The SEBI Grade A Syllabus 2026 includes Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language and General Awareness in Phase 1 Paper 1, along with stream-specific subjects in Paper 2. Phase 2 covers Descriptive English in Paper 1 and stream-specific subjects in Paper 2. The syllabus for Paper 2 varies by stream, including General, Legal, Information Technology, Research, Official Language and Engineering. Candidates should check the subject-wise topics for both phases and understand the interview stage to prepare for the SEBI Grade A Officer (Assistant Manager) examination.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates India’s securities market. Its Grade A recruitment exam is conducted to select officers for the Assistant Manager role in different streams. The SEBI Grade A Syllabus 2026 helps candidates understand the subjects and topics they need to prepare for each stage of the exam.
Before starting preparation, candidates should understand which subjects apply to their chosen stream. The common paper tests aptitude and awareness, while Paper 2 checks knowledge of the selected subject area.
| Particulars | Details |
| Organisation | Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) |
| Post | Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) |
| Exam name | SEBI Grade A Recruitment 2026 |
| Selection stages | Phase 1, Phase 2 and Interview |
| Phase 1 | Two objective papers |
| Phase 2 | Descriptive English and stream-specific Paper 2, as applicable |
| Common Paper 1 subjects | General Awareness, English, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning |
| General Stream Paper 2 | Commerce, Accountancy, Management, Finance, Costing, Companies Act and Economics |
| Exam mode | Online |
| Negative marking | Generally one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question for each wrong answer in objective papers |
| Final selection weightage | Phase 2: 85%; Interview: 15%, as specified in the applicable scheme |
For more recruitment details, read the SEBI Grade A Notification.
The SEBI Grade A Exam Pattern explains how the examination is divided into papers, how much time candidates receive and how marks are counted. Phase 1 is the screening stage, while Phase 2 and the Interview determine final selection under the applicable recruitment scheme.
Phase 1 contains two objective papers. Paper 1 is common to all streams, while Paper 2 tests knowledge related to the stream selected by the candidate.
| Paper | Subjects | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | General Awareness, English, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning | 100 | 60 minutes |
| Paper 2 | Stream-specific subject | 100 | 40 minutes |
| Total | Two objective papers | 200 | 100 minutes |
The commonly specified qualifying requirements for Phase 1 are:
There is generally no separate sectional cut-off within Paper 1 under this scheme. Candidates must still meet the required cut-offs in both papers and the overall examination.
Candidates who qualify in Phase 1 can appear for Phase 2. The examination checks writing skills and subject knowledge in greater detail.
| Paper | Subjects | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | English descriptive test | 100 | 60 minutes |
| Paper 2 | Stream-specific subject | 100 | Depends on the stream |
| Total | Two papers | 200 | Depends on the stream |
For the General Stream, Paper 2 is an objective test of professional knowledge. Other streams may have different formats, including specialised objective or descriptive tests, or a coding test for the Information Technology stream.
The commonly specified qualifying requirements for the General Stream are 30% in Paper 1, 40% in Paper 2 and 50% in aggregate. Candidates should confirm the exact criteria for their stream in the official notification.
The marking scheme helps candidates decide how carefully to attempt questions.
The Phase 1 syllabus has two papers. Paper 1 covers four common subjects, and Paper 2 covers the professional subject linked to the chosen stream.
This section checks whether candidates follow important events and understand basic financial and economic developments. Since SEBI works in the securities market, financial awareness is especially useful. As part of the SEBI Grade A Syllabus 2026, candidates should focus on current affairs, banking and financial awareness, and key economic updates to prepare effectively.
Important topics include:
Preparation tip: Read current affairs regularly and make short notes. Give extra attention to financial news, market developments, regulatory updates and important government policies.
The English section tests reading, grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure.
Important topics include:
Preparation tip: Read short articles daily, revise grammar rules and solve timed practice questions. This will also help you prepare for the descriptive English paper in Phase 2.
Quantitative Aptitude checks calculation skills and the ability to solve numerical problems within a limited time.
Important topics include:
Preparation tip: Start with basic arithmetic and practise calculations daily. Once you are comfortable with the concepts, solve mixed questions under a timer.
Reasoning questions test how well candidates identify patterns, understand relationships and solve logical problems. The SEBI Grade A Syllabus 2026 includes reasoning topics that assess candidates’ analytical and logical thinking skills.
Important topics include:
Preparation tip: Practise one topic at a time before attempting mixed sets. For puzzles and seating arrangements, focus on accuracy first and then improve your speed.
Phase 2 checks a candidate’s writing ability and professional knowledge under the SEBI Grade A Syllabus 2026. Paper 1 is the descriptive English paper, while Paper 2 depends on the selected stream and tests subject-specific knowledge relevant to the Assistant Manager role.
The English paper checks how clearly candidates can understand a topic and express their ideas in writing.
Important topics include:
Essay topics may relate to the economy, financial markets, technology, social issues, governance or other current developments.
How to prepare: Practise writing short essays, summarising long passages and answering comprehension questions. Use simple language, organise your ideas into clear paragraphs and leave time to review your answers.
For the General Stream, Paper 2 covers six major areas:
These subjects require a good understanding of concepts, definitions, applications and current developments relevant to the financial system.
The professional SEBI Grade A syllabus changes according to the stream selected. Candidates applying for the General Stream should prepare the six subjects listed above. Candidates applying for Legal, Information Technology, Research, Engineering or Official Language posts must study the subjects specified for their stream.
This section covers accounting rules, financial statements and company accounts.
Important topics include:
Preparation tip: Understand accounting rules and practise questions on financial statements, ratios and cash flow calculations.
Management covers how organisations work and how managers guide people towards common goals.
