IFSCA Grade A Study Plan
This is one of the best opportunities for regulatory exam aspirants. IFSCA Grade A Phase 1 exam was held on 1st September 2024 and the Phase 2 exam is scheduled on 13th October 2024. You have enough time for the revision and preparation of phase 2 exam but you might be thinking to have a guide that helps you in the preparation. Well, this blog will definitely act as your guide to preparing for the exam.
IFSCA Grade A Phase 2 Study Plan
If you’ve successfully cleared Phase 1, congratulations! But the real challenge lies ahead i.e. Phase 2. This phase is more detailed and in depth, requiring a focused study plan. Here’s a guide to help you with your phase 2 exam.
IFSCA Grade A Phase 2 Exam Pattern
Before diving into the study plan, it’s essential to understand the exam pattern for Phase 2. The exam consists of two papers:
- Paper 1: English (Descriptive)
- Paper 2: Subject/ Stream specific (Objective)
- Negative marking – 1/4th of marks assigned to the question for Paper 2 in Phase II.
- Separate cut offs in each paper and aggregate cut off marks of 40% in the Phase II exam (weightage of 1/3rd for Paper 1 and 2/3rd for Paper 2).
- Duration – 60 minutes each for both papers.
- Maximum marks – 100 marks each for both Paper 1 & Paper 2.
IFSCA Grade A Study Plan for Phase 2
We have mentioned step wise strategy that can be followed for the preparation/ revision of phase 2 exam.
1. Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Start by evaluating your understanding of the subjects covered in both papers. Identify areas where you feel confident and areas that need improvement. This will help you prioritize your study time effectively.
2. Create a Timetable
Allocate specific time slots to each subject or topic. Make sure to include breaks and revision time in your schedule. Consistency is key, so stick to your timetable as closely as possible. Below is the example of a weekly study schedule. Also note that the timetable must be customized according to your time, strengths weaknesses, etc.
| Days | IFSCA Grade A Timetable |
| Monday to Friday | Morning: Paper 2 Subject-specific study Afternoon: Paper 1 English writing practice Evening: Revision and practice questions |
| Saturday | Mock test for Paper 2 Review and analyze mock test results |
| Sunday | English practice test Revision of the entire week’s study |
3. Focus on Paper 1 (English)
Paper 1 is all about showcasing your writing skills. Here’s how to prepare:
- Essay Writing: Practice writing essays on a variety of topics, including current affairs, economics, and social issues. Aim to write concise, well-structured essays with clear arguments.
- Precis Writing: Learn to condense a passage while retaining its essence. Practice summarizing long paragraphs into short, precise versions.
- Comprehension: Read articles, editorials, and reports. Practice answering questions based on passages to improve your comprehension skills.
4. Master Paper 2 (Subject-Specific)
Paper 2 tests your technical knowledge in your field. Follow these steps:
- Understand the Syllabus: Go through the syllabus provided by IFSCA for your specific domain. List down all the topics and sub-topics.
- Study Resources: Use standard textbooks and online resources to cover the syllabus. For finance, refer to books on financial markets, economics, and management. For IT, focus on software development, networking, and cybersecurity. Legal aspirants should refer to bare acts and legal textbooks.
- Practice Questions: Solve previous years’ question papers and take online quizzes to test your knowledge. This will help you get used to the exam format and time management.
- Mock Tests: Regularly take IFSCA Grade A Phase 2 Mock Test to experience the exam environment. Analyze your performance to identify weak areas and work on them.
5. Revise Regularly
Revision is crucial to reinforce what you’ve learned. Allocate time for revision in your timetable. Focus on:
- Key Concepts: Revisit important concepts and definitions.
- Formulas: For finance and IT, ensure you remember all key formulas and shortcuts.
- Past Papers: Go through past year papers again to see if you can answer the questions more confidently. For the same, download IFSCA Grade A PYQs.
6. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Current affairs can play a significant role in both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Make it a habit to read newspapers, watch news channels, and follow financial news portals regularly. Focus on topics related to the economy, international trade, government policies, and technological advancements.
7. Take Care of Your Health
Studying is important, but so is your health. Ensure you:
- Eat Well: Maintain a balanced diet to keep your energy levels up.
- Exercise: Incorporate some physical activity into your daily routine to stay fit and reduce stress.
- Rest: Get adequate sleep to keep your mind sharp and focused.
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