Topics Covered: IFSCA Grade A Officer 2024 Notification, Exam Dates, Vacancy, Selection Procedure – Phase 1, Phase 2, & Interview, Pattern, Syllabus, Cut Off, Exam Analysis, Previous Year Questions, Preparation Strategy, Preparation Tips, Best Books for Preparation, Job Profile of an IFSCA Assistant Manager, Promotions, Salary, Lifestyle, Exam Centers, Application Form, Application Fees, How to Apply for the IFSCA Grade A 2024, Admit Card, Result, and Training

IFSCA Grade A 2024 Notification

The official IFSCA Grade A 2024 exam notification was released on 27 March 2024. IFSCA released another notification regarding the Grade A exam on 23 April 2024, extending the time for submission of an online application. 

IFSCA Grade A 2024 Important Dates

Here are the important dates of the IFSCA Grade A 2024 exam:

IFSCA Grade A 2024 
Important Dates
EventsDates
IFSCA Grade A Notification 202427 March 2024
Online Application Start Date28 March 2024
Online Application Last Date8 May 2024
Phase 1 Exam1 September 2024 
Phase 2 Exam13 October 2024 

IFSCA Grade A 2024 Vacancies

IFSCA declared a total of 15 vacancies in the 2024 notification, out of which 6 vacancies were for the general or unreserved category. 

IFSCA Grade A 2024 
Vacancies
StreamNumber of Vacancies
General/Unreserved6
OBC4
SC2
ST1
EWS2
Total15

IFSCA Grade A 2024 Eligibility

IFSCA Grade A 2024 eligibility criteria include age limit, educational qualification, nationality, and number of attempts.

IFSCA Grade A Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit for the IFSCA Grade A 2024 Exam

  • Age for the IFSCA Grade A 2024 exam is to be calculated as of 1 February 2024. 
  • The maximum age limit for the unreserved or general category is 30 years, while the minimum age is not mentioned in the notification.

Educational Qualification for the IFSCA Grade A 2024 Exam

For the general stream, you need to have a Master’s degree with specialization in Statistics/ Economics/ Commerce/ Business Administration (Finance)/Econometrics OR a Bachelor’s degree in any other discipline OR a Master’s degree in Computer Application/Information Technology.

Nationality for the IFSCA Grade A 2024 Exam

You should be an Indian citizen to be eligible for the IFSCA Grade A assistant manager 2024 exam. 

Number of Attempts for the IFSCA Grade A 2024 Exam

There is no restriction on the number of attempts. As long as you meet all the eligibility criteria, you are eligible to apply for the IFSCA Grade A assistant manager 2024 exam.

IFSCA Grade A 2024 Selection Procedure

The selection procedure of the IFSCA Grade A assistant manager 2024 exam consists of:

  1. Phase 1 (Pre)
  2. Phase 2 (Mains)
  3. Phase 3 (Interview)

IFSCA Grade A 2024 Pattern

Here is the IFSCA Grade A 2024 exam pattern:

IFSCA Grade A 2024 Pattern for Phase 1

Here is the IFSCA Grade A 2024 Phase 1 (Prelims) exam pattern:

IFSCA Grade A 2024 
Phase 1 Pattern
PaperStreams/SubjectsQuestionsMarksDuration (Minutes)Cut off
Paper 1 MCQs onGeneral AwarenessEnglish LanguageQuantitative AptitudeTest of Reasoning1001006030%
Paper 2MCQs on General knowledge, Current Events of National and International Importance, Economic and Social Development (sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, and demographics), Commerce, Accountancy, Management, Finance and Costing, Indian Economy, Global Economy, Five-Year Plans, Central Government’s Initiatives/ Schemes in the Financial Sector.  501006040%
Aggregate Cut off40%
IFSCA Grade A Phase 1 Paper 1 Pattern
IFSCA Grade A Phase 1 Paper 2 Pattern

Additional Details of IFSCA Grade A 2024 Phase 1 Exam

  • The Phase 1 exam of IFSCA Grade A consists of 2 online papers worth 100 marks each and is qualifying in nature. 
  • Paper 1 consists of 4 subjects, each carrying 25 questions where each question is worth 1 mark and you have 60 minutes to complete the paper. 
  • Paper 2 consists of 50 questions covering multiple subjects/topics worth 100 marks where each question is worth 2 marks and you have 60 minutes to complete the paper. 
  • You can choose either Hindi or English language (except for the English language test). 
  • For every wrong answer, there is a 1/4th negative marking.

