Exams

SIDBI Grade A/B: How to Prepare from Scratch?

August 12, 2025

5465

Small Industries Development Bank of India, as a premier institution under the Ministry of Finance, works for the growth and development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Empowering MSMEs is their prime goal, for they form a vital percentage in the economic development of India, not only in production but in job creation and exports as well.

Therefore, small-scale industries receive the financing, development, and support essential to them in promoting the commercialization and marketing of their products. Having taken a very important position in the banking sector with a role like this, the SIDBI Grade A and Grade B are coveted positions in the banking sector.

The SIDBI Grade A and B 2025 recruitment is now open and is inviting applications for both Manager and Assistant Manager positions. This is a great chance for all those applicants looking for a stable and well-respected career in the field of finance. The SIDBI Grade A and Grade B exam for this year is scheduled to be conducted in September with Phase 2 in October and the interview in November as of now. That makes this a golden chance for candidates aiming to join this esteemed institution.

If you haven’t begun preparing yet, then there is still time to begin. Here are all the important topics that are related to the SIDBI Grade A and B exam pattern and related effective preparation strategies. If you are aiming to ace the SIDBI Manager and Assistant Manager examination in the year , then ensure to read this article carefully and begin structuring your preparation today itself.

SIDBI Grade A/B Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The first step in preparing for the SIDBI Grade A/B exam is to understand its structure. Knowing how many phases there in the selection process are, what type of exam each of those phases is and what their syllabus is, must be the first step of any competitive exam preparation. Candidates must also be updated with the SIDBI exam dates and eligibility criteria.

If you are preparing for SIDBI Recruitment for 2025, you must be thoroughly aware of the SIDBI Grade A syllabus and exam pattern. Following is a breakdown of the same:

The SIDBI Grade A/B exam is an examination of three stages, comprising Phase I and Phase II written exams, and a Personal Interview. Each stage has been designed to assess varied aspects of knowledge, reasoning capacity, and understanding about some of the key economic, financial, and social issues.

SIDBI Grade A/B Phase I or Mains Exam

Phase I is the online, objective-type test which constitutes the first phase of SIDBI selection process. It consists of seven sections which encompass General Awareness, Reasoning Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, Computer Knowledge, English Language, MSME Knowledge and Stream Specific Questions. The exam pattern is designed in such a manner that all the areas about which the candidate is supposed to be aware are tested accordingly. All these specific areas that a candidate needs to possess are detailed below in the Phase I Exam Pattern:

Name of Test	Type of Test	No. of Questions	Marks	Language and Total Duration
General Awareness (With special reference to Banking and Financial Sector and Economic and Social Issues)	Objective	20	20	Bilingual
Reasoning Aptitude	Objective	25	25	Bilingual
Quantitative Aptitude	Objective	25	25	Bilingual
Computer Knowledge	Objective	20	20	Bilingual
English Language	Objective	30	30	English Only
MSMEs: Policy, Regulatory and Legal Framework; Finance and Management (with focus on MSME).	Objective	30	30	Bilingual
Stream Specific Test	Objective	50	50	Bilingual
Total		200 Questions	200 Marks	2 Hours

Current news specifically about banking and financial sectors also form a core of the General Awareness section. Questions based on economic and social issues in India make the need for candidates to be updated with the current news that has come about through national and international channels, particularly MSMEs and economic policies. The Reasoning Ability of the SIDBI Grade A/B Phase 1 exam tests all kinds of logical reasoning skills, it tests out the capacity of an individual to think critically-analytically and solve puzzles which often tend to be difficult and complex, given the time constraints. The Quantitative Aptitude part will test the candidate’s numerical ability, which deals with data interpretation, arithmetic, and other related quantitative skills that go into essential areas in making decisions related to a financial setup. Finally, the English Language section tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.

