The SIDBI Grade A selection process consists of three stages. Phase I will be an online screening test with one paper containing seven sections, carrying a total of 200 marks. Phase II will also be an online exam with both objective and descriptive questions, consisting of two papers worth 200 marks in total. Phase III will be an interview for 100 marks, which will also include marks for notable achievements in extracurricular activities at the district, state, or national level, as well as any awards or recognitions.
In this blog, we have provided the detailed selection process along with the exam pattern for phase I and phase II.
What is the SIDBI Grade A selection procedure?
The SIDBI Grade A selection process is conducted in three stages to assess candidates’ knowledge, analytical ability, and suitability for a managerial role. It starts with Phase 1, an online screening exam with a single paper of 200 marks divided into seven sections. Candidates who clear the cut-off move to Phase 2, which includes two online papers totaling 200 marks, with Paper 2 featuring both objective and descriptive questions.
Those who qualify Phase 2 appear for a Psychometric Test to evaluate personality traits, communication style, and problem-solving ability, followed by a Personal Interview carrying 100 marks. The final selection is based on performance in Phase 2 and the Interview.
| Selection Phase | Details |
| Phase I – Online Screening Examination | – One paper with 7 sections, totaling 200 marks. – Candidates must secure the minimum cut-off set by SIDBI to qualify for Phase II. |
| Phase II – Online Examination | – Two papers totaling 200 marks. – Paper 2 includes both objective and descriptive questions. – Candidates who clear the cut-off are shortlisted for the next stage. |
| Psychometric Test | – Conducted by a third-party agency after Phase II. – Assesses personality, communication, clarity of thought, problem-solving ability, and readiness to work nationwide. – Findings are shared with the interview panel. |
| Personal Interview | – Conducted at designated SIDBI offices for candidates who clear the Psychometric Test. |
| Phase III – Interview (100 Marks) | – Interview of 100 marks. – Additional marks awarded for validated achievements in extracurricular activities (District/State/National level), awards, and service recognitions. |
| Final Selection | – Based on combined performance in Phase II and the Interview. |
What is the SIDBI Grade A exam pattern?
The SIDBI Grade A exam starts with Phase 1, which is an online screening test consisting of one paper with seven sections for a total of 200 marks. Candidates who clear the cut-off move to Phase II, which includes two online papers carrying 200 marks in total, where Paper 2 has both objective and descriptive questions to test knowledge and writing skills.
After this, shortlisted candidates appear for a Psychometric Test, which is not marked but is used to assess personality, communication skills, and problem-solving ability. The final stage is Phase III (Interview) of 100 marks, which also considers verified achievements and awards, and the final selection is made based on performance in Phase II and the Interview.
| Phase | Details | Marks |
| Phase I | Online screening exam with 1 paper comprising 7 sections | 200 marks |
| Phase II | Online exam with 2 papers (includes objective + descriptive questions) | 200 marks |
| Psychometric Test | Conducted after Phase II to assess personality and suitability | No marks (assessment-based) |
| Phase III (Interview) | Personal Interview including marks for achievements/awards (with valid proof) | 100 marks |
| Final Selection | Based on combined performance in Phase II + Interview | — |
Download SIDBI Grade A Previous Year Interview Questions Ebook
What is the SIDBI Grade A phase 1 exam pattern?
The SIDBI Grade A Phase 1 exam has seven objective sections. Out of these, English Language, Reasoning Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, and Computer Knowledge are qualifying in nature and their marks are not considered for the merit list. The Phase 2 shortlist is prepared based on General Awareness (covering Banking, Financial Sector, and Economic & Social Issues), MSME-related Finance & Management, and the Stream-Specific Test. Except for English, all sections are bilingual.
