# PFRDA Grade A Actuary Selection Process 2026 Explained

> PFRDA Grade A Actuary selection process 2026: three phases, one-fourth negative marking, cut-off rules and the 85% and 15% final weightage.

Source: https://bunkpoint.com/article/pfrda/pfrda-grade-a-actuary-2026/selection-process/
Category: [PFRDA](https://bunkpoint.com/article/pfrda/)
Guide: [PFRDA Grade A Actuary 2026](https://bunkpoint.com/article/pfrda/pfrda-grade-a-actuary-2026/)

## In short

- Selection has three phases: Phase I, Phase II and an interview.
- Phase I only shortlists candidates. Its marks do not count in the final result.
- Final selection uses Phase II marks at 85% and interview marks at 15%.
- Negative marking is one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question.


The PFRDA Grade A Actuary selection process 2026 has three phases. Phase I and Phase II are online examinations, and Phase III is an interview. Phase II marks carry **85%** of the final marks. Read the [PFRDA Grade A Actuary 2026 pillar page](/article/pfrda/pfrda-grade-a-actuary-2026/) for key dates and pay.

{{< callout type="official" >}}
Read the [official notification on the PFRDA website](https://pfrda.org.in/documents/33652/212847/Recruitment+of+Officer+Grade+A+%28Assistant+Manager%29-2026.pdf) for the full selection rules.
{{< /callout >}}

## What are the three phases of the PFRDA Grade A Actuary selection process 2026?

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) uses three phases. Each phase removes candidates who do not meet its cut-off. PFRDA set Phase I for **15 October 2026** and Phase II for **20 November 2026**.

| Phase     | Format                                                     | Role in selection                                                  |
| --------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Phase I   | Online screening examination, two papers of 100 marks each | Shortlists candidates for Phase II                                 |
| Phase II  | Online examination, two papers of 100 marks each           | Shortlists candidates for Phase III and carries 85% of final marks |
| Phase III | Interview                                                  | Carries 15% of final marks                                         |

## How does Phase I work?

Phase I is an online screening examination. It has two papers of multiple choice questions. Each paper carries **100 marks**. See the [exam pattern](/article/pfrda/pfrda-grade-a-actuary-2026/exam-pattern/) page for sections and time.

Negative marking applies in both papers. PFRDA applies **one-fourth** of the marks assigned to a question as the negative mark.

PFRDA uses Phase I marks only to shortlist candidates for Phase II. These marks do not count toward final selection.

## How does Phase II work?

Phase II is an online examination of two papers. Each paper carries **100 marks**. PFRDA issues new call letters to candidates shortlisted for Phase II.

Negative marking of **one-fourth** applies to Paper 2 in Phase II. The notification lists a Paper 2 for the Research, Actuary and Official Language streams. It has **50 questions**, **100 marks** and **40 minutes**.

## How do the cut-off rules work?

A candidate must secure a cut-off in each paper and an aggregate cut-off in each online phase. The notification says PFRDA will decide the minimum aggregate marks later. Missing the cut-off in one paper stops a candidate even when the total is high.

| Phase    | Cut-offs a candidate must secure                                                | Result of securing them   |
| -------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------- |
| Phase I  | Separate cut-off in Paper 1, separate cut-off in Paper 2, and aggregate cut-off | Shortlisted for Phase II  |
| Phase II | Separate cut-off in Paper 1, separate cut-off in Paper 2, and aggregate cut-off | Shortlisted for Phase III |

## How does PFRDA calculate the final selection?

Final selection uses the total marks a candidate secures in Phase II and Phase III. Phase II marks carry a weightage of **85%**. Interview marks carry a weightage of **15%**. Phase I marks carry no weight in this total.

This means Phase II decides most of the final result. Plan your preparation around the Phase II stream paper.

Only candidates shortlisted after Phase II get a call for the interview. PFRDA tells them the venue in the interview call letter.

## What can an Actuary candidate do next?

Read the [PFRDA Grade A Actuary exam pattern 2026](/article/pfrda/pfrda-grade-a-actuary-2026/exam-pattern/) page for the paper formats. Then check the PFRDA website for call letters and notices.


## Frequently asked questions

### What is the selection process for PFRDA Grade A Actuary 2026?

Selection has three phases. Phase I is an online screening examination. Phase II is an online examination. Phase III is an interview. PFRDA shortlists candidates after Phase I and after Phase II, and then makes the final selection.

### Is there negative marking in PFRDA Grade A 2026?

Yes. PFRDA applies negative marking of one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question. It applies to Paper 1 and Paper 2 in Phase I. In Phase II, it applies to Paper 2.

### What is the weightage of Phase II and the interview in PFRDA Grade A?

Phase II marks carry a weightage of 85%. Interview marks carry a weightage of 15%. PFRDA bases final selection on the total marks a candidate secures in Phase II and Phase III.

### Do I need a cut-off in each paper in PFRDA Grade A?

Yes. A candidate needs a separate cut-off in each paper and an aggregate cut-off in the phase. This rule applies in Phase I for Phase II shortlisting and in Phase II for Phase III shortlisting.

### How many marks does each PFRDA Grade A online phase have?

Each online phase has two papers of 100 marks each, so each phase carries 200 marks in total. Phase I and Phase II both follow this pattern. The interview is the third phase and has its own marks.

### Who gets a call for the PFRDA Grade A interview?

Only candidates shortlisted after Phase II get a call for the interview. PFRDA tells them the venue in the interview call letter. Phase I marks do not decide who gets the interview call.

### How many questions are in the PFRDA Actuary stream paper?

The notification lists a Paper 2 for the Research, Actuary and Official Language streams. It has 50 questions, 100 marks and 40 minutes. Check the [pillar page](/article/pfrda/pfrda-grade-a-actuary-2026/) for key dates.

## More in this guide

- [PFRDA Grade A Actuary 2026](https://bunkpoint.com/article/pfrda/pfrda-grade-a-actuary-2026/): PFRDA Grade A Actuary 2026: Phase II is on 20 November 2026. