NPS Grade A (Assistant Manager) Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2024

Conquering a competitive exam hinges on understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, causing apprehension for many aspirants. To alleviate your concerns, we've provided a comprehensive overview of the NPS Trust Grade A Officer syllabus and exam pattern. Familiarizing yourself with these details will not only dissolve uncertainties but also equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the exam successfully. Prepare confidently, armed with a clear understanding of the examination structure and syllabic nuances. 

Anticipation surrounding the release of the NPS Trust recruitment 2024, is heightening the excitement for aspirants. Now that it's expected to be unveiled soon, candidates must be vigilant and proactive. Effective exam preparation demands meticulous planning well in advance. To achieve this, a thorough understanding of the NPS Trust Assistant Manager exam details like exam dates, application procedure, NPS Trust Grade A eligibility criteria etc. is very much required. Of these the exam pattern and syllabus is very pivotal. Get ahead by familiarizing yourself with the intricacies of the syllabus, ensuring a well-organized approach to your study regimen. Your success hinges on strategic preparation and staying updated of the outlined guidelines.

NPS Grade A Phase 1 Exam Pattern

Since the 2024 notification of the NPS Trust Grade A Assistant Manager exam is impending, candidates can refer to the previous year details for the time being. The NPS Trust Grade A selection procedure will take place over 3 stages-

  • Phase 1 - Online exam
  • Phase 2 - Online exam
  • Phase 3 - Interview

 The NPS Grade A Phase 1 comprises two papers, each carrying a weightage of 100 marks. This comprehensive assessment will evaluate your knowledge and skills across various dimensions, ensuring a thorough examination of your capabilities in the pursuit of success. Further details regarding the NPS Grade A Phase 1 exam pattern 2024 can be obtained from the table below. 

StreamSubjectNo. of QuestionsMaximum MarksDuration
All Stream English Language 20 25 1 hour
Reasoning 20 25
General Awareness + Financial Sector Awareness 20 25
Quantitative Aptitude 20 25
Overall Total 80 100 1 hour
All Stream Multiple choice questions on Specialized subject related to stream. - 100 40 minutes

Note:

  • The NPS Grade A Phase 1 Online Exam is scheduled for a single shift.
  • To advance to Phase 2, candidates must meet individual cut-offs in each test, as well as the aggregate cut-off determined by NPS Trust.
  • Successful candidates will receive notifications regarding the Phase II date and time through email and/or call letter.
  • Additionally, the list of shortlisted candidates will be accessible on the NPS Trust website.

NPS Grade A Phase 1 Syllabus

The NPS Trust Grade A Officer exam consists of four crucial sections: English, Reasoning, General Awareness, and Quantitative Aptitude. Delve into the detailed syllabus provided for each section to consolidate all essential information in one comprehensive resource, facilitating a thorough understanding of the examination's focus areas. The NPS Grade A Phase 1 syllabus is given below. 

SectionTopics
English Language Reading Comprehensions, Para Jumbles, Para Completion, Vocabulary, Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Cloze test
Reasoning Coding & Decoding, Syllogism, Machine Input Output, Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Direction Sense Test, Blood Relations, Problems based on Ages, Rankings, Data Sufficiency, Statement and Conclusions, Statement and Assumptions, Statement and Arguments
General Awareness + Financial Sector Awareness Banking Reforms, Regulatory Bodies in India- NABARD, SEBI, International Banking, Important RBI Circulars, Financial Terms, Banking Terms, Latest Acts related to Banking, Priority Sector Lending, NPA - latest news, SARFAESI Act, RBI Monetary Policy, Capital & Money Market Instrument, Commercial Banks, NBFCs, HFC - Latest news, Mergers and Acquisitions in Banking Companies, Credit Rating and Agencies, Payment Options- NEFT, RTGS, Bharat Bill payment, RBI’s circulars
Quantitative Aptitude Simplification and approximation, Number Series, Quadratic Equation, Number System / HCF & LCM, Ratio and Proportion, Average, Partnership, Ages, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Time, Speed & Distance, Problems on Trains, Boat and Stream, Time & Work / Pipes and Cisterns, Simple and Compound Interest, Mixture & Allegations, Permutation and Combination, Probability, Data Interpretation (DI), Caselet DI and Data Sufficiency

NPS Grade A Phase 2 Exam Pattern 

Two papers await candidates in the NPS Trust Grade A Phase 2 exam. Paper 1 will delve into Descriptive English, offering an opportunity to showcase linguistic prowess and expressive skills. Meanwhile, Paper 2 will present objective-type multiple-choice questions, testing your knowledge and analytical abilities. This diverse examination format ensures a comprehensive evaluation of both linguistic and cognitive competencies for a well-rounded assessment. The details of the Phase 2 exam for NPST Grade A 2024 have been provided for you below.

