AePS, BBPS, NACH, NETC/FasTag, and CBDC. Memorize their full forms, key features (e.

g., real-time vs. batch, minimum/maximum limits, 24x7 availability), and primary use cases. Pay close attention to the roles of key institutions like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) – their mandates, functions, and the systems they operate.

The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, is the foundational legal document; know its purpose. Understand the 'Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM)' trinity and its contribution to digital payments. Focus on recent developments, especially around UPI's internationalization and CBDC's pilot phases, as these are frequently tested.

Practice MCQs that differentiate between similar systems and test your knowledge of regulatory aspects. Vyyuha advises creating a comparative table for payment systems and flashcards for key terms and institutions to aid recall.