SIDBI Grade A/B Phase II: Mains Exam or Phase II

Phase II, otherwise known as the second stage, is an online test taken in two different papers amounting to 200 marks. Phase II focuses on the depth of knowledge and education required to perform the job. It involves advanced topics and an approach defined in the SIDBI syllabus 2025 for both Grade A and Grade B. The pattern of the SIDBI Grade A/B Phase II Exam is as follows:

Paper	Name of Test	Type of Test	Questions	Marks	Duration
Paper 1	English Language- Essay, Precis and Letter Writing	Online Descriptive – Answers to be typed using keyboard	3	75	75
Paper 2	Stream Specific	Objective and Descriptive	Varies as per the Stream	75 and 50	60

The structure of this stage has been designed keeping in mind the SIDBI Grade A and Grade B exam syllabus so that candidates can be checked and tested for specific areas applicable to the position. Candidates clearing Phase II as per the cut-off defined by the SIDBI advance to the final stage of the interview process.

Interviewing Stage

The final stage of the SIDBI recruitment is a detailed interview that comprises 100 marks. The interview process encompasses providing weightage to notable achievements in extracurricular activities, awards, or recognition in service; for this to be considered, candidates will be required to provide documentary evidence.

The interview process in the SIDBI Grade A/BA exam pattern tests the professional knowledge and the achievements that denote the leadership and impact of the candidates. Furthermore, candidates short-listed under SIDBI Grade A and Grade B and its Phase II will be required to take an online Psychometric Test scheduled through a third-party agency to assess some of the key attributes such as communication skill, problem-solving ability, efficiency, willingness to work at various locations, and suitability for the job.

SIDBI Grade A/B Syllabus

With the SIDBI Grade A/B exam scheduled for September, it’s essential for candidates to cover each topic thoroughly and stay updated with recent developments in banking, finance, and MSME policies. A well-planned approach to studying the SIDBI Grade A/B exam pattern and syllabus will help candidates focus their efforts effectively and maximize their chances of success in the SIDBI Assistant Manager recruitment process.

It’s important to note that the provided syllabus is indicative and not exhaustive. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification and other relevant resources for a comprehensive understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus.

Preparation Tips for SIDBI Grade A/B Exam

Preparing for the SIDBI Grade A/B exam requires a well-planned approach that covers the full exam syllabus, includes consistent practice, and takes advantage of available resources like mock tests, previous year papers, and online courses. Here are some essential tips to help you strengthen your preparation and increase your chances of securing a high score in the SIDBI Grade Aand Grade B exam.

Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus Thoroughly

The first step to successful preparation is to have a deep understanding of the SIDBI Grade A/B exam pattern and syllabus. Knowing the structure and weightage of each section will help you allocate time efficiently across different subjects. Ensure that you are familiar with both Phase I and Phase II requirements, including the objective sections of General Awareness, Reasoning Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, and English, as well as the descriptive tasks in Phase II that cover essay and business letter writing. Having a clear understanding of what is expected in each phase will allow you to strategize effectively.

Build a Strong Foundation in Each Subject Area

Each section of the SIDBI Grade A/B syllabus has its own set of challenges and demands specific skills. Focusing on building a strong foundation in each subject will allow you to approach the exam with confidence.

General Awareness: This section has a particular emphasis on banking, financial, and economic issues, so it’s crucial to stay updated on current affairs. Regularly read financial newspapers, banking magazines, and reliable news sources to build your knowledge in areas relevant to SIDBI and MSME development. Make notes of important topics for quick revision before the exam. Explore ixamBee’s Beepedia for the same.

Reasoning Aptitude: The Reasoning section demands consistent practice to build speed and accuracy. Focus on topics like seating arrangements, puzzles, logical reasoning, and data sufficiency. Try solving different levels of reasoning questions to improve your problem-solving skills.

Quantitative Aptitude: Given the complex nature of quantitative questions, it’s important to master core topics like data interpretation, percentages, profit and loss, time and work, and averages. Practice solving questions with time constraints to enhance your speed and accuracy.

English Language: The English section tests comprehension and grammar skills. Reading daily will improve both vocabulary and comprehension. Additionally, focus on grammar basics, practice para jumbles, and complete comprehension passages to build a well-rounded skill set.
Stream Specific Paper: For the stream-specific papers, aspirants need to prepare as per the pattern for the Streamwise exam. Each paper has a different requirement and syllabus. This makes it difficult to provide a generic preparation strategy. However, you need to gather all the important information as you begin your preparations.

