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SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Exam Analysis 2024

Author : Shashwat Srivastava

July 31, 2024

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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!

Looking for more details on the exam? Check out SEBI Law Officer Recruitment page! 

UPDATE!

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

  1. Exam Pattern and Structure: Detailed breakdown of Phase I and Phase II exam patterns.
  2. Difficulty Level Analysis: Insights into the expected difficulty of the 2024 exam.
  3. Section-Wise Breakdown: In-depth analysis of each section of the exam.
  4. Performance Trends and Expected Cut-offs: Analysis of cut-off trends and factors influencing them.
  5. 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.

Check: SEBI Legal Officer Exam Pattern 2024

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

  1. 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.
  2. Match the Columns

    • There was 1 question in this format.
  3. Fill in the Blanks

    • This section had up to 5 questions, requiring candidates to demonstrate their understanding of grammar and vocabulary.
  4. Sentence Rearrangement

    • Candidates had to tackle 5 questions on sentence rearrangement, testing their ability to logically order sentences.
  5. 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.

Check: SEBI Legal Officer Vacancy 2024

Paper 1 Logical Reasoning Section Breakdown

  1. Puzzles

    • This year's exam featured 3 puzzles, one more than usual. These were considered difficult by many students.
  2. Alpha Numeric Test & Blood Relations

    • These topics were included and the overall difficulty level was moderate.
  3. Critical Reasoning

    • There were 2 questions based on a passage related to rain, road bumps, and municipality issues, with a moderate difficulty level.
  4. Data Interpretation

    • This section was notably challenging for many candidates, with questions related to male-female ratios and types of flowers.
  5. Number Series

    • There were 4 questions in this section, which were generally doable.
  6. Overall Difficulty Level

    • The logical reasoning section was considered easy to moderate, with some students finding specific sections more challenging than others.

Overall Difficulty Level of Paper 1

  • Summarizing the SEBI Grade A legal officer exam analysis for Paper 1, the overall difficulty was easy to moderate, leaning towards moderate.
  • Candidates with a strong command of English and logical reasoning found this paper manageable, while others faced challenges in specific sections.

Read More: SEBI Legal Officer Eligibility 2024

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

  1. General Feedback

    • Most students and the exam presenter found Paper 2 to be very easy, especially for those who had prepared thoroughly.
  2. 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.

Read: SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Question Paper Guide

Preparation Strategies for Aspiring SEBI Grade A Legal Officers

Effective preparation strategies can make a significant difference in exam performance:

  • Understanding the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Exam analysis to understand the structure and marking scheme.
  • Focused Study Plan:
    • Divide your study time between general aptitude and specialized legal subjects.
    • Allocate more time to areas where you are weaker.
  • Practice Regularly:
    • Solve previous years’ papers and take mock tests to build confidence and improve time management.
    • Regular practice helps in identifying weak areas and improving accuracy.
  • Stay Updated:
    • Keep yourself updated with the latest legal developments and current affairs.
    • Reading newspapers and legal journals can be beneficial.
  • Effective Time Management:
    • Manage your time efficiently during the exam.
    • Avoid spending too much time on difficult questions; move on and come back to them later if time permits.

Read More: SEBI Legal Officer Exam Syllabus 2024

Key Takeaways

  • Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with both Phase I and Phase II of the SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Exam.
  • Section-Wise Preparation: Focus on General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Test of Reasoning, and specialized legal subjects.
  • Difficulty Level: Prepare for a moderate to high difficulty level, especially in legal subjects.
  • Cut-off Marks: Aim to score above the expected cut-off by performing consistently across all sections.
  • Effective Study Plan: Allocate study time wisely, practice regularly with mock tests, and stay updated with current affairs and legal developments.
  • Time Management: Develop strong time management skills to navigate the exam efficiently.
  • Stay Positive and Confident: A positive mindset and confidence in your preparation are key to success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Exam?

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What are the phases of the SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Exam?

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What subjects are covered in Phase I of the SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Exam?

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Is there negative marking in the SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Exam?

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What is the difficulty level of the exam according to SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Exam Analysis?

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How important is the English Descriptive Test in Phase II?

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Where can candidates find more information about the SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Exam?

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