PFRDA Research Notification 2026
Online registration and fee payment will run from September 3 to September 24, 2026. Multiple applications for the same stream will be rejected, with only the latest one retained; submit your form well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
The upper age limit is 30 years as on July 31, 2026, with standard relaxations for reserved categories.
The selection process follows three stages: the Phase I online test will be held on October 15, 2026, and those who qualify can appear for Phase II on November 20, 2026. Those who clear both phases are eligible to appear for Phase III, the interview stage. Admit card download links and any further updates will be posted on PFRDA's website and sent by email/SMS.
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| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | PFRDA |
| Post | PFRDA Officer Grade A (Research) |
| Official Website | www.pfrda.org.in |
| Exam Type | Central Level |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Phases | Three Stages-
|
| Number of Questions / Marks | Phase 1 (Two Papers)-
|
| Exam Duration | Two Papers-
|
| Number of Vacancies | 2 |
| Online Registration & Fee Payment | 03 September 2026 to 24 September 2026 |
| Phase 1 Online Exam Dates | 15 October 2026 |
| Phase 2 Online Examination | 20 November 2026 |
| Official Notification 2026 PDF | Download PDF |
PFRDA Research Economics and Statistics 2026 Highlights
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has released its 2026 recruitment notification for Officer Grade 'A' (Assistant Manager) posts across four streams: General, Research, Actuary, and Official Language (Rajbhasha).
For the PFRDA Research stream, there are 2 vacancies in total this year (1 SC, 1 UR/GEN). Candidates need a Master's Degree or PG Diploma in Economics, Finance, or Statistics-related disciplines, or a Master's in Mathematics with a related PG diploma, to be eligible for this stream.
This presents an excellent opportunity to commence graduates to have an exciting career in the government sector. We advise you to apply for the PFRDA Grade A exam within the application window, from September 3 to September 24, 2026, to avoid a last-minute rush.
All details regarding the application window have been provided in the notification. Here are the key highlights for the PFRDA Research stream in the 2026 recruitment cycle.
| Stream | Number of Posts | Out of which PwBD* | Total Posts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC | ST | OBC | EWS # | UR/ GEN | |||
| Research | 01 | - | - | - | 01 | - | 02 |
PFRDA Research Vacancy 2026
Candidates dreaming of government jobs are always on the lookout for details about regulatory bodies' exam recruitment.. That’s why the PFRDA Grade A notification sparks significant enthusiasm among such aspirants. There are 2 vacancies in the PFRDA Research stream for 2026, one reserved for SC and one for UR/GEN.
Eligible candidates must hold a Master's Degree or PG Diploma (minimum two years) in Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, Econometrics, or related quantitative fields; or in Finance or related disciplines; or in Statistics, Data Science, AI, or Machine Learning; or a Master's in Mathematics with a related PG diploma in Statistics.
| Stream | Number of Posts | Out of which PwBD* | Total Posts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC | ST | OBC | EWS # | UR/ GEN | |||
| Research | 01 | - | - | - | 01 | - | 02 |
PFRDA Research Economics and Statistics Exam Pattern
The PFRDA Grade A exam pattern comprises the following three phases.
- Phase 1 (Online screening test consisting of two papers of 100 marks each)
- Phase 2 (Online examination consisting of two papers of 100 and 200 marks)
- Phase 3 (Interview)
PFRDA Research Economics and Statistics Phase 1 Exam Pattern
PFRDA Research exam pattern for Phase 1 will be a multiple-choice question-based exam. It consists of two papers - Paper 1 and Paper 2. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 carry 100 marks each. You have to secure separate cut-offs in each paper as well as overall cut-off marks in Phase 1.
Please note that the Phase 1/Prelims exam is qualifying in nature i.e. marks obtained in Phase 1 will not be counted for the final selection of the candidates. Detailed PFRDA Research exam pattern can be obtained from the table below.
| Paper | Stream / Subject | Maximum Marks | Number of Questions | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 All Streams: Multiple choice questions on the subjects |
English Language | 25 | 20 | 60 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 20 | ||
| Test of Reasoning | 25 | 30 | ||
| General Awareness (including some questions related to financial sector) | 25 | 20 | ||
| Total | 100 | 90 | ||
| Paper 2 | Research (Economics and Statistics) Stream: Multiple choice questions on Specialised subject related to Research (Economics and Statistics). | 100 | 50 | 40 minutes |
PFRDA Economics and Statistics Phase 2 Exam Pattern
PFRDA Research Exam Pattern for Phase 2 will consist of two papers Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is of the English language (common for all streams) and Paper 2 is subject-related.