IFSCA Grade A 2024 Pattern for Phase 2 

Here is the IFSCA Grade A 2024 Phase 2 (Mains) exam pattern:

IFSCA Grade A 2024 
Phase 2 Pattern
PaperSubjectsMaximum MarksDurationCut OffWeightage
Paper 1English (Descriptive Test) 10060 Minutes30%1/3rd
Paper 2 MCQs on subjects like IFSCA Act, Union Budget, Economic Survey, Banking, Capital Market, Insurance, Pension Funds, Bullion, GIFT City, GIFT IFSC, IFSCA, Global Financial Centres, etc.10060 Minutes40%2/3rd
Aggregate Cut-Off50%
IFSCA Grade A Descriptive English Pattern
IFSCA Grade A Phase 2 Paper 2 Pattern

Additional Details of IFSCA Grade A 2024 Phase 2 Exam

  • The Phase 2 exam of IFSCA Grade A consists of 2 online papers worth 100 marks each.
  • Paper 1 consists of 3 questions worth 100 marks and you have 60 minutes to complete the paper. 
  • Paper 2 consists of 50 questions covering multiple subjects/topics worth 100 marks where each question is worth 2 marks and you have 60 minutes to complete the paper. 
  • You can choose either Hindi or English language (except for the English language test). 
  • For every wrong answer, there is a 1/4th negative marking in Paper 2.

IFSCA Grade A 2024 Interview Pattern

Candidates are shortlisted for interview based on their Phase 2 marks only (aggregated sum of 2 papers). Here is the IFSCA Grade A 2024 interview pattern:

  • The interview is conducted in person at various exam centers.
  • You can take the interview in Hindi or English.
  • The interview marks are not mentioned in the official IFSCA Grade A notification.
  • The weightage of marks obtained in Phase 2 is 85%, while marks obtained in the interview are given a weightage of 15%.

IFSCA Grade A 2024 Final Selection

The final selection is based on the aggregate marks obtained in Phase 2 (Papers 1 and 2) and the interview.

IFSCA Grade A 2024 Syllabus

Here is the IFSCA Grade A syllabus for Phase 1 and Phase 2:

IFSCA Grade A 2024 Syllabus for Phase 1 Paper 1

The official notification does not mention the syllabus topics for Phase 1. Therefore, we have analyzed the previous years’ questions (PYQs) to list down the topics of each subject of Phase 1. 

IFSCA Grade A 2024  
Phase 1 Syllabus
ReasoningQuantEnglish
Ratio and Proportion
Percentage
Profit and Loss
Simple and Compound Interest
Average and Ages
Time and Work
Pipes and Cistern
Time and Distance
Mixture and Alligation
Series and Quadratic Equation
Mathematical Inequalities
Number Series
Data Interpretation
Simplification/ Approximation
Quantity Comparisons
Data Sufficiency 
Partnership
Alphanumeric Series
Coding and Decoding
Syllogism
Direction Sense
Inequality
Ranking and Order
Blood Relation
Puzzles
Seating Arrangement
Input-Output
Critical Reasoning 
Questions Based on Data Sufficiency
Grammar
Error Spotting
Sentence Improvement
Comprehension Ability 
Comprehension passage
Cloze test
Rearrangement
Para jumbles
Double Fillers
Vocabulary – Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word Substitution, Phrasal Verbs
General Awareness 
Current Affairs
National News: MoUs, summits, and major events related to India
International: Summits and conferences held abroad
Financial & Economics News
Financial Awareness: RBI and SEBI notification and regulations
Defence: Military exercises, drills, and major updates related to the defence sector of India
Days in News: Major events or days, along with its date and theme
Persons in News: Obituaries, appointments, and retirements
Sports: Major tournaments and its winners
Science, Technology, and Space
Awards and Honours
Environment
Banking and Economy-Related News
Reports and Government Schemes
Books and Authors
Static
Chief Ministers and Cabinet Ministers
National Parks and Sanctuaries
Airport Locations, Stadiums
Organisations’ Headquarters
Banks’ Headquarters and Taglines
Power Plants in India
Indian Dance Forms
Countries Capitals and their Currencies
Important Days

