How Tough is SEBI Grade A Exam? Check Factors & Strategy

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How Tough is SEBI Grade A Exam?

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) conducts the Grade A exam for the recruitment of Assistant Managers across various streams such as General, Legal, Information Technology, Research, and others. Aspiring candidates often wonder about the difficulty level of this prestigious exam. In this blog, we will know how tough is SEBI Grade A .

SEBI Grade A Exam – Tough or Easy?

Determining whether the SEBI Grade A exam is tough or easy is subjective and depends on various factors including a candidate’s preparation, background knowledge, and familiarity with the exam pattern. Here’s a breakdown of these factors:

1. Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The SEBI Grade A exam consists of two phases:

Phase I: An online screening test with multiple-choice questions divided into two papers. Paper 1 is common for all streams and tests General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Paper 2 is stream-specific and covers specialized subjects related to the stream a candidate has applied for.
Phase II: An online examination with two papers. Paper 1 tests the English Language (Descriptive) and Paper 2 is again stream-specific.

Additionally, there’s an Interview round for candidates who qualify in Phase II.

The syllabus for the SEBI Grade A exam is extensive and covers a wide range of topics, making it a challenging task to prepare comprehensively. Download the syllabus PDF below.

Download SEBI Grade A Syllabus PDF

2. Competition Level

SEBI Grade A is a highly coveted position, attracting thousands of applicants each year. The competition is intense, with candidates from diverse educational backgrounds, including engineering, commerce, law, and others, vying for a limited number of positions. This high level of competition adds to the overall difficulty of the exam. Check out SEBI Grade A Study Plan for 45 Days.

3. Preparation Time and Strategy

Success in the SEBI Grade A exam requires a well-planned and structured preparation strategy. Candidates need to allocate significant time and effort to cover the vast syllabus, practice mock tests, and revise thoroughly. Balancing preparation for both general and stream-specific subjects can be demanding.

SEBI Grade A Phase 1 Exam Pattern 2024

Phase I is the online screening examination consisting of two papers of 100 marks each. The Paper 1 is for 100 marks to be attempted in 60 minutes and the cut off is 30%. For Paper 2, the maximum marks is 100, the duration is 40 minutes and the cut off is 40%. The aggregate cut off for both the papers will be 40%.

Paper	Stream/Subjects	Maximum Marks	Duration	Cut Off
Paper 1	All Streams: MCQs on subjects viz. GA (including some questions related to Financial Sector), English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning.	100	60 minutes	30%
Paper 2	General Stream: MCQs on subjects Commerce, Accountancy, Management, Finance, Costing, Companies Act & Economics. Legal Stream, Research Stream, Engineering (Electrical) Stream, Official Language Stream and Information Technology Stream: Multiple choice questions on Specialized subject related to stream	100	40 minutes	40%

Important Note:

Negative Marking: 1/4th for both papers in Phase 1.
Marks secured in Phase 1 will not be counted in final selection.

Attempt Free SEBI Grade A Mock Test

SEBI Grade A Phase 2 Exam Pattern 2024

The Phase II will be further divided into two papers of 100 marks each. The detailed SEBI Grade A Exam Pattern has been mentioned below. The Paper 1 have 1/3rd weightage and Paper 2 have 2/3rd weightage. The aggregate cut off for both the papers will be 50%.

Paper	Stream/Subjects	Maximum Marks	Duration	Cut Off
Paper 1	All Streams: English (Descriptive Test) to test the drafting skills.	100	60 minutes	30%
Paper 2	General Stream: Multiple choice questions on subjects Commerce, Accountancy, Management, Finance, Costing, Companies Act and Economics.	100	90 minutes	40%
Paper 2	Legal Stream: 70 Multiple choice questions of one mark each on Specialized subject related to stream 3 Descriptive Questions of 10 marks each on Specialized subject related to stream	100	120 minutes (60 minutes each)	40%
Paper 2	Information Technology Stream: Coding Test (Languages: C++/JAVA/Python)	100	210 minutes	40%
Paper 2	Research Stream: Descriptive exam to test practical in depth knowledge and drafting skills in economics, financial markets and statistics.	100	120 minutes	40%
Paper 2	Official Language Stream: एक साधारण पैरा (150 शब्दों का) – अंग्रेजी से हिन्दी अनुवाद (20 marks) एक साधारण पैरा (150 शब्दों का) – हिन्दी से अंग्रेजी अनुवाद (20 marks) एक तकनीकी या ववधधक (legal or technical) पैरा – अंग्रेजी से हिन्दी अनुवाद (20 marks) एक तकनीकी या ववधधक (legal or technical) पैरा – हिन्दी से अंग्रेजी अनुवाद (20 marks) कायाालय में प्रयोग िोने वाली हिप्पणणयााँ (notings) – (5 हिप्पणणयााँ) – अंग्रेजी से हिन्दी अनुवाद (5 marks) कायाालय में प्रयोग िोने वाली हिप्पणणयााँ (notings) – (5 हिप्पणणयााँ) हिन्दी से अंग्रेजी अनुवाद (5 marks) छोिे-छोिे वाक्य (sentences) – अंग्रेजी से हिन्दी अनुवाद (5 marks) छोिे-छोिे वाक्य (sentences) – हिन्दी से अंग्रेजी अनुवाद (5 marks)	100	90 minutes	40%
Paper 2	Engineering (Electrical) Stream: Multiple choice questions on Specialized subject related to stream	100	40 minutes	40%

