Preparing for the IFSCA Grade A exam can feel overwhelming because the syllabus is vast and covers multiple domains, including English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness, Finance, Management, IT, and Legal regulations depending on the stream. A clear, structured study plan is the key to success, helping candidates balance conceptual learning, practical problem-solving, and revision over a defined timeline. With the right strategy, aspirants can systematically cover Phase 1 and Phase 2 topics, strengthen weak areas, and build confidence for both written exams and scenario-based questions. In this blog, we have provided a detailed stream-wise preparation plans, weekly schedules, and subject-wise focus areas, making it easier to approach the exam smartly and effectively.
What is the IFSCA Grade A 2026 exam pattern?
The IFSCA Grade A recruitment 2026 is conducted in three stages to select candidates for the post of Assistant Manager. The exam pattern for the 1st two stages are online exams, designed to test both general aptitude and specialized knowledge in streams like General, Legal, and Information Technology (IT). Phase I is a screening test to shortlist candidates for the main exam. Phase II is the mains exam, which assesses in-depth subject knowledge and English language skills. Candidates who clear Phase II are called for Phase III, the interview, which carries 15% weightage in the final selection. Marks from Phase II contribute 85% to the final score, while IT stream candidates must also clear a coding test before the interview.
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What is the syllabus for IFSCA Grade A Exam?
The IFSCA Grade A Exam 2026 syllabus covers key subjects such as General Awareness (with a focus on financial, economic, and regulatory updates), English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and stream-specific topics related to finance, economics, law, and IT. The IT stream also includes a qualifying coding test. The detailed syllabus will be released along with the official notification by the International Financial Services Centres Authority. Since Phase 1 and Phase 2 play an important role in the final selection, candidates should follow a well-planned preparation strategy. Below is the topic-wise breakdown of the IFSCA Grade A Syllabus 2026.
What should be your IFSCA Grade A study plan for the General stream?
Preparing for the IFSCA Grade A exam in the General stream requires a balanced and structured approach. Since the syllabus spans English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness, and Finance/Management concepts, candidates need to focus on both conceptual clarity and current affairs updates. A well-planned strategy ensures that you cover basics first, gradually move to advanced topics, and leave sufficient time for revision and mock tests. Consistency and daily practice of each subject, combined with dedicated revision sessions, will help you maximize scores in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 exams.
| Week | Topics to be Covered |
|---|
| 1 | English: RC passages 1–3, Vocabulary 30 words, Grammar topics (Fillers, Error Detection, Sentence Rearrangement, Word Swap). Quantitative Aptitude: HCF & LCM, Simplification, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Simple Interest, Time & Work, Time & Distance. Reasoning: Puzzles (Linear & Seating), Logical Reasoning (Syllogisms), Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Alpha-Numeric Series. GA / Finance / Management: Current Affairs (National & International), Indian Economy (GDP, Inflation, Monetary Policy, RBI), Financial Sector (Banks, SIDBI, NABARD), Government Schemes (PM schemes, Financial Inclusion). |
| 2 | English: RC passages 4–5, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar practice (Fillers, Error Detection, Sentence Rearrangement). Quantitative Aptitude: Quadratic Equations, Mensuration basics, Advanced Profit & Loss, Advanced Average. Reasoning: Puzzles (Floor & Scheduling), Statement–Conclusions, Blood Relations, Direction Sense Advanced. GA / Finance / Management: Indian Economy (National Income, Per Capita Income, Poverty Alleviation), Global Economy basics, Financial Sector Updates, Government Schemes. |
| 3 | English: RC passages 6–7, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Idioms & Phrases, Fillers, Sentence Rearrangement). Quantitative Aptitude: Permutation & Combination, Probability, Indices & Surds, Partnership, Boats & Streams. Reasoning: Logical Reasoning (Analogy, Statement–Arguments), Data Sufficiency, Clocks & Calendars. GA / Finance / Management: Indian Economy (Employment, Sustainable Development), Global Economy updates, Financial Sector schemes, Management basics (Planning, Organizing). |
