Cracking the SIDBI Grade A exam requires more than just completing the syllabus it requires smart and focused practice. SIDBI Grade A Previous Year Papers help candidates get closer to the real exam experience by showing the types of questions asked, important topics, difficulty level, and changing question trends. Regular practice with these papers can improve speed, accuracy, time management, and confidence, while also helping candidates identify weak areas and strengthen their overall preparation.
Download SIDBI Grade A Previous Year Papers PDF
Candidates can use SIDBI Grade A Previous Year Papers to understand the structure of both Phase 1 and Phase 2 exams. As the official question papers not released by SIDBI, memory-based papers prepared from questions recalled by candidates is also useful for preparation. These papers should be used to understand the question format, topic coverage, and difficulty level.
| Year | Question Paper | Download |
| 2023 | SIDBI Grade A Phase 1 Memory-Based Paper | Download PDF |
| 2022 | SIDBI Grade A Phase 1 Memory-Based Paper | Download PDF |
| 2016 | SIDBI Grade A Phase 1 Memory-Based Paper | Download PDF |
How do SIDBI Grade A Previous Year Papers help in preparation?
SIDBI Grade A Previous Year Papers provide practical exposure to the type of questions that candidates may face in the exam. They help candidates connect the syllabus with actual questions and identify topics that require more revision.
What is the SIDBI Grade A Phase 1 exam pattern?
The SIDBI Grade A Phase 1 exam is an online objective test designed to assess candidates across aptitude, banking awareness, MSME knowledge, and the stream-specific area. The exam contains 200 questions for 200 marks and is conducted for 120 minutes. English Language, Reasoning Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, and Computer Knowledge are qualifying sections, while General Awareness, MSME Policy and Finance, and the Stream-Specific Test are important for merit-based shortlisting.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Nature |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | Qualifying |
| Reasoning Aptitude | 25 | 25 | Qualifying |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 | Qualifying |
| Computer Knowledge | 20 | 20 | Qualifying |
| General Awareness (Banking, Financial Sector, ESI) | 20 | 20 | Merit |
| MSMEs: Policy, Regulatory & Legal Framework; Finance & Management | 30 | 30 | Merit |
| Stream-Specific Test | 50 | 50 | Merit |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 Minutes |
What topics should candidates practise through SIDBI Grade A Previous Year Papers?
Previous year papers should be solved along with the syllabus so that candidates can identify the exact areas where they are making mistakes.
| Section | Important Topics to Practise |
| English Language | Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Error Detection, Sentence Improvement, Para Jumbles |
| Reasoning Aptitude | Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Inequality, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Data Sufficiency |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Simplification, Number System, Percentage, Ratio, Average, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Data Interpretation, Probability |
| Computer Knowledge | Computer Fundamentals, Operating Systems, Internet, Networking, MS Office, Database Basics, Cybersecurity |
| General Awareness | Banking Awareness, Financial Sector, Economic and Social Issues, Government Schemes, Budget, RBI, Banking Institutions, Current Affairs |
| MSME Policy & Finance | MSME Policy, Regulatory Framework, MSME Finance, Financial Management, Government Schemes, MSME Development |
| Stream-Specific Test | MSME Financing, Credit Assessment, KYC, Due Diligence, Financial Ratios, Working Capital, Term Loans, NPA, IRAC, Credit Risk |
What are the important topics in the SIDBI Grade A MSME and Credit section?
The MSME and credit-related sections are important parts of the SIDBI Grade A examination because the role is closely connected with MSME financing, credit appraisal, development finance, banking, and financial risk assessment. Candidates should use previous year papers to understand how these concepts are applied in practical situations rather than preparing only theoretical definitions.
- MSME classification and development
- MSME policy and regulatory framework
- MSME financing
- Credit appraisal
- Due diligence
- KYC and customer assessment
- Financial statement analysis
- Financial ratios
- Working capital assessment
- Term loan assessment
- Credit risk assessment
- Documentary credit
- NPA and recovery
- IRAC norms
- NBFC financing
- Investment banking
- Merchant banking
- Equity markets
- Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)
- Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs)
- Government schemes for MSMEs
What is the SIDBI Grade A Phase 2 exam pattern?
