The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays a pivotal role in regulating the Indian securities market. To uphold its legal and regulatory responsibilities, SEBI recruits talented individuals for the post of Grade A Legal Officer through a competitive examination. The SEBI Law Officer Exam is highly sought after by legal professionals aspiring to work in the financial regulatory space. This article provides a detailed overview of the SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Exam 2025, including important dates, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategy, and much more.
SEBI law officer exam overview
The SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Exam is conducted to recruit qualified law graduates for handling legal matters, drafting regulations, and advising on enforcement actions. It includes three phases – Phase 1 (Preliminary), Phase 2 (Main), and Interview.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) |
| Post | Grade A Legal Officer |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Mode of Examination | Online (Phases 1 and 2) |
| Selection Stages | Phase 1, Phase 2, Interview |
| Official Website | www.sebi.gov.in |
SEBI law officer exam eligibility criteria
To appear for the SEBI Grade A Legal Officer exam, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
Nationality: Indian citizen.
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Law from a recognized university/institute.
Age Limit: Maximum age should not exceed 30 years as of the cut-off date (relaxation for reserved categories as per rules).
Experience: No prior experience required; fresh graduates can apply.
SEBI Grade A Legal officer exam pattern
- Phase 1 (Preliminary Exam)
Paper 1: General Awareness, English, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude – 100 marks (60 mins)
Paper 2: Legal Aptitude and Subject Knowledge – 100 marks (40 mins)
- Phase 2 (Main Exam)
Paper 1: English (Descriptive – Essay & Precis) – 100 marks (60 mins)
Paper 2: Law-related MCQs – 100 marks (40 mins)
- Interview
Candidates qualifying both phases will be called for a personal interview.
Final merit list is based on Phase 2 and Interview performance.
SEBI legal officer syllabus 2025
The SEBI Legal Officer syllabus focuses on core legal concepts relevant to securities law and financial regulation:
- Constitutional Law
- Contract Act
- Companies Act
- Securities Laws (SEBI Act, SCRA, Depositories Act)
- Administrative Law
- Civil & Criminal Procedure Codes
- Interpretation of Statutes
- Legal Drafting and Legal Reasoning
- Regulatory Framework of Indian Capital Market
How to apply for SEBI Grade A legal officer exam?
Follow these steps to apply online:
Visit the official SEBI website.
Click on Careers/Recruitment section.
Register by providing basic details like name, email, and mobile number.
Fill the application form with academic, personal, and professional information.
Upload documents: Photograph, signature, and required certificates.
Pay the application fee via online payment gateway.
Download and print the confirmation for future reference.
SEBI Grade A legal officer preparation strategy
Here are some tips to prepare effectively:
Understand the Syllabus: Stick to SEBI's official syllabus and avoid scattered reading.
Legal Subjects First: Prioritise securities laws, company law, and constitution.
Practice Previous Year Papers: Analyse past trends and difficulty level.
Mock Tests: Attempt online mocks under exam conditions.
Descriptive Practice: For Phase 2 English paper, write essays and précis regularly.
Stay Updated: Read financial news and legal updates, especially related to SEBI.
Difference between SEBI law exam and judiciary exam
While both exams are for law graduates, their focus and career paths differ significantly.
| Parameter | SEBI Law Officer Exam | Judiciary Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | SEBI | State Public Service Commissions / High Courts |
| Nature of Job | Regulatory, Legal Advisory, Drafting | Judicial, Adjudication, Court Trials |
| Posting | SEBI Head Office or Regional Offices | District or State-level Courts |
| Selection Stages | MCQ + Descriptive + Interview | Prelims + Mains + Viva Voce |
| Legal Focus Areas | Securities Laws, Financial Regulations | Civil, Criminal, Procedural Laws |
| Salary & Perks | Rs. 1,15,000/month approx. | Rs. 77,000–Rs. 1,44,000/month (varies by state) |
Conclusion
The SEBI Law Officer Exam 2025 is an excellent opportunity for legal professionals aiming to make a mark in the financial regulatory ecosystem. With the right preparation, legal acumen, and strategy, aspirants can secure a prestigious role in SEBI. It's important to keep up with the latest updates on the exam pattern, syllabus, and cut-offs to plan your approach effectively. For legal professionals planning their career journey, exploring financial support options like a lawyer loan by Bajaj Finance can be a smart move to manage educational or professional expenses.