| 4 | English: RC passages 8–9, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Error Detection, Word Swap, Sentence Rearrangement). Quantitative Aptitude: Time & Work, Time & Distance advanced, SI & CI, Problems on Trains. Reasoning: Coding-Decoding, Puzzle-based Questions, Alpha-Numeric Series, Direction Sense. GA / Finance / Management: Indian Economy (Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy), Financial Inclusion, Banking System updates, Management (Leadership & HRD). |
| 5 | English: RC practice tests 1–2, Vocabulary Revision, Grammar (Idioms, Fillers, Error Detection). Quantitative Aptitude: Mixed Practice – HCF/LCM, Simplification, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Average, Ratio & Proportion. Reasoning: Mixed Puzzles, Logical Reasoning, Coding-Decoding, Data Sufficiency. GA / Finance / Management: Indian & Global Economy Revision, Financial Sector (Banks, SIDBI, NABARD), Government Schemes Revision. |
| 6 | English: RC passages 10–11, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Sentence Rearrangement, Word Swap). Quantitative Aptitude: Mensuration, Quadratic Equations, Partnership, Probability. Reasoning: Statement–Conclusions, Analogy, Clocks & Calendars, Blood Relations. GA / Finance / Management: Management (Motivation, Corporate Governance), Indian Economy (Poverty, Employment), Financial Sector (Banking & Derivatives), Government Initiatives. |
| 7 | English: RC passages 12–13, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Fillers, Error Detection, Word Swap). Quantitative Aptitude: Time & Distance, Boats & Streams, SI & CI, Advanced Problems on Trains. Reasoning: Logical Reasoning, Puzzles, Direction Sense, Alpha-Numeric Series. GA / Finance / Management: Indian & Global Economy updates, Financial Sector news, Management (Communication & HRD), IFSCA Phase 2 intro: Regulatory framework, IFSC, GIFT City basics. |
| 8 | English: RC practice tests 3–4, Vocabulary Revision, Grammar (Idioms & Phrases, Sentence Rearrangement). Quantitative Aptitude: Mixed Topic Practice (Permutation & Combination, Probability, Indices & Surds, Mensuration). Reasoning: Mixed Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, Statement–Arguments. GA / Finance / Management: Management (Leadership, Motivation), Indian Economy, Government Schemes, Financial Sector Developments. Phase 2 Finance: Introduction to Banking System, Capital Markets, Primary & Secondary Markets, Basics of Derivatives. |
| 9 | English: RC passages 14–15, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Error Detection, Fillers). Quantitative Aptitude: Revision of all formulas, Mixed Practice (Profit & Loss, Average, Percentage, Time & Work). Reasoning: Logical Reasoning, Puzzles, Direction Sense, Clocks & Calendars. GA / Finance / Management: Indian & Global Economy, Financial Sector updates, Government Schemes Revision, Management (Corporate Governance, HRD). Phase 2 Finance: Insurance Basics, Pension Sector, Regulatory Bodies (RBI, SEBI, IRDAI). |
| 10 | English: RC practice tests 5–6, Vocabulary Revision, Grammar (Sentence Rearrangement, Word Swap). Quantitative Aptitude: Revision (Quadratic Equations, Mensuration, Probability, Partnership, Boats & Streams). Reasoning: Mixed Practice – Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, Alpha-Numeric, Logical Reasoning. GA / Finance / Management: Financial Sector (Derivatives, Capital Markets, Banking), Indian Economy updates, Management (Motivation, Communication). Phase 2: IFSCA Act, IFSC & GIFT City, Union Budget & Economic Survey overview. |
| 11 | English: RC passages 16–17, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Idioms & Phrases, Error Detection). Quantitative Aptitude: Advanced Problem Solving, Mixed Topic Practice (Time & Distance, SI & CI, Profit & Loss, Average). Reasoning: Statement–Conclusions, Blood Relations, Puzzles, Logical Reasoning. GA / Finance / Management: Indian & Global Economy, Financial Sector Updates, Government Schemes, Management (Leadership, HRD). Phase 2: Advanced Banking & Financial Regulations, Capital Market Instruments, Risk Management. |
| 12 | English: RC practice tests 7–8, Vocabulary Revision, Grammar (Fillers, Word Swap, Sentence Rearrangement). Quantitative Aptitude: Full Syllabus Revision, Mixed Mock Questions. Reasoning: Full Syllabus Revision – Puzzles, Logical Reasoning, Coding-Decoding, Alpha-Numeric. GA / Finance / Management: Indian & Global Economy Revision, Financial Sector & Banking updates, Management Concepts, Government Initiatives. Phase 2: Insurance & Pension Sector detailed, Scenario-based questions, Union Budget & Economic Survey analysis. |
| 13 | English: Final Revision (RC, Vocabulary, Grammar), Mock Tests 1–2. Quantitative Aptitude: Formula & Shortcut Revision, Mock Tests, Weak Areas Practice. Reasoning: Full Syllabus Revision, Mock Tests, Weak Areas Practice. GA / Finance / Management: Final Revision – Indian & Global Economy, Financial Sector, Government Schemes, Management Concepts, Current Affairs Updates. Phase 2: IFSCA framework, Banking & Capital Markets, Insurance & Pension Sector, Regulatory Laws, Final Mock Tests, Scenario-based Practice. |
What should be your IFSCA Grade A study plan for the IT stream?
