The SEBI Grade A exam is one of the most prestigious and competitive government exams in the finance sector. Every year, thousands of candidates aim to secure this coveted officer-level position at the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Last year, approximately 6,500 to 7,500 candidates applied for just 97 vacancies. But this year, competition is expected to be even fiercer, as there are 110 vacancies in the SEBI Grade A 2025, which means more opportunities but also stiffer competition. Many candidates believe that it is impossible to crack the SEBI Grade A without coaching. But the truth is that with the right strategy, proper resources, and consistent effort, you can pass the SEBI Grade A Phase 1 exam on your first attempt, even without coaching. In this article, we will discuss a complete self-study roadmap for SEBI Grade A Phase 1 (General Stream), including the exam pattern, section-wise preparation tips, time management strategy, and study plan.
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| SEBI Revision Notes | Mock Test 1 |
| SEBI Study Notes | Mock Test 2 |
| Sampoorna – Paper 2 Current Affairs | Mock Test 3 |
| SEBI Notes – Chapterwise Tests | Mock Test 4 |
| SEBI Paper 2 – CA Tests | Mock Test 5 |
Understanding the SEBI Grade A Phase 1 Exam Pattern 2025
Before jumping into preparation, it’s very important to understand the exam pattern. SEBI Grade A Phase 1 consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Paper 1: General Awareness + English + Quantitative Aptitude + Reasoning
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Qualifying Marks: 30%
- Negative Marking: 1/4th mark
Paper 1 is common for all streams and focuses on general aptitude and awareness.
Paper 2: Stream-Specific (General Stream for most aspirants)
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Qualifying Marks: 40%
- Negative Marking: 1/4th mark
In Phase 1, both papers are conducted on the same day, and candidates must qualify for each paper separately. The aggregate cut-off for Phase 1 is usually around 40%, but it can vary slightly each year.
How to Crack SEBI Grade A Phase 1 2025 Exam in First Attempt Without Coaching
Cracking SEBI Grade A in your first attempt is possible even without coaching if you study smartly and stay regular. The exam has two papers — Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is common for everyone and checks your skills in Quant, Reasoning, English, and General Awareness. Paper 2 is based on your stream, and for the General Stream, it includes six subjects: Commerce, Management, Finance, Costing, Companies Act, and Economics. If you understand what to study and follow the right plan, you can easily clear Phase 1.
Know the Syllabus Properly
Before starting your preparation, first understand what you have to study. The SEBI Grade A Phase 1 exam has two papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2.
- Paper 1 includes English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness — these are common for all streams and are similar to other banking exams.
- Paper 2 covers Management, Finance, Costing, Companies Act 2019, and Economics — these subjects check your understanding of financial and business concepts.
When you know the syllabus clearly, your preparation becomes easy and focused. Always keep a printed copy of the syllabus and tick the topics you complete — this helps you stay on track.
Scoring Topics for Paper 1 and Paper 2 to clear the sectional Cut Off
The first step is to know the syllabus in detail.
Paper 1 tests your basic aptitude — it’s just like other banking exams.
If your basics of Quant, Reasoning, English, and GK are strong, you can easily score 30% marks here. To do this, give daily quizzes and weekly mock tests. Focus more on your weak areas — for example, if your reasoning is weak, solve 2 puzzles every day. If English is tough, read one newspaper article daily. Regular practice will make you fast and accurate.
Scoring topics for Paper 1:
- Quant: Simplification, Percentage, Ratio, and Data Interpretation
- Reasoning: Syllogism, Inequality, Blood Relation, Puzzles (Easy Level)
- English: Reading Comprehension, Error Detection, Fill in the Blanks
- GK: Current Affairs (Finance + Economy Focused)
Scoring topics for Paper 2:
Start your preparation with theory subjects such as Management and Companies Act — they are easy to understand and scoring. Make your own notes, and after reading each topic, practice chapter-wise quizzes. For numerical parts like Finance and Costing, clear your basics with the help of YouTube videos and short practice sets. Remember: 50–60% of Paper 2 questions come from basic theory concepts, not deep numerical problems.