StreamPaperSubjectMaximum MarksDuration
All Stream Paper 1 English (Descriptive Test) 100 1 hour
Paper 2 Multiple choice questions on specialized subject related to stream. 100 40 minutes

Note: 

  • The shortlisted candidates for Phase 2 will receive a new Call Letter.
  • Phase 2 requires minimum cut-offs for Paper 1 and Paper 2, with separate and aggregate cut-offs.
  • Candidates shortlisted for Phase 3 (Interview) will be listed on the NPS Trust website, following the specified criteria and in order of merit.

NPS Grade A Phase 2 Syllabus

In the NPS Assistant Manager Phase 2 exam, Paper 1 will assess Descriptive English skills, emphasizing expressive proficiency. Meanwhile, Paper 2 will focus on multiple-choice questions centered around the Specialized subject pertinent to your chosen stream. The NPS Grade A Phase 2 syllabus is given in the table below. 

NPS Trust Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Exam Syllabus Investment and Research Stream

Investment and Research Stream
SectionTopics
Economics Demand and Supply, Macro Economics, National Income, Public Finance, Determination of output and employment, Investment Function, Multiplier and Accelerator, Demand and Supply for Money, Inflation, Business Cycles, Inflation, Monetary and Fiscal Policy, restrictive v/s accommodating monetary policy, Banking Functions, Tax & Non-Tax Revenue, Direct & Indirect Taxes, Fiscal Balance, Public Debt, Public Budget and Foreign Trade and Balance of Payments, commercial and central banking, process of credit creation, role of central bank in economic development.
Financial Institutions and Markets Market Model, Market Efficiency, Money/ Credit/Capital Markets, Primary Market, Secondary Market, Commodity Markets, Mutual Funds, Derivatives (types, uses and pricing of derivatives), Stock Exchanges, banking and non-banking institutions, Credit Rating Agencies, Pension and Insurance Markets, Foreign Exchange Markets, Role of International Financial Institutions, IMF & World Bank, Role of SEBI and IRDA in financial markets.
Statistics and Econometrics Measures of Central tendency & dispersions, Correlation, Sampling methods, Sampling Distribution, Hypothesis testing, Regression Analysis, Operation research models, linear programing models in finance/manufacturing.
Commerce & Accountancy Accounting as a financial information system, Revenue Recognition, Investments, Cash Flow Statement, Financial statement analysis.
Finance Ratio analysis, WACC, Capital structure, NPV, IRR, CAPM, DCF, Market models, Investment ratios, valuation ratios, market efficiency, sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis.

NPS Trust Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Exam Syllabus Rajhasha Stream

Rajhasha
भारत सरकार की राजभाषा नीतत (Official Language Policy of the Govt. of India) सेसंबंतित प्रश्न
तिन्दी सेअंग्रेजी अनुवाद [शब्द / वाक्ांश / वाक् / Terms / Phrases / Sentences
अंग्रेजी सेतिन्दी अनुवाद [शब्द / वाक्ांश / वाक् / Terms / Phrases / Sentences
तिन्दी सेअंग्रेजी - तवतिक शब्दावली (Legal Terminology)
अंग्रेजी सेतिन्दी - तवतिक शब्दावली (Legal Terminology)
तिन्दी सेअंग्रेजी – पेंशन / प्रशासननक / बैंनकिं ग / प िंजी बाजार / अर्थशास्त्र / सामानजक सुरक्षा शब्दावली (Pension / Administrative / Banking / Capital Market / Economics / Social Security Terminology)
अंग्रेजी सेतिन्दी - पेंशन / प्रशासननक / बैंनकिं ग / प िंजी बाजार / अर्थशास्त्र / सामानजक सुरक्षा शब्दावली (Pension / Administrative / Banking / Capital Market / Economics / Social Security Terminology)

NPS Trust Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Exam Syllabus Media, Marketing & Subscriber Education Stream

Media, Marketing & Subscriber Education Stream
Marketing Management
Marketing Research
Marketing Planning & Strategies
Marketing types
Product Management
Pricing decisions
Distribution strategy
Promotion mix and sales
Brand management
Customer behavior
Digital marketing
Advanced marketing techniques
Financial literacy

NPS Trust Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Exam Syllabus Legal Stream

