The SIDBI Grade A selection process consists of three stages. Phase I will be an online screening test with one paper containing seven sections, carrying a total of 200 marks. Phase II will also be an online exam with both objective and descriptive questions, consisting of two papers worth 200 marks in total. Phase III will be an interview for 100 marks, which will also include marks for notable achievements in extracurricular activities at the district, state, or national level, as well as any awards or recognitions.
In this blog, we have provided the detailed selection process along with the exam pattern for phase I and phase II.
What is the SIDBI Grade A selection procedure?
The SIDBI Grade A selection process is designed to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge, analytical ability, and overall suitability for the managerial role. It is conducted in three stages. The process begins with phase I, an online screening examination that includes a single paper divided into seven sections, carrying a total of 200 marks. Candidates who meet the cut-off set by SIDBI move to Phase II, which comprises two online papers of 200 marks in total where Paper II includes both objective and descriptive questions.
After clearing phase II, shortlisted candidates must take a Psychometric Test administered by a third-party agency to assess their communication style, personality, problem-solving ability, and adaptability. The results of this test help the interview panel form a complete understanding of each candidate. Those who qualify are then invited for the Personal Interview, carrying 100 marks, which also considers verified achievements in extracurricular activities and service recognitions. The final merit list is prepared based on performance in Phase II and the Interview.
| Selection Phase | Details |
| Phase I – Online Screening Examination | – One paper with 7 sections, totaling 200 marks. – Candidates must secure the minimum cut-off set by SIDBI to qualify for Phase II. |
| Phase II – Online Examination | – Two papers totaling 200 marks. – Paper 2 includes both objective and descriptive questions. – Candidates who clear the cut-off are shortlisted for the next stage. |
| Psychometric Test | – Conducted by a third-party agency after Phase II. – Assesses personality, communication, clarity of thought, problem-solving ability, and readiness to work nationwide. – Findings are shared with the interview panel. |
| Personal Interview | – Conducted at designated SIDBI offices for candidates who clear the Psychometric Test. |
| Phase III – Interview (100 Marks) | – Interview of 100 marks. – Additional marks awarded for validated achievements in extracurricular activities (District/State/National level), awards, and service recognitions. |
| Final Selection | – Based on combined performance in Phase II and the Interview. |
What is the SIDBI Grade A exam pattern?
The SIDBI Grade A exam begins with phase I, which is an online screening test containing one paper with seven sections for 200 marks. Candidates who score above the cut-off are shortlisted for phase II, which has two online papers of 200 marks in total. In this stage, paper II includes both objective and descriptive questions to check the candidate’s understanding and writing skills.
After qualifying phase II, candidates must take a Psychometric Test. This test does not carry any marks but helps assess the candidate’s personality, communication skills, problem-solving ability, and suitability for the job. The final stage is phase III (Interview), which carries 100 marks and also gives weightage to verified achievements or awards. The final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in phase II and the Interview, ensuring a complete and fair evaluation.
| Phase | Details | Marks |
| Phase I | Online screening exam with 1 paper comprising 7 sections | 200 marks |
| Phase II | Online exam with 2 papers (includes objective + descriptive questions) | 200 marks |
| Psychometric Test | Conducted after Phase II to assess personality and suitability | No marks (assessment-based) |
| Phase III (Interview) | Personal Interview including marks for achievements/awards (with valid proof) | 100 marks |
| Final Selection | Based on combined performance in Phase II + Interview | — |
Download SIDBI Grade A Previous Year Interview Questions Ebook
What is the SIDBI Grade A phase 1 exam pattern?
The SIDBI Grade A Phase I exam has seven objective sections, out of which English Language, Reasoning Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, and Computer Knowledge are qualifying only, meaning their marks are not counted for shortlisting. The merit list for Phase II is prepared based on the remaining three sections: General Awareness (focused on Banking, Financial Sector, and Economic & Social Issues), MSME-related Finance & Management, and the Stream-Specific Test.
All sections are bilingual except English. For Grade A (General Stream), the Stream-Specific Test mainly covers topics such as MSME financing, due diligence, KYC, financial ratios, working capital and term loan assessment, NPA & IRAC norms, NBFC financing, and credit risk assessment. To qualify for Phase II, candidates must clear the cut-off in the qualifying sections and score well in the merit-based sections.
| Section | Questions/ Marks | Nature of Section |
| 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 (MSME Financing & Credit Assessment) ** | 50/50 | Merit |
| Total | 200/200 | Duration: 120 minutes |
**Stream Specific Test (Test Name: MSME Financing)
- Topics include:
- Due Diligence / KYC (Know Your Customer)
- Financial Ratios
- Assessment of Term Loan / Working Capital
- Documentary Credit
- NPA (Non-Performing Assets) and Recovery
- IRAC Norms (Income Recognition, Asset Classification)
- NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company) Financing
- Credit Risk Assessment
Remarks: The syllabus provided is only indicative and not exhaustive.
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 Name | Details |
| Paper I | English Language (Essay, Précis, Comprehension, Business Correspondence) | – Type: Descriptive (Online) – Questions: 3 – Marks: 75 – Time: 75 minutes – Focus on writing skills, expression, and understanding the topic. |
| Paper II | MSMEs (Policy, Regulatory Framework, Finance, MSME Financing, etc.) | – Type: Objective (Online, Bilingual) – Questions: 50 (mixed 1 or 2 marks) – Marks: 75 – Time: 60 minutes – Topics include NPA recovery, investment banking, credit risk, and MSME policies. |
| MSMEs Descriptive Questions | – Type: Descriptive (Online in English/Hindi) – Questions: 10 (attempt any 4) – Marks: 50 – Time: 75 minutes – Choose 2 questions of 15 marks each and 2 of 10 marks each. |
Key Takeaways
| Key Takeaway | Details |
| Total Stages | Three stages – Phase I (Screening), Phase II (Mains), Phase III (Interview). |
| Phase I Purpose | Screening only; used to shortlist candidates for Phase II. |
| Phase I Structure | One paper, 7 sections, 200 marks, 120 minutes. |
| Qualifying Sections (Phase I) | English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Computer Knowledge – marks not counted for merit. |
| Merit Sections (Phase I) | General Awareness, MSME Policies & Finance/Management, Stream-Specific Test – used for shortlisting to Phase II. |
| Negative Marking | 1/4th mark deducted for each wrong answer in Phase I. |
| Phase II Structure | Two papers: Descriptive English + MSME (Objective + Descriptive). |
| Psychometric Test | Conducted after Phase II; no marks; helps assess personality and suitability. |
| Interview (Phase III) | 100 marks; additional credit for verified achievements/awards. |
| Final Merit | Based on marks scored in Phase II + Interview (Phase I is qualifying). |
| Topper’s Corner | Topper’s Corner |
| SIDBI Grade A Topper Aniket Tembhurne | SIDBI Grade A Topper Dayyala Krishna |
SIDBI Grade A Selection Process 2026 – FAQs
Ans: The selection process includes three phases: Phase I (Online Test), Phase II (Online Test), and Phase III (Interview).
Ans: The Phase I exam consists of 7 objective sections with a total of 200 marks.
Ans: Yes, there is a descriptive paper in Phase II covering English language skills and MSME-related topics.
Ans: Shortlisting for Phase II is based on marks scored in the Merit Section of Phase I.
Ans: The Merit Section includes General Awareness, MSME Policies, and a Stream-Specific Test.
Ans: Yes, after Phase II, a Psychometric Test is conducted to assess personality and suitability for the role.
Ans: Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/4 marks for every wrong answer marked by a
candidate in Phase 1 Exam.
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