For the IT stream, the preparation plan must go beyond the common Phase 1 subjects (English, Quant, Reasoning, General Awareness) to also include technical topics like databases, programming, data analytics, algorithms, networking, cybersecurity, shell programming, and AI/ML concepts. The strategy involves daily practice of foundational topics, followed by hands-on exercises and scenario-based problem-solving. A phased approach, starting with concept learning, moving to practical application, and finishing with mock tests, ensures that aspirants develop both theoretical understanding and technical confidence to excel in Phase 2.
| Week | Topics to be Covered |
|---|
| 1 | English: RC passages 1–3, Vocabulary 30 words, Grammar (Fillers, Error Detection, Sentence Rearrangement, Word Swap, Idioms & Phrases). Quantitative Aptitude: HCF & LCM, Simplification & Approximation, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Average, SI & CI, Time & Work, Time & Distance. Reasoning: Arithmetical Reasoning, Puzzles (Linear & Seating), Direction Sense, Alpha-Numeric Series, Logical Reasoning (Syllogisms). General Awareness: General knowledge, Current events (National & International), Indian Economy (GDP, Inflation), Finance & Costing, Central Government initiatives / Financial Schemes. Information Technology: Database Concepts – ER Model, Relational Model, Basic SQL Queries (SELECT, JOINs, Nested Queries), File Organization, Indexing Basics. |
| 2 | English: RC passages 4–5, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Synonyms & Antonyms, Fillers, Error Detection). Quantitative Aptitude: Quadratic Equations, Mensuration basics, Advanced Profit & Loss, Average Advanced, Simplification exercises. Reasoning: Puzzles (Floor & Scheduling), Statement–Conclusions, Blood Relations, Direction Sense Advanced. General Awareness: Global Economy basics, Economic & Social Development, Commerce & Accountancy updates. Information Technology: SQL Queries Advanced – Aggregates, UNION, INTERSECT, EXISTS, IN, Nested Queries, Transactions, Integrity Constraints. |
| 3 | English: RC passages 6–7, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Sentence Rearrangement, Word Swap, Idioms & Phrases). Quantitative Aptitude: Permutation & Combination, Probability, Indices & Surds, Partnership, Boats & Streams. Reasoning: Statement–Conclusions, Number/Ranking/Time Sequence, Analogy, Coding-Decoding. General Awareness: Indian Economy (Employment, Sustainable Development), Global Economy updates, Financial Sector schemes. Information Technology: Programming Concepts – Java/C/C++ basics, Program control, Loops, Functions, Parameter Passing, Scope of Variables. |
| 4 | English: RC passages 8–9, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Error Detection, Word Swap, Sentence Rearrangement). Quantitative Aptitude: Time & Work, Time & Distance advanced, SI & CI, Problems on Trains. Reasoning: Coding-Decoding, Puzzle-based Questions, Alpha-Numeric Series, Direction Sense. General Awareness: Indian Economy (Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy), Banking System updates, Management basics (Leadership & HRD). Information Technology: OOPs Concepts – Class & Object, Constructors, Inheritance, Polymorphism, Exception Handling. |
| 5 | English: RC practice tests 1–2, Vocabulary Revision, Grammar (Idioms, Fillers, Error Detection). Quantitative Aptitude: Mixed Practice – HCF/LCM, Simplification, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Average, Ratio & Proportion. Reasoning: Mixed Puzzles, Logical Reasoning, Coding-Decoding, Data Sufficiency. General Awareness: Indian & Global Economy Revision, Financial Sector updates, Government Schemes. Information Technology: Data Analytics – Python/R basics, DataFrames, Lists, Dictionaries, Slicing, Data Reshaping, File Handling. |
| 6 | English: RC passages 10–11, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Sentence Rearrangement, Word Swap). Quantitative Aptitude: Mensuration, Quadratic Equations, Partnership, Probability. Reasoning: Statement–Conclusions, Analogy, Clocks & Calendars, Blood Relations. General Awareness: Management (Motivation, Corporate Governance), Indian Economy (Poverty, Employment), Financial Sector updates. Information Technology: Algorithms – Sorting, Searching, Trees, Graphs, Greedy, Dynamic Programming, Divide & Conquer basics. |
| 7 | English: RC passages 12–13, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Fillers, Error Detection, Word Swap). Quantitative Aptitude: Time & Distance, Boats & Streams, SI & CI, Advanced Problems on Trains. Reasoning: Logical Reasoning, Puzzles, Direction Sense, Alpha-Numeric Series. General Awareness: Indian & Global Economy updates, Financial Sector news, Management (Communication & HRD). Information Technology: Networking Concepts – OSI Model, TCP/UDP, IP, LAN Technologies (Ethernet, Token Ring), Firewalls, Switches & Routers. |
| 8 | English: RC practice tests 3–4, Vocabulary Revision, Grammar (Idioms & Phrases, Sentence Rearrangement). Quantitative Aptitude: Mixed Topic Practice (Permutation & Combination, Probability, Indices & Surds, Mensuration). Reasoning: Mixed Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, Statement–Arguments. General Awareness: Management (Leadership, Motivation), Indian Economy, Government Schemes, Financial Sector Developments. Information Technology: Information & Cyber Security – Cyber attacks, CIA (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability), Network Security, Authentication, Audit Basics. |
| 9 | English: RC passages 14–15, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Error Detection, Fillers). Quantitative Aptitude: Revision of all formulas, Mixed Practice (Profit & Loss, Average, Percentage, Time & Work). Reasoning: Logical Reasoning, Puzzles, Direction Sense, Clocks & Calendars. General Awareness: Indian & Global Economy, Financial Sector updates, Government Schemes Revision, Management (Corporate Governance, HRD). Information Technology: Data Warehousing – ETL, Data Cleaning, Transformation, Loading, Metadata, Data Cube, Data Mart. |
| 10 | English: RC practice tests 5–6, Vocabulary Revision, Grammar (Sentence Rearrangement, Word Swap). Quantitative Aptitude: Revision (Quadratic Equations, Mensuration, Probability, Partnership, Boats & Streams). Reasoning: Mixed Practice – Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, Alpha-Numeric, Logical Reasoning. General Awareness: Financial Sector (Derivatives, Capital Markets, Banking), Indian Economy updates, Management (Motivation, Communication). Information Technology: Shell Programming – UNIX basics, Variables, Loops, If statements, Script Arguments, Functions. |
| 11 | English: RC passages 16–17, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Idioms & Phrases, Error Detection). Quantitative Aptitude: Advanced Problem Solving, Mixed Topic Practice (Time & Distance, SI & CI, Profit & Loss, Average). Reasoning: Statement–Conclusions, Blood Relations, Puzzles, Logical Reasoning. General Awareness: Indian & Global Economy, Financial Sector Updates, Government Schemes, Management (Leadership, HRD). Information Technology: AI & ML – Supervised / Unsupervised Learning, Regression, Decision Trees, Clustering, Feature Engineering. |
| 12 | English: RC practice tests 7–8, Vocabulary Revision, Grammar (Fillers, Word Swap, Sentence Rearrangement). Quantitative Aptitude: Full Syllabus Revision, Mixed Mock Questions. Reasoning: Full Syllabus Revision – Puzzles, Logical Reasoning, Coding-Decoding, Alpha-Numeric. General Awareness: Indian & Global Economy Revision, Financial Sector & Banking updates, Management Concepts, Government Initiatives. Information Technology: AI & ML Advanced – Neural Networks, Overfitting & Underfitting, Model Evaluation, Reinforcement Learning, Cloud AI Deployment Basics. |
| 13 | English: Final Revision (RC, Vocabulary, Grammar), Mock Tests 1–2. Quantitative Aptitude: Formula & Shortcut Revision, Mock Tests, Weak Areas Practice. Reasoning: Full Syllabus Revision, Mock Tests, Weak Areas Practice. General Awareness: Final Revision – Indian & Global Economy, Financial Sector, Government Schemes, Management Concepts, Current Affairs Updates. Information Technology: Full IT Revision – Databases, SQL, Programming, Data Analytics, Algorithms, Networking, Cybersecurity, Data Warehousing, Shell Programming, AI/ML; Final Mock Tests & Scenario-based Practice. |
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What should be your IFSCA Grade A study plan for the Legal stream?