Legal Stream
Constitution of India – Preamble, Part I, Part III, Part IV, Part IVA, Part V, Part VI, Part VIII, Part IXA, Part IXB, Part XI.
Law of Contracts – Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Chapters I to VI), Specific Relief Act, 1963.
Criminal Law – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Chapters I, II, III, IV, V, VA, VI, IX, XVII); Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
Law of Evidence – Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 – Part I, Part II.
Administrative Law and Principles of Natural Justice
Jurisprudence and Interpretation of Statutes
Important Latin terms and maxims
Consumer Protection Act, 2019
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 – Part I
Right to Information Act, 2015
Securities Laws –SC(R) Act, 1956, Depositories Act, 1996
Indian Trust Act, 1882
Corporate Law – Companies Act, 2013 (Chapter I, Chapter II, Chapter III, Chapter IV, Chapter V, Chapter VII, Chapter VIII, Chapter IX, Chapter X, Chapter XI, Chapter XII, Chapter XIII, Chapter XV, Chapter XVI, Chapter XXVII, Chapter XXVIII, Chapter XXIX)
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Part I, Part II)
Taxation – General principles, Capital Gains Tax, Securities Transaction Tax
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 2013, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (National Pension System Trust) Regulations, 2015, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Pension Fund) Regulations, 2015, Pension Fund Regulatory And Development Authority (Central Recordkeeping Agency) Regulations, 2015, Pension Fund Regulatory And Development Authority (Trustee Bank) Regulations, 2015, Pension Fund Regulatory And Development Authority (Custodian Of Securities) Regulations, 2015
IRDA Act

NPS Trust Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Exam Syllabus IT Stream

IT Stream
SectionTopic
Database Management Systems ER‐model. Relational model: relational algebra, tuple calculus, Integrity constraints, normal forms. File organization, indexing (e.g., B and B+ trees), Transactions and concurrency control. Cloud computing, cloud characteristics, cloud service cloud types
SQL Queries Select, view, truncate, delete, update, alter, Inner join, different types of outer joins, use of aggregate functions, Union, intersection, except, in and exist clauses, nested queries
Programming Concepts (Java /C C++ ) Program control (iteration, recursion, Functions), Scope of variables, Binding of variables & functions, Parameter passing, Functional and Logic Programming, OOPS Concepts, Inheritance, Class and object, Constructors, Functions, Exception Handling
Data Analytics / Data Visualization Regex, Slicing, Data reshaping, Data frames, Dictionaries and Sets, File Management, Classes and Functions, Data Mining interface, Lists, Importing and exporting data, charts and graphs, OLAP functions
Operating system and data structure Simple Batch Systems, Multi program batched systems, Time-Sharing Systems, Process Concepts, Interprocess Communication, CPU Scheduling, Scheduling Criteria, Scheduling Algorithms, Deadlock- Prevention, Avoidance, Detection, Recovery Tree and graph traversals, Connected components, Spanning trees, Shortest paths; hashing, Sorting, Searching; Design techniques (Greedy, Dynamic Programming, Divide-andconquer)
Networking Concepts ISO/OSI stack, LAN Technologies (Ethernet, Token ring), TCP/UDP, IP, Basic concepts of switches, gateways, and routers, Application layer protocols (DNS, SMTP, POP, FTP, HTTP), Firewalls
Information & Cyber Security Concepts Cyber Attacks, Software Development Security, Network security protocols, Authentication, CIA - Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability, Network Audit, Systems Audit, Digital signatures
Data warehousing and Data mining Warehouse management and support processes, Hardware and Operating system for data warehousing, Data Extraction, Data Cleaning, Data integration and Transformation, Data Loading, Metadata, Data reduction, Data Cube, Data Mart, Data Models
Software Engineering SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle), Software Configuration Management (SCM), Software Development Models, Requirement Elicitation, Software Design and Maintenance, Software Testing: Testing Objectives, Unit Testing, Integration Testing, Acceptance Testing, Regression Testing, Testing for Functionality and Testing for Performance, Top-Down and Bottom-Up Testing Strategies: Test Drivers and Test Stubs, Structural Testing (White Box Testing), Functional Testing (Black Box Testing), Test Data Suit Preparation, Alpha and Beta Testing of Products. Static Testing Strategies: Formal Technical Reviews (Peer Reviews), Walk Through, Code Inspection, Compliance with Design and Coding Standards.

