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 notification 2025
Once the SEBI Grade A Notification is released, candidates can review it to understand all the essential details required for exam preparation. Eligible aspirants can apply online through the official SEBI website once the application link is activated. The notification includes key information such as the SEBI Grade A exam date, exam pattern, eligibility criteria, and other important instructions.
The notification serves as a comprehensive guide for aspirants planning to appear for the exam, which is why it holds significant importance. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official SEBI website for any updates, corrections, or changes related to the notification.
SEBI Law Officer Exam Important Highlights
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.
Conducting Authority |
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) |
Official Website |
www.sebi.gov.in |
Posts |
Legal Stream |
Mode of Application |
Online |
Stages of Exam |
Three Stages: · Phase 1: Online screening examination with two papers of 100 marks each. · Phase 2: Online examination with two papers of 100 marks each. · Phase 3: Personal Interview |
Maximum Marks & Time Duration |
Phase 1: · Paper 1 – 100 marks, 60 minutes · Paper 2 – 100 marks, 40 minutes Phase 2: · Paper 1 (Descriptive) – 100 marks, 60 minutes · Paper 2 (MCQs & Descriptive Questions) – 100 marks, 60 minutes (combined) Phase 3 (Interview): · Weightage: 85% for Phase 2 and 15% for Interview |
SEBI Grade A 2025 Notification Release |
October 8, 2025 |
SEBI Grade A Online Registration (including Editing/Modification of Application) |
To be notified later |
SEBI Grade A Phase 1 Exam and Paper 1 of Phase 2 Exam Date |
To be notified later |
SEBI Grade A Paper 2 of Phase 2 Exam Date |
To be notified later |
SEBI Grade A Phase 3 Interview Date |
To be notified later |
SEBI Grade A Legal Vacancy 2025 |
20 |
Important Dates for SEBI Legal Officer Exam 2025
Event |
Date |
Online Application Start |
To be announced |
Online Application End |
To be announced |
Phase I Online Examination |
To be announced |
Phase I Exam Results |
To be announced |
Phase II Online Examination |
To be announced |
Phase II Exam Results |
To be announced |
Phase III Interview |
To be announced |
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 recognised 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 I - Online Examination (English Descriptive Test)
The Phase I examination consists of two papers. Paper 1 tests general aptitude and reasoning skills, while Paper 2 focuses on the legal stream with specialised subjects.
Paper |
Subjects |
Marks |
Duration |
Cut-off |
Paper 1 |
General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning |
100 |
60 minutes |
30% |
Paper 2 |
Legal Stream: Specialised subjects |
100 |
40 minutes |
40% |
Additional details:
- Negative marking of one-fourth of the marks assigned to each question applies in both papers.
- The cut-off criteria require candidates to score at least 30% in Paper 1 (no sectional cut-off) and 40% in Paper 2.
- To be shortlisted for Phase II, candidates must meet the minimum qualifying marks in each paper and achieve an aggregate cut-off of 40%.
- Marks from Phase I will be used only for shortlisting and will not count toward the final selection.
- The syllabus for Paper 2 (Legal Stream) is provided in the Annexure of the official advertisement.
Phase II – Examination (Legal Stream)
Phase II includes two papers — an English Descriptive Test and a Legal Stream paper with both objective and descriptive components.
Paper |
Subjects |
Marks |
Duration |
Cut-off |
Weightage |
Paper 1 |
English (Descriptive Test) |
100 |
60 minutes |
30% |
1/3rd |
Paper 2 |
Legal Stream: 70 MCQs on specialised subjects (60 mins) and 3 descriptive questions (60 mins) |
100 |
60 mins (MCQs), 60 mins (Descriptive) |
40% |
2/3rd |
Additional details:
- Paper 1 assesses candidates’ English writing and drafting skills.
- Paper 2 tests subject-specific knowledge through multiple-choice and descriptive questions.
- Separate call letters will be issued for each paper in Phase II.
- Candidates must achieve the required cut-off in both papers to qualify for the interview stage.
Phase III – Interview
Only candidates shortlisted after Phase II will be called for the interview. The application fee will not be refunded for applicants who do not qualify for Phase II or the interview stage.
S. No |
Particulars |
Weightage of Marks |
Maximum Marks |
1 |
Interview |
75% |
11.25 |
2 |
Relevant Post-Qualification Experience* |
25% |
3.75 |
Total |
— |
100% |
15 |
Additional details:
- Candidates can choose to attend the interview in Hindi or English.
- Marks obtained in Phase II carry 85% weightage, while marks from the interview carry 15% weightage in the final selection.
- Candidates with relevant professional experience will receive additional marks of up to 3.75 out of 100, applicable only for the Legal and Engineering (Electrical) streams.
SEBI Legal Officer syllabus 2025
The SEBI Legal Officer 2025 exam consists of two phases - Phase I and Phase II. The syllabus covers a wide range of legal subjects essential for SEBI’s regulatory functions. Each topic carries an indicative weightage to help candidates plan their preparation effectively.