Important Points:

Paper 2 will be conducted in various shifts for those who applied for multiple streams.
Negative Marking will be 1/4th for Paper 2 in Phase 2.
Question Papers will be in Hindi & English except for the English section.

Download SEBI Grade A 350+ PYQs with Solutions PDF

How Tough is SEBI Grade A Exam – Important Pointers

To give you a clearer picture of the toughness of the SEBI Grade A exam, here are some important pointers:

1. Comprehensive Syllabus

The exam syllabus is broad and detailed, covering various subjects. For example, the General stream includes topics like Management, Finance, Cost Accounting, Companies Act, Economics, and more. Candidates need to have a deep understanding of these subjects to perform well.

2. Time Management

Effective time management is crucial. Candidates need to balance their preparation time between different subjects and practice regularly. During the exam, managing time to attempt all questions within the given timeframe is a critical skill.

3. Difficulty Level of Questions

The questions in both Phase I and Phase II range from moderate to difficult. Paper 2, in particular, can be challenging as it requires in-depth knowledge of specialized subjects. Descriptive questions in Phase II test not only knowledge but also writing skills and the ability to articulate thoughts clearly.

4. Negative Marking

Both phases of the exam have negative marking for incorrect answers, which adds an extra layer of challenge. Candidates need to be cautious while attempting questions and avoid guesswork.

5. Interview Round

The final selection stage is the Interview round, where candidates are evaluated on their knowledge, communication skills, and overall suitability for the role. This round can be particularly tough as it tests not just academic knowledge but also personality and professional acumen.

6. Consistent Preparation

Consistency in preparation is key to cracking the SEBI Grade A exam. Regular study, continuous practice, and staying updated with current affairs are essential to perform well.

Download SEBI Grade A 300+ MCQs Ebook

How to Attempt SEBI Grade A Exam?

Here are some effective strategies on how to attempt the SEBI Grade A exam paper in the best way during the exam hall:

Thoroughly Understand the Instructions: Begin by carefully reading the instructions on the question paper. Make sure you comprehend the marking scheme, guidelines for answering, and any other critical information to avoid mistakes.
Effective Time Management: Time is of the essence in the SEBI Grade A exam. Allocate specific time blocks for each section, ensuring you can address all questions. Prioritize sections based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Start with the Easy Questions: Tackle the simpler questions first to build momentum and boost your confidence. This strategy ensures you secure marks quickly before moving on to the more challenging ones.
Strategically Approach Numerical Questions: For complex numerical problems, follow a systematic method. Identify relevant formulas, show all necessary steps, and double-check your calculations to minimize errors.
Balance Accuracy with Speed: While it’s essential to manage your time, accuracy should not be compromised. Avoid rushing, as small mistakes can lead to significant mark deductions.
Maximize Use of Rough Work Space: Utilize the rough work space effectively for calculations, diagrams, and notes. This can help in organizing your thoughts and ensuring accuracy in your answers.
Review Your Responses: Allocate the last few minutes to review your answers. Look for any errors or unanswered questions and make necessary corrections to improve your score.
Stay Calm and Manage Stress: The exam environment can be stressful, but it’s important to stay calm and focused. Practice deep breathing or other stress-relief techniques to maintain composure.
Avoid Overanalyzing: Sometimes the simplest solution is the correct one. Avoid overthinking questions and trust your first instinct if you’re confident in your preparation.
Trust in Your Preparation: Believe in the hard work and preparation you’ve put in. Confidence in your knowledge and abilities will help you perform better during the exam.

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Saloni Singhal

Hello there! I’m a dedicated Government Job aspirant turned passionate writer & content marketer. My blogs are a one-stop destination for accurate and comprehensive information on exams like Regulatory Bodies, Banking, SSC, State PSCs, and more. I’m on a mission to provide you with all the details you need, conveniently in one place. When I’m not writing and marketing, you’ll find me happily experimenting in the kitchen, cooking up delightful treats. Join me on this journey of knowledge and flavors!

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