Finding the right SEBI Grade A preparation strategy can be challenging for every aspirant, as it is the base of how you’ll perform in the exam. And if you’re reattempting after an unsatisfactory performance in your previous attempt, the pressure to perform well only multiplies.
But don’t worry, EduTap has got your back! Here’s what you need to get started:
- A subject-wise list of important topics for both Phase 1 & 2 to help you focus on what matters most.
- Recommended books and resources to make sure you’re using the right material.
- A practical study plan to manage your time effectively and tackle the vast syllabus.
- Preparation tips and tricks from SEBI Grade A toppers to help you avoid common mistakes.
In this article, I’ll break down the preparation strategy that will help you stand out from the competition and confidently crack the SEBI Grade A exam. So, let’s get started!
How to Prepare for the SEBI Grade A Exam
The first step in preparing for the SEBI Grade A exam is to get a clear understanding of the SEBI Grade A syllabus.
The syllabus will give you a clear idea of the topics you need to cover. By understanding the key areas, you can focus on what really matters and prevent wasting time on less important topics.
The next step is to dive deep into the SEBI Grade A exam pattern.
Whether it’s Phase 1, Phase 2, or the interview, understanding the exam pattern will ensure you’re ready for every stage of the process. It helps you understand the number of questions in each section, how the marks are distributed, and the time allotted for each section.
- Syllabus
- Previous Year Papers
- Preparation Sources
- Strategy
How to Prepare for SEBI Grade A: 3-Month Preparation Strategy/Study Plan
Now that the short SEBI Grade A 2025 notification is officially out, a focused 3-month (12-week) preparation plan will help you cover both Phase 1 and Phase 2 effectively.
This plan prioritizes high-weightage subjects, current affairs, and answer-writing practice, ensuring you’re exam-ready in time.
| SEBI Grade A Preparation Strategy/Study Plan | |
| Week 1 | Reasoning + Descriptive English |
| Week 2 | English + Management |
| Week 3 | Quant + Finance + GA (cover first 3 months of the past 6 months current affairs) |
| Week 4 | GA (next 3 months current affairs) + Practice subject-wise mock tests |
| Week 5 | Revise Current Affairs + Company Law |
| Week 7-8 | Economics + Commerce and Accountancy |
| Week 9 | Costing + Management (remaining topics) |
| Week 10 | Remaining topics |
| Week 11 | Current Affairs of week 5 to 11 + Mock Test (2) + Revision + Descriptive Writing |
| Week 12 | Current Affairs of week 12 to 13 + MCQs + Mock Test (2) + Revision + Descriptive Writing |
By following this 3-month study plan, you’ll be well-prepared for the SEBI Grade A exam. Make sure to stay consistent, track your progress, and adjust your strategy if needed!
Best Books & Resources for SEBI Grade A Preparation
Understanding what to focus on is important, but picking the right study resources can take your preparation to the next level. Below are the best books and resources for SEBI Grade A preparation.
