Syllabus and Exam Pattern for SEBI Grade A Exam 2024
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Grade A exam is a highly competitive examination for recruitment to various posts in SEBI. The exam is conducted in two phases: Phase I and Phase II.
Phase I: Objective Type Paper
Duration: 120 minutes
Total Marks: 200
Number of Questions: 100
Syllabus:
1. General Awareness:
- Current Events: National and International events of the past year, including economic, social, political, and cultural events.
- Financial Awareness: Indian Economy, Banking, Finance, and Capital Markets.
- Static GK: History, Geography, Polity, and Science.
2. Quantitative Aptitude:
- Arithmetic: Number Systems, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Mixtures & Alligations.
- Algebra: Linear & Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Progressions, Functions, Logarithms.
- Geometry: Lines & Angles, Triangles, Circles, Mensuration.
- Data Interpretation: Tables, Charts, Graphs, Data Sufficiency.
3. Reasoning Ability:
- Verbal Reasoning: Analogies, Synonyms & Antonyms, Sentence Completion, Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Series, Analogy, Classification, Mirror Images, Water Images, Cubes & Dice.
- Logical Reasoning: Syllogisms, Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense.
4. English Language:
- Grammar: Parts of Speech, Tenses, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Subject-Verb Agreement.
- Vocabulary: Synonyms & Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, One-Word Substitution.
- Reading Comprehension: Passages from various topics, followed by questions based on comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.
- Writing Ability: Paragraph Writing, Essay Writing, Letter Writing.
Note: The syllabus for Phase I is subject to change. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for the latest syllabus.
Phase II: Descriptive Paper
Duration: 120 minutes
Total Marks: 100
Number of Questions: 2
Syllabus:
1. Essay Writing:
- Candidates will be required to write an essay on a given topic.
- The essay should be well-structured, grammatically correct, and should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to express their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively.
2. Comprehension and Composition:
- Candidates will be given a passage to read and answer questions based on comprehension.
- They will also be required to write a short composition based on the given passage.
Note: The syllabus for Phase II is subject to change. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for the latest syllabus.
Exam Pattern for SEBI Grade A Exam 2024
Phase I:
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| Reasoning Ability | 25 | 50 |
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Phase II:
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 1 | 50 |
| Comprehension and Composition | 1 | 50 |
| Total | 2 | 100 |
Important Points to Note:
- The exam is conducted online.
- There is a negative marking of 1/4th mark for each incorrect answer in Phase I.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect answers in Phase II.
- The candidates must clear both Phase I and Phase II to be eligible for the final selection.
- The final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in both phases of the exam, followed by an interview.
Preparation Strategy for SEBI Grade A Exam 2024
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus for both Phase I and Phase II.
- Refer to the Best Study Material: Use reliable study material like books, online courses, and mock tests.
- Practice Regularly: Practice previous years’ papers and mock tests to get familiar with the exam pattern and time management.
- Develop Time Management Skills: Learn to solve questions quickly and accurately within the time limit.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and work on them diligently.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers, magazines, and online resources to stay updated with current events.
- Improve English Language Skills: Practice grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension to enhance your English language skills.
- Develop Essay Writing Skills: Practice writing essays on various topics to improve your writing skills.
- Stay Motivated and Focused: Stay motivated and focused throughout your preparation journey.
Tips for Essay Writing
- Understand the Topic: Read the topic carefully and understand the key concepts.
- Plan Your Essay: Structure your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Use Relevant Evidence: Support your arguments with relevant facts, examples, and statistics.
- Maintain Clarity and Coherence: Write in a clear and concise manner, using proper grammar and punctuation.
- Proofread Your Essay: Carefully proofread your essay for any errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Tips for Comprehension and Composition
- Read the Passage Carefully: Read the passage thoroughly and understand the main idea and supporting arguments.
- Answer the Questions Accurately: Answer the comprehension questions accurately and concisely.
- Write a Coherent Composition: Write a short composition based on the passage, ensuring that it is well-structured and grammatically correct.
Resources for Preparation
- Books:
- Quantitative Aptitude: R.S. Aggarwal, Arun Sharma
- Reasoning Ability: R.S. Aggarwal, A.K. Gupta
- English Language: Wren & Martin, S.P. Bakshi
- General Awareness: Lucent’s General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook
- Online Courses:
- Unacademy: Offers comprehensive courses for SEBI Grade A exam.