Phase |
Subject |
Weightage |
Phase I |
Constitution of India (Preamble, Part I, Part III, Part IV, Part IVA, Part V, Part VI, Part VIII, Part IXA, Part IXB, Part XI) |
20% |
|
Contract Law – Indian Contract Act, 1872; Sale of Goods Act, 1930; Indian Partnership Act, 1932; Specific Relief Act, 1963 |
25% |
|
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VII, Schedule I) |
25% |
|
Transfer of Property Act, 1882 (Chapter III, Chapter IV, Chapter V) |
25% |
|
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (Part I) |
— |
|
The Limitation Act, 1963 |
— |
|
Administrative Law |
— |
|
Jurisprudence and Interpretation of Statutes |
20% |
|
Important Latin Terms and Maxims |
— |
|
Law of Torts and Consumer Protection Act, 2019 |
10% |
Phase II |
Criminal Law – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Chapters I–III, IV, V, VA, VI, IX, XVII, XXI–XXIII); Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 |
30% |
|
Law of Evidence – Indian Evidence Act, 1872 |
— |
|
Corporate Laws – Companies Act, 2013; Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008; Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Part I & II) |
30% |
|
Securities Laws – Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956; SEBI Act, 1992; Depositories Act, 1996; SEBI (Procedure for Holding Inquiry and Imposing Penalties) Rules, 1995; Securities Appellate Tribunal (Procedure) Rules, 2000; SEBI (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices) Regulations, 2003; SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011; SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015; Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Stock Exchanges and Clearing Corporations) Regulations, 2018; SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018 |
40% |
Note: The weightages mentioned are indicative and may vary slightly as per SEBI’s official guidelines.
Steps to download call letter for SEBI Legal Officer exam
Downloading the Call Letter
Candidates can download their SEBI call letter for the online examination by following the steps below:
1. Visit the official SEBI website at www.sebi.gov.in.
2. You will receive an email or SMS notification once the call letter is available for download.
3. Click on the link provided in the notification to open the download page.
4. Enter your Registration Number or Roll Number and Password or Date of Birth to access the call letter.
Important Instructions
- Paste a recent, recognisable photograph on the call letter. The photograph must be the same as the one uploaded during registration.
- Carry the following items to the examination centre:
1. Printed copy of the call letter
2. Original photo identity proof (as specified in the advertisement and call letter)
3. A photocopy of the same photo identity proof for submission at the venue
Admit card for SEBI Legal Officer exam 2025
Separate admit cards will be released for Phase I and Phase II examinations. Candidates who qualify in Phase I will receive individual call letters for the next phase. For applicants under the Information Technology Stream, separate admit cards will be issued for Paper 1 and Paper 2 of Phase II. All admit cards can be downloaded from the official SEBI website at www.sebi.gov.in.
Note: Refer to the official SEBI notification for complete details. The SEBI Legal Officer exam admit card is mandatory for entry into the examination centre.
SEBI Legal Officer vacancy
With the release of the SEBI Grade A 2025 Notification, candidates can now review the number of openings announced for different streams. In the current recruitment cycle, a total of 110 vacancies have been declared, out of which 20 are dedicated to the Legal Stream.
Applicants interested in this role must carefully review the SEBI Grade A eligibility criteria before applying. The table below provides a clear view of the vacancies available for the Legal Stream:
Stream |
Vacancy |
Legal |
20 |
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.
SEBI Grade A Legal Officer application fee
According to SEBI’s guidelines, candidates are required to pay a non-refundable application fee to complete their SEBI Grade A Legal Officer application process. The table below provides the detailed category-wise fee structure:
Category |
Application Fee (Non-refundable) |
Unreserved / OBC / EWS |
Rs. 1,000 as application fee and intimation charges + 18% GST |
SC / ST / PwBD |
Rs. 100 as intimation charges + 18% GST |
SEBI Law Officer exam result 2025
- Result Declaration: The SEBI Grade A Legal Officer 2025 results will be announced on the official SEBI website. Candidates can view their results by logging in using their registration credentials.
- After Result Announcement: Once the results are released, a merit list will be published listing the candidates who have qualified for the next stage or final selection. Those who clear all phases will then proceed to document verification and related formalities.
- Further Process: Qualified candidates may be invited for an interview or the subsequent phase of the recruitment process. The final selection will depend on overall performance across all stages, including the interview round.
- Important Notes: Candidates are advised to visit the official SEBI website regularly for updates regarding the SEBI Grade A Legal Officer 2025 result. Ensure that all required documents are prepared in advance for verification upon selection.
Examination Centres of SEBI Grade A Legal Phase 1
Agartala |
Hyderabad / Rangareddy |
New Delhi / NCR |
Ahmedabad / Gandhinagar |
Indore |
Panaji |
Aizawl |
Jaipur |
Patna |
Bengaluru |
Kanpur |
Prayagraj |
Bhopal |
Kochi / Ernakulam |
Pune |
Bhubaneswar |
Kohima |
Raipur |
Chandigarh / Mohali |
Kolkata / Greater Kolkata |
Ranchi |
Chennai |
Lucknow |
Shillong |
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) |
Madurai |
Silchar |
Coimbatore |
Meerut |
Siliguri |
Dehradun |
Mumbai / Greater Mumbai / Navi Mumbai / Thane / MMR region |
Surat |
Guwahati |
Muzzafarpur |
Vijayawada |
Haldwani |
Nagpur |
Vishakhapatnam |
Hubli – Dharwad |
Naharlagun |
- |
Examination Centres of SEBI Grade A Legal Phase 2
Agartala |
Hyderabad |
Noida |
Ahmedabad |
Indore |
Panaji |
Bengaluru |
Guwahati |
Patna |
Bhilai |
Jaipur |
Pune |
Bhopal |
Kochi |
Ranchi |
Bhubaneswar |
Kolkata |
Silchar |
Chandigarh / Mohali |
Lucknow |
Thiruvananthapuram |
Chennai |
Mumbai / Greater Mumbai / Navi Mumbai / Thane / MMR region |
Varanasi |
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) |
Nagpur |
Vijayawada |
Dibrugarh |
New Delhi / NCR |
- |
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 professional loan or lawyer loan by Bajaj Finance can be a smart move to manage educational or professional expenses.