IFSCA Grade A Preparation Strategy: Phase 1 & 2 Study Plan

Since the IFSCA Grade A exam is still new and not many resources are available, crafting an IFSCA Grade A preparation strategy can feel overwhelming. But with the right direction, you can prepare well.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand the right IFSCA Grade A preparation strategy. From what topics matter more to how you can balance both Phase 1 and Phase 2, we’ll walk you through everything.

Now with the notification is out, I’ll share a proper IFSCA Grade A preparation plan to help you cover majority of the syllabus in limited time, including a study timetable, booklist, and important topics to focus on. 

How to Prepare for the IFSCA Grade A Exam

Preparing for the IFSCA Grade A exam takes a mix of the right resources, a focused plan, and clarity on what to study. Before diving deep into subjects, here are a few core things to keep in mind:

1. Know the exam pattern well: Understand what’s asked in Phase 1 and Phase 2. You can go through the detailed IFSCA Grade A exam pattern article here.

2. Start with a basic schedule: Create a simple weekly plan. Cover two subjects per day. One can be a bit light (like English), another heavy (like Finance).

3. Focus more on Paper 2: This is where the merit is decided. So, even if you clear Paper 1 easily, your rank depends on Phase 2 scores.

4. Give regular mocks: Full-length tests and topic-wise practice help build speed and accuracy.

5. Analyse Previous Year Papers: Solve and study IFSCA Grade A PYQs to understand trends and repeated questions.

IFSCA Grade A 30 Days Study Plan for Phase 1 & Phase 2 Each

With the official IFSCA Grade A notification out and Phase 1 scheduled for 11 October 2025, you now have only 1 month to prepare for the exam.

Covering the entire syllabus in this short time is challenging. 

To help, I’ve shared an IFSCA Grade A preparation strategy that can help you cover the majority of the syllabus efficiently.

After the IFSCA Grade A Phase 1 exam, you can’t waste a single day—you need to start preparing for Phase 2 immediately.

Here is the 30-day study plan for the IFSCA Grade A Phase 2 exam:

Now that you know how to prepare for the IFSCA Grade A exam, do you know which topics to prioritize and the best sources to cover them?

Don’t worry—below, you’ll find answers to these questions.

Important Topics for IFSCA Grade A: Phase 1 Paper 1

This paper checks your basic aptitude and awareness. It has four sections

1. Reasoning

2. Quant

3. English 

4. General Awareness

Let’s quickly go through what to focus on in each:

Important Topics of Reasoning for IFSCA Grade A

Here are the important topics of Reasoning:

• Alphabetical, Alphanumeric Series
• Coding & Decoding
• Syllogism 
• Direction Sense
• Inequality
• Ranking
• Blood Relation 
• Seating Arrangement
• Puzzles
• Machine Input Output
• Statement – Assumption
• Statement – Course of Action
• Cause and Effect
• Statement Argument
• Statement Conclusion
• Data Sufficiency

Important Topics of Quant for IFSCA Grade A

Here are the important topics of Quant:

• Percentage
• Profit & Loss
• Ratio & Proportion
• Simplification
• Interest
• Time & Work, Pipes
• Number Series
• Time, Speed & Distance, 
• Trains & Boats
• Mixture
• Average
• Ages & Partnership
• Area & Volume
• Probability
• Data Interpretation
• Quadratic Equation

Important Topics of English for IFSCA Grade A

Here are the important topics of Quant:

• Percentage
• Profit & Loss
• Ratio & Proportion
• Simplification
• Interest
• Time & Work, Pipes
• Number Series
• Time, Speed & Distance, 
• Trains & Boats
• Mixture
• Average
• Ages & Partnership
• Area & Volume
• Probability
• Data Interpretation
• Quadratic Equation

Important Topics of General Awareness for IFSCA Grade A

Here are the important topics of General Awareness:

• 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
• 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

Important Topics for IFSCA Grade A: Phase 1 Paper 2

It tests your understanding of management, finance, and core commerce subjects. Here’s a clear breakdown of topics you must cover.

Important Topics of Management for IFSCA Grade A

Here are the important topics of Management :

• General Management
• HRD
• Motivation 
• Leadership
• Communication

Important Topics of Finance for IFSCA Grade A

Here are the important topics of Finance :

• Primary and Secondary Market – Debt Market, Equity Market
• Financial Institutions
• Bonds
• Functions of RBI
• Financial inclusion
• Forex Market
• Basics of Derivatives – Options
• Basics of Derivatives – Futures, Forwards, and Swaps
• Direct and Indirect Taxes

Important Topics of Commerce and Accountancy for IFSCA Grade A

Here are the important topics of Commerce and Accountancy:

• Ratio Analysis
• Cash Flow Statements
• Fund Flow Statements
• Basics of Accounting
• Presentation and Preparation of Company Final Accounts
• Schedule III
• Accounting Standard for: PPE
• Revenue Recognition
• Inventory
• Effect of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rate
• Recording Transactions
• Accounting Standard for Investments
• Bonus Shares
• Buy Back
• Right Issue and ESOP
• Accounting for Share Capital

Important Topics of Costing for IFSCA Grade A

Here are the important topics of Costing:

• Marginal Costing
• Standard Costing
• Lean System and Innovation
• Unit Costing
• Job costing
• Batch Costing
• Process Costing
• Service Costing
• Overview of Cost and Management Accounting
• Overhead Costing
• Activity Based Costing
• Budget & Budgetary Control
• Joint and by Product Costing
• Contract Costing