For the General Stream, the Stream-Specific Test includes topics like MSME financing, due diligence, KYC, financial ratios, working capital and term loan assessment, NPA and IRAC norms, NBFC financing, and credit risk analysis. Candidates must clear the qualifying section cut-offs and score well in the merit-based sections to move to Phase 2.
| Section | Questions/ Marks | Nature of Section |
| English Language | 30/30 | Qualifying |
| Reasoning Aptitude | 25/25 | Qualifying |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25/25 | Qualifying |
| Computer Knowledge | 20/20 | Qualifying |
| General Awareness (Banking, Financial Sector, ESI) | 20/20 | Merit |
| MSMEs: Policy, Regulatory & Legal Framework; Finance & Management | 30/30 | Merit |
| Stream-Specific Test (MSME Financing & Credit Assessment) ** | 50/50 | Merit |
| Total | 200/200 | Duration: 120 minutes |
**Stream Specific Test (Test Name: MSME Financing)
- Topics include:
- Due Diligence / KYC (Know Your Customer)
- Financial Ratios
- Assessment of Term Loan / Working Capital
- Documentary Credit
- NPA (Non-Performing Assets) and Recovery
- IRAC Norms (Income Recognition, Asset Classification)
- NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company) Financing
- Credit Risk Assessment
Remarks: The syllabus provided is only indicative and not exhaustive.
What is the SIDBI Grade A phase 2 exam pattern?
The SIDBI Grade A Phase 2 exam has two papers designed to assess a candidate’s writing skills, domain knowledge, and understanding of MSME-related financial and regulatory topics. Paper 1 is a descriptive English test that includes Essay, Précis, Comprehension, and Business Correspondence, where candidates type their answers on a computer to evaluate clarity, structure, and writing ability. Paper 2 includes both objective and descriptive sections to test conceptual understanding and subject knowledge.
| Paper | Test Name | Details |
| Paper I | English Language (Essay, Précis, Comprehension, Business Correspondence) | – Type: Descriptive (Online) – Questions: 3 – Marks: 75 – Time: 75 minutes – Focus on writing skills, expression, and understanding the topic. |
| Paper II | MSMEs (Policy, Regulatory Framework, Finance, MSME Financing, etc.) | – Type: Objective (Online, Bilingual) – Questions: 50 (mixed 1 or 2 marks) – Marks: 75 – Time: 60 minutes – Topics include NPA recovery, investment banking, credit risk, and MSME policies. |
| MSMEs Descriptive Questions | – Type: Descriptive (Online in English/Hindi) – Questions: 10 (attempt any 4) – Marks: 50 – Time: 75 minutes – Choose 2 questions of 15 marks each and 2 of 10 marks each. |
Key Takeaways
| Key Takeaway | Details |
| Total Stages | Three stages – Phase I (Screening), Phase II (Mains), Phase III (Interview). |
| Phase I Purpose | Screening only; used to shortlist candidates for Phase II. |
| Phase I Structure | One paper, 7 sections, 200 marks, 120 minutes. |
| Qualifying Sections (Phase I) | English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Computer Knowledge – marks not counted for merit. |
| Merit Sections (Phase I) | General Awareness, MSME Policies & Finance/Management, Stream-Specific Test – used for shortlisting to Phase II. |
| Negative Marking | 1/4th mark deducted for each wrong answer in Phase I. |
| Phase II Structure | Two papers: Descriptive English + MSME (Objective + Descriptive). |
| Psychometric Test | Conducted after Phase II; no marks; helps assess personality and suitability. |
| Interview (Phase III) | 100 marks; additional credit for verified achievements/awards. |
| Final Merit | Based on marks scored in Phase II + Interview (Phase I is qualifying). |
| Topper’s Corner | Topper’s Corner |
| SIDBI Grade A Topper Aniket Tembhurne | SIDBI Grade A Topper Dayyala Krishna |
FAQs
Ans: The selection process includes three phases: Phase I (Online Test), Phase II (Online Test), and Phase III (Interview).
Ans: The Phase I exam consists of 7 objective sections with a total of 200 marks.
Ans: Yes, there is a descriptive paper in Phase II covering English language skills and MSME-related topics.
Ans: Shortlisting for Phase II is based on marks scored in the Merit Section of Phase I.
Ans: The Merit Section includes General Awareness, MSME Policies, and a Stream-Specific Test.
Ans: Yes, after Phase II, a Psychometric Test is conducted to assess personality and suitability for the role.
Ans: Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/4 marks for every wrong answer marked by a
candidate in Phase 1 Exam.
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