SIDBI Grade A Preparation Strategy: Preparing for the SIDBI Grade A exam requires a clear plan and focused effort. Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly is the first step to building a strong preparation strategy. Using the right study materials and regularly practicing mock tests can make your preparation more effective. Let's check few tips and tricks for better preparation in the below article.
What is the SIDBI Grade A preparation strategy?
Preparing for SIDBI Grade A requires a focused strategy combining understanding of the exam pattern, syllabus, and time management. The strategy involves strengthening your basics in Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Awareness, and Professional Knowledge, practicing previous year papers, and taking mock tests to improve speed and accuracy. Alongside, staying updated with banking and economic developments is crucial for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 exams.
| Preparation Focus | Details |
|---|
| Understand Exam Pattern & Syllabus | Analyze Phase 1 (Prelims) and Phase 2 (Mains) structure, sectional weightage, and professional knowledge topics. |
| Build Conceptual Clarity | Focus on quantitative aptitude, reasoning, English language, general awareness, and professional subjects. Use standard reference books and online resources. |
| Daily Current Affairs | Read newspapers, RBI/SIDBI notifications, and economic reports. Maintain notes for quick revision. |
| Practice & Revision | Solve previous years' papers and sectional quizzes. Revise concepts regularly to retain knowledge. |
| Mock Tests & Time Management | Take full-length mock tests to improve accuracy and speed. Analyze mistakes and adjust strategy accordingly. |
| Focused Professional Knowledge Preparation | Deep dive into topics related to finance, banking, SIDBI functions, MSME sector, and government schemes. |
| Short Notes & Last-Minute Revision | Prepare concise notes for formulas, important facts, and current affairs to revise before the exam. |
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What is the SIDBI Grade A phase 1 exam pattern?
The SIDBI Grade A Phase 1 exam is an online screening test of 200 marks conducted in 120 minutes, designed to assess a candidate's aptitude, awareness, and MSME-focused knowledge. The exam consists of seven objective sections, out of which English Language, Reasoning Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, and Computer Knowledge are qualifying in nature. The marks obtained in these sections are not considered for shortlisting. The merit for Phase II shortlisting is prepared solely based on three sections General Awareness (with focus on Banking, Financial Sector, and Economic & Social Issues), MSME-related Finance & Management, and the Stream-Specific Test.
All sections are bilingual except the English section. For Grade A (General Stream), the Stream-Specific Test primarily covers MSME financing, due diligence, KYC, financial ratios, term/working capital assessment, NPA & IRAC norms, NBFC financing, and credit risk assessment. Candidates must meet the qualifying cutoff in the qualifying sections and score well in the merit sections to move to Phase II.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Nature of Section | Key Details |
|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | Qualifying | Only English section; not counted for merit |
| Reasoning Aptitude | 25 | 25 | Qualifying | Must clear minimum cutoff |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 | Qualifying | Must clear minimum cutoff |
| Computer Knowledge | 20 | 20 | Qualifying | Basic computer ability |
| General Awareness (Banking, Financial Sector, ESI) | 20 | 20 | Merit | Counts for Phase II shortlisting |
| MSMEs: Policy, Regulatory & Legal Framework; Finance & Management | 30 | 30 | Merit | MSME-focused concepts |
| Stream-Specific Test (MSME Financing & Credit Assessment) | 50 | 50 | Merit | Major scoring area for Phase II shortlisting |
| Total | 200 | 200 | — | 120 minutes; bilingual except English |
What is the SIDBI Grade A phase 2 exam pattern?
The SIDBI Grade A Phase 2 exam consists of two papers designed to test a candidate's writing ability, domain knowledge, and understanding of MSME-related financial and regulatory concepts. Paper I is a descriptive English test (Essay, Précis, Comprehension, and Business Correspondence) aimed at evaluating writing skills, coherence, and clarity answers are typed on the computer. Paper II contains both objective and descriptive components.
