The only question I had in mind when I first started to prepare for the SEBI Grade A exam was where and how do I begin preparing for this? There was so much information online, so many books, and no clear direction. That’s when I realized that what new aspirants need isn’t just motivation — they need a clear roadmap, a sequence that tells them what to do first, what to skip, and what to revise.
But before I start talking about the roadmap I followed, let’s talk about the foundation of it all, the SEBI Grade A notification, in which you’ll have information on the number of vacancies, syllabus, paper pattern, and eligibility criteria. Reading it carefully helps you know what lies ahead, what subjects matter most, and how the exam is structured across all 3 phases. Without understanding this, you are just planning to waste your energy and time.
Once you’re clear about the notification, it’s time to start your actual journey. And this roadmap is the exact sequence I followed.
Read the SEBI Grade A Notification & Syllabus
I know this might sound basic, but trust me, it’s the most underrated step.
The moment I downloaded the notification, I looked at the syllabus carefully and then I carefully wrote down the complete syllabus of the SEBI Grade A exam, including everything like Quantitative Aptitude, English, Reasoning, General Awareness, Securities Market, and Management. Then, without any preparation, with whatever knowledge I had, I took one mock test.
I did this so that I could very well understand what I stood for in my preparation. That one mock test told me what I knew and what I didn’t. It also showed how the paper feels — the timing, the pressure, the type of questions. Once you experience that, you’ll stop preparing blindly.
So, Step 1 is simple: understand what the exam demands, take one mock test, and note your weak areas. That’s your real starting point.
Build Basics in the QRE Section of the SEBI Grade A
Once I knew my weak areas, I started working on the basics. Quant, Reasoning, and English for SEBI Grade A Phase 1.
For Quant, I focused on topics like averages, percentages, ratios, data interpretation, and every other topic I could find from the previous year’s question papers that I solved. For Reasoning, I practiced puzzles, seating arrangements, syllogisms daily, along with all the other topics I could find from SEBI PYQs and educational websites. And for English, I read editorials and practiced grammar and comprehension exercises.
Parallelly, I started General Awareness, especially current affairs related to the financial sector, government schemes, and economic reports. GA is a scoring section, and if you start early, it becomes your biggest strength, and you can score as much so that you can qualify for the paper.
Practice Descriptive English & Sectional Tests For SEBI Grade A
Once I had a hold on the basics, I started focusing on Descriptive English, because that’s one area many aspirants ignore until the end. The descriptive paper tests your ability to express thoughts clearly, which comes only through practice.
I practiced one essay or a precis every week. I picked topics from the PYQs and from the mock tests where I was preparing for the exam. Then I checked model answers online to compare how my structure and tone matched.
Along with that, I began taking sectional tests. These helped me strengthen one area at a time. I could focus on Quant one day, Reasoning the next, and GA later, and along with these, I was also preparing for the paper 2 subjects.
2–3 Mocks/Week + Analysis + Revise Short Notes
By this time, I had covered most of the syllabus. So, I started taking two to three mock tests every week. But I didn’t stop there — I spent more time analysing my mistakes than taking new tests.
I maintained a small notebook where I wrote every error: formulas I forgot, GA facts I missed, reasoning puzzles that confused me. Every week, I went back to that notebook and revised it.
One other thing that I started doing during my SEBI Grade A preparation was that I also started maintaining short notes for revision, which I started making while I was revising, so that during the final days of my prep, I could easily study. They were quick one-liners, important SEBI Acts, static GK points, and definitions.
Taking regular mocks also helped me manage my time. I learned how to switch between sections, what to attempt first, and how to stay calm under time pressure.
Only Revision & Full-Length Mocks
The final step before the exam is all about polishing what you’ve learned. In my last 20 days, I didn’t study anything new. Instead, I focused only on revision and full-length mocks.
I revised my short notes daily — one subject at a time. I re-attempted a few old mocks just to see how much I had improved. More than scores, I focused on maintaining composure, building stamina, and writing clear descriptive answers.
If you’ve followed the previous steps sincerely, this phase becomes your confidence zone. You stop doubting yourself and start trusting your preparation.
Final Words
If you’re just beginning your SEBI journey, this roadmap is all you need to start right. Read the notification, build your base, practice descriptive writing, analyse your mocks, and revise till everything feels familiar.
The SEBI Grade A exam might look tough, but with the right study plan, it’s absolutely doable, and the best thing is, there are an unlimited number of attempts.
So, take that first mock test today; your roadmap begins there.