Incorporate Mock Tests for Real-Time Practice

Mock tests are an invaluable resource when preparing for competitive exams like SIDBI Grade A and B. Taking SIDBI Grade A/B mock tests will help you simulate the actual exam environment, giving you a better understanding of the time management required for each section. These tests also allow you to identify weak areas so you can focus on them in your revision.

ixamBee’s mock tests provide updated and comprehensive practice, helping you track your progress over time. By incorporating regular mock tests into your preparation plan, you can familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked in the SIDBI exam, adapt to the time constraints, and enhance your confidence.

Solve Previous Year Papers to Understand Exam Trends

One of the best ways to prepare for the SIDBI exam is by analyzing SIDBI Grade A/B previous year papers. Previous year papers give insights into the types of questions that have been frequently asked, the level of difficulty, and the focus areas. By solving these papers, you can understand the exam’s trend and pinpoint high-yield topics, particularly in the General Awareness section, which often includes current economic and financial developments.

ixamBee’s SIDBI Grade A/B Previous Year Papers offer well-organized and accessible collections of past questions. These papers are a crucial part of preparation, allowing you to identify and concentrate on the most relevant areas in the SIDBI syllabus.

Enroll in a Comprehensive Online Course

If you’re looking for structured guidance, an online course can provide a roadmap for covering the SIDBI Grade A/B syllabus effectively. A well-designed course includes expertly crafted video lessons, study notes, and practice material across all subjects. Enrolling in an online course can help you systematically cover the syllabus, understand complex topics, and solve practice questions with the help of experts.

ixamBee’s SIDBI Grade A/B Online Course is tailored to meet the needs of candidates at different preparation levels. This course provides 600+ video lessons covering each topic, 200+ study notes for revision, and 10,000+ practice questions to build confidence in each section. With experienced instructors guiding you through the concepts, you can approach the exam with a solid foundation and thorough practice.

Dedicate Time to Descriptive Writing Practice

Phase II of the SIDBI Grade A/B exam includes a descriptive section with essays and business letter writing. Developing clear, concise writing skills is key for this part. For the essays, focus on topics relevant to financial, economic, and social issues in India.

Practice writing essays within a set time frame, focusing on a clear structure that includes an introduction, main body, and conclusion. Pay attention to current affairs in the MSME and financial sectors, as these are likely to feature as essay topics. For business letter writing, practice writing formal letters using appropriate language and structure, as this is essential for professional communication in the banking sector.

Create a Revision Plan and Stick to It

Revision is crucial as you near the exam date. Allocate time for daily, weekly, and monthly reviews of each section to reinforce what you’ve learned. Break down the syllabus into manageable portions and review key topics regularly.

Use SIDBI Grade A/B preparation resources like study notes, mock tests, and previous year papers during your revision phase to ensure you’re well-prepared. Revising consistently over time will help you retain information and reduce last-minute stress.

Stay Updated with Economic and Financial Developments

Since the SIDBI Grade A/B exam has a special focus on banking, finance, and MSMEs, staying updated on these sectors is essential. Read about recent government schemes for MSME development, economic reforms, and major financial events that impact the Indian economy. This information is particularly helpful for the General Awareness section, as well as for writing informed essays in Phase II.

Utilize resources like finance newspapers, economic journals, and online platforms that discuss economic trends, especially those affecting MSMEs and the banking sector. Keeping up with these developments not only boosts your General Awareness score but also enhances your knowledge for the descriptive phase and the interview.

With the right equipment and resources, aspirants can easily clear the upcoming SIDBI Grade A and B exam. Understanding the SIDBI Grade A/B syllabus and SIDBI Grade A/ B exam pattern is an important factor in making sure that candidates are able to organize their SIDBI exam preparation in an orderly manner.

Summing Up

By following these preparation tips and using resources like mock tests, previous year papers, and a comprehensive online course from ixamBee, candidates can build a well-rounded strategy to tackle each section of the SIDBI Grade A/B exam. With a structured plan, disciplined practice, and a focus on continuous improvement, you can approach the SIDBI Grade A/B exam confidently and increase your chances of success

ixamBee specializes in providing expert guidance and resources for banking exams, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the Upcoming Bank Exams like RBI Grade B, NABARD Grade B, IBPS SO, and more. Our courses align with the bank exam calendar 2024, covering all the essential topics. With a focus on the upcoming bank jobs, our Previous Year Papers, BeePedia, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC MTS and other Mock Tests are designed to help you excel in upcoming banking exams.