SEBI Grade A Dos & Don’ts for Phase 2 Exam

The SEBI Grade A Phase 2 exam is almost here. This stage is decisive. It decides whether you move to the interview. And whether you finally see your name in the merit list. I have said this before, and I will say it again. If something is repeated, it is important. Very important. So, in this blog, let us talk about what you must do. And more importantly, what you must not do in SEBI Grade A Phase 2.

First, Fix Your Target Score

Without a target, preparation becomes random. And random preparation does not clear Phase 2.

Phase 2 has two papers — Paper 1 (English, descriptive, 100 marks) and Paper 2 (stream-specific, objective, 100 marks). But they are not equal in weightage. Paper 1 carries 1/3 weightage, Paper 2 carries 2/3 weightage.

Now, understand this carefully.

• If you score 60 in Paper 1, its effective contribution becomes 20.
• If you score 75 in Paper 2, its contribution becomes 50.
• Your Phase 2 total becomes 70 out of 100.

After that, interview marks are added. Interview carries 15% weightage in the final merit list. Phase 2 carries 85% weightage.

In recent years, the final cut-off has hovered around 66–72 (General stream). That means if you are just scoring 60 in Paper 1 and 75 in Paper 2, you are only touching the cut-off. Not safe.

So what should be your real target?

• Paper 1: Stay around 60 or above.
• Paper 2: Target at least 80.

Because if you score 80 in Paper 2, its scaled value becomes around 54. Then your total becomes safer. Even if interview marks are slightly lower, you can still manage.

So, understand this clearly. Paper 2 high score is not optional. It is necessary.

Don’t Ignore English (Paper 1)

Many aspirants take English lightly. They think it is just a generic paper. This is the first mistake.

Yes, Paper 1 has lower weightage. But it can still decide your final selection. Aspirants have scored well in Paper 2 but fallen short in English and missed the interview call.

So do not assume English will take care of itself.

At least:

• Write 10 essays.
• Write 10 précis.
• Solve 10 comprehension passages.
• Attempt 5 full-length mock tests.

Reading topics is not preparation. Writing is preparation. Until you write, you will not know your mistakes.

Don’t Leave Any Subject Completely

Some aspirants say, “I will skip one subject.” Risky.

In Paper 2, one subject can carry 15–20 marks. If you leave it, your attemptable paper reduces. And then expecting 80+ becomes nearly impossible.

You cannot afford that luxury. Prepare all subjects. Yes, you can skip one or two low-probability chapters. But not an entire subject.

Don’t Leave Numericals

Skipping numericals is another mistake. Numericals can carry 12–15 marks. If you skip them, your effective paper reduces again.

Important areas include:

Costing:

• Marginal Costing (P/V ratio, Break-even point, CVP analysis)
• Standard Costing (Material and Labour variances)
• Process Costing (Abnormal loss/gain, Equivalent production)

Accounts:

• Ratio analysis
• Bonus and Rights issue
• Buyback of shares
• Accounting standard for foreign exchange transactions

Finance:

• Derivatives
• Bond pricing

Economics has fewer numericals, but National Income can still be asked.

Don’t Treat Mock Tests Casually

Mock tests are not just practice. They are training.

• Your mock test must match exam trend.
• Give mock tests at the same time as your actual exam.
• Attempt Paper 1 and Paper 2 back-to-back.

Analyze every mock. If you are stuck at 72–73 and not crossing 75, mocks will show you:

• Which questions to attempt first.
• When to skip.
• How to manage time.
• When to move on.

Books will not teach this. Only mocks will.

Don’t Ignore Current Affairs Completely

Current affairs weightage is small. But 2–3 questions can still come. And those 2–3 can give you an edge.

At least read:

• Finance-related current affairs.
• News related to RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA.
• Union Budget highlights.
• Economic Survey key points.

Final Words

SEBI Grade A Phase 2 is not about luck. It is about disciplined execution. Fix your target score, prepare all subjects., do not ignore English and skip numericals and take Give mock tests properly. Read important current affairs. Small mistakes at this stage can cost you the interview call. And that regret hurts more than hard work. You still have time. Use it wisely. Stay focused. Stay calm. And give your best in those few hours that matter the most. All the best for SEBI Grade A Phase 2. Give it everything you have.

Check out:

• SEBI Grade A Phase 2 Essay Writing Strategy
• SEBI Grade A Phase 2 Precis Writing Strategy
• SEBI Grade A Phase 2 Reading Comprehension Strategy

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