The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Grade A Officer (Assistant Manager) recruitment is a highly sought-after opportunity for candidates aiming to build a career in India’s pension sector.
The selection process for PFRDA Grade A is a three-stage procedure consisting of Phase I (Screening Exam), Phase II (On-line Exam), and Phase III (Interview). It is important to note that the details provided here are based on the last notification cycle (2025) and are likely to be indicative for 2026, though aspirants should always check the latest official notification. This blog explains the overall exam pattern, each phase in detail for aspirants planning to prepare for this prestigious exam.
What is the selection process for PFRDA Grade A officers?
The PFRDA Grade A selection process is a structured three-stage evaluation designed to assess candidates on knowledge, aptitude, and suitability for the role. Phase I is an online screening examination with objective-type questions, Phase II is a descriptive and specialized online exam, and Phase III is a personal interview.
Marks obtained in Phase II and Phase III are combined to determine the final selection, with Phase II carrying 85% weightage and the interview 15% weightage. Phase I is only for shortlisting candidates for Phase II and does not contribute to final selection.
| Phase | Purpose | Key Points |
| Phase I | Screening Exam | Objective-type MCQs; used only for shortlisting; negative marking 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Phase II | Main Exam | Combination of descriptive and MCQs; shortlisting for Phase III; carries 85% weightage for final selection |
| Phase III | Interview | Assesses personality, communication, and suitability; carries 15% weightage |
What is the PFRDA Grade A exam pattern?
The exam pattern for PFRDA Grade A varies slightly between streams (General, IT, Finance & Accounts, Research, Legal, etc.), but the overall structure remains consistent across streams. Phase I consists of two papers of 100 marks each, with multiple-choice questions covering English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and Stream-specific subjects. Phase II has Paper 1 (descriptive English test) and Paper 2 (subject-specific MCQs). Negative marking applies in objective papers, while descriptive tests are scored on drafting skills.
| Phase & Paper | Details |
| Phase I – Paper 1 | Subjects: English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness Marks: 100 Duration: 60 mins Type: MCQs Negative Marking: 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Phase I – Paper 2 | Subjects: Stream-specific subjects (General, IT, Finance, Research, Legal) Marks: 100 Duration: 40 mins Type: MCQs Negative Marking: 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Phase II – Paper 1 | Subjects: English Descriptive Marks: 100 Duration: 60 mins Type: Descriptive Weightage: 1/3rd of Phase II |
| Phase II – Paper 2 | Subjects: Stream-specific MCQs Marks: 100 Duration: 40 mins Type: MCQs Weightage: 2/3rd of Phase II Negative Marking: 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Phase III – Interview | Type: Personal Interview Marks: NA Weightage: 15% of final score Purpose: Assess personality, communication, and suitability Language: Hindi or English |
What is the selection criterion for the PFRDA Grade A phase 1 exam?
The Phase I exam of PFRDA Grade A recruitment serves as a screening stage to shortlist candidates for Phase II. It is an online examination consisting of two papers of 100 marks each, designed to test a candidate’s aptitude, reasoning, general awareness, and subject-specific knowledge depending on the stream applied for. It is important to note that the marks obtained in Phase I are used only for shortlisting candidates for Phase II and are not counted towards the final selection.
| Component | Details |
| Purpose | Shortlisting candidates for Phase II |
| Papers | Paper 1 – English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, General AwarenessPaper 2 – Stream-specific subjects |
| Marks | 100 marks each |
| Duration | Paper 1 – 60 mins, Paper 2 – 40 mins |
| Cut-offs | Separate cut-off for each paper + aggregate cut-off |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks per wrong answer |
| Weightage for final selection | None (Phase I marks not counted in final merit) |
What is the selection criterion for the PFRDA Grade A phase 2 exam?
The Phase II exam of PFRDA Grade A is the main stage of selection and carries 85% weightage in the final merit. Only candidates shortlisted from Phase I are eligible. It consists of two papers of 100 marks each: Paper 1 is an English Descriptive Test assessing drafting skills, and Paper 2 is a stream-specific MCQ paper depending on the candidate’s applied stream.
Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in Paper 2 for Paper 1 to be evaluated. Separate and aggregate cut-offs apply to both papers for shortlisting to the interview stage. Paper 2 also has negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer, while Paper 1 has no negative marking. Shortlisted candidates are then called for Phase III Interview, which, combined with Phase II marks, determines the final selection.
| Component | Details |
| Purpose | Shortlisting for Phase III and contributing to final merit |
| Papers | Paper 1 – English Descriptive, Paper 2 – Stream-specific MCQs |
| Marks | 100 marks each |
| Duration | Paper 1 – 60 mins, Paper 2 – 40 mins |
| Cut-offs | Separate cut-offs for each paper + aggregate cut-off |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 per wrong answer in Paper 2 only |
| Weightage for Final Selection | Phase II – 85% of total score |
| Evaluation Rule | Paper 1 evaluated only if Paper 2 minimum qualifying marks are met |
| Related Links |
| PFRDA Assistant Manager Previous Year Paper |
What is the selection criterion for the PFRDA Grade A Phase 3 exam?
The Phase III exam of PFRDA Grade A is the personal interview, conducted only for candidates shortlisted after Phase II. The interview assesses a candidate’s personality, communication skills, and suitability for the role. Candidates can choose to appear in Hindi or English. Marks obtained in the interview carry a weightage of 15%, which is added to the 85% weightage of Phase II marks to determine the final selection. Only those who meet the shortlisting criteria from Phase II are eligible, and the interview is mandatory for final merit consideration.
| Component | Details |
| Purpose | Assess personality, communication skills, and suitability for the role |
| Eligibility | Only candidates shortlisted after Phase II |
| Type | Personal Interview |
| Language | Hindi or English |
| Marks | NA |
| Weightage for Final Selection | 15% of total score |
| Final Merit | Combined with Phase II marks (85%) to determine final selection |
FAQs
Yes, the last stage of the selection process consists of an Interview round. The marks of the interview will be counted for final selection.
Well, there is no limit on the number of attempts. You can appear till you meet the eligibility criteria.
Yes, 1/4th of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as negative markings in both papers of Phase I & in Paper 2 of Phase II.
The weightage of Phase II in the final selection is 85%.
Yes, the prelims will be qualifying in nature.
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Priti Palit, is an accomplished edtech writer with 4+ years of experience in Regulatory Exams and other 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.