If you’re preparing for the SEBI Grade A Legal Officer exam, you probably know that clearing it isn’t easy. The syllabus is vast, and the selection process is strict. You need a solid strategy, a clear understanding of legal concepts, and good writing skills to crack it.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. This guide breaks everything down—from exam pattern to syllabus—so that you know exactly what to study and how to prepare.
Selection Process for SEBI Grade A Legal Office
SEBI conducts the recruitment process in three phases:
- Phase 1 – Online Exam (Objective)
- Phase 2 – Online Exam (Objective + Descriptive)
- Phase 3 – Interview
Each phase is elimination-based, so only those who clear one phase move to the next.
Phase 1: Online Exam (Objective)
Phase 1 is the first filtering stage. It has two papers, and both have multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Exam Pattern for Phase 1
| Paper | Subjects | Maximum Marks | Duration | Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Awareness (including Financial Sector), English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning | 100 | 60 minutes | 30% |
| Paper 2 | Legal Subjects (Company Law, Securities Law, etc.) | 100 | 40 minutes | 40% |
| Aggregate Cutoff | – | – | – | 40% |
Key Points for Phase 1
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
- Language: The exam is available in English and Hindi, except for the English language test.
- Paper 2 is the most important as its marks are considered for merit ranking.
Syllabus for Phase 1 – Paper 1
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Simplification, Number Series, Quadratic Equations, HCF & LCM, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Partnership, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns, Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Data Interpretation |
| English | Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Passage Making, Error Spotting, Jumbled Words, Sentence Framing, Fill in the Blanks |
| General Awareness | Monetary Policies, Banking & Financial Awareness, Economic Terms, Current Affairs, Static GK, Financial & Economic News, SEBI & RBI Regulations, Government Schemes, National Institutions |
| Reasoning | Puzzles, Seating Arrangement (Circular, Linear, Square), Data Sufficiency, Directions, Blood Relations, Inequality, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Verbal Reasoning, Machine Input-Output |
Phase 2: Online Exam (Objective + Descriptive)
This stage tests both objective and descriptive knowledge. You need to write structured legal answers, so practicing answer writing is crucial.
Exam Pattern for Phase 2
| Paper | Subjects | Maximum Marks | Duration | Cutoff | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | English (Descriptive) – Essay, Precis, Reading Comprehension | 100 | 60 minutes | 30% | 1/3rd |
| Paper 2 | 70 MCQs + 3 Descriptive Legal Questions (10 marks each) | 100 | 60 minutes | 40% | 2/3rd |
| Aggregate Cutoff | – | – | – | 50% | – |
Key Points for Phase 2
- Paper 1 (English) tests your legal writing skills – practice essay writing, precis, and reading comprehension.
- Paper 2 (Legal) is a mix of MCQs and Descriptive Questions, so you must prepare both theoretical concepts and written explanations.
- Legal descriptive answers must be typed on the computer. If you choose Hindi, you can use Inscript or Remington (GAIL) keyboard layouts.
Syllabus for Phase 2 – Paper 1 (English Descriptive)
| Descriptive Type | Topics |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | Topics related to legal, financial, or social issues |
| English Comprehension & Precis Writing | Legal and financial text analysis |
Phase 3: Interview
The final stage is the Interview, where SEBI evaluates your legal knowledge, communication skills, and awareness of current affairs.
Key Points:
- The interview can be conducted online or offline.
- You can choose between Hindi and English.
- You should be well-versed in legal concepts, SEBI regulations, and recent Supreme Court judgments.
- The final merit is calculated as 85% (Phase 2) + 15% (Interview).
Syllabus for Paper 2 (Legal) – Phase 1 & Phase 2
The legal syllabus is the most important part of the exam.
| Subjects | Topics |
|---|---|
| Company Law | Companies Act, 2013, Board of Directors, Mergers, Corporate Governance |
| Securities Laws | SEBI Act, 1992, Securities Contracts Regulation Act, 1956, Insider Trading, Depositories Act, Market Manipulation |
| Contract Law | Essentials of a Valid Contract, Breach & Remedies, Indemnity & Guarantee |
| Constitutional Law | Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Writ Jurisdiction, Separation of Powers |
| Administrative Law | Rule of Law, Judicial Review, Natural Justice |
| Criminal Law | IPC, CrPC, White Collar Crimes, Cyber Law (IT Act) |
| Law of Torts | Negligence, Defamation, Nuisance |
| Consumer Protection Law | Consumer Protection Act, 2019 |
| Civil Procedure Code & Limitation Act | Res Judicata, Appeals, Limitation Periods |
What to Focus On?
✔ Company Law & Securities Law are the most important subjects.
✔ Stay updated on recent amendments, SEBI circulars, and Supreme Court rulings.
✔ Solve case-based questions to strengthen legal application skills.
Cracking the SEBI Grade A Legal Officer exam requires a well-structured approach. The syllabus is vast, the competition is intense, and the exam format demands both conceptual clarity and application-based knowledge. Simply mugging up legal provisions won’t be enough. You need smart preparation, strategic time management, and continuous practice to ensure success.
Here’s how you can effectively prepare for this exam:
1. Prioritize Legal Subjects from Day One
Legal subjects form the backbone of this exam, particularly Company Law, Securities Law, and SEBI Regulations. These areas dominate Paper 2 in both Phase 1 and Phase 2, making them the most scoring sections.
