Overview: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Grade A Legal Officer Exam is one of the most prestigious exams for legal professionals aspiring to join SEBI.
This article provides a comprehensive SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Exam analysis, covering the exam pattern, difficulty level, section-wise breakdown, performance trends, and preparation strategies. So, read on!
The first phase of the SEBI Grade A Legal Officer 2024 exam was completed on July 27, 2024. You can find the analysis details below.
The second phase is scheduled for August 31, 2024. Bookmark this page for regular updates!
Key Contents
Exam Pattern and Structure: Detailed breakdown of Phase I and Phase II exam patterns.
Difficulty Level Analysis: Insights into the expected difficulty of the 2024 exam.
Section-Wise Breakdown: In-depth analysis of each section of the exam.
Performance Trends and Expected Cut-offs: Analysis of cut-off trends and factors influencing them.
Preparation Strategies: Effective study tips and strategies for exam preparation.
Exam Pattern and Structure of SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Exam 2024
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for candidates preparing for the SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Exam. The exam is divided into two phases: Phase I and Phase II.
Phase I: Online Screening Examination
Consists of two papers with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
Paper 1:
Covers General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Test of Reasoning.
Each section is designed to test the candidate’s overall aptitude and awareness.
The paper carries 100 marks with a specific cut-off for each section and an aggregate cut-off.
Paper 2:
Focuses on specialized subjects related to the legal stream.
It also carries 100 marks with individual and aggregate cut-offs.
Negative Marking: The 2024 exam includes negative marking in Phase I, which requires candidates to be cautious with their answers.
Phase II: Online Examination
Includes two papers:
Paper 1 (English Descriptive Test):
Contains 70 MCQs and 3 descriptive questions.
Designed to test the candidate’s proficiency in English and their ability to articulate legal concepts.
Paper 2 (Specialized subject related to the legal stream):
Features MCQs and descriptive questions.
Requires detailed knowledge of advanced legal topics.
Both papers have separate cut-offs and an aggregate cut-off.
Detailed Phase 1 - Paper 1 Analysis: English and Logical Reasoning
Paper 1 is designed to assess candidates' proficiency in English, logical reasoning, and data interpretation. Here's a detailed breakdown of each section within Paper 1:
Paper 1 English Section Breakdown
Reading Comprehension
The English section included 6-7 questions based on an astronomical report by NASA. The level was easy, particularly for candidates with a good command of English.
Match the Columns
There was 1 question in this format.
Fill in the Blanks
This section had up to 5 questions, requiring candidates to demonstrate their understanding of grammar and vocabulary.
Sentence Rearrangement
Candidates had to tackle 5 questions on sentence rearrangement, testing their ability to logically order sentences.
Overall Difficulty Level
The overall difficulty of the English section was easy for those with strong English skills; for others, it ranged from easy to moderate.
Comprehensive Phase 1 - Paper 2 Analysis: Specialized Law Questions
Paper 2 focuses on specialized law questions, testing candidates' knowledge of various legal topics. Here’s an in-depth look at the feedback and key topics covered in Paper 2:
Feedback and Key Topics in Paper 2
General Feedback
Most students and the exam presenter found Paper 2 to be very easy, especially for those who had prepared thoroughly.
Topics and Specific Questions
Constitution
Key topics included Fundamental Rights (Part III), Articles 141, 41, 65, a question on Constitution Day, GST Amendment Act, and a Union Territory with a state legislature under Article 239.
Code of Civil Procedure (CPC)
Questions were based on sections like 13, 80, 89, with no questions from Order 7.
Limitation Act
Focused on questions related to the recovery of immovable property.
Indian Contract Act
Covered concepts of proposal and minority.
Consumer Protection Act
Included a question on Section 8.
Arbitration and Conciliation Act
Topics included the fast-track procedure and the time limit for arbitral awards.
Sale of Goods Act
Definitions of default and uncertain goods were tested.
Overall Difficulty Level of Paper 2
The overall difficulty of Paper 2 was easy, with straightforward questions for those familiar with the topics.
Well-prepared candidates found this paper significantly more manageable than Paper 1.