PFRDA Research Economics and Statistics 2026 Highlights
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has just concluded the PFRDA recruitment for this year, and there were applications for Officer Grade ‘A’ (Assistant Manager) posts across eight streams, including Research (Economics). Those aspirants who couldn't appear for the exam this year have no reason to fret.
If you are eligible, you will be able to appear for the 2026 recruitment. When the notification is released, it will carry all the important details you need to know about your exam application. This includes details about the application deadline, vacancies, exam pattern and syllabus and more.
For the PFRDA Research (Economics) stream, this year there was just one vacancy (OBC). For Research in the Statistics stream, there were 2 vacancies. As a PFRDA Research Officer, your role will involve overseeing and assisting in the formulation of pension policies, making people aware of pension benefits, or any managerial duties as per the requirement by the organization.
This presents an excellent opportunity to commence graduates to have an exciting career in the government sector. We advise you to apply for the PFRDA Grade A exam as soon as the application dates are released to avoid a last-minute rush.
All details regarding the application window will be provided in the notification. However, the primary highlights of the previous PFRDA Research notification are outlined below, from the last recruitment cycle.
| Stream | Number of Posts | Out of which PwBD* | Total Posts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC | ST | OBC | EWS # | UR/ GEN | |||
| Research (Economics) | - | - | 01 | - | - | - | 01 |
| Research (Statistics) | - | 01 | - | - | 01 | - | 02 |
PFRDA Research Notification 2026
Online registration and fee payment will be announced in the recruitment notification. Late or multiple applications for the same stream will be rejected, so submit your form well before the deadline.
The upper-age limit is 30 years, with standard relaxations for reserved categories.
The selection process follows three stages: Phase I online test will be held first, and those who qualify can appear for Phase II. Those who clear both Phases are eligible to appear for Phase III or the interview stage. Admit-card download links and any further updates will be posted on PFRDA’s website and sent by e-mail/SMS.
PFRDA Research Vacancy 2026
Candidates dreaming of government jobs are always on the lookout for details about the regulatory bodies' exam recruitment. That’s why the PFRDA Grade A notification sparks significant enthusiasm among such aspirants.
There was one Research (Economics) vacancy (OBC) in the recently concluded notification. Eligible candidates must hold a master’s in Statistics, Economics, Commerce, Business Administration (Finance) or Econometrics (a recognised two-year PG diploma is accepted).
In the PFRDA Research Statistics stream, there was one vacancy for ST and one vacancy for the General category.
| Stream | Number of Posts | Out of which PwBD* | Total Posts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC | ST | OBC | EWS # | UR/ GEN | |||
| Research (Economics) | - | - | 01 | - | - | - | 01 |
| Research (Statistics) | - | 01 | - | - | 01 | - | 02 |
PFRDA Research Economics and Statistics Exam Pattern
The PFRDA Grade A exam pattern comprises the following three phases.
- Phase 1 (Online screening test consisting of two papers of 100 marks each)
- Phase 2 (Online examination consisting of two papers of 100 and 200 marks)
- Phase 3 (Interview)
PFRDA Research Economics and Statistics Phase 1 Exam Pattern
PFRDA Research exam pattern for Phase 1 will be a multiple-choice question-based exam. It consists of two papers - Paper 1 and Paper 2. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 carry 100 marks each. You have to secure separate cut-offs in each paper as well as overall cut-off marks in Phase 1.
Please note that the Phase 1/Prelims exam is qualifying in nature i.e. marks obtained in Phase 1 will not be counted for the final selection of the candidates. Detailed PFRDA Research exam pattern can be obtained from the table below.
| Paper | Stream / Subject | Maximum Marks | Number of Questions | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 All Stream: Multiple choice questions on the subjects |
English Language | 25 | 20 | 60 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 20 | ||
| Test of Reasoning | 25 | 20 | ||
| General Awareness (including some questions related to financial sector) | 25 | 20 | ||
| Total | 100 | 80 | ||
| Paper 2 | Research (Economics and Statistics) Stream: Multiple choice questions on Specialised subject related to Research (Economics and Statistics). | 100 | 50 | 40 minutes |
PFRDA Economics and Statistics Phase 2 Exam Pattern
PFRDA Research Exam Pattern for Phase 2 will consist of two papers Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is of the English language (common for all streams) and Paper 2 is subject-related.