- Quantitative Aptitude Books for SEBI Grade A
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Agarwal
- Reasoning Ability Books for SEBI Grade A
- A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Agarwal
- Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
- English Books for SEBI Grade A
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
- Word Power Made Simple by Norman Lewis
- GA Books and other Resources for SEBI Grade A
- News and Notifications of RBI, SEBI, PFRDA, IRDAI, Finance Ministry
- Weekly/Monthly Current Affairs Compilations/PDFs
- Banking Awareness by Arihant Publication
- The Hindu
- Press Information Bureau
- Livemint
- SEBI Website
- Commerce & Accountancy Books for SEBI Grade A
- 11th Class Accounts NCERT Part 1 and 2
- 12th Class Accounts NCERT Part 2
- Students guide to Accounting Standards – Dr D.S Rawat
- ICAI Knowledge Portal: Intermediate Course
- Management Books for SEBI Grade A
- Principles and Practice of Management – LM Prasad
- Organisational Behaviour- LM Prasad
- Human Resource Management – LM Prasad
- Principles and Practice of Management – TN Chhabra
- Management Study Guide (Website)
- Finance Books for SEBI Grade A
- Principles and Practice Of Banking – IIBF
- Indian Financial System- Bharati Pathak
- Bank Financial Management – IIBF
- Indian Economy – Ramesh Singh
- Websites: Investopedia, Latest Economic Survey, and FAQs On RBI website
- Livemint
- Costing Books for SEBI Grade A
- Cost Accounting: Principles and Practice – M.N. Arora
- Modern Cost and Management Accounting – M. Hanif
- Paper 8, 10, and 15 of Intermediate Study Material on ICMAI
- Companies Act Books for SEBI Grade A
- Companies Act, 2013 (Make it Simple by AUBSP)
- PDF/EBook of Companies Act 2013 (given on MCA)
- Economics Books for SEBI Grade A
- Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
- Principles of Microeconomics – HL Ahuja
- Macroeconomics Theory and Policy – HL Ahuja
- IGNOU Notes
Important Note: As the syllabus of the SEBI Grade A Phase 1 Paper 2 and Phase 2 Paper 2 is the same, so are the books and resources. So, you can refer to the above table for the books and resources for both Phase 1 Paper 2 and Phase 2 Paper 2.
- Syllabus
- Previous Year Papers
- Preparation Sources
- Strategy
Important Topics for SEBI Grade A Phase 1 Paper 1
Here are the topics that you should prioritise for the SEBI Grade A Phase 1 Paper 1 exam. Mastering these topics will give you a strong foundation for tackling the Phase 1 exam and improve your chances of success.
Important Topics of Reasoning for SEBI Grade A
Following is the list of important topics for reasoning:
- Alphanumeric Series
- Coding and Decoding
- Syllogism
- Blood Relation
- Inequality
- Ranking and Order
- Direction Sense
- Seating Arrangement
- Puzzles
- Machine Input Output
- Statement Assumption
- Statement Argument
- Statement Conclusion
- Statement Cause and Effect
- Statement Course of Action
- Data Sufficiency
Below, I have categorized these topics into the most important, moderately important, and least important.
Important Quant Topics for SEBI Grade A
Following is the list of important topics for quantitative aptitude:
- 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
Here is an image highlighting the most, moderately, and least important quant topics:
Important Topics of English for SEBI Grade A
Following is the list of important topics for English:
- Grammar
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement
- Comprehension Ability
- Comprehension passage
- Cloze test
- Rearrangement
- Para jumbles
- Double Fillers
- Vocabulary – Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word Substitution, Phrasal Verbs
Below, I have categorized these topics into the most important, moderately important, and least important.
Important GA Topics for SEBI Grade A
Following is the list of important topics for general awareness:
- Sports
- First in News
- Science and Technology
- Days in News
- Banking and Finance
- Government Initiatives
- Awards
- Defense
- Appointments
- Persons in News
- MOUs and Agreements
- Summits and Conferences
- Environment
- Places in News
- Fairs and Festivals
- Books and Authors
Below, I have categorized these topics into the most important, moderately important, and least important.
Important Topics for SEBI Grade A Phase 1 Paper 2
Phase 1 Paper 2 of the SEBI Grade A exam will test your knowledge of Finance, Commerce and Accountancy, Economics, Management, Costing, and Company Law.
Below, I have mentioned the topics that you should prioritize while preparing for the SEBI Grade A Phase 1 Paper 2:
- Syllabus
- Previous Year Papers
- Preparation Sources
- Strategy
Important Management Topics for SEBI Grade A
Here are the high-weightage Management topics you should focus on while preparing for the SEBI Grade A exam.
- General Management
- HRD
- Motivation
- Leadership
- Communication
Below, I have categorized these topics into the most important, moderately important, and least important.
Important Finance Topics for SEBI Grade A
Based on PYQ analysis, below are the high-weightage topics that you should prioritize while preparing for the Finance subject for the SEBI Grade A exam.