The SIDBI Grade A Phase 2 examination tests candidates on descriptive English as well as professional knowledge related to MSMEs, finance, credit, and other relevant areas. Paper 1 assesses writing and communication skills, while Paper 2 includes objective and descriptive questions.
| Paper | Test Components | Type | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | Essay, Précis, Comprehension, Business/Office Correspondence | Descriptive | 3 | 75 | 75 Minutes |
| Paper 2 – Objective | MSME Policy, Finance & Management, MSME Financing, NPA/IRAC, NBFC Financing, Credit Risk, Investment Banking, AIFs, ARCs, MSME Development | Objective | 50 | 75 | 60 Minutes |
| Paper 2 – Descriptive | MSME, Finance, Credit and related applied topics | Descriptive | Attempt 4 out of 10 | 50 | 75 Minutes |
Is there negative marking in the SIDBI Grade A exam?
Yes, negative marking is applicable in the objective sections of the SIDBI Grade A examination. Candidates should therefore focus on accuracy while solving previous year papers instead of attempting questions randomly. Practising with negative marking in mind helps candidates develop better question-selection and risk-management skills.
| Exam Stage | Question Type | Negative Marking |
| Phase 1 | Objective Questions | 1/4th of the marks assigned to the question |
| Phase 2 – Paper 2 Objective | MCQs | 1/4th of the marks assigned to the question |
| Phase 2 – Descriptive | Descriptive Answers | No negative marking |
What is the SIDBI Grade A syllabus?
The SIDBI Grade A syllabus covers aptitude, banking and financial awareness, MSME-related knowledge, and professional topics. Phase 1 contains both qualifying and merit-based sections, while Phase 2 focuses more heavily on English writing and professional knowledge. Candidates should also keep track of recent developments, regulatory changes, government policies, and financial-sector updates relevant to the examination.
| Phase | Section / Paper | Major Topics |
| Phase 1 | English Language | Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence usage |
| Phase 1 | Reasoning Aptitude | Puzzles, arrangements, logical reasoning, syllogism, inequalities |
| Phase 1 | Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic, data interpretation, percentages, ratio, averages, time and work |
| Phase 1 | Computer Knowledge | Computer basics, operating systems, networking, internet, applications |
| Phase 1 | General Awareness | Banking, financial sector, ESI, government schemes, current affairs |
| Phase 1 | MSME Policy & Finance | MSME policies, regulatory framework, finance and management |
| Phase 1 | Stream-Specific Test | MSME financing, credit assessment and relevant professional areas |
| Phase 2 | Paper 1 English | Essay, précis, comprehension, business/office correspondence |
| Phase 2 | Paper 2 | MSME finance, credit, NPA, recovery, financial analysis, risk assessment, investment banking and related topics |
What are the major topics for SIDBI Grade A Phase 2 Paper 2?
Phase 2 Paper II requires deeper preparation because it tests professional knowledge and the practical application of concepts. Candidates should use previous year papers to identify the level at which questions are asked and then prepare detailed notes for high-priority topics.
| Topic Area | Important Topics |
| MSME Framework | MSME policy, regulatory and legal framework, MSME development |
| MSME Finance | KYC, due diligence, financial ratios, working capital, term loans |
| Credit | Credit appraisal, credit risk assessment, documentary credit |
| Asset Quality | NPA, IRAC norms, recovery processes |
| Financial Services | NBFC financing, investment banking, merchant banking |
| Capital Markets | Equity markets and related concepts |
| Alternative Finance | AIFs and ARCs |
| Current Developments | Recent MSME policies, banking regulations and financial-sector developments |
FAQs
Yes, previous year papers help candidates understand the exam pattern, question types, important topics, difficulty level, and time requirements.
They help candidates understand how topics such as MSME financing, credit appraisal, financial ratios, NPA, recovery, and government policies are tested.
No. Candidates should combine previous year papers with the latest syllabus, study material, current affairs, conceptual revision, descriptive practice, and mock tests.
After completing a paper, check wrong and unattempted questions, identify the topic behind each mistake, revise the concept, and record repeated errors for later revision.
Yes penalty of one-fourth of the marks assigned to the question is applicable for incorrect answers in the objective sections.
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