SEBI Grade A 2024 Preparation Strategy & Study Plan

The SEBI Grade A 2024 exam is around the corner, and you have limited preparation time, but don’t let that hold you back! We’ve created a comprehensive 75 day preparation strategy to help you prepare for the SEBI Grade A 2024 exam in the available time. 

In this article, you’ll learn about subject-wise preparation strategy, understand which subjects to prioritize, learn how to take mock tests strategically and get valuable tips to enhance your overall preparation.

Before understanding the preparation strategy, let’s understand why “75 days”.

Why 75 Day Plan for SEBI Grade A 2024?

At the time of writing this article, you are left with approximately 75 days before the phase 2 exam of SEBI Grade A 2024 which is scheduled on 31 August 2024. Interestingly, in the SEBI Grade A phase 1 exam, you have to score only 80 marks out of 200 with atleast 30 marks in paper 1 and 40 marks in paper 2 to make it to phase 2. Therefore, your focus should be on preparing for the phase 2 exam as you can easily qualify the phase 1 exam by covering 60-70% of the syllabus.

Moreover, the syllabus of paper 2 for both phase 1 and 2 is the same. So it makes even more sense to devote a large chunk of your time on preparation of the phase 2 exam.

Is it Possible to Cover the SEBI Grade A Syllabus in 75 Days?

If you haven’t started yet, preparing for the SEBI Grade A 2024 exam in 75 days would be quite difficult for you. Moreover, if you need to start from scratch and have no knowledge of core subjects, it would be even more difficult for you to crack the exam. However, if you are someone with determination and grit, it is definitely possible to prepare for the exam in the remaining time. Aspirants with commerce or finance background may have a slight edge over other aspirants because of their educational background.

SEBI Grade A 2024 Study Plan

Here is the broad study plan for SEBI Grade A 2024.

Important Note: Covering all these subjects within the given timeframe can be challenging. However, due to limited time constraints, this is the most feasible option to cover the syllabus in time.

This is the overall plan, which is explained in detail below.

1. SEBI Grade A 2024: Management Preparation Strategy

SEBI Grade A Management syllabus includes 5 major topics—Management, Leadership, HRD, Motivation, and Communication. You have 5 days to cover these topics. If you dedicate 5 hours daily, it is possible to cover these topics in a total of 25 hours. 

If you read so many concepts in such a short period, you might feel you are unable to retain so much information. However, constant revision and solving MCQs can help you retain the information. This applies to all the subjects. 

The entire syllabus of Management is important; however, here are some topics that you need to prioritize:

• The role of a manager in an organization (SEBI asked many questions from it)
• Concept of HRD and Goals of HRD (besides the mentioned HRD syllabus, you should also cover training, appraisal, etc.)
• Theories of motivation.

After covering these topics, move on to the remaining Management topics.

2. SEBI Grade A 2024: Costing Preparation Strategy 

Costing is a technical subject, which can be tough in certain areas. However, here is how to prioritize costing topics.

1. Lean Systems and Innovation: Start by focusing on Lean Systems and Innovation. This is an independent unit with basic theory and no numerical problems, making it ideal to cover in a single day.
2. Overview of Cost and Management Accounting: Pay close attention to this unit, as simple yet tricky questions are often asked from this area.
3. Methods of Costing: While most costing methods can be covered easily, process costing presents a unique challenge due to its time-consuming numerical problems.
4. Basics of Cost Control and Analysis: Keep it for the last, as numerical questions from this topic, especially from Standard and Marginal Costing, tend to be more time-consuming.

3. SEBI Grade A 2024: Quant, Reasoning, and English Preparation Strategy 

Given limited time, a strategic approach is to reverse engineering your preparation by practicing quant, reasoning, and English mock tests. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus on understanding the basics of your weaker subjects. You can cover it on the weekends or by spending 1 hour daily.

4. SEBI Grade A 2024: Finance Preparation Strategy 

Financial System and Financial Markets are the most important units of the Finance syllabus. Prioritize them first. In the Financial System, we need to understand the role and function of RBI thoroughly. In the Financial Markets, you need to focus on the guidelines of the instruments, such as Repo, reverse pero, commercial bills, etc. 

Here’s how to tackle the 3rd unit, i.e., General Topics:

• Direct one-line questions are typically asked from direct and indirect taxes, GST, Fiscal Policy, etc.
• Inflation is a fundamental topic from which straightforward questions are often asked.
• While covering the basics of derivatives: forwards, futures, and swaps, you should also cover the numericals from the options part.
• Recent developments in the financial sector, financial inclusion through technology, and alternative sources of finance should be kept for the last.

5. SEBI Grade A 2024: Companies Act Preparation Strategy 

We have mentioned the chapters of companies act, according to the difficulty level. You should start with easy topics while keeping the difficult ones for the end. Here is a list of easy and difficult topics.

Company act covers various types of questions, including:

• Fact-Based Questions: These test your knowledge of specific details like the number of days for a process, penalty amounts, or other numerical data.
• Definition-Based Questions: These require you to recall and provide definitions of terms like relative, private company, etc.
• Section Number-Based Questions: These test your awareness of specific sections within relevant legislation by asking for the section number related to a particular concept.
• Concept-Based Questions: These assess your understanding of broader ideas like power hierarchies or the major responsibilities of different entities within the financial market.

6. SEBI Grade A 2024: GA Preparation Strategy 

Focus on covering current affairs from the past 3 months at least. This includes news related to sports, awards, obituaries, defense, environment, appointments, MOUs, alliances, partnerships, etc. In addition to this, SEBI also asks questions from regulations implemented by regulatory bodies like RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, and NABARD. So, make sure you also cover them.

