The PFRDA Grade A Phase 1 Exam 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on 15th October 2026 (Thursday). Candidates appearing for the exam should be aware of the expected shift timings, reporting time, and exam schedule to avoid any last-minute confusion. The exact shift and reporting time will be mentioned on the PFRDA Grade A Phase 1 Admit Card. Candidates should reach the exam centre well before the reporting time and follow all the instructions given on the admit card.
What are the expected PFRDA Grade A 2026 Phase 1 shift timings?
The PFRDA Grade A Phase 1 exam is scheduled to be conducted on 15th October 2026 in online mode. The exam may be conducted in multiple shifts depending on the number of candidates and exam centres. Candidates should carefully check their admit card once released to know their allotted shift and reporting time. Based on the last cycle exam schedule schedule, the expected shift timings for the exam are given below:
| Date | Shift | Reporting Time | Exam Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 October 2026 | Shift 1 | 7:30 AM | 8:30 AM to 10:10 AM |
| 15 October 2026 | Shift 2 | 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM to 2:10 PM |
These timings are expected and should be treated as indicative until the official PFRDA Grade A admit card confirms the candidate’s shift and reporting time. Candidates should reach the exam centre well before the reporting time to complete the verification and entry process smoothly.
What are the PFRDA Grade A Phase 1 reporting timings 2026?
The PFRDA Grade A Phase 1 exam is an online screening exam,the exam consists of Paper 1 and Paper 2, with a total duration of 100 minutes. The exam may be conducted in multiple shifts, and the exact reporting time, shift, exam timing, and gate closing time will be mentioned on the PFRDA Grade A Phase 1 Admit Card. Candidates should reach the exam centre well before the reporting time to complete the entry and verification process smoothly.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam | PFRDA Grade A Phase 1 2026 |
| Exam Date | 15th October 2026 |
| Day | Thursday |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Expected Shifts | Shift 1 and Shift 2 |
| Shift 1 Reporting Time | 7:30 AM (Expected) |
| Shift 1 Exam Timing | 8:30 AM to 10:10 AM (Expected) |
| Shift 2 Reporting Time | 11:30 AM (Expected) |
| Shift 2 Exam Timing | 12:30 PM to 2:10 PM (Expected) |
| Papers | Paper 1 and Paper 2 |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Total Duration | 100 minutes |
What is the PFRDA Grade A Phase 1 exam pattern?
The PFRDA Grade A Phase 1 exam consists of 2 papers, with Paper 1 common to all streams and Paper 2 based on the candidate’s selected stream. Paper 1 carries 100 marks and has 90 questions to be attempted in 60 minutes. Paper 2 also carries 100 marks and has 50 questions with a duration of 40 minutes. There is a negative marking of one-fourth of the marks assigned to the question in both papers.
| Paper | Subjects | Questions/Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | English Language | 20/25 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20/25 | ||
| Test of Reasoning | 30/25 | ||
| General Awareness, including Financial Sector | 20/25 | ||
| Total | 90/100 | 60 minutes | |
| Paper 2 | General Stream: Commerce, Accountancy, Management, Finance, Costing, Companies Act, Economics & Pension Sector, AI, Media, Marketing & Communication | 50/100 | |
| Research, Actuary and Rajbhasha Streams: Specialised Subject | 50/100 | 40 minutes |
What are the important instructions for PFRDA Grade A exam day?
Candidates should plan their exam-day routine carefully to avoid unnecessary stress. Reaching the exam centre early gives enough time for entry, document verification, and other security checks. Candidates should carry all the documents mentioned in the admit card and avoid carrying prohibited items. It is also important to follow the instructions given by the exam authorities at the centre.
- Reach the exam centre well before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.
- Carry the PFRDA Grade A admit card and a valid photo ID proof.
- Check the exam centre location in advance to avoid delays.
- Follow the dress and entry instructions mentioned on the admit card.
- Do not carry prohibited electronic items or other restricted belongings.
- Read all instructions carefully before starting the examination.
- Stay calm and manage time properly across both papers.
How should candidates manage time in the PFRDA Grade A Phase 1 exam?
Time management is important because candidates have to attempt two papers within a total duration of 100 minutes. Paper 1 has 90 questions for 100 marks, while Paper 2 has 50 questions for 100 marks. Candidates should avoid spending too much time on difficult questions and maintain accuracy because of the negative marking. A balanced approach can help candidates attempt more questions while reducing avoidable mistakes.
- Use the 60 minutes of Paper 1 carefully across all four sections.
- Prioritise questions that can be solved quickly and accurately.
- Avoid spending too much time on lengthy Quantitative Aptitude or Reasoning questions.
- Use the 40 minutes of Paper 2 effectively for stream-specific questions.
- Keep accuracy in mind because 1/4th negative marking applies.
- Avoid random guessing when unsure about an answer.
- Practise mock tests with a timer before the examination.
What is the marking scheme for PFRDA Grade A Phase 1?
The PFRDA Grade A Phase 1 examination follows a negative marking scheme in both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Candidates need to secure separate cut-offs in each paper as well as the required aggregate cut-off to qualify for Phase 2. The marks obtained in Phase 1 are used only for shortlisting candidates for the next stage and are not counted towards the final selection.
- Paper 1: 100 marks
- Paper 2: 100 marks
- Total: 200 marks
- Negative marking: 1/4th of the marks assigned to the question
- Separate cut-offs are applicable for each paper.
- An aggregate cut-off is also required for shortlisting.
- Phase 1 marks are not counted for final selection.
- Candidates qualifying Phase 1 will be shortlisted for Phase 2.
FAQs
The PFRDA Grade A Phase 1 Exam 2026 is scheduled for 15 October 2026 (Thursday).
The exact reporting time will be mentioned on the candidate’s admit card.
There are two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2.
The total duration is 100 minutes, with 60 minutes for Paper 1 and 40 minutes for Paper 2.
Yes. There is a negative marking of one-fourth (1/4th) of the marks assigned to the question in both papers.
- PFRDA Grade A Phase 1 Shift Timings 2026, Reporting Time
- PFRDA Grade A Cut Off 2026, Previous Year Cut Off Score
- PFRDA Grade A Previous Year Papers PDF, Download Free PYPs
- PFRDA Grade A Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026, Check Revised Details
- PFRDA Grade A Admit Card 2026, Download Hall Ticket PDF
- PFRDA Grade A Exam Date 2026 Out, Phase 1 and 2 Exam Schedule
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