The Legal stream demands a preparation strategy that combines a strong foundation in constitutional, civil, and commercial laws with advanced regulatory knowledge under IFSCA. Candidates must focus on Phase 1 subjects like Constitution, Contract Laws, Code of Civil Procedure, Torts, and Digital Data Protection, and then move to Phase 2 topics like Corporate & Trust Laws, IFSCA & financial regulatory laws, banking, insurance, and pension regulations. A structured plan that progresses from theory to scenario-based applications, while consistently revising English, Quant, Reasoning, and General Awareness, ensures that aspirants are well-prepared for both written exams and practical case questions.
| Week | Topics to be Covered |
|---|
| 1 | English: RC passages 1–3, Vocabulary 30 words, Grammar (Fillers, Error Detection, Sentence Rearrangement, Word Swap, Idioms & Phrases). Quantitative Aptitude: HCF & LCM, Simplification & Approximation, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Average, SI & CI, Time & Work, Time & Distance. Reasoning: Arithmetical Reasoning, Puzzles (Linear & Seating), Direction Sense, Alpha-Numeric Series, Logical Reasoning (Syllogisms). General Awareness: General knowledge, Current events (National & International), Indian Economy (GDP, Inflation), Finance & Costing, Central Government initiatives / Financial Schemes. Legal: Constitution of India – Preamble, Part I, III, IV, IVA; Indian Contract Act 1872 basics, Sale of Goods Act 1930 intro; Code of Civil Procedure Part I–II (jurisdiction & filing of suits). |
| 2 | English: RC passages 4–5, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Synonyms & Antonyms, Fillers, Error Detection). Quantitative Aptitude: Quadratic Equations, Mensuration basics, Advanced Profit & Loss, Average Advanced. Reasoning: Puzzles (Floor & Scheduling), Statement–Conclusions, Blood Relations, Direction Sense Advanced. General Awareness: Global Economy basics, Economic & Social Development, Commerce & Accountancy updates. Legal: Constitution Part V–VI, VIII – Union & State structure; Indian Partnership Act 1932, Specific Relief Act 1963; Code of Civil Procedure Part III–IV – Pleadings & Suits. |
| 3 | English: RC passages 6–7, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Sentence Rearrangement, Word Swap, Idioms & Phrases). Quantitative Aptitude: Permutation & Combination, Probability, Indices & Surds, Partnership, Boats & Streams. Reasoning: Statement–Conclusions, Number/Ranking/Time Sequence, Analogy, Coding-Decoding. General Awareness: Indian Economy (Employment, Sustainable Development), Global Economy updates, Financial Sector schemes. Legal: Transfer of Property Act 1882 – Chapter III–V; Arbitration & Conciliation Act 1996 Part I; Administrative Law basics; Jurisprudence & Interpretation of Statutes. |
| 4 | English: RC passages 8–9, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Error Detection, Word Swap, Sentence Rearrangement). Quantitative Aptitude: Time & Work, Time & Distance advanced, SI & CI, Problems on Trains. Reasoning: Coding-Decoding, Puzzle-based Questions, Alpha-Numeric Series, Direction Sense. General Awareness: Indian Economy (Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy), Banking System updates, Management basics (Leadership & HRD). Legal: Torts & Consumer Protection Act 2019; Digital Data Protection Act 2023; Special Economic Zone Act 2005; Right to Information Act 2005; Mediation Act 2023 basics. |
| 5 | English: RC practice tests 1–2, Vocabulary Revision, Grammar (Idioms, Fillers, Error Detection). Quantitative Aptitude: Mixed Practice – HCF/LCM, Simplification, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Average, Ratio & Proportion. Reasoning: Mixed Puzzles, Logical Reasoning, Coding-Decoding, Data Sufficiency. General Awareness: Indian & Global Economy Revision, Financial Sector updates, Government Schemes. Legal: Intellectual Property Rights – basics; Contract Laws Advanced – remedies, case studies; Administrative Law Advanced – Delegated Legislation, Natural Justice. |
| 6 | English: RC passages 10–11, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Sentence Rearrangement, Word Swap). Quantitative Aptitude: Mensuration, Quadratic Equations, Partnership, Probability. Reasoning: Statement–Conclusions, Analogy, Clocks & Calendars, Blood Relations. General Awareness: Management (Motivation, Corporate Governance), Indian Economy (Poverty, Employment), Financial Sector updates. Legal: Phase 2 Introduction – IFSCA Act, Regulatory Framework overview; Corporate Laws – Companies Act 2013 (Incorporation, Directors, Share Capital). |