Important Topics of Indian Economy & Global Economy for IFSCA Grade A

Here are the important topics of Indian Economy & Global Economy:

• Demand and Supply
• Market Structures
• National Income: Concepts and Measurement
• Demand and Supply for Money
• IS – LM
• Inflation and Phillips Curve
• Business Cycles
• Balance of Payments
• Monetary and Fiscal Policy
• Non-Banking Financial Institutions
• Classical & Keynesian Approach Determination of Output and Employment
• Consumption Function
• Investment Function
• Multiplier and Accelerator

Important Topics of Economic and Social Development for IFSCA Grade A

Here are the important topics of Economic and Social Development:

• Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation
• Measurement of Growth
• Sustainable Development & Environmental Issues
• Economic History of India (Indian Economy and Five-Year Plans)
• Gender Issues – Social Justice
• Demographic Trends
• Urbanization and Migration
• Multiculturalism

Important Topics for IFSCA Grade A: Phase 2 Paper 1

This paper tests your ability to write clearly, logically, and within the given word limit. It’s often underestimated but carries high weight. Let’s break down what to expect.

Important Topics of Descriptive English for IFSCA Grade A 

Three questions are asked from the following topics:

• Essay
• Precis Writing
• Comprehension and Business/Office Correspondence

Important Topics for IFSCA Grade A: Phase 2 Paper 2

This is the most important paper of the exam. It carries a significant weight in final selection. 

The questions here test your knowledge of core finance, markets, regulatory bodies, and IFSCA-related topics.

Important Topics of Banking and Capital Market for IFSCA Grade A

Here are the important topics of Banking and Capital Market:

• Banking System in India – Structure and Developments
• Functions of RBI
• Non-Banking System
• Financial Institutions
• Recent Developments in the Global Financial Market and its Impact on India
• Role of Information Technology in Banking and Finance
• Developments in Digital Payments
• Time Value of Money
• Bonds
• Primary and Secondary Market – Equity, Debt, and Forex
• Derivatives – Futures, Forwards, and Swaps
• Derivatives – Options
• Spot and Derivative market of Precious Metal
• Bullion

Important Topics of Insurance for IFSCA Grade A

Here are the important topics of Insurance:

• Insurance History 
• Principles of Insurance 
• Risk and Uncertainty 
• Legal Foundation of Insurance 
• Types of Insurance Policies  
• Intermediation in Insurance 
• Functions of Insurer
• Emerging Concepts of Insurance 
• Insurance Lines and Products:
• Specialist Insurance Lines in India
• GIC and Obligatory Cession of India

Important Topics of the Pension Sector for IFSCA Grade A

Here are the important topics of the Pension Sector:

• Status of Pension Sector
• Types of Retirement Schemes and their Features
• National Pension Scheme
• Atal Pension Yojana
• Annuity Plans
• Basics of Investment
• Time Value of Money
• Bonds
• Primary and Secondary Markets – Equity & Debt Markets
• Mutual Funds
• Pension Fund Schemes

Important Topics of GIFT & IFSCA for IFSCA Grade A

Here are the important topics of GIFT & IFSCA:

• GIFT City
• IFSCA Act
• IFSCA Banking Regulations
• IFSCA Capital Market Intermediaries Regulations
• Global Financial Centers

Best Books & Resources for IFSCA Grade A Preparation

Having the right books can save time and give clarity. You don’t need to study everything.  Just pick targeted resources that match the exam syllabus. 

Here’s a subject-wise list of the best books to incorporate in your IFSCA Grade A preparation strategy:

Additional Tips for Effective IFSCA Grade A Preparation Strategy 

A few smart habits and tweaks in your approach can make a big difference in the long run.

Here are some simple but effective tips to make your IFSCA Grade A preparation strategy be smoother and more focused.

1. Stick to the syllabus

Don’t study everything under the sun. Use the IFSCA Grade A syllabus as your guide and tick off topics as you complete them.

2. Prioritise high-weightage areas

Focus more time on topics that carry more weight in the exam, like Reasoning, General Awareness, Finance, and Banking & Capital Markets.

3. Make short notes

While preparing theory (especially for Phase 2), write down short bullet points, charts, or formulas. These quick notes will help during revision.

4. Practice MCQs regularly

Keep solving topic-wise MCQs every day. For Paper 2, focus more on concept-based questions than factual ones.

5. Use previous year papers smartly

Refer to IFSCA Grade A previous year questions to understand the kind of questions asked, especially in descriptive English and Paper 2.

6. Revise current affairs weekly

Don’t leave current affairs for the last. Cover it in weekly cycles and focus on finance, economy, IFSCA updates, and GIFT City-related news.

7. Attempt full-length mocks

Start full mocks at least 30 days before the exam. Analyse your mistakes, work on weak areas, and improve time management.

8. Practice typing for Phase 2

Phase 2 Paper 1 is descriptive. Practice typing essays, précis, and comprehension within word limits using a keyboard.

9. Avoid burnout

Follow your IFSCA Grade A preparation strategy with proper breaks. Quality study matters more than the number of hours.

Final Thoughts

Crafting an IFSCA Grade A preparation strategy takes time, effort, and the right mindset. With a clear plan, focused study of important topics, and regular revision, this goal becomes completely achievable.

Now that you have a limited time to prepare for the IFSCA Grade A exam, you need to stay consistent, trust the process, and keep improving step by step. Even one smart change in your approach can push your score higher.

Best of Luck!