Paper 1 will be descriptive in nature whereas in Paper 2, multiple-choice questions will be asked. The time limit varies for each paper. You have to secure separate cut-offs in each paper as well as overall cut-off marks in PFRDA Grade A Phase 2. Further details on the PFRDA Research exam pattern 2025 is given in the table below.
| Paper | Stream / Subject | Maximum Marks | Number of Questions | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | All Stream: English (Descriptive Test) to test the drafting skills | 100 | 3 | 60 minutes |
| Paper 2 | Research (Economics and Statistics) Stream: Multiple choice questions on Specialised subject related to Research (Economics and Statistics) stream. | 100 | 50 | 40 minutes |
Please Note-
- For every wrong answer, a penalty of 1/4th mark is assigned to that question.
- The PFRDA Grade A exam 2025 will be bilingual in nature, i.e., Hindi/ English, except for the test for English Language and the Descriptive Test.
Personal Interview
You will be shortlisted for PFRDA Phase 3 i.e. Interview, based on your performance in the Phase 2 exam. You can opt for an interview in Hindi or English at your convenience. The marks obtained in the Phase 2 Online Examination will be allotted a weightage of 85%, while the marks obtained in the Phase 3 Interview will be allotted a weightage of 15%.
PFRDA Research Economics and Statistics Syllabus 2026
The PFRDA Research syllabus for Phase 1-Paper 1 comprises English Language, Reasoning, General Awareness, and Quantitative Aptitude. The detailed PFRDA Grade A Paper 1 syllabus is listed below.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| English Language | Anonyms, Homonyms, Antonyms, Spelling, Word formation, Idioms and phrases, Fill in the suitable words, Grammar, Spotting errors, Sentence correction, Active/ passive voice, Phrases and idioms, Direct and indirect speech, Reading Comprehension, Passage completion, Theme detection, Deriving conclusion, Rearrangement of passage |
| 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 |
| Reasoning | Analogy, Classification, Word formation, Statement and conclusions, Syllogism, Statement and assumptions, Statement and arguments, Coding decoding, Blood relations, Passage and conclusions, Alphabet test, Series test, Number, ranking and time sequence, Direction sense test, Decision-making test, Figure series, Input/output, Assertion and reasoning, Sitting arrangement, Odd figure out, Analogy, Series test, Miscellaneous test |
| General Awareness | Monetary Policies, Banking and Financial Awareness, Economic Terms, Current Affairs, Static GK, Financial and Economic News, Government Schemes. Agreement & Deals, Banking Terms- rates & processes, National Institutions |
Phase 1- Paper 2
You can check the detailed PFRDA Assistant Manager Syllabus for Research (Economics) Paper 2 in the table below.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Economics |
|
Phase 2 Syllabus- Paper 1
Paper 1 of Phase 2 is descriptive English Language. The detailed PFRDA Grade A Exam syllabus for Phase 2- Paper 1 for research is given below.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| English Writing Skills | Precis Writing , Essay Writing , Comprehension |
Phase 2 Syllabus- Paper 2
The detailed PFRDA Grade A syllabus 2025 for Phase 2- Paper 2 for Research (Economics) is provided in the table below.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Economics | Demand and Supply, Market Structures, National Income, Determination of output and employment, Investment Function, Multiplier and Accelerator, Demand and Supply for Money, IS – LM, Inflation and Phillips Curve, Business Cycles, Inflation, Monetary and Fiscal Policy, Banking Functions, Public Goods, Tax & Non-Tax Revenue, Direct & Indirect Taxes, Fiscal Balance, Public Debt, Public Budget and Foreign Trade and Balance of Payments. |
| Statistics and Econometrics | Measures of Central tendency & dispersions, Correlation, Sampling methods, Sampling Distribution, Statistical Inferences, Hypothesis testing, Regression Analysis, Panel Data Analysis, Time Series Properties and Analysis. |
| Financial Institutions and Markets | Asymmetric Information, Market Model, Market Efficiency, Money, Credit and Capital Markets, Primary Market, Secondary Market, Commodity Markets, Mutual Funds, Stock Exchanges, Credit Rating Agencies, Pension And Insurance Markets, Foreign Exchange Markets, Role of International Financial Institutions, IS, IMF & World Bank. |
| Statistics | Definition of Probability, Standard Distribution, Large and Small Sample Theory, Analysis of Variance, Estimation, Testing of Hypothesis, Non Parametric Tests, Stochastic Processes, Linear Models and Economic Statistics, Multivariate Analysis, Numerical Analysis and Basic Computer Techniques, Panel Data Analysis, Time Series Properties and Analysis. |
PFRDA Grade A Research Economics and Statistics Important Books
Books play a vital role in shaping the success of any exam preparation. To aid in your PFRDA Grade A exam, here are some essential books recommended for your study. These resources can significantly enhance your preparation and boost your chances of success.
