Preparing for the SIDBI Grade A General Stream Exam 2026 requires a clear understanding of the syllabus and exam structure. The syllabus covers common Phase 1 subjects along with important areas of MSME financing, banking, finance, credit assessment, NPA recovery, and financial markets. Candidates should focus on both objective and descriptive sections to build strong conceptual knowledge and improve their exam performance.
This blog provides the complete SIDBI Grade A General Stream Syllabus 2026, including Phase 1 and Phase 2 topics, and exam pattern.
What is the SIDBI Grade A General Stream syllabus?
The SIDBI Grade A General Stream syllabus is divided into Phase 1 and Phase 2. Phase 1 has seven sections, including four qualifying sections and three merit sections. Phase 2 includes a common English paper and a General Stream paper covering MSME, finance, credit, and financial market topics.
| Phase | Section/Paper | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | English Language | Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, sentence correction, usage |
| Phase 1 | Reasoning Aptitude | Logical reasoning, puzzles, seating arrangement, analytical ability |
| Phase 1 | Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic, data interpretation, number system, basic mathematics |
| Phase 1 | Computer Knowledge | Computer basics, hardware, software, internet, networking, security |
| Phase 1 | General Awareness | Banking, financial sector, economic and social issues, current affairs |
| Phase 1 | MSME Policy, Regulatory & Legal Framework; Finance & Management | MSME policies, regulations, finance, management and government schemes |
| Phase 1 | General Stream Test | MSME financing, KYC, financial ratios, term loans, working capital, NPA, recovery, credit risk |
| Phase 2 | Paper 1 English | Essay, précis, comprehension, business/office correspondence |
| Phase 2 | Paper 2 General | MSME finance, credit assessment, NPA recovery, NBFC financing, investment banking, merchant banking, equity, AIFs, ARCs |
What is the SIDBI Grade A Phase 1 exam pattern?
The SIDBI Grade A Phase 1 exam has 7 sections with 200 questions for 200 marks and a total time of 120 minutes. English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Computer Knowledge are qualifying sections, while General Awareness, MSME Policy and Finance, and the General Stream Test are considered for merit-based shortlisting. Except for English, the tests are available in Hindi and English.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Nature |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | Qualifying |
| Reasoning Aptitude | 25 | 25 | Qualifying |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 | Qualifying |
| Computer Knowledge | 20 | 20 | Qualifying |
| General Awareness | 20 | 20 | Merit |
| MSMEs: Policy, Regulatory & Legal Framework; Finance and Management | 30 | 30 | Merit |
| Stream Specific Test – General | 50 | 50 | Merit |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes |
What topics are covered in the Reasoning Ability section?
The Reasoning section tests logical thinking, analytical ability, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Candidates should practice both basic and advanced reasoning questions regularly. Important topics include:
- Alphabet Test
- Alphanumeric Series
- Analogy
- Arrangement and Pattern
- Assertion and Reason
- Blood Relations
- Causes and Effects
- Circular Arrangement
- Coded Inequalities
- Coding-Decoding
- Data Sufficiency
- Decision Making
- Direction and Distance
- Direction Sense Test
- Figure Series
- Floor Puzzle
- Inequality
- Input-Output
- Linear Arrangement
- Logical Reasoning
- Machine Input-Output
- Odd One Out
- Ordering and Ranking
- Puzzles and Arrangements
- Scheduling
- Seating Arrangement
- Series Test
- Statement and Arguments
- Statement and Assumption
- Statement and Conclusion
- Syllogism
- Tabulation
- Verbal Reasoning
- Word Formation
Which topics are included under Quantitative Aptitude?
The Quantitative Aptitude section covers basic arithmetic, mathematical concepts, data interpretation, and numerical problem-solving. Candidates should focus on calculation speed and accuracy while preparing the following topics:
- Age Problems
- Algebra
- Allegation and Mixture
- Area
- Averages
- Banker’s Discount
- Boats and Streams
- Case Studies
- Charts and Graphs
- Compound Interest
- Data Interpretation
- Decimal Fractions
- HCF and LCM
- Mensuration
- Number Systems
- Partnership
- Percentages
- Permutation and Combination
- Pipes and Cisterns
- Probability
- Problems on Trains
- Profit and Loss
- Quadratic Equations
- Ratio and Proportion
- Sequence and Series
- Set Theory
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Simplification
- Speed, Distance and Time
- Square Root and Cube Root
- Stocks and Shares
- Surds and Indices
- Time and Work
- Trigonometry
- Volume and Surface Area
What topics are covered in the SIDBI Grade A General Awareness syllabus?
General Awareness focuses mainly on banking, finance, economic and social issues, and current affairs. Candidates should regularly follow important developments related to the Reserve Bank of India, banking institutions, financial markets, government schemes, and the Indian economy.
- General Knowledge
- Banking and Financial Awareness
- Banking and Insurance Industry
- Government Schemes and Policies
- Economic and Social Issues
- Static Awareness
- Awards and Honours
- Budget
- National and International Current Affairs
- Important Days
- Important Financial and Economic News
- National and International Organisations
- Countries and Capitals
- Books and Authors
- Science, Inventions and Discoveries
What is the English Language syllabus for SIDBI Grade A?
The English Language section tests grammar, vocabulary, reading ability, and sentence formation. Candidates should practice comprehension-based questions along with grammar and vocabulary topics.
