The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is the governing body responsible for overseeing the recruitment of Assistant Managers (Grade A). For aspirants targeting the 2026 recruitment cycle, understanding the nuances of the exam structure, syllabus, and selection methodology is crucial for success.
PFRDA Grade A (Assistant Manager) Syllabus 2026: Overview
The selection process is rigorous and highly competitive, often compared to standards maintained by organizations like RBI or SEBI. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the core requirements:
- Conducting Body: Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
- Post Name: Assistant Manager (Grade A)
- Exam Mode: Online
- Total Questions: Phase 1- 130, Phase 2- 53
- Total Marks: 200 Marks Each Phase
- Negative Marking: 1/4
- Selection Process: Prelims, Mains and Interview
- Official Website: https://www.pfrda.org.in/
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority |
| Post Name | Assistant Manager (Grade A) |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Total Questions | Phase 1- 130 Phase 2- 53 |
| Total Marks | 200 Marks Each Phase |
| Negative Marking | ยผ |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains and Interview |
| Official Website | https://www.pfrda.org.in/ |
Understanding the Exam Pattern
The PFRDA exam is conducted in three distinct stages: Phase 1 (Prelims), Phase 2 (Mains), and Phase 3 (Interview). Phase 1 acts as a qualifying stage to filter candidates for the mains. Candidates should note that negative marking of 1/4th of the marks assigned is applicable.
Phase 1 Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | English Language | 20 | 25 | 60 minutes |
| Paper 1 | Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 25 | 60 minutes |
| Paper 1 | Reasoning | 20 | 25 | 60 minutes |
| Paper 1 | General Awareness (including some questions related to Financial Sector) | 20 | 25 | 60 minutes |
| Paper 1 | Total | 80 | 100 | 60 minutes |
| Paper 2 | Multiple choice questions on subjects Commerce, Accountancy, Management, Finance, Costing, Companies Act, Economics and Pension Sector. | 50 | 100 | 40 minutes |
Preparation Resources
To gain a competitive edge, it is highly recommended that candidates practice using previous years' data. You can access relevant materials here: PFRDA Grade A Previous Year Question Papers- Click to Download.
Next Steps for Candidates
After reviewing the syllabus and pattern, ensure you monitor the official PFRDA website for the release of admit cards. Start your preparation by focusing on the specialized subjects in Paper 2, as they carry significant weight in the final merit list. Once Phase 1 is cleared, promptly begin drafting practice for the Phase 2 descriptive tests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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- PFRDA Grade A Phase 2 Result 2025 Out: Assistant Manager Mains Scorecard & Next Steps
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Negative Marking & Net Score Calculator
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