- Primary and Secondary Market – Debt & Equity
- 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
- Finance Commission
- GST
- Mutual Funds
- Alternate Sources of Finance
Below, I have categorized these topics into the most important, moderately important, and least important.
Important Commerce and Accountancy Topics for SEBI Grade A
From the PYQ analysis, these high-weightage topics in Commerce and Accountancy should be at the top of your study list for the SEBI Grade A exam.
- 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
- Trial Balance and its Errors
Below, I have categorized these topics into the most important, moderately important, and least important.
Important Costing Topics for SEBI Grade A
While preparing for the costing subject, you schedule prioritize the following topics:
- 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
- Direct and Indirect Taxes
- Labour Cost
- Material Cost
Below, I have categorized these topics into the most important, moderately important, and least important.
Important Company Law Topics for SEBI Grade A
While preparing for the Company Law subject, you schedule prioritize the following topics:
- Chapter III: Prospectus & Allotment of Securities
- Chapter IV: Share Capital & Debentures
- Chapter VIII: Declaration & Payment of Dividend
- Chapter XXVII: NCLT & NCLAT
- Chapter XI: Appointment & Qualification of Directors
- Chapter XII: Meeting of Board and Its Powers
- Chapter X: Audit and Auditors
Below, I have categorized these topics into the most important, moderately important, and least important.
Important Economics Topics for SEBI Grade A
Based on SEBI Grade A previous years’ question paper analysis, here’s a list of high-weightage topics to prioritize when preparing for the Economics subject of the SEBI Grade A exam.
- 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
- Foreign Exchange Markets
Below, I have categorized these topics into the most important, moderately important, and least important.
Important Topics for SEBI Grade A Phase 2 Paper 1
In SEBI Grade A Phase 1, Paper 1, which is Descriptive English, 3 questions are asked—one each from Essay Writing, Precis Writing, and Reading Comprehension.
Learning the basics of Essay Writing, Precis Writing, and Reading Comprehension. and practicing regularly will help you tackle the Descriptive English section with confidence. It’s essential to develop the skill of effectively showcasing your writing abilities and expressing ideas clearly.
Important Topics for SEBI Grade A Phase 2 Paper 1
The key topics mentioned for Phase 1 Paper 2 are also relevant for Phase 2 Paper 2. However, keep in mind that the difficulty level of Paper 2 in Phase 2 is higher.
With that said, let’s understand where you can cover these topics and which resources will help you effectively prepare for the SEBI Grade A exam.
- Syllabus
- Previous Year Papers
- Preparation Sources
- Strategy
Tips for SEBI Grade A Preparation
Preparing for the SEBI Grade A exam can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can tackle it confidently. Here are some practical tips to guide you through your preparation:
Customize Your Study Plan
Customize the study plan according to your strengths and weaknesses. Stick to a routine that keeps you on track.
Manage Time Allocation
Make sure to allocate study time based on the difficulty and weightage of each subject. Stay consistent, whether you’re working or preparing full-time.
Practice Mock Tests
Simulate the exam environment with time-bound mock tests. This will help you spot mistakes, improve speed, and enhance accuracy.
Revise Regularly
Revisit topics frequently to keep them fresh in your memory. Regular practice and revision will help reinforce concepts.
Stay Motivated
There will be tough days when you feel demotivated. Stay positive, celebrate small wins, and keep pushing forward.
Focus on Conceptual Clarity
Don’t just memorize concepts. Make sure you understand them thoroughly to apply them better in the exam.
Stay Physically Active
Exercise helps keep your mind sharp. Even light physical activity can boost your focus and energy levels.
Next Step: Take Action and Start Preparing!
Now that you’ve got a solid SEBI Grade A preparation strategy, it’s time to act. The notification is out and the exam dates will be announced on 30th October 2025. Stay disciplined, track your progress with mock tests, and keep reviewing and revising. Remember, preparation is a marathon, not a sprint!
Best of luck! You’ve got this!