NPS Grade A Phase 3: Interview

Candidates excelling in the NPS Assistant Manager Phase 2 exam will proceed to the NPS Grade A Interview stage. Here, candidates will have the flexibility to choose between Hindi or English for the interview, allowing them to comfortably communicate their thoughts and showcase their suitability for the prestigious role within the National Pension System.

Furthermore, outstation candidates called for the NPS trust Grade A Interview will be reimbursed a single AC Three Tier return railway fare for the journey by the shortest route from their place of ordinary residence to the place of interview, subject to submission of necessary documentary evidence.

NPS Grade A Interview Syllabus

The NPS Trust Grade A Phase 3 or the Interview has a 30% weightage. The Interview for NPST Officer Grade A can be given either in Hindi or English. Ensure you bring original and self-attested copies of Experience Certificates, Educational Certificates, and Reservation/Disability certificates to the interview. If currently employed in a Govt./ Quasi-Govt. organization or Public Sector Banks/Undertakings, have the original No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer alongside its self-attested copy. This documentation is essential for a smooth interview process.

In any banking or similar exam, the interview board usually consists of 4-5 members. Most interview sessions last for 15-20 minutes, and during this time, the candidate may have to encounter at least 12 to 15 questions. You will be asked questions based on your profile, such as education, employment history, hobbies, noteworthy achievements, and temperament. Don’t forget to brush up on topics such as banking awareness and current affairs.

Final Merit List 

The final merit for NPST Officer Grade A Risk Management, Investment & Research streams will be prepared by combining the marks obtained in Phase 2 and Phase 3. Phase 2 will have 50% weightage, and Phase 3 (Interview) will have 30% weightage. The remaining 20% will be derived from the required work experience outlined in the NPST eligibility criteria 2024.

Please note that for the NPST Grade A General stream , the marks obtained in Phase 2 will have 50% weightage, and Phase 3 (Interview) will also carry 50% weightage. 

NPS Grade A Marking Scheme

Like many exams, the NPS Trust Grade A exam incorporates negative marking. For each incorrect answer, a penalty is applied—specifically, 1/4th of the mark assigned to the question will be deducted. It's crucial to exercise caution and precision in your responses to avoid this deduction. Importantly, unattempted questions carry no negative marks, providing a strategic advantage for thoughtful consideration and omission when uncertain. Be mindful of this marking scheme to optimize your performance in the examination.

NPS Trust Officer Grade A Marking Scheme

NPS Trust Officer Grade A 2024 Marking SchemeConsidered Marks
For correct answers 1 mark
For wrong answers -0.25 or 1/4th marks
For not attempted 0 (no marks)

NPS Trust Grade A (Assistant Manager) Exam Language

The NPST Grade A 2024 exam adopts a bilingual approach, offering questions in both Hindi and English, excluding the English Language (objective) and Descriptive English test. When choosing your exam language, exercise discernment. Opting for the language that aligns with your proficiency ensures a smoother navigation through the examination. This bilingual flexibility aims to accommodate candidates and enhance accessibility, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful language selection for an optimal testing experience.

NPS Trust Grade A Books

Securing success in the NPST Grade A exam necessitates access to high-quality study materials. The right books can provide genuine guidance and knowledge, significantly boosting your chances of excelling. A crucial component of exam preparation, these resources play a pivotal role in shaping your understanding and approach. Consider the following table for a selection of valuable books tailored for the NPST Grade A exam 2024. These recommended readings aim to enrich your preparation, offering comprehensive insights and content alignment that aligns with the exam's requirements. Invest wisely in these resources to optimize your study regimen and enhance your performance. 

SubjectsBooksAuthor/Publisher
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Sarvesh Kumar Verma
Data Interpretation for CAT Arun Sharma
Magical book on Quicker Maths M Tyra
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic Rajesh Verma
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams RS Aggarwal
Reasoning Ability A New Approach to Reasoning Verbal and Non-Verbal B.S. Sijwali and Indu Sijwali
Analytical Reasoning MK Pandey (For the chapters required for analytical reasoning)
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning R.S. Aggarwal
English Language Objective General English SP Bakshi
Descriptive General English SP Bakshi and Richa Sharma
High School English Grammar and Composition Wren and Martin
Word Power Made Easy Normal Lewis
General Awareness Current Affairs BeePedia
General Studies Disha
General Knowledge Manual Pearson
General Knowledge Lucent
General Knowledge Prabhat Prakashan
Financial Sector Awareness Financial Awareness for Competitive Exams 2nd Edition Disha Experts

NPS Grade A Free Mock Tests

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NPS Grade A Online Course

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