SEBI Grade A Eligibility 2026: Age Limit and Qualification by Stream

SEBI Grade A eligibility depends on three things: your stream, your educational qualification and your age on the date fixed in the notification. A candidate who fits one stream may not fit another, so it is worth checking the stream rules before you pay the application fee.

As of 22 October 2026 we could not find the notification for the upcoming cycle. The criteria below follow what was reported for the last completed cycle (notification dated 30 October 2025) and are indicative. SEBI can change qualifications, age limits or dates, so confirm every point in the new notification on https://www.sebi.gov.in before you apply.

Table of Contents

• SEBI Grade A eligibility at a glance

• Educational qualification by stream

• Age limit and relaxations

• Nationality and other conditions

• Who is not eligible

• Fee and documents

• Quick eligibility checklist

SEBI Grade A eligibility at a glance

Educational qualification by stream

There are seven streams. Each has its own qualification rule, and some list desirable experience that is not mandatory. Read the notification carefully to separate required and desirable points.

General stream

This is the broadest stream. A candidate qualifies with any one of the following:

• Master's degree or PG Diploma: A Master's degree or a postgraduate diploma of at least two years in any discipline. A PG Diploma is treated as equivalent to a Master's, as reported.

• Bachelor's in Law or Engineering: A Bachelor's degree in Law or Engineering.

• Professional qualification: Chartered Accountant, CFA, Company Secretary or Cost and Management Accountant.

Other streams

The Research stream wording differs slightly across sources, with some adding Mathematics with a statistics diploma. Treat the list above as indicative and use the notification for the complete wording.

Result and degree conditions

• Recognised institution: The degree should come from a university or institution recognised by the relevant authority, such as UGC or the professional body.

• Final-year candidates: Check whether the notification allows candidates awaiting results. Notifications usually require that you hold the qualification by a stated date or submit proof at the time of documentation.

• Marks and class: Check whether a minimum percentage is required. The notification will state any rule on marks, grade conversion and rounding, so do not assume a rule from another exam.

Age limit and relaxations

The upper age limit reported for the last cycle was 30 years for unreserved candidates. Sources differ on the exact birth-date window: one reports candidates born on or after 1 October 1995, another gives 1 October 1996. Because of this mismatch, do not rely on either date. The notification will give the reference date and the resulting date-of-birth window for the new cycle.

Age relaxation (last cycle, indicative)

Certificates matter. If you claim OBC, SC, ST, EWS or PwBD benefits, keep a valid certificate in the format and with the validity date required by the notification, since a mismatch can lead to rejection at document verification.

Worked example

Suppose the notification fixes the age reference date as 30 September and the unreserved limit as 30 years. An OBC (non-creamy layer) candidate with a 3-year relaxation can be up to 33 years old on that date. Always calculate on the exact reference date, not on the exam date or the application date.

Nationality and other conditions

• Nationality: Candidates generally need to be Indian citizens. The notification lists any other categories that may apply.

• Language: The exam is held in English and Hindi for objective papers. The descriptive English paper is in English only.

• Medical fitness: Selected candidates undergo a medical examination. Check the standards stated in the notification.

• Character and conduct: Candidates with a record of misconduct or pending cases may be disqualified. The notification explains the conditions.

• Service agreement and bond: If the notification requires any, read it before applying.

Who is not eligible

• Candidates outside the stream rules: For example, someone with a Bachelor's degree in commerce only cannot apply to the General stream unless they hold a professional qualification such as CA, or a Master's degree.

• Candidates over the age limit: After relaxations, if the age on the reference date is above the limit.

• Candidates whose degree is from an unrecognised body: The qualification must be valid under the rules in the notification.

• Candidates missing the result deadline: If the degree result is declared after the cut-off date.

• Candidates with incomplete or false information: Wrong claims on the form can cancel the candidature at any stage.

Fee and documents

The last cycle charged Rs. 1,000 plus 18% GST for unreserved, OBC and EWS candidates, and Rs. 100 plus 18% GST for SC, ST and PwBD candidates, with online payment. These are indicative until the notification confirms them. Keep ready your photograph, signature, ID proof, educational certificates and category certificates.

Quick eligibility checklist

1. Choose the stream that matches your degree, and check desirable experience points.

2. Confirm that your institution and degree are recognised and that the result is in hand by the notification date.

3. Calculate your age on the reference date with your category relaxation.

4. Check that your category certificate meets the validity and format rules.

5. Keep documents and fee ready before the application window opens.