Top 5 Focus Areas to Crack the PFRDA Grade A Exam 2025

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Candidates who have started to apply for the PFRDA Grade A post of 40 vacancies must have started their preparation. However, there are few tips and tricks to consider before starting with the preparation which will help in creating the best customized study plan and get the desired result. Let’s check the 5 focus areas to crack the PFRDA Grade A Exam 2025.

Understand the PFRDA Grade A Exam Pattern Thoroughly

Before beginning your preparation for the PFRDA Grade A Exam, it’s important to understand the complete structure of the exam. The selection process is divided into three stages: Phase 1, Phase 2, and Interview. In Phase 1, there are two objective-type papers:

Paper 1: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and General Awareness.
Paper 2: Professional knowledge subjects such as Finance, Management, Commerce & Accountancy, Economics, Costing, Companies Act, and the Pension Sector.

In Phase 2, candidates again attempt two papers, and the subjects in Paper 2 remain the same as Phase 1. However, the importance of Paper 2 increases significantly because it carries two-thirds of the total weightage, making it a key determinant of your final selection. Since these professional subjects appear in both Phase 1 and Phase 2, and even during the interview, it’s crucial to prioritize them from the start. A thorough understanding of the exam pattern will help you plan your preparation more effectively and avoid surprises during the exam.

Master the Official PFRDA Grade A Syllabus

A common mistake among aspirants is referring to incomplete or unofficial sources for the syllabus. Instead, your preparation should always start with the official syllabus mentioned in the PFRDA Grade A notification. This ensures you’re covering exactly what’s expected. Break the syllabus into micro-topics and create a checklist to track your progress.

For Paper 2, subjects such as Commerce & Accountancy, Management, Finance, Costing, Companies Act, Economics, and the Pension Sector are all clearly outlined. Don’t skip any section assuming it’s unimportant. Build your study plan around the syllabus and avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics. Proper familiarity with the syllabus will help you allocate time efficiently and study in a focused, goal-oriented manner.

Prioritize PFRDA Grade A Previous Year Questions

Previous Year Questions (PYQs) are extremely valuable for understanding the types, patterns, and difficulty level of questions that appear in the exam. Start by solving PFRDA Grade A PYQs and then move on to SEBI Grade A PYQs, as both exams share a similar syllabus. PYQs offer the following benefits:

Highlight frequently asked topics
Help you gauge the depth of questions
Reveal the examiner’s approach
Improve your question selection and strategy

Take PFRDA Grade A Mock Tests Seriously

Mock tests are critical for building your exam temperament. While content knowledge is essential, your success depends on how well you apply it under exam conditions. Mock tests help improve:

Speed
Accuracy
Time management

Start with one mock test per week and gradually increase the frequency as the exam approaches. But remember, just taking a mock test isn’t enough, you must analyze your performance after each one. Review the sections where you’re weak, understand your mistakes, and work on improving them.

Revise With Short Notes

No matter how well you have studied, revision is the key to retaining and applying your knowledge during the exam. To revise effectively, prepare short and crisp notes while studying. These can include:

Key formulas
Important facts
Concepts and definitions
Current affairs snippets
Quick tricks and shortcuts

Well-organized short notes make last-minute revision much faster and more effective. They also help in strengthening your weak areas and boost your confidence. In fact, the ability to revise efficiently before the exam often makes the difference between clearing the cut-off and missing it by a few marks.

FAQs

Q1. How many phases are there in the PFRDA Grade A selection process?

The PFRDA Grade A exam consists of three stages: Phase 1 (Prelims), Phase 2 (Mains), and the Interview. Each of the first two phases has two papers. Paper 2 in both phases focuses on professional knowledge and carries significant weight in the final selection.

Q2. What subjects are covered under Paper 2 of PFRDA Grade A?

Paper 2 includes the following subjects: Commerce & Accountancy, Management, Finance, Costing, Companies Act, Economics, and the Pension Sector. These subjects appear in both Phase 1 and Phase 2, making them essential for overall preparation.

Q3. Why is it important to refer to the official PFRDA syllabus?

The official syllabus is the most reliable guide for what to study. Referring to unofficial or incomplete sources can lead to wasted effort on irrelevant topics. Always use the syllabus provided in the official notification to plan and track your study progress.

Q4. How can Previous Year Questions (PYQs) help in preparation?

PYQs help you understand the exam pattern, question difficulty, and commonly asked topics. They also give insight into how examiners frame questions and which areas are often repeated, helping you prepare in a more targeted and efficient way.

Q5. How many mock tests should I take for PFRDA Grade A?

Start with at least one mock test per week. As the exam date approaches, increase the frequency. It’s equally important to analyze your performance after each test to identify weak areas and improve your accuracy, speed, and time management.

Priti Palit

Priti Palit, an accomplished edtech writer, boasts a wealth of experience in preparing candidates for 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.