The SEBI Grade A Phase 2 exam was held on 17 September 2023, and the result of the same has also been declared. Now that Phase 2 is out of the way, it is time to gear up for the last stage of the SEBI Grade A 2023 recruitment process, i.e. SEBI Grade A Interview. Furthermore, the SEBI Grade A 2023 Interview is expected to be held soon.
Through this blog, we will take you through the dos and don’ts of the SEBI Grade A Interview 2023 for the Legal stream. Therefore, we urge you to read the information provided below carefully.
SEBI Grade A 2023 Interview
Candidates who clear the Phase 2 exam will be called for the SEBI Grade A 2023 Interview. The SEBI Grade A Interview will carry a weightage of 15 percent of the total marks. Even though the Interview carries a lesser weightage as compared to the Phase 2 weightage, it is essential to prepare well for the Interview. This is because Interview marks will be added to the Phase 2 marks for making the final merit list. Therefore, it is imperative that you start your Interview preparation right away and not wait for Phase 2 results. Moreover, starting your preparation early will give you an edge over other candidates.
SEBI Grade A Law Officer 2023: Interview Preparation Tips
Why prepare for an Interview?
An interview is the most crucial stage in the selection process of any organization and SEBI is no different. Therefore, it is imperative that you don’t take this opportunity lightly and prepare accordingly. Moreover, an Interview enables the panel to judge the candidates’ personality, mindset, attitude, and confidence.
During the Interview, you must keep three things in mind-
1. Receive
This means that you must receive and understand the question properly. Most of the time, the questions asked will have multiple elements to it. Listen to them carefully.
2. Process
After you have received the question, take a second to pause and process what is being asked and then respond with clarity.
3. Respond
Once you have processed and formulated an answer to the question, you must give a clear and coherent answer. A well-formulated and thought-out answer will show your confidence and clarity to the panel. Please make sure that you do not contradict yourself while answering the question.
In the Interview, you will be judged on the following aspects: –
Personal Questions
- Firstly, in an interview, the objective of the panel is to test your personality and not your knowledge.
- Therefore, the intention of the panel will be to understand your personality. This will enable the panel to judge the suitability of the candidate.
- They will ask you questions with respect to your education, professional and personal background, hobbies, etc.
- A well-prepared answer to this question will enable you to create a good first impression in front of the panel. However, while preparing your answer to this question, you must ensure that it sounds natural.
- Moreover, you must try to highlight points that are not mentioned in your resume. For instance, your skills, accomplishments, etc.
- Most importantly, you must mention only those points of which you are sure of and can answer confidently.
Technical Questions
Questions related to SEBI
Since you will appear for the SEBI Grade A Interview, it is also essential to have a very good understanding of the organization that you aspire to work for. You must keep in mind the following:
- History of SEBI (Formation, Parent Department, Child Agencies, etc.)
- Role, Objectives, Responsibilities, Powers, and Functions of SEBI
- Rules & Regulations of SEBI (SEBI like SEBI LODR Regulations, SEBI Insider Trading Regulations, SEBI SAST Regulations, etc)
- How SEBI regulates the financial markets
- Basic concepts relating to the capital market
- Know about the peer organisations- RBI, PFRDA, IRDAI and how they work together with SEBI in maintaining economic growth.
Subject Related Questions
- Be thorough with all the laws related to SEBI, like the SEBI Act, SC(R) Act, Depositories Act, and key highlights of Companies Act.
- Moreover, you must also know the basics of Admin Law and Constitution law.
- Fines and restrictions imposed by SEBI on various Banks and individuals.
- Read the important SAT orders.
- Have a basic understanding of the major scams that affected the securities market and led to changes in the Securities law as we know it today—for instance, the Harshad Mehta Scam, PNB Scam, Sahara Case, etc.
- Recent amendments in the SEBI Act, SC(R) Act, Depositories Act, Companies Act, IBC Act, etc.
- Furthermore, you should be well-versed with the interlinkages of the various Acts.
Job Profile Questions
You must have some idea about the job profile of a SEBI Grade A Law Officer since you are appearing for the SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Interview. There is a possibility that the panel may ask you some questions about the job profile.
The Legal Department of SEBI has three divisions. If you get selected as a SEBI Grade A Legal Officer, you may get posted in one of the departments mentioned below-
Enforcement Department- 1:
This division is responsible for enforcing action against market misdemeanors through SEBI administrative proceedings.
Enforcement Department- 2:
This Department is responsible for handling Appeals against SEBI orders filed before the Hon’ble Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT), Appeals filed against the SAT order in the Hon’ble Supreme Court, Criminal Complaints filed by SEBI in appropriate Courts and Settlement Proceedings. EFD-2 Comprises of three divisions, namely:
- SAT Litigation
- Prosecution Division
- Settlement Division
Inquiries & Adjudication Department
This Department handles quasi-judicial matters, provides timely hearings, and initiates adjudication brought by the other Departments against alleged violators who are within SEBI’s disciplinary jurisdiction.
SEBI Grade A Law Officer 2023: General Preparation Tips
Given below are some tips that will help you in your SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Interview Preparation-
- Sometimes, candidates are under the impression that an Interview is a chit-chat session with the panel. However, that is not the case. Therefore, assuming that you can crack the SEBI Grade A Interview by preparing overnight would be a mistake. We urge you to start your preparation as soon as possible.
- Practice with mock interviews to understand where you are at with your preparation. Mock Interviews will also help you in reducing your pre-interview anxiety and boost your confidence.
- Questions may also be asked from your resume. Therefore, you must review your resume and prepare a list of probable questions.
- Have a general idea about the key highlights of the Union Budget 2023 & Economic Survey 2023.
- During your interview, there may come a point where you are asked a question to which you don’t know the answer; politely tell the panel that. We advise you not to make up answers as the interviewers are experts in their fields.
- Listen to the question carefully, and do not be in a rush to answer.
- Dress neatly and formally.
- Most importantly, focus on your body language and voice modulation. This will help you immensely on the day of the Interview.
Dos and Don’ts to Focus on Before SEBI Grade A Interview
What to Do
- Keep an Updated Resume: The first and foremost step in preparing for your SEBI Grade A Interview is to ensure you have an updated resume at your disposal. Although it might not always be required, it is essential to have your resume ready, as you may be asked to provide details from it or your biodata during the interview. Being able to respond promptly demonstrates your preparedness and attention to detail.
- Research the Organization: Before preparing for any interview, the initial crucial step is to research the organization to which you’ve applied thoroughly. In the context of SEBI, it’s imperative to have a deep understanding of the organization’s functions and stay informed about the latest developments. The interview panel may inquire about recent updates, and being well-prepared to address such questions showcases your dedication and knowledge.
- Positive Body Language and Non-Verbal Communication: While it’s natural to feel nervous when facing the SEBI Grade A interview panel, it’s vital to maintain composure and exhibit a positive attitude throughout the interaction. Non-verbal cues, such as maintaining eye contact, a firm handshake, and a pleasant demeanor, play a significant role in leaving a favorable impression. Even if you are anxious, maintaining a calm and collected demeanor conveys professionalism and confidence.
- Formal Dress Code: Another crucial aspect to consider before your interview is your choice of attire. Opt for a formal dress code, as it is of utmost importance. Your attire should be well-ironed, professional, and comfortable. Wearing casual or ill-maintained clothing may convey a lack of seriousness, so it’s essential to dress appropriately to show your respect for the interview process and the organization.
What Not to Do
- Badmouth Previous Employers: Speaking negatively about previous employers during your SEBI Grade A interview is a significant misstep. It reflects poorly on your professionalism and can create concerns about your ability to work in a team, a crucial aspect of the SEBI Grade A role. Instead, focus on highlighting the positive experiences and skills you gained from your previous positions, which will demonstrate your ability to learn and adapt in a constructive manner.
- Falsify Information: Providing false information in your SEBI Grade A interview is a severe breach of trust and professional ethics. The selection process for SEBI Grade A officers places a strong emphasis on integrity and honesty. Falsifying qualifications, experiences, or achievements can not only result in disqualification but also damage your reputation in the industry. It is crucial to present your true qualifications and experiences honestly, emphasizing how they make you a strong candidate for the role.
- Usage of Gadgets: Using gadgets like smartphones or tablets during your SEBI Grade A interview is inadvisable. It can give the impression that you are disinterested or unprofessional, and it may divert your attention from the interview panel and questions. To demonstrate your commitment and respect for the interview, it’s essential to be fully present and engaged without technological distractions. Ensure that your devices are turned off or silenced during the interview to maintain your focus and professionalism.
- Avoid one-word answers: During your interview, steer clear of providing one-word answers. Such responses can convey disinterest and a lack of effective communication skills. Instead, strive to offer detailed and thoughtful responses that showcase your knowledge and ability to express your ideas clearly. Elaborate on your experiences, qualifications, and viewpoints to demonstrate your suitability for the SEBI Grade A role, ensuring that you answer questions comprehensively and effectively.
Sample Interview Questions
- Tell us something about yourself.
- Why do you want to work with SEBI?
- As a law graduate, how will you contribute to SEBI?
- Explain the gap in your resume. (if any)
- What are the main functions of SEBI?
- Explain the Sahara case in brief.
- What are the primary laws that regulate the Securities Market, and how do they protect the interest of the investors?
- What is the role of FPI in the financial market of the country?
- Why is the Stock Market important for a country?
- What is the difference between SEBI and RBI?
- Why is there so much delay in the corporate debt market development?
- When can SEBI pass interim orders?
- What is an IPO, and which laws regulate IPOs in India?
- What is a stock market bubble?
- Why was the stock market at an all-time high during the Covid-19 pandemic?
- Explain the Tata vs. Mistry case in brief. What was the Supreme Court’s comment on the rights of the Minority Shareholders?
- What are Futures & Options?
- Why does the stock market crash?
- Are SEBI employees allowed to trade?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Interview Preparation with IxamBee
Prepare for your Interview with our panel of experts (ex-RBI, NABARD, SEBI Grade A, NHB, SIBDI, BANK PO) with our SEBI Grade A Legal Interview Online Course. Experts will help you prepare through mock interviews for all aspects of the Interview like:
- Preparation Strategy
- Technical & Behavioural Skills
- Verbal and non-verbal communication
- Relevant interview topics
- Tricks to tackle tricky questions
All the Best!
To help you prepare 50% faster for competitive exams, ixamBee provides free Mock Test Series and all the Current Affairs in English and Current Affairs in Hindi in the BeePedia capsules for GA Preparation. You can also get the latest updates for Bank PO, Bank Clerk, SSC, RBI Grade B, NABARD, and Other Government Jobs.
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