| 7 | English: RC passages 12–13, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Fillers, Error Detection, Word Swap). Quantitative Aptitude: Time & Distance, Boats & Streams, SI & CI, Advanced Problems on Trains. Reasoning: Logical Reasoning, Puzzles, Direction Sense, Alpha-Numeric Series. General Awareness: Indian & Global Economy updates, Financial Sector news, Management (Communication & HRD). Legal: Trust Law – Principles, Parties to Trusts, Trustees' Duties; Corporate & Financial Laws – LLP Act 2008, IBC 2016 Parts I & II; RBI Act 1934; Banking Regulation Act 1949. |
| 8 | English: RC practice tests 3–4, Vocabulary Revision, Grammar (Idioms & Phrases, Sentence Rearrangement). Quantitative Aptitude: Mixed Topic Practice (Permutation & Combination, Probability, Indices & Surds, Mensuration). Reasoning: Mixed Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, Statement–Arguments. General Awareness: Management (Leadership, Motivation), Indian Economy, Government Schemes, Financial Sector Developments. Legal: SEBI Act 1992, Depositories Act 1996, Insurance Act 1938; Case studies on corporate governance, banking compliance. |
| 9 | English: RC passages 14–15, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Error Detection, Fillers). Quantitative Aptitude: Revision of all formulas, Mixed Practice (Profit & Loss, Average, Percentage, Time & Work). Reasoning: Logical Reasoning, Puzzles, Direction Sense, Clocks & Calendars. General Awareness: Indian & Global Economy, Financial Sector updates, Government Schemes Revision, Management (Corporate Governance, HRD). Legal: IFSCA & Financial Regulatory Laws – SEBI, IRDAI, Foreign Exchange Management Act 1999; Payment & Settlement Systems Act 2007; Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code scenarios. |
| 10 | English: RC practice tests 5–6, Vocabulary Revision, Grammar (Sentence Rearrangement, Word Swap). Quantitative Aptitude: Revision (Quadratic Equations, Mensuration, Probability, Partnership, Boats & Streams). Reasoning: Mixed Practice – Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, Alpha-Numeric, Logical Reasoning. General Awareness: Financial Sector (Derivatives, Capital Markets, Banking), Indian Economy updates, Management (Motivation, Communication). Legal: Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority Act 2013, Factoring Regulation Act 2011; Scenario-based Corporate Law & Trust Law questions. |
| 11 | English: RC passages 16–17, Vocabulary 20 words, Grammar (Idioms & Phrases, Error Detection). Quantitative Aptitude: Advanced Problem Solving, Mixed Topic Practice. Reasoning: Statement–Conclusions, Blood Relations, Puzzles, Logical Reasoning. General Awareness: Indian & Global Economy, Financial Sector Updates, Government Schemes, Management (Leadership, HRD). Legal: IFSCA Phase 2 – Regulatory compliance, scenario-based questions; Corporate & Trust Laws – Mock cases, advanced IBC applications. |
| 12 | English: RC practice tests 7–8, Vocabulary Revision, Grammar (Fillers, Word Swap, Sentence Rearrangement). Quantitative Aptitude: Full Syllabus Revision, Mixed Mock Questions. Reasoning: Full Syllabus Revision – Puzzles, Logical Reasoning, Coding-Decoding, Alpha-Numeric. General Awareness: Indian & Global Economy Revision, Financial Sector & Banking updates, Management Concepts, Government Initiatives. Legal: Full Revision of Constitution, Contract, Corporate, Trusts, IFSCA & Financial Regulatory Laws; Mock scenario-based questions. |
| 13 | English: Final Revision (RC, Vocabulary, Grammar), Mock Tests 1–2. Quantitative Aptitude: Formula & Shortcut Revision, Mock Tests, Weak Areas Practice. Reasoning: Full Syllabus Revision, Mock Tests, Weak Areas Practice. General Awareness: Final Revision – Indian & Global Economy, Financial Sector, Government Schemes, Management Concepts, Current Affairs Updates. Legal: Phase 2 Final Revision – IFSCA framework, Banking & Capital Markets, Insurance & Pension Sector, Corporate & Trust Laws, Regulatory Laws; Final Mock Tests & Scenario-based Practice. |
What should be your preparation strategy for the IFSCA Grade A phase 1 and phase 2 exams?