Important topics include:
Preparation tip: Learn the main ideas behind each theory and use short notes to revise important names, terms and differences.
Finance is an important part of the General Stream syllabus because SEBI regulates the securities market.
Important topics include:
Preparation tip: Follow important financial news and understand the purpose of financial products, market instruments and regulatory decisions. Revise current developments along with basic concepts.
Costing covers the methods used by organisations to calculate costs, manage budgets and improve efficiency.
Important topics include:
Preparation tip: Learn the basic formulas and practise numerical questions. Make a separate notebook for formulas and revise it regularly.
The Companies Act section focuses on important provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, as specified in the examination syllabus.
Important areas include:
Preparation tip: Read the prescribed chapters carefully and make notes on definitions, important provisions, duties and legal requirements. Check the applicable syllabus for any changes or additional provisions.
Economics covers basic economic concepts, national income, markets and government policies.
Important topics include:
Preparation tip: Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorising definitions. Use diagrams and short notes to revise economic models and policy tools.
The SEBI Grade A Syllabus 2026 for specialised streams covers subjects relevant to each role. Candidates should review the topics and examination format for their chosen stream and refer to the official notification for the latest recruitment details.
| Stream | Major areas to prepare |
| Legal | Securities laws, Companies Act, securities contracts, regulations, legal principles and other prescribed laws |
| Information Technology | Programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, networks, cybersecurity and software engineering |
| Research | Economics, statistics, econometrics, financial markets, research methods and quantitative techniques, as prescribed |
| Engineering (Electrical) | Electrical circuits, machines, power systems, control systems, measurements and electrical engineering fundamentals |
| Engineering (Civil) | Structural engineering, soil mechanics, construction materials, transportation, environmental engineering and water resources |
| Official Language | Hindi language, English-to-Hindi translation, Hindi-to-English translation, grammar and official language terminology |
Candidates should use the stream-specific syllabus and information handout rather than relying only on a general list of topics.
The Interview is the final stage of the SEBI Grade A selection process. Unlike a written paper, it does not have a fixed subject-wise syllabus.
The interview panel may assess a candidate’s communication skills, awareness, subject knowledge and ability to explain ideas clearly.
Important areas to prepare include:
Preparation tip: Prepare a clear introduction about yourself, revise your educational subjects and read important financial news. Practise answering questions aloud so that your answers are clear and well organised.
The SEBI Grade A syllabus may look large at first, but it becomes easier to manage when you divide it into smaller parts. Use the following strategies to prepare without trying to study every subject at the same time.
These subjects contain many concepts and theories. Divide each subject into smaller topics and revise them regularly.
Common mistake: Reading theory repeatedly without testing your understanding.
Current affairs require regular study because new developments appear every day.
Common mistake: Collecting information from too many sources and leaving little time for revision.
Reasoning requires practice and careful reading of questions.
Common mistake: Watching solutions without trying to solve questions independently.
Calculation speed improves with regular practice.
Common mistake: Avoiding numerical topics because they seem difficult.
English preparation should begin in Phase 1 rather than being postponed until Phase 2.
Common mistake: Focusing only on objective English questions and ignoring descriptive writing.
Professional Knowledge is important for Paper 2. General Stream candidates should cover all six prescribed subjects, while specialised-stream candidates should follow their respective technical syllabus.
Common mistake: Spending too much time on one favourite subject and leaving other topics incomplete.
A well-planned strategy helps candidates cover the syllabus, practise important topics and revise effectively before the exam. Along with following the SEBI Grade A preparation strategy, focus on stream-wise study material, previous year question papers and regular mock tests to track your progress.
Follow these steps to organise your preparation.
The SEBI Grade A Syllabus 2026 gives candidates a clear roadmap for preparing for Phase 1, Phase 2 and the Interview. Start by understanding the SEBI Grade A Exam Pattern and identifying the subjects relevant to your stream. Then divide the syllabus into manageable topics, practise questions regularly and revise what you have studied. Mock tests can help you improve your speed, accuracy and confidence. Follow a consistent study plan and check the latest official notification before finalising your preparation strategy. For the latest exam updates, preparation tips, mock tests and study materials, visit the PracticeMock.
The syllabus covers General Awareness, English, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning in Paper 1, along with stream-specific subjects in Paper 2. Phase 2 also includes descriptive English and professional knowledge, depending on the stream.
Phase 1 generally has two objective papers carrying 100 marks each, with a total duration of 100 minutes. Phase 2 includes a 100-mark descriptive English paper and a 100-mark stream-specific paper. The duration and format of Paper 2 can vary by stream.
Phase 1 Paper 1 covers General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability. Paper 2 tests professional knowledge related to the selected stream.
Phase 2 Paper 1 tests descriptive English through essay writing, precis writing and comprehension. Paper 2 tests professional knowledge and follows the format prescribed for the selected stream.
The General Stream Paper 2 includes Commerce and Accountancy, Management, Finance, Costing, Companies Act and Economics.
Yes. The commonly prescribed scheme deducts one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question for an incorrect answer in objective papers. Candidates should confirm the applicable marking scheme in the official notification.
Yes. Phase 1 is used to shortlist candidates for Phase 2. Under the described selection scheme, Phase 1 marks are not included in the final merit calculation, which generally gives 85% weightage to Phase 2 and 15% to the Interview.
No. There is no fixed written syllabus for the Interview. Candidates should prepare SEBI’s role, financial market developments, current affairs, their educational background and questions about their experience.
Divide the syllabus into smaller topics, follow a realistic timetable, practise questions daily and revise regularly. Take mock tests to identify weak areas and give enough time to both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
No. Paper 1 is common to all streams, but Paper 2 covers different subjects for the General, Legal, Information Technology, Research, Engineering and Official Language streams.
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