PFRDA Grade A Exam Pattern 2026, Prelims & Mains Exam Structure

PFRDA Grade A exam pattern decides what to study, how much to study, and where marks actually matter. If you don’t understand the exam pattern clearly, you won’t know what to study or how to study. In this article, we’ll throw light on the complete Prelims and Mains exam pattern, step by step, and start your preparation for the upcoming exam accordingly.

PFRDA Grade A Exam Pattern 2026

This is the foundation section of your preparation. If the exam pattern is clear, half the confusion automatically disappears. Understanding how the PFRDA Grade A exam is structured helps you avoid random preparation and focus only on what the exam actually demands.

Knowing the structure, question types, and marks distribution makes preparation more focused and efficient. Let’s go through the different stages of the PFRDA Grade A exam 2026.

Phase I – Prelims (Online Screening)

Phase I is the first screening barrier. Its role is simple—filter candidates. Many aspirants misunderstand this stage and either overvalue or ignore it completely. You should do neither. You must clear it comfortably, without wasting energy meant for Phase II.

Paper 1 – General Aptitude (All Streams)

Paper 2 – Stream Specific

Key Points

• Phase I is qualifying in nature. Marks scored here are not added to the final merit list.
• Paper 2 (Professional Knowledge) is crucial for shortlisting to Phase II.

Phase II – Mains (Online Examination)

Phase II is where the real competition begins. This stage tests not just knowledge, but clarity, structure, and expression. Every mark you score here directly impacts your final rank, which is why Phase II deserves maximum seriousness.

Paper 1 – English (Descriptive Test)

• Questions: 3
• Marks: 100
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Mode: Typed answers using keyboard

Paper 2 – Stream Specific (Professional Knowledge)

• Objective Test
• Questions: 50
• Marks: 100
• Duration: 40 minutes

Note: Phase II marks are combined with Interview marks to prepare the final selection list.

Phase III – Interview

The Interview is not about factual knowledge alone. It evaluates how you think, communicate, and justify your opinions. Your preparation for this stage should be gradual and built over time, not rushed at the end.

• Conducted By: Panel of senior PFRDA officers
• Total Marks: 50
• Focus Areas: Personality, clarity of thought, communication skills, decision‑making ability, and overall suitability for the role

Important: Phase I is only a filter, not a scoring stage. Your real fight begins from Phase II onwards.