Anurag, a Chartered Accountant, first appeared for the SEBI Grade A exam in 2017, when he was also preparing for the Civil Services examination. However, he later took a job at ICICI and worked there for four years. But, his desire to achieve more, led him to successfully crack the SEBI Assistant Manager exam in 2022.
His preparation journey was a blend of EduTap course, CA materials, and civil services notes, tailored to suit his strengths and weaknesses. This blog explores his journey through insights into his preparation strategies for the exam to finally reach success.
SEBI Grade A Exam: Preparation Journey
As a finance student, Anurag believes that a 6-month preparation period is necessary to ensure thorough readiness for the SEBI Grade A exam, for both commerce and non-commerce background aspirants.
It is important to note that as a working aspirant, he only had about 2 hours available on weekdays due to office commitments, and hence devoted time for his preparation diligently on weekends.
Let’s look at his preparation strategy for Paper 1 and Paper 2 for both the phases respectively.
SEBI Grade A Paper 1 Preparation Strategy
Anurag undertook a preparation strategy for Phase paper 1 that helped him target clearing the cut-off and not aiming for a perfect score.
| Subject | Preparation Approach |
| Quantitative Aptitude + Reasoning | Utilized the EduTap course material and VD Sir’s Marathon Videos on the EduTap YouTube channel for comprehensive coverage. |
| Emphasized consistent practice through mock tests. | |
| Repeatedly watched video lectures to ensure conceptual clarity. | |
| English & General Awareness | Identified English and GA as strengths, allocating less time to these areas. |
| Recognized the importance of current affairs, dedicating three months for preparation. | |
| Descriptive English (Phase 2) | Watched EduTap course lectures for guidance on writing approach (how to write and what to write). |
| Engaged in self-assessment through solving questions within time constraints. |
SEBI Grade A Paper 2 Preparation Strategy
For Paper 2, Anurag followed an integrated study approach for Phase 1 and Phase 2, identifying his strengths and weaknesses, and giving equal importance to all subjects.
| Subject | Preparation Approach |
| Finance | Relied on comprehensive conceptual understanding gained from EduTap course notes. |
| Had a background in Finance, did not struggle with the syllabus during preparation. | |
| Economics | Utilized EduTap course material alongside civil services notes for holistic preparation. |
| Management | Again, relied on EduTap course material completely to prepare all topics. |
| Emphasized conceptual understanding over rote memorization to tackle analytical and tricky questions effectively. | |
| Prepared detailed notes for effective revision. | |
| Companies Act | Implemented a targeted approach focusing on key chapters for better retention. |
| Practiced via numerous mock tests to retain factual information better. | |
| Costing | Focused on core chapters such as lean system, marginal costing, and standard costing. |
| Incorporated hands-on practice for numerical problem-solving. | |
| Commerce & Accounts | Focused on basic understanding and formulae retention. |
| Numericals were easy to approach and tackle once a logical understanding was developed for all topics. |
During the final exam, Anurag noticed that every subject carried an almost equal weightage and strongly recommends not skipping any subject during preparation.
SEBI Grade A: Preparation Resources
Following is the list of resources that Anurag relied on for his SEBI Grade A preparation.
- His study notes from when he was preparing for Chartered Accountancy
- His study notes from when he was a Civil Services aspirant
- SEBI website for recent circulars and announcements
- EduTap’s SEBI Grade A course materials
- Mock tests and mock interview provided by EduTap
SEBI Grade A Interview Preparation
For his final interview, Anurag prepared by,
- Reviewing his personal bio-data to ensure familiarity with all aspects of educational background, work experience, and personal interests.
- Conducting thorough research on SEBI, its functions, recent developments, and key initiatives.
- Utilizing SEBI website to stay updated with recent circulars and announcements.
- Preparing concise yet informative responses to common HR questions.
- Practicing active listening, communication skills, and maintaining a calm attitude.
Interview Experience
During the interview, Anurag encountered a panel consisting of four members, including three male members and one female member. The interview started with a request for Anurag to introduce himself. The panel then proceeded to inquire about various aspects of Anurag’s background, including his educational journey, work experience, and family background.
The interview panel asked about Anurag’s motivations for applying to SEBI, his understanding of the organization’s role, and his aspirations for the future. They delved into specific aspects of his work experience, seeking insights into his responsibilities and achievements in his current role at ICICI Bank.
As the interview progressed, the panel posed a mix of HR-related questions and technical inquiries related to Anurag’s field of expertise. They sought his opinions on recent market trends, regulatory developments, and the role of SEBI in shaping the financial landscape. Anurag showcased his ability to think critically, analyze complex issues, and communicate his thoughts effectively.
Fun Fact
Anurag was questioned whether he appeared for a mock interview, and when he answered yes, he was further questioned about the feedback he received during his mock interview!
You can listen to Anurag’s journey in his own words in the following video.
Message for Aspirants
Anurag has two essential tips for aspirants: craft a comprehensive strategy from the outset and select study materials wisely. He emphasizes the role of an effective strategy in guiding preparation and assures aspirants that success is attainable with dedication and structured planning.
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