7. SEBI Grade A 2024: Economics Preparation Strategy 

With limited time, covering the entire economics syllabus is not advisable. You should prioritize the topics in the following order:

• Demand and Supply
• Inflation
• Phillips Curve
• Business Cycles
• Balance of Payment
• Foreign Exchange Markets
• Monetary and Fiscal Policy
• Non-Banking Financial Institutions

Leave the remaining topics for the very end. However, if time truly runs out, you can address them in Phase 2. Remember that this is a risky strategy, but you also need to cover other subjects, revise, and practice mock tests.

8. How to Analyze Mock Tests for SEBI Grade A 2024

After covering the majority of the SEBI Grade A 2024 syllabus, you should start practicing mock tests by creating the actual exam environment and keeping it time-bound. Here are key areas to analyze after completing a mock test:

a. Avoid Silly Mistakes

You should attempt questions with full attention by reading them carefully. Sometimes, the answer might seem obvious based on the first line, but a “not” or other qualifier at the end could change the meaning entirely. This can lead you to answer incorrectly. 

b. Identify the Forgotten Concepts

Taking mock tests is a valuable way to identify concepts you may have forgotten. Don’t be discouraged if this happens, that’s precisely why mock tests are so beneficial. They help you pinpoint areas that require further review before the actual exam.

c. Evaluate Topic Selection

Mock tests can also help you assess your topic selection strategy. Did the topics you focused on appear in the mock test? Did any unexpected topics appear with easy questions? These insights can help you refine your study plan for future mock tests and the actual exam.

Make a plan to analyze these things in the first 2 mock tests and note down the points you will track in the next mock tests. 

9. How to Revise for SEBI Grade A 2024

With limited time, revising the entire SEBI Grade A 2024 syllabus might not be the most effective strategy. Here’s a better approach:

a. Prioritize Mock Tests and MCQs

Taking numerous mock tests and practicing MCQs is crucial. It helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses efficiently.

b. Targeted Revision

Analyze your performance of mock tests and MCQs. Focus your revision efforts on the topics where you struggle. This targeted approach ensures you spend your valuable time effectively.

10. SEBI Grade A 2024: Commerce & Accountancy Preparation Strategy 

We have divided the Commerce and Accountancy syllabus into different manageable parts, where you need to cover at least the first 2 parts before Phase 1. If time permits, you can tackle the remaining parts; otherwise, leave them for Phase 2.

Part 1 

• Introduction to Accountancy
• Theoretical Base of Accounting
• Recording Transactions (Part 1 & 2)
• Trial Balance (including Error Correction)

Part 2 

• Income Statement and Balance Sheet
• Cash Flow and Ratio Analysis
• Final Company Accounts
• Financial Statement Analysis and Fund Flow Statement
• Accounting as Financial Information System

Some of the topics are not directly mentioned in the syllabus, but questions have been asked from these topics. 

Part 3

• Accounting for Share Capital (tough, time-consuming)
• Accounting for Bonus Shares and Rights Issues (cover regulations)
• Accounting for ESPOs (cover only basics)
• Accounting for Buyback for Shares (cover regulations)

Part 4

• Introduction to Accounting Standards
• Accounting Standards for Inventory (very important)
• Accounting Standards for Revenue Recognition
• Accounting Standards for foreign transactions (very important)
• Accounting Standards for Property, Plant, and Equipment (very important)
• Accounting Standards for Investment

SEBI Grade A 2024: Phase 2 Preparation Strategy

Following the SEBI Grade A 2024 Phase 1 exam, it’s crucial to maintain your momentum. Here’s how to optimize your preparation for Phase 2:

• Complete Remaining Topics: Focus on covering the remaining topics you could not cover in Phase 1 due to time constraints. 
• Practice MCQs and Mock Tests: Continue practicing MCQs and taking mock tests to solidify your understanding and identify areas for improvement.
• Refine Your Descriptive English: Practice writing as many essays and precis as you can. Tackle reading comprehension questions to enhance your writing skills.
  • Seek Feedback: Get your essays and precis reviewed by mentors or friends. Their feedback will help you identify areas for improvement and strengthen your writing skills.

SEBI Grade A 2024 Preparation Tips

Here are some SEBI Grade A 2024 preparation tips:

1. Prioritize Topics Smartly

With limited time available, covering everything in the SEBI Grade A syllabus is impossible. In fact, it’s not even necessary. It is crucial to read all the material but prioritize topics with a higher chance of appearing in the exam.

2. Choose Quality Over Quantity

This principle emphasizes focusing on an in-depth understanding of topics rather than superficially covering everything and achieving nothing. It is important to cover limited topics (but in detail) before Phase 1 and address the remaining topics after Phase 1.

3. Keep Practice Over Knowledge

Many candidates underestimate the importance of practice. While reading strengthens your knowledge base, the real test is your ability to retain concepts and solve questions in actual exams, especially under time pressure and anxiety. You can only develop these skills by solving MCQs and taking mock tests. Mock tests not only help you manage time effectively but also help you gain a deeper understanding of the concepts.

4. Think Positive -Yes, I can Do it

Positive thinking is crucial. If you constantly doubt yourself, it will ultimately affect your results. You must always believe in yourself and your ability to succeed.

Here is a video explaining the SEBI Grade A 2024 Strategy.

Conclusion

We hope that with this 75-day preparation strategy, you will be well-equipped to take the SEBI Grade A 2024 exam. With dedication and consistent effort, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your career goals!