Start by understanding the Companies Act, 2013, especially provisions related to corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, and compliance norms. Focus on SEBI regulations, including insider trading, market manipulation, and listing regulations.
For Securities Law, read the SEBI Act, 1992, Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, and Depositories Act, 1996. Keep an eye on recent amendments, landmark judgments, and SEBI circulars, as these are often tested in the exam.
The Indian Contract Act, Constitutional Law, and Administrative Law also play a crucial role. Make concise notes with important case laws, principles, and recent legal developments for quick revision.
2. Build a Habit of Reading Financial and Legal News
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is ignoring current legal and financial affairs. SEBI expects candidates to be well aware of market regulations, economic trends, and key legal developments.
Make a habit of reading:
- The Hindu (Editorial & Business Sections) for legal and financial analysis.
- Live Law & Bar & Bench for Supreme Court and High Court judgments.
- SEBI & RBI official websites for updates on financial regulations.
- Economic Times, Business Standard, and Mint for insights on the securities market.
Additionally, subscribe to legal magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan (Law Edition) or follow online platforms like Legal Bites, iPleaders, and SCC Online.
If you struggle with remembering current affairs, maintain a daily journal where you jot down key judgments, SEBI notifications, and regulatory updates. Revisiting them weekly will ensure retention.
3. Sharpen Your Writing Skills for the Descriptive Paper
Many candidates underestimate Paper 1 (Descriptive English) in Phase 2, assuming it’s just a language test. But this section can be a game-changer if you perform well.
You’ll be required to write essays, precis, and answers based on legal comprehension passages. The key here is clarity, conciseness, and structuring your arguments well.
To prepare for this:
- Practice writing legal essays on topics like corporate governance, financial frauds, insider trading, and constitutional amendments.
- Solve previous year precis-writing questions to improve summarization skills.
- Work on reading comprehension—the passages often have a legal or financial context, so practice from sources like The Hindu, The Economist, or legal blogs.
Use formal and precise legal language while writing answers. Avoid lengthy explanations or vague arguments. Stick to the point, use legal terminologies, and present a balanced viewpoint with proper case references.
4. Solve Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests
You cannot afford to enter the SEBI exam hall without solving previous years’ question papers. These papers give you a clear idea of question trends, difficulty level, and time management strategies.
Download and solve at least 5-6 years’ worth of previous papers for both Phase 1 and Phase 2. This will help you identify your weak areas and improve accuracy.
Alongside previous year papers, attempt full-length mock tests regularly. Simulating the actual exam environment will:
- Enhance your speed and accuracy.
- Help you manage time effectively, especially for lengthy legal questions.
- Train you to handle exam pressure so that you don’t panic on the final day.
Many coaching institutes and online platforms offer SEBI-specific mock tests. Take at least 2-3 tests per week, analyze your mistakes, and work on improving weaker sections.
5. Make Concise Notes for Revision
Since the SEBI syllabus is extensive, revising everything at the last minute can be overwhelming. That’s why you need crisp, well-structured notes for quick revision.
While reading Company Law, Securities Law, or SEBI Regulations, make short notes covering:
- Key sections and provisions (e.g., Section 2(20) of the Companies Act defines a company).
- Important case laws (e.g., Salomon v. Salomon in corporate personality).
- SEBI circulars & recent amendments (write down only relevant points).
For current affairs, maintain monthly legal updates in bullet points. Revisiting them before the exam will boost retention and recall ability.
6. Manage Your Time Efficiently
Many aspirants get stuck in one subject for too long, ignoring the importance of a balanced study schedule. You should divide your time wisely between Legal, English, Current Affairs, and Aptitude sections.
Here’s a suggested weekly study plan:
| Day | Subjects to Cover |
|---|---|
| Monday | Company Law + Current Affairs |
| Tuesday | Securities Law + Descriptive Writing Practice |
| Wednesday | Contract Law + Reasoning (Puzzles, Seating Arrangements) |
| Thursday | Administrative & Constitutional Law + Quantitative Aptitude |
| Friday | Criminal & Consumer Law + English Grammar & Reading Comprehension |
| Saturday | Mock Test & Full-Length Paper Solving |
| Sunday | Revision + Analyzing Mock Test Mistakes |
By following a structured plan, you ensure consistent progress without feeling overwhelmed.
7. Stay Consistent and Avoid Burnout
Preparing for SEBI Grade A Legal Officer is a long journey, and it’s easy to lose motivation midway. Many candidates start strong but give up after a few months due to stress and information overload.
To avoid burnout:
- Set realistic goals—break the syllabus into small, achievable targets.
- Take short breaks—study in 90-minute sessions followed by a 10-minute break.
- Stay physically active—exercise, take walks, and maintain a balanced diet.
- Join online study groups—discussing concepts with peers can reinforce learning.
Remember, consistency beats intensity. Even if you study for 4-5 focused hours daily, it’s better than cramming 12 hours a day without retention.
Final Words
The SEBI Grade A Legal Officer exam is one of the most competitive legal exams in India. But if you plan well and prepare smartly, securing a spot is absolutely possible.
- Start early, focus on legal subjects, and improve writing skills.
- Read financial and legal news daily.
- Attempt mock tests regularly and learn from mistakes.
- Keep revising your notes and case laws.
- Stay consistent and believe in yourself!
With dedication and the right approach, clearing SEBI Grade A Legal is within your reach. Stay motivated and give it your best shot. You got this!
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