Paper 1 will be descriptive in nature whereas in Paper 2, multiple-choice questions will be asked. The time limit varies for each paper. You have to secure separate cut-offs in each paper as well as overall cut-off marks in PFRDA Grade A Phase 2. Further details on the PFRDA Research exam pattern is given in the table below.
| Paper | Stream / Subject | Maximum Marks | Number of Questions | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | All Stream: English (Descriptive Test) to test the drafting skills | 100 | 3 | 60 minutes |
| Paper 2 | Research (Economics and Statistics) Stream: Multiple choice questions on Specialised subject related to Research (Economics and Statistics) stream. | 100 | 50 | 40 minutes |
Please Note-
- For every wrong answer, a penalty of 1/4th mark is assigned to that question.
- The PFRDA Grade A exam will be bilingual in nature, i.e., Hindi/ English, except for the test for English Language and the Descriptive Test.
Personal Interview
You will be shortlisted for PFRDA Phase 3 i.e. Interview, based on your performance in the Phase 2 exam. You can opt for an interview in Hindi or English at your convenience.
The marks obtained in the Phase 2 Online Examination will be allotted a weightage of 85%, while the marks obtained in the Phase 3 Interview will be allotted a weightage of 15%.
PFRDA Research Economics and Statistics Syllabus 2026
The PFRDA Research syllabus for Phase 1-Paper 1 comprises English Language, Reasoning, General Awareness, and Quantitative Aptitude. The detailed PFRDA Grade A Paper 1 syllabus is listed below.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| English Language | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Grammar, Vocabulary, Sentence Correction, Error Detection, Fill in the Blanks, Para Jumbles, Sentence Rearrangement, Synonyms and Antonyms, Idioms and Phrases, Word Usage and other English Language topics |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Simplification and Approximation, Number Series, Quadratic Equations, Number System, HCF and LCM, Ratio and Proportion, Average, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Pipes and Cisterns, Time, Speed and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Mixture and Allegation, Permutation and Combination, Probability, Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency |
| Reasoning | Analogy, Classification, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Syllogism, Statement and Conclusions, Statement and Assumptions, Statement and Arguments, Alphabet Test, Series, Ranking and Time Sequence, Direction Sense, Decision Making, Input-Output, Assertion and Reasoning, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles and Miscellaneous Reasoning topics |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs, Indian Economy, Financial System, Banking and Financial Awareness, Monetary Policies, Economic and Financial Terms, Financial and Economic News, Government Schemes, National Institutions, Banking Terms, Rates and Processes, Agreements and Deals, and other General Awareness topics including financial sector awareness |
Phase 1- Paper 2
You can check the detailed PFRDA Assistant Manager Syllabus for Research (Economics) Paper 2 in the table below.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Economics |
|
| Statistics and Econometrics |
|
Phase 2 Syllabus- Paper 1
Paper 1 of Phase 2 is descriptive English Language. The detailed PFRDA Grade A Exam syllabus for Phase 2- Paper 1 for research is given below.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| English Writing Skills | Precis Writing, Essay Writing, Comprehension |
Phase 2 Syllabus- Paper 2
The detailed PFRDA Grade A syllabus for Phase 2- Paper 2 for Research (Economics) is provided in the table below.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Probability Theory | Probability Theory |
| Descriptive Statistics | Descriptive Statistics |
| Probability Distributions | Probability Distributions |
| Statistical Inference | Statistical Inference |
| Sampling Techniques | Sampling Techniques |
| Testing of Hypothesis | Testing of Hypothesis |
| Economic Statistics | Economic Statistics |
| Time Series Analysis | Time Series Analysis |
| Operations Research | Operations Research |
| Statistical Quality Control | Statistical Quality Control |
| Statistical Computing | Statistical Computing |
PFRDA Grade A Research Economics and Statistics Important Books
Books play a vital role in shaping the success of any exam preparation. To aid in your PFRDA Grade A exam, here are some essential books recommended for your study. These resources can significantly enhance your preparation and boost your chances of success.
| Paper | Books | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Securities Markets | Capital Markets & Securities Laws | N.S.Zad |
| Economic and Social Issues | Indian Economy | Uma Kapila or Mishra Puri |
| Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh | |
| Sociology | CN Shankar Rao | |
| Finance & Management | Financial Management | Prasanna Chandra or IM Pandey |
| Indian Financial System | Bharti Pathak | |
| Principles & Practise of Management | LM Prasad / Sultan Chand & Sons | |
| Organisational Behaviour | SP Robins | |
| Principles of Management | Harold Kootz & Cyril J.O’Donnell / McGraw Hills | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quicker Mathematics | BSC Publications |
| Quantitative Aptitude | RS Agarwal | |
| Class Notes | SS Bharti | |
| Reasoning Ability | A modern approach to verbal & Non-verbal reasoning | R.S. Agarwal |
| Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | S.Chand | |
| Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | Arihant Publication | |
| English Language | English Grammar | Wren & Martin |
| Word power made easy | Norman Lewis | |
| Descriptive General English | SP Bakshi | |
| General Awareness | Lucent GK Knowledge | Lucent Publication |
| BeePedia | ixamBee | |
| English Descriptive | Descriptive English | S.P. BAKSHI |
| 151 Essays | S.C Gupta | |
| Letter writing | S.C Gupta | |
| Indian Economic Since Independence | Uma Kapila | Academic Foundation |
| Business Law Including Company Law | SS Gulshan | New Age International Publishers |
PFRDA Research Exam Calendar 2026
The PFRDA Research exam schedule encompasses vital details, such as the registration commencement and closure dates, the release dates of admit cards, exam dates, result declarations, and other pertinent information.