IFSCA Grade A 2024 Syllabus for Phase 1 Paper 2

Here’s an overview of the Paper 2 syllabus for the IFSCA Grade A 2024 Phase 1 exam:

IFSCA Grade A 
Phase 1 Paper 2 Syllabus
Commerce and AccountancyManagement Indian Economy & Global Economy
Accounting as a Financial Information System
Accounting Standards 
Cash Flow Statement, Fund Flow Statement, Financial Statement Analysis; Ratio analysis
Accounting for Share Capital Transactions
Employees Stock Option and Buyback of Securities
Preparation and Presentation of Company Final Accounts
Management 
The Role of a Manager in an Organization
Leadership
Leadership Styles
Human Resource Development
Motivation
Communication
Corporate Governance
Demand and Supply, Market Structures, National Income  
Balance of Payments, Foreign Exchange Markets, Inflation, Monetary and Fiscal Policy, Non-banking Financial Institutions
Role of International Financial Institutions
CostingEconomic and Social DevelopmentFinance
Overview of Cost and Management Accounting 
Methods of Costing
Basics of Cost Control and Analysis
Lean System and Innovation
Growth and Development 
Social Structure in India
Financial System 
Financial Markets 
General Topics
General knowledge, Current events of national and international importanceCentral Government’s initiatives/ Schemes in the financial sector

IFSCA Grade A 2024 Syllabus for Phase 2 Paper 1

Generally, 3 questions are asked from the following topics:

  • Essay
  • Precis Writing
  • Reading Comprehension

IFSCA Grade A 2024 Syllabus for Phase 2 Paper 2 

The syllabus of Paper 2 is the same for both Phase 1 and Phase 2. However, it is important to know that the difficulty level of Paper 2 is higher in Phase 2. 

IFSCA Grade A 
Phase 2 Paper 2 Syllabus
BankingCapital Market Insurance
Structure and Functions of Financial Institutions
Functions of the Reserve Bank of India 
Banking System in India
Recent Developments in Global Financial System
Role of Information Technology in Banking and Finance 
Non-Banking System
Developments in Digital Payments
Role and Functions of Regulatory Bodies in Financial Sector
Primary and Secondary Markets
Basics of Derivatives
Spot and Derivative Market of Precious Metals
History of Indian Insurance, Principles of Insurance
Risk and uncertainty
Legal Foundations of Insurance
Functions Performed by Insurers
Insurance Lines and Products
Pension SectorUnion BudgetIFSCA Act
Status of the Pension Sector in India 
Types of Retirement Schemes in India and Their Features 
National Pension System 
Atal Pension Yojana 
Annuity Plans 
Basics of investment
Concepts, Approach and Broad Trends & Economic SurveyIFSCA, IFSC, GIFT IFSC, GIFT City and Global Financial Centre

Read the IFSCA Grade A syllabus article for complete information.

IFSCA Grade A Previous Year Questions

Download the IFSCA Grade A 2023 paper here. Also get a list of most important topics for each subject of phase 1 and 2.

IFSCA Grade A Cut Off

Phase 1 cut offs are fixed for every category, i.e., 30 marks in Paper 1, 40 marks in Paper 2, and aggregate 80 marks.

Below, we have mentioned the phase 2 cut off marks of the IFSCA Grade A exam held in 2023. 

IFSCA Grade A 2023
Cut Off Marks
GeneralEWSOBCSCST
Phase 259.6759.6759.3354.6754.67

IFSCA does not provide the final cut off marks, instead, it provides the detailed marks of the selected candidates

IFSCA Grade A Exam Analysis

Here is the analysis of the IFSCA Grade A 2023 exam.