Preparing for IFSCA Grade A requires a smart, focused approach for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 exams. Since the syllabus covers a wide range of topics like quantitative aptitude, reasoning, English, finance, management, insurance, and regulatory frameworks, candidates must focus on strengths, high-yield topics, and cut-off-oriented preparation. The key is to combine concept clarity, practice, and revision, rather than trying to cover everything superficially. Below is a clear, actionable table outlining a phase-wise preparation strategy for aspirants:
| Phase & Component | Brief Strategy | Detailed Action Plan & Tips |
|---|
| Phase 1 – Quantitative Aptitude | Focus on high-scoring topics | Prioritize DI, Simplification, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance. Solve 10–15 questions/day, revise formulas, use shortcuts. |
| Phase 1 – Reasoning | Maximize scoring in puzzles & logic | Cover seating arrangements, coding-decoding, blood relations, series. Attempt puzzles ≤ 3 mins each, practice previous 3–5 years PYQs. |
| Phase 1 – English | Strengthen RC, grammar & vocabulary | Focus on Reading Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Improvement. Practice 1–2 RCs/day, revise grammar rules, learn PYQ words. |
| Phase 1 – General Awareness (GA) | Cover high-yield current affairs & regulatory knowledge | Focus on IFSC, RBI, SEBI, NABARD, government schemes, five-year plans, economic survey. Make short notes, revise last 6 months events. |
| Phase 1 – Paper 2 (Finance, Management, ESD) | Cover basics & high-yield areas | Finance principles, management concepts, ESD schemes & initiatives. Focus on central govt schemes, financial regulations; skip niche topics. |
| Phase 1 – Mock Tests & Revision | Test knowledge & strengthen weak areas | Start mocks early, take sectional & full-length tests. Track weak topics, revise formulas/concepts, retake same mocks. |
| Phase 2 – English Descriptive | Practice essays, letters & précis | Focus on financial & regulatory topics, maintain essay templates. Practice 2 essays/week, revise key terms. |
| Phase 2 – Finance & Management | Cover banking, capital markets & risk | Study RBI, SEBI regulations, corporate finance, risk management. Use NABARD/RBI Grade B material for reference. |
| Phase 2 – Insurance & Pension | Focus on schemes & regulations | Learn life & general insurance, pension policies, PFRDA framework. Prepare short notes, revise current policies. |
| Phase 2 – IFSC & Global Financial Centers | Understand regulatory & operational aspects | Study IFSC Act, GIFT City, cross-border trade, financial instruments. Allocate 7–10 days, focus on key governance points. |
| Phase 2 – Economic & Social Development | Revise schemes & social initiatives | Focus on five-year plans, GDP, NITI Aayog schemes, financial inclusion. Use charts/tables for memorization. |
| Phase 2 – Mock Tests & Revision | Assess knowledge & writing skills | Solve previous 3–5 years Phase 2 papers, full-length timed exams. Evaluate essay structure, time management, and content relevance. |
| Both Phases – Overall Strategy | Focus on strengths, cut-offs & high-yield topics | Identify strengths, attempt safe questions in weak areas, prioritize PYQs, maintain short notes, daily micro-planning, flashcards, time-bound revision. |
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