| Paper | Books | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Securities Markets | Capital Markets & Securities Laws | N.S.Zad |
| Economic and Social Issues | Indian Economy | Uma Kapila or Mishra Puri |
| Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh | |
| Sociology | CN Shankar Rao | |
| Finance & Management | Financial Management | Prasanna Chandra or IM Pandey |
| Indian Financial System | Bharti Pathak | |
| Principles & Practise of Management | LM Prasad / Sultan Chand & Sons | |
| Organisational Behaviour | SP Robins | |
| Principles of Management | Harold Kootz & Cyril J.O’Donnell / McGraw Hills | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quicker Mathematics | BSC Publications |
| Quantitative Aptitude | RS Agarwal | |
| Class Notes | SS Bharti | |
| Reasoning Ability | A modern approach to verbal & Non-verbal reasoning | R.S. Agarwal |
| Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | S.Chand | |
| Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | Arihant Publication | |
| English Language | English Grammar | Wren & Martin |
| Word power made easy | Norman Lewis | |
| Descriptive General English | SP Bakshi | |
| General Awareness | Lucent GK Knowledge | Lucent Publication |
| BeePedia | ixamBee | |
| English Descriptive | Descriptive English | S.P. BAKSHI |
| 151 Essays | S.C Gupta | |
| Letter writing | S.C Gupta | |
| Indian Economic Since Independence | Uma Kapila | Academic Foundation |
| Business Law Including Company Law | SS Gulshan | New Age International Publishers |
PFRDA Research Exam Calendar 2026
The PFRDA Research exam schedule encompasses vital details, such as the registration commencement and closure dates, the release dates of admit cards, exam dates, result declarations, and other pertinent information. When the 2026 PFRDA recruitment is announced, it will contain all the important exam details. This includes everything from exam application deadlines to exam schedules.
Phase I will be held first and it is a qualifier. Candidates who qualify in Phase II will be invited to Phase III interviews, with exact dates to be notified individually via e-mail/SMS. Shortlisted aspirants must ensure they possess all required documents, including caste or disability certificates (where applicable), in the prescribed format at the time of the interview.
PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Important Exam Dates 2025
| Events | Important Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Online Registration and Payment of Online Fees/Intimation Charges |
To be notified later |
| PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Phase 1 Online Exam Dates | To be notified later |
| PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Phase 1 Online Exam Result | To be notified later |
| PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Phase 2 Online Examination | To be notified later |
| PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Phase 2 Online Exam Result | To be notified later |
| PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Phase 3 Interview Dates | To be notified later |
| PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Final Result | To be notified later |
PFRDA Grade A Research Probation Period
Your appointment carries a one-year probation period. Once confirmed, you’re liable to serve anywhere in India under the PFRDA’s Service Regulations, giving you both job security and the chance to make a real impact on the country’s pension ecosystem
PFRDA Grade A Research Salary 2026
As a Research Officer in the Grade A cadre, you’ll start on a basic pay of ₹44,500 per month. That figure isn’t fixed for life – you receive annual increments (₹2,500 p.a. for the first four years, then ₹2,850 p.a. for the next seven, and so on), eventually reaching a maximum basic of ₹89,150.