The objective part assesses knowledge of MSMEs, financial frameworks, due diligence, KYC, financial ratios, credit assessment, NPA/IRAC norms, NBFC financing, Investment Banking, AIFs, ARCs, and MSME development. The descriptive part requires candidates to type long-form answers in English or Hindi, testing analytical ability and conceptual clarity. Each paper carries 75 marks, making Phase II a total of 150 marks. Performance in Phase II is crucial, as it is combined with the interview score to determine final selection.
| Paper | Test Components | Type of Paper | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|
| Paper I | Essay, Précis, Comprehension, Business/Office Correspondence | Online Descriptive (typed) | 3 | 75 | 75 minutes |
| Paper II – Objective | MSMEs: Policy, Regulatory & Legal Framework; Finance & Management; MSME Financing; NPA/IRAC; NBFC Financing; Credit Risk; Investment Banking; AIFs; ARCs; MSME Development | Online Objective (Bilingual) | 50 (1 & 2-mark questions) | 75 | 60 minutes |
| Paper II – Descriptive | Long-form answers on MSME, Finance, Credit, and related applied topics | Online Descriptive (typed in English/Hindi) | Attempt 4 out of 10 | 50 | 75 minutes |
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How should you prepare section-wise for SIDBI Grade A?
Although the official notification for the SIDBI Grade A 2026 Exam is yet to be released, it's the right time for aspirants to begin their preparation. Starting early with a smart and well-structured strategy will help you stay ahead in the competition. Below are subject-wise preparation tips to guide you through your SIDBI Grade A exam journey.
| Section | Key Topics to Focus On | Strategy Tips |
|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | - Data Interpretation - Simplification & Approximation - Quadratic Equations - Number Series - Arithmetic (Time, Work, SI/CI, Profit & Loss) | - Master basic arithmetic concepts - Prioritize high-weightage topics like DI - Use shortcuts to save time - Practice mock tests and PYQs |
| General Awareness | - Banking & Financial Current Affairs - Economic & MSME Schemes - Budget & Economic Survey - RBI & SEBI updates | - Read daily financial news - Revise monthly current affairs - Follow official sites like RBI & SIDBI - Focus on finance-oriented topics |
| English Language | - Reading Comprehension - Cloze Test - Para Jumbles - Error Spotting - Synonyms/Antonyms | - Build vocabulary daily - Read editorials and financial blogs - Practice grammar exercises - Attempt sectional mocks regularly |
| Reasoning Ability | - Syllogism - Inequality - Coding-Decoding - Blood Relations - Puzzles - Seating Arrangement - Data Sufficiency | - Start with easier topics - Develop a structured solving approach - Increase speed with regular practice - Solve mock tests and PYQs |
| Descriptive Test (Essay & Letter Writing) | - Topics on MSMEs, Banking & Finance - Formal/Informal Letter Writing - Policy Impact Analysis | - Practice writing weekly - Use a formal tone & avoid grammar errors - Support essays with facts/examples - Follow correct formats |
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Recommended books for SIDBI Grade A preparation
Books are one of the most important resources for effective SIDBI Grade A Preparation Strategy. Choosing the right SIDBI Grade A Books helps build strong conceptual understanding and improve accuracy. Below is the list of recommended books for each subject in the SIDBI Grade A 2026 exam.
| Subject | Book Title | Author / Publisher |
|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams | R.S. Aggarwal |
| The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams | Dinesh Khattar |
| General Awareness | General Knowledge | Lucent |
| Manorama Year Book | Manorama Publications |
| English Language | The Study of English Language | Dr. C.U. Kulkarni |
| High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin |
| Reasoning Ability | Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | Arihant Publications |
What are the key preparation tips for SIDBI Grade A 2026?
Effective preparation for SIDBI Grade A 2026 requires smart planning, focused practice, and time management especially with just 2 months left. By following a structured approach, candidates can cover important topics efficiently, strengthen their fundamentals, and boost their chances of success in the exam. Here are the essential preparation tips:
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Go through the latest syllabus and exam pattern to know subject-wise weightage and question formats.
- Create a Customized Study Plan: Design a realistic timetable to balance preparation for all sections and manage time effectively.
- Make Quick Notes: Prepare concise notes for formulas, important concepts, and current affairs for last-minute revision.
- Strengthen the Basics: Focus on core concepts in Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and English for confidence in solving questions.
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Practice past question papers to understand difficulty levels, question patterns, and improve time management.
- Practice Mock Tests Regularly: Take sectional and full-length mock tests to assess preparation and identify strong and weak areas.
- Know the Previous Year Cut Offs: Analyze past cut-off trends to set realistic targets and aim for qualifying marks.
- Use Reliable Study Materials: Refer to updated books, practice sets, and trusted online resources aligned with SIDBI Grade A 2026 requirements.
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