What was the SEBI Grade A previous year cutoff, category wise?

# What was the SEBI Grade A previous year cutoff, category wise?

Understanding the SEBI Grade A cutoff from previous years helps you set a realistic target score and [plan your preparation strategy](https://www.ixambee.com/exams/sebi-grade-a-study-plan). Cutoffs vary by category, paper, and the number of vacancies in a given recruitment cycle, so reviewing historical data gives you a reliable benchmark.

## Why Cutoffs Matter for Your Preparation

The SEBI Grade A exam is conducted in two phases: Phase 1 (an objective paper) and Phase 2 (objective plus descriptive papers). Cutoffs are released separately for each phase, and candidates must clear both to proceed to the interview round. Category-wise cutoffs reflect the reservation policy applied to General (UR), OBC, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates.

Because SEBI does not release a fixed cutoff in advance, aspirants rely on previous year data to estimate the competitive range for each category.

## SEBI Grade A [Phase 1 Cutoff (Previous Year, Category Wise)](https://www.ixambee.com/previous-year-question-paper/sebi-grade-a-phase-i-paper-ii)

The table below reflects the general pattern of Phase 1 cutoffs observed in recent SEBI Grade A recruitment cycles for the General stream. Exact figures can shift year to year based on difficulty level and vacancy count.

| Category | Approximate Phase 1 Cutoff (out of 200) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 120 to 135 |
| OBC | 110 to 125 |
| SC | 95 to 110 |
| ST | 85 to 100 |
| PwBD | 80 to 95 |

These ranges are indicative. The actual cutoff in any specific year depends on the number of candidates, paper difficulty, and available vacancies.

## SEBI Grade A Phase 2 Cutoff (Previous Year, Category Wise)

[Phase 2 is more competitive because it includes both objective and descriptive components](https://www.ixambee.com/previous-year-question-paper/sebi-grade-a-phase-II-paper-2-general-stream). The combined score is used to shortlist candidates for the interview.

| Category | Approximate Phase 2 Cutoff (out of 300) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 175 to 195 |
| OBC | 160 to 180 |
| SC | 140 to 160 |
| ST | 125 to 145 |
| PwBD | 115 to 135 |

For specialist streams such as IT, Legal, Research, and Official Language, cutoffs may differ from the General stream figures above. If you are applying under a specialist stream, check the official SEBI notification or the detailed cutoff analysis published for that specific recruitment year.

## What Drives Cutoff Variation Year to Year

Several factors cause cutoffs to move up or down between recruitment cycles:

- **Number of vacancies:** Fewer vacancies in a category push the cutoff higher.
- **Exam difficulty:** A harder paper typically results in a lower cutoff.
- **Number of applicants:** Higher competition in a year raises the cutoff for General and OBC categories.
- **Normalization:** If the exam is held in multiple shifts, scores may be normalized before cutoffs are applied.

A safe preparation target for General category candidates is to aim for at least 10 to 15 marks above the historical average cutoff.

## How to Use This Data in Your Preparation

Previous year cutoffs are most useful when combined with mock test performance. If your mock test scores are consistently above the historical cutoff range for your category, you are in a competitive position. If not, use the gap to identify which sections need more attention.

For a broader view of how SEBI Grade A compares to other regulatory exams in terms of difficulty and career value, see [SEBI Grade A vs RBI Grade B: which offers a better career?](/sebi-grade-a-vs-rbi-grade-b-which-offers-a-better-career). If you are also evaluating the financial side of the role, the article on [the in-hand salary of a SEBI Grade A officer after joining](/what-is-the-in-hand-salary-of-a-sebi-grade-a-officer-after-joining) covers the compensation structure in detail.

For structured SEBI Grade A preparation, including mock tests, previous year question papers, and subject-wise courses, visit [ixamBee](https://ixambee.com). The platform covers all phases of the exam and provides performance analytics to help you track where you stand relative to the cutoff range.

## Before You Finalize Your Target Score

Always cross-check the official SEBI notification for [the recruitment year you are targeting](https://www.ixambee.com/exams/sebi-exam-dates). SEBI publishes the final cutoff list on its official website after each phase of the exam. The figures in this article represent historical patterns and should be treated as planning benchmarks, not guaranteed thresholds.

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