- Byju’s: Provides online courses and mock tests.
- Testbook: Offers online courses and study material.
- Mock Tests:
- Oliveboard: Provides online mock tests for SEBI Grade A exam.
- Testbook: Offers mock tests and analysis reports.
- Gradeup: Provides mock tests and study material.
Conclusion
The SEBI Grade A exam is a challenging but rewarding examination. With proper preparation and dedication, candidates can crack the exam and secure a prestigious career in the financial sector.
Table 1: SEBI Grade A Exam – Eligibility Criteria
| Category | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Post Graduate Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or equivalent. |
| Age Limit | Minimum 21 years and Maximum 30 years as on the closing date of application. |
| Nationality | Indian Citizen |
Table 2: SEBI Grade A Exam – Selection Process
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Phase I | Online Objective Type Examination |
| Phase II | Online Descriptive Paper |
| Interview | Personal Interview for shortlisted candidates |
| Final Selection | Based on performance in all stages |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers:
1. What is the eligibility criteria for the SEBI Grade A exam?
- You need a postgraduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent. You must also be an Indian citizen and meet the age limit requirements.
2. What is the exam pattern for the SEBI Grade A exam?
- The exam is conducted in two phases: Phase I is an online objective type exam, and Phase II is an online descriptive paper. Both phases are followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates.
3. What is the syllabus for the SEBI Grade A exam?
- The syllabus covers General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language for Phase I. Phase II includes Essay Writing and Comprehension and Composition.
4. How many attempts are allowed for the SEBI Grade A exam?
- There is no limit on the number of attempts for the SEBI Grade A exam.
5. What is the selection process for the SEBI Grade A exam?
- The selection process involves clearing both Phase I and Phase II of the exam, followed by an interview. The final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in all stages.
6. What is the salary for a SEBI Grade A officer?
- The salary for a SEBI Grade A officer is competitive and includes a basic pay, allowances, and other benefits.
7. What are the best resources for preparing for the SEBI Grade A exam?
- You can refer to books, online courses, and mock tests from reputable sources like Unacademy, Byju’s, Testbook, Oliveboard, and Gradeup.
8. How can I improve my essay writing skills for the SEBI Grade A exam?
- Practice writing essays on various topics, focus on structure, clarity, and coherence, and proofread your work carefully.
9. What are some tips for time management during the SEBI Grade A exam?
- Practice solving questions quickly and accurately, allocate time wisely for each section, and avoid spending too much time on any single question.
10. How important is current affairs for the SEBI Grade A exam?
- Current affairs are crucial for the General Awareness section, so stay updated with national and international events, especially those related to finance and the economy.
11. What are the career prospects after clearing the SEBI Grade A exam?
- A career in SEBI offers a challenging and rewarding experience, with opportunities for growth and development in the financial sector.
12. What are some tips for the interview stage of the SEBI Grade A exam?
- Prepare well for common interview questions, dress professionally, be confident and articulate, and demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
13. Is there any age limit for the SEBI Grade A exam?
- Yes, there is an age limit for the SEBI Grade A exam. The minimum age is 21 years, and the maximum age is 30 years as on the closing date of application.
14. What is the duration of the SEBI Grade A exam?
- Phase I of the exam is 120 minutes long, and Phase II is also 120 minutes long.
15. What is the negative marking scheme for the SEBI Grade A exam?
- There is a negative marking of 1/4th mark for each incorrect answer in Phase I. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers in Phase II.
16. What are the key responsibilities of a SEBI Grade A officer?
- SEBI Grade A officers are responsible for various tasks, including market surveillance, investor protection, and policy formulation.
17. What are some of the challenges of working as a SEBI Grade A officer?
- The job requires a high level of knowledge, analytical skills, and dedication. It can also be demanding and stressful at times.
18. What are some of the benefits of working as a SEBI Grade A officer?
- The job offers a competitive salary, good career prospects, and the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Indian financial markets.
19. What are some tips for staying motivated during the preparation process?
- Set realistic goals, break down the syllabus into smaller parts, reward yourself for progress, and seek support from friends and family.
20. What are some common mistakes that candidates make during the SEBI Grade A exam?
- Not understanding the syllabus thoroughly, not practicing enough, not managing time effectively, and not staying updated with current affairs.