| SEBI Grade A General Stream Important Topics | ||
| Types and Models of Communication Process | Causes and Types of Inflation | Theories on Leadership |
| National Income Accounting | Basics of Finance and Economics | Basics of Bonds and Derivatives |
| Balance of Payments | Time Value of Money | Financial and Accounting Ratios |
| Financial and Securities Markets | Banking Regulations and Basel Accords | Prompt Corrective Action Framework |
| Credit Rating Agencies in India | Alternate Sources of Finance | Introduction to Lean Systems |
| Accounting and Costing Basics | The Companies Act, 2013 – Chapter III, Chapter IV, Chapter VIII, Chapter X, Chapter XI, Chapter XII, and Chapter XXVII | Economics: Foreign Exchange Markets, Demand and Supply, National Income, etc |
Take a Free Mock Test to Know Your Current Level of Preparation
Before starting your full preparation, take a free mock test. This will help you know your strengths and weaknesses. You’ll see which areas you already understand and which ones need more practice.
Mock tests also teach time management — a key skill for any competitive exam. After each test, analyze your performance carefully and note where you lost marks. This helps you improve faster and build exam confidence.
If You Are Starting from Scratch
If you are a beginner or starting from zero, don’t worry! Follow these simple steps:
For Paper 1:
Paper 1 is just like other banking exams. If your basics of Quant, Reasoning, English, and General Awareness are clear, you’re already halfway there.
- Give daily mock tests and note your weak topics.
- Practice topic-wise tests first, then move to sectional tests.
- Improve your speed and accuracy through daily practice.
For Paper 2 (General Stream):
This paper checks your subject knowledge. Start with theory subjects first — like Management, Finance, and Economics.
- Make short, easy-to-understand notes.
- Watch YouTube videos to clear your numerical concepts in topics like Costing and Finance.
- Once basics are clear, start solving chapter-wise quizzes and mock tests.
- Revise weekly and focus more on scoring topics like Capital Market Basics, Time Value of Money, Financial Ratios, and Principles of Management.
Target: Try to achieve 40% or more in Paper 2 and 30% or more in Paper 1 to easily clear Phase 1 in your first attempt.
GA (General Awareness) Preparation
For GA, read the last 5 to 6 months of current affairs. Focus on finance and economy news, RBI updates, and SEBI-related topics. You can read monthly current affairs PDFs or watch short summary videos daily. Revision is most important — revise weekly so you don’t forget key facts.
Start Your Preparation with Study Notes
Always prepare your own notes while studying. It helps you remember better and makes revision easier. Write important formulas, theories, and definitions in one notebook. When exams are near, just revise from these notes instead of big books.
Take Chapter-wise Quizzes
After studying each topic, take small quizzes to check how much you remember. Chapter-wise quizzes help you test your knowledge and improve accuracy. They also make learning more fun and keep you motivated.
Create Notes, Revise, and Take Mock Tests
Once you finish one round of studying, start revising from your notes daily. Make short notes with formulas, definitions, and key terms — this will help you revise faster before the exam. After every subject, take one mock test or a topic-wise quiz to check your progress. The more you practice, the more confident you become.
For General Awareness, read the last 5 to 6 months of Current Affairs, especially from financial areas like RBI updates, SEBI circulars, and Budget highlights. Revise every weekend so you don’t forget important facts.
Stay Consistent and Believe in Yourself
Success doesn’t come overnight; it comes with small daily efforts. Even without coaching, you can crack SEBI Grade A if you study with discipline.
- Follow your timetable sincerely.
- Avoid distractions like social media during study hours.
- Stay positive even when mock scores are low — it’s a part of the learning process.
- Believe in your strategy and keep improving every day.
Consistency is the real key. If you stay regular and focused, clearing SEBI Grade A in your first attempt is absolutely possible!
Final Words
Cracking SEBI Grade A Phase 1 2025 without coaching is not difficult — it just needs a clear plan, discipline, and confidence.
Know the syllabus, take regular mock tests, practice daily, and revise smartly. Focus on scoring 30% in Paper 1 and 40% in Paper 2, and you’ll easily cross the Phase 1 cut-off.
Remember, coaching gives guidance, but self-study builds strength. So stay motivated, study smart, and make this year your success story with SEBI Grade A 2025!
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SEBI Grade A Other Article
| SEBI Grade A Syllabus 2025 | SEBI Grade Salary 2025 |
| SEBI Grade A Cut Off 2025 | SEBI Grade A Study Plan 2025 |
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