IFSCA Grade A 2023
Exam Analysis
EventDifficulty Level
IFSCA Grade A Phase 1 Paper 1Moderate
IFSCA Grade A Phase 1 Paper 2Easy to Moderate
IFSCA Grade A Phase 2 Paper 1Moderate
IFSCA Grade A Phase 2 Paper 2Moderate to Difficult
Overall Moderate

IFSCA Grade A Preparation Strategy

Here is a broad IFSCA Grade A preparation strategy: 

IFSCA Grade A 
Study Plan​
Days​Subjects/Topics
1 – 20Management + Finance + Capital Market + Banking + Bullion
21 – 40Commerce & Accounts + Costing + Economy + Insurance + Pension Funds 
41 – 60Current Events + Govt. Initiatives in Financial Sector + Practice DE
61 – 75Union Budget + Economic Survey + Practice DE + IFSCA Act 
76 – 90Gift City + Gift IFSC + IFSCA + Global Financial Centers

Important Note: The above table is just a general IFSCA Grade A preparation strategy. You should tailor the above study plan and preparation strategy to align with your strengths, weaknesses, and the available time. 

Preparation Tips for IFSCA Grade A 2024

Here are the preparation tips for the IFSCA Grade A exam:

  • Allocate more time to weak areas while maintaining a balance with your strong subjects.
  • Regularly practice mock tests for time management and exam simulation.
  • Review your performance in mock tests, identify mistakes, and learn from them.
  • Keep a separate notebook for important formulas, concepts, and notes.
  • Prioritize understanding over rote memorization.

Read IFSCA Grade A preparation article for detailed preparation strategy for phase 1 and 2.

Best Books for IFSCA Grade A Preparation  

Here are the recommended books and resources to prepare for the IFSCA Grade A 2024 exam.

Books for Phase 1 Paper 1 of IFSCA Grade A 2024

The subject-wise IFSCA Grade A booklist for Phase 1 Paper 1 is given below:

IFSCA Grade A
Quantitative Aptitude Books
BookAuthorPublisher
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CATArun SharmaMcGraw Hill Edge
IFSCA Grade A
Reasoning Ability Books
BookAuthorPublisher
A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal ReasoningR.S. AgarwalS Chand
IFSCA Grade A
English Books
BooksAuthorPublisher
Word Power Made SimpleNorman LewisPenguin India
IFSCA Grade A
General Awareness Books
We are not suggesting any book here and providing the most effective resources for GA preparation.
TopicsWebsitesNewspapersMagazines
Static GKNews and Notifications of RBI, SEBI, PFRDA, IRDAI, Finance MinistryThe Hindu& LivemintWeekly/Monthly Current Affairs Compilations/PDFs
Current Affairs

Following are purchase/access links for the listed resources.

Books for Phase 1 Paper 2 of IFSCA Grade A 2024

The subject-wise IFSCA Grade A booklist for Phase 1 Paper 2 is given below:

IFSCA Grade A
General Knowledge Books
We are not suggesting any book here and providing the most effective resources for GA preparation.
The Hindu
Livemint
IFSCA Grade A
Central Government’s Initiatives/Schemes in the Financial Sector Books
We are not suggesting any book here and providing the most effective resources for GA preparation.
The Hindu
Livemint
Press Information Bureau Government of India
Ministry of Finance Schemes

Books for Phase 2 Paper 1 of IFSCA Grade A 2024

Following are the recommended resources that you must study for descriptive English:

  1. Press Information Bureau
  2. The Hindu
  3. Livemint
  4. The Economist
  5. Business India

Books for Phase 2 Paper 2 of IFSCA Grade A 2024

Here are the recommended sources for the IFSCA Grade A Phase 2 Paper 2:

IFSCA Grade A
Banking Books
BooksAuthorPublisher
Principles and Practice Of BankingIIBFMacmillan
Bank Financial ManagementIIBFMacmillan
Indian EconomyRamesh SinghMcGraw Hill
IFSCA Grade A
Capital Market Books
BooksAuthorPublisher
Bank Financial ManagementIIBFMacmillan
IFSCA Grade A
Insurance Books
BooksAuthorPublisher
Introduction to InsuranceIRDAI IRDAI 

Here are the recommended resources for the rest of the topics of the IFSCA Grade A Phase 2 Paper 2:

IFSCA Grade A Officer Job Profile 

An IFSCA Grade A officer plays an essential role in the operation of IFSCA. As an IFSCA assistant manager, you are responsible for a diverse range of tasks that contribute to the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness. Here are some of the key responsibilities of an IFSCA officer:

  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to established business policies and regulations, safeguarding the integrity of IFSCA’s operations.
  • Financial Management: Manage expenses effectively, identifying cost-saving measures to maximize IFSCA’s financial performance.
  • Client Relationship Management: Address client grievances promptly and professionally, foster clear communication, and build strong customer satisfaction.
  • Employee Development: Provide guidance and training to new and existing staff, contributing to a positive and growth-oriented work environment.