- Reading Comprehension
- Error Detection
- Cloze Test
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para Jumbles
- Sentence Improvement
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms and Antonyms
What is the Computer Knowledge syllabus for SIDBI Grade A?
The Computer Knowledge section covers basic computer concepts and commonly used technologies. Candidates should understand the basic working of computer systems, software, networking, databases, and cybersecurity.
- Computer Basics
- Hardware and Software
- Operating Systems
- MS Office
- Internet and Networking
- Database Management
- Cybersecurity
What is the MSME syllabus for SIDBI Grade A?
The MSME section focuses on the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises sector, its financing, policies, regulations, and development. Candidates should also understand the role of SIDBI and major government initiatives related to MSMEs.
- MSME Classification
- MSME Policies
- MSME Financing
- MSME Regulatory and Legal Framework
- Government Schemes
- Credit Facilities
- Role of SIDBI
- MSME Sector in India
- MSME Development
- Challenges Faced by MSMEs
- Digitalisation of MSMEs
- Finance and Management
What topics are covered in the SIDBI Grade A General Stream Test?
The General Stream Test focuses on MSME financing, credit assessment, banking, and financial risk management. The questions can test both conceptual understanding and practical application. Candidates should give special attention to lending, financial analysis, NPAs, recovery, and credit risk.
| Topic | Important Areas |
| Due Diligence & KYC | Customer verification, borrower assessment and due diligence |
| Financial Ratios | Liquidity, profitability, solvency, leverage and efficiency ratios |
| Term Loans | Assessment of term loans, repayment and lending considerations |
| Working Capital | Working capital assessment and financing |
| Documentary Credit | Letters of credit and related trade finance concepts |
| NPA & Recovery | NPA classification, recovery methods and stressed assets |
| IRAC Norms | Income recognition, asset classification and provisioning |
| NBFC Financing | NBFCs and their role in financing |
| Credit Risk | Credit assessment, risk identification and risk management |
What is the SIDBI Grade A Phase 2 exam pattern for General Stream?
Phase 2 has two papers. Paper 1 carries 75 marks, while Paper 2 includes a 75-mark objective section and a 50-mark descriptive section. The total marks for Phase 2 are 200.
| Paper | Type | Questions | Marks | Time |
| Paper 1 English | Descriptive | 3 | 75 | 75 minutes |
| Paper 2 Objective | Objective | 50 | 75 | 60 minutes |
| Paper 3 Descriptive | Descriptive | Out of 10 questions attempt any 4 | 50 | 75 minutes |
What is the SIDBI Grade A Phase 2 Paper 1 syllabus?
Phase 2 Paper 1 is a 75-mark descriptive English paper common to the relevant streams. It tests writing ability, understanding of the topic, expression, and business communication. Candidates should practice writing within the given time and maintain a clear structure.
| Topic | Areas Covered |
| Essay Writing | Structured essays on relevant topics |
| Précis Writing | Summarising a passage clearly |
| Comprehension | Understanding and answering questions based on passages |
| Business/Office Correspondence | Formal business and office communication |
Also Check:
| Particulars | Link |
| SIDBI Grade A General Stream Practice Quiz | Download Now |
| SIDBI Grade A Previous Year Papers | Download Now |
What is the SIDBI Grade A Phase 2 General Stream Paper 2 syllabus?
Paper 2 covers professional topics related to MSMEs, finance, banking, credit, risk, and financial markets. It has both objective and descriptive components. Candidates should therefore understand concepts in detail and practice explaining them in a clear and structured manner.
| Topic | Key Areas |
| MSME Policy | Policy, regulatory and legal framework |
| MSME Finance | KYC, due diligence, financial ratios |
| Credit Assessment | Term loans and working capital |
| Documentary Credit | Trade finance and credit instruments |
| NPA & Recovery | NPA, IRAC norms and recovery |
| NBFC Financing | NBFC financing and related concepts |
| Credit Risk | Risk assessment and mitigation |
| Investment Banking | Investment banking activities |
| Merchant Banking | Merchant banking services |
| Equity | Equity markets and instruments |
| AIFs | Alternative Investment Funds |
| ARCs | Asset Reconstruction Companies |
| MSME Development | Promotion and development of MSMEs in India |
Is there negative marking in the SIDBI Grade A exam?
Yes, negative marking is applicable to the objective sections of Phase 1 and Phase 2. For every wrong answer, one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question is deducted. There is no negative marking in the descriptive sections.
| Exam Part | Negative Marking |
| Phase 1 Objective | 1/4th of marks assigned to the question |
| Phase 2 Objective | 1/4th of marks assigned to the question |
| Descriptive Papers | No negative marking |
FAQs
The syllabus covers Phase 1 subjects along with MSME policy, finance, credit assessment, NPA recovery, banking, and financial market topics.
Phase 1 includes English Language, Reasoning Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, Computer Knowledge, General Awareness, MSME Finance & Management, and the Stream-Specific Test.
The test covers MSME financing, KYC, financial ratios, term loans, working capital, documentary credit, NPA recovery, IRAC norms, NBFC financing, and credit risk assessment.
Phase 2 covers Descriptive English and MSME, finance, credit, NPA recovery, investment banking, merchant banking, AIFs, ARCs, and MSME development.
No, Phase 1 includes common aptitude and awareness subjects, while Phase 2 focuses more on English writing and General Stream professional topics.
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