Once you add in PFRDA’s contribution to the National Pension System plus allowances (grade allowance, special allowance, dearness allowance, local allowance, family allowance, housing allowance, and others), your total gross monthly emolument at the starting pay level comes to roughly ₹1.57 lakh.
Beyond cash pay, the Authority offers several perks: leave-fare concessions, medical reimbursements (both hospitalization and outpatient), personal accident cover, education and knowledge-updation allowances, conveyance support, subsidised computer purchase, staff furnishing schemes, meal cards, and more in line with PFRDA rules.
| PFRDA Grade A (Assistant Manger) Salary and Benefits | |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | Rs. 44500-2500(4)-54500-2850(7)-74450-EB-2850(4)- 85850-3300(1)-89150 (17 years). |
| Gross Pay | Rs. 1,57,000/- per month. |
| Benefits | Leave Fare Concession, Medical Expenses (Hospitalisation and Non-Hospitalisation), Personal Accident Insurance, Eye Refraction/ Cost of Spectacles, Education Allowance, Knowledge Updation Allowance, Briefcase, Conveyance Expenses, House Cleaning Allowance, Staff Furnishing Scheme, Scheme for Purchasing Computers, Pluxee Meal Card and all other benefits |
PFRDA Grade A Research Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the PFRDA Grade A exam, you must satisfy the PFRDA Research (Economics) eligibility criteria and the PFRDA Grade A age criteria. You must possess a Master's degree in the respective streams in order to apply for the exam. There are no minimum percentile criteria for the PFRDA exam. Also, you must not exceed the age limit of 30 years. This varies for the candidates belonging to reserve categories.
Educational Criteria
| Stream | Educational Criteria |
|---|---|
| Research (Economics) | Master’s Degree in Statistics/ Economics/ Commerce/ Business Administration (Finance)/ Econometrics. |
Age Criteria
| Post | Age Criteria (As on July 31, 2025) |
|---|---|
| PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) | A candidate must not have exceeded the age of thirty (30) years as on July 31, 2025 i.e., candidate must have been born on or after August 01,1995. |
Age Relaxation
The PFRDA Grade A notification also states the PFRDA Grade A age relaxation for the reserved categories and PwBD candidates.
| Category | Age-Relaxation permissible beyond the upper age limit |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD |
|
| Ex-servicemen | 5 years |
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Pfrda Assistant Manager Research Economics And Statistics FAQs
The State Bank of India will issue the PFRDA Grade A Admit Card a few days prior to the examination. Candidates should anticipate receiving their admit cards within the specified timeframe, ensuring they are adequately prepared for the exam.
The salary of a PFRDA Research officer will amount to a monthly gross emolument of Rs. 1,40,000/- per month. The pay scale of a PFRDA Research officer will the same as other Grade A officers, which is- Rs. 44500-2500(4)-54500-2850(7)-74450-EB-2850(4)- 85850-3300(1)-89150 (17 years).
To be eligible for the PFRDA Grade A Research (Economics) stream exam, you must have a Master’s degree in Economics/Econometrics. For PFRDA Research (Statistics), you must possess a Master’s degree in Statistics.
The specific dates for the PFRDA Grade A Prelims exam will be communicated at a later time. Aspirants are advised to stay updated with official announcements regarding the examination schedule to ensure timely preparation and participation in the recruitment process.
The PFRDA Grade A 2025 notification has not been released for 2026. You should wait for the recruitment for 2026 to begin to avail these details.
Once the PFRDA Grade A notification 2026 is released, the PFRDA Grade A online application process will commence. We encourage prospective candidates to apply for the exam as soon as possible and not wait until the deadline approaches. Timely application submission ensures a smoother process and avoids last-minute complications.
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