IFSCA Grade A Officer Promotions

Here’s a breakdown of the promotions that lie ahead of an IFSCA Grade A officer:

IFSCA Grade A Promotions
IFSCA Grade A
Promotions
GradePosition
Grade A Assistant Manager (You will join here)
Grade BManager
Grade CAssistant General Manager
Grade DDeputy General Manager
Grade EGeneral Manager
Grade FChief General Manager
Executive Director
Chairperson

IFSCA Grade A Salary

  • The starting basic pay for Grade A officers in IFSCA is ₹44,500 per month. 
  • With allowances like house rent allowance (HRA) and dearness allowance (DA), the gross monthly salary can reach approximately ₹1,43,000.

IFSCA Grade A Officer Lifestyle

  • The IFSCA Assistant Manager position offers a well-rounded career package that caters to both professional and personal aspirations. 
  • You’ll contribute to the success of the IFSCA, shaping the future of finance in India. The role itself is dynamic and fulfilling, providing a healthy work-life balance. 
  • Furthermore, a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including various allowances and perks, ensures financial security. 
  • The job offers a stable career path with opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization.

How to Apply for the IFSCA Grade A 2024 Exam

Follow the below-mentioned steps to apply for the IFSCA Grade A 2024 exam.

Step 1

Visit the official website of IFSCA, i.e., https://ifsca.gov.in

Step 2

Find and click on the “Career” tab from the top-right menu bar.

Step 3

Click on the link called “Registration link for the recruitment of Officer Grade-A (Assistant Manager) in IFSCA-2024”. 

Step 4

Now click on the link “Click here for New Registration” and enter the basic details against all the fields.

Step 5

A provisional registration number and password will be generated, and you’ll receive them on the registered email address.

Step 6

Log in using the provisional registration number and password.

Step 7

Fill out all details in the application form and upload the required list of documents. Click on the “Save & Next” button.

Step 8

A preview section will open with all the details filled out by now. You need to verify your details and complete the registration.

Step 9

Click on the “Payment” Tab & proceed to pay.

Step 10

Take a printout of the application form and e-receipt for future reference.

How to Download IFSCA Grade A 2024 Admit Card

Here are the step-by-step instructions to download the IFSCA Grade A Assistant Manager 2024 admit card.

Step 1

Visit the official website of IFSCA, i.e., https://ifsca.gov.in

Step 2

Find and click on the “Career” tab from the top-right menu bar.

Step 3

Click on the link “Download the IFSCA Grade A Assistant Manager 2024 Admit Card”.

Step 4

Fill in the login details like application number and password, and log in. 

Step 5

IFSCA Assistant Manager admit card will appear on the screen.

Step 6

Download it and take its printout for future reference.

Follow the same procedure to download the admit card for the IFSCA Grade A Phase 2 exam.

IFSCA Grade A Result

The IFSCA Grade A 2023 Phase 1 exam was held on 15 April 2023 and its result was announced on 21 April 2023. The Phase 2 result was held on 13 May 2023 and its result was announced on 30 May 2023. The final result was announced on 23 June 2023.

Click on the links below to download the IFSCA Grade A 2023 results.

ResultPDFs Links
IFSCA Grade A 2023 Phase 1Download PDF
IFSCA Grade A 2023 Phase 2Download PDF
IFSCA Grade A 2023 Final Download PDF

IFSCA Grade A Training

After passing the IFSCA Grade A officer’s exam, selected candidates undergo a training program. This training program is intended to familiarize newly appointed assistant managers with their roles and responsibilities, enabling them to perform their duties effectively.

Conclusion

We have discussed all the essential information you need to navigate the IFSCA Grade A 2024 exam, which includes notification, exam dates, vacancies, eligibility criteria, pattern, syllabus, cut off, result, and more. We hope this information will help you get a complete picture of the IFSCA Grade A exam, and you can prepare with confidence.