Now that the 2026 PFRDA recruitment is announced, it contains all the important exam details. This includes everything from exam application deadlines to exam schedules.
As per the notification, the deadline will remain open from September 03, 2026 to September 24, 2026. Phase I will be held on October 15, 2026 and it is a qualifier. Candidates who qualify in Phase II, expected to be held on November 20, 2026, will be invited to Phase III interviews, with exact dates to be notified individually via e-mail/SMS.
Shortlisted aspirants must ensure they possess all required documents, including caste or disability certificates (where applicable), in the prescribed format at the time of the interview.
PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Important Exam Dates 2026
| Events | Important Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Online Registration and Payment of Online Fees/Intimation Charges |
03 September 2026 to 24 September 2026 |
| PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Phase 1 Online Exam Dates | 15 October 2026 |
| PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Phase 1 Online Exam Result | To be notified later |
| PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Phase 2 Online Examination | 20 November 2026 |
| PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Phase 2 Online Exam Result | To be notified later |
| PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Phase 3 Interview Dates | To be notified later |
| PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) Final Result | To be notified later |
PFRDA Grade A Research Probation Period
Your appointment carries a one-year probation period. Once confirmed, you’re liable to serve anywhere in India under the PFRDA’s Service Regulations, giving you both job security and the chance to make a real impact on the country’s pension ecosystem
PFRDA Grade A Research Salary 2026
As a Research Officer in the Grade A cadre, you'll start on a basic pay of ₹62,500 per month. That figure isn't fixed for life — you receive periodic increments (₹3,600 per year for the first four years, then ₹4,050 per year for the next eleven), eventually reaching a maximum basic of ₹1,26,100 over 17 years.
Once you add in PFRDA's contribution to the National Pension System plus allowances (grade allowance, special allowance, dearness allowance, local allowance, family allowance, housing allowance, and others), your total gross monthly emolument at the starting pay level comes to roughly ₹2.05 lakh.
Beyond cash pay, the Authority offers several perks: leave-fare concessions, medical reimbursements (both hospitalization and outpatient), personal accident cover, education and knowledge-updation allowances, conveyance support, subsidised computer purchase, staff furnishing schemes, meal cards, and more in line with PFRDA rules.
| PFRDA Grade A (Assistant Manager) Salary and Benefits | |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | Rs. 62,500-3,600(4)-76,900-4,050(7)-1,05,250-EB-4,050(4)-1,21,450-4,650(1)-1,26,100 (17 years). |
| Gross Pay | Approx. Rs. 2,05,000/- per month at the minimum of the scale, including PFRDA's contribution towards National Pension System (NPS) and various allowances. |
| Benefits | Leave Fare Concession, Medical Expenses (Hospitalisation and Non-Hospitalisation), Personal Accident Insurance, Eye Refraction/Cost of Spectacles, Children Education Allowance, Knowledge Updation Allowance, Briefcase, Conveyance Expenses, House Cleaning Allowance, Staff Furnishing Scheme, Scheme for Purchasing Computers, Pluxee Meal Card and other admissible benefits. |
PFRDA Grade A Research Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the PFRDA Grade A exam, you must satisfy the PFRDA Research (Economics) eligibility criteria and the PFRDA Grade A age criteria.
You must possess a Master's degree in the respective streams in order to apply for the exam. There are no minimum percentile criteria for the PFRDA exam. Also, you must not exceed the age limit of 30 years. This varies for the candidates belonging to reserve categories.
Educational Criteria
| Stream | Educational Criteria |
|---|---|
| Research (Economics) | Master’s Degree in Statistics/ Economics/ Commerce/ Business Administration (Finance)/ Econometrics. |
Age Criteria
| Post | Age Criteria (As on July 31, 2026) |
|---|---|
| PFRDA Officer Grade A (Assistant Manager) | A candidate must not have exceeded the age of thirty (30) years as on July 31, 1995 i.e., candidate must have been born on or after August 01,1996. |
Age Relaxation
The PFRDA Grade A notification also states the PFRDA Grade A age relaxation for the reserved categories and PwBD candidates.
| Category | Age-Relaxation permissible beyond the upper age limit |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD |
|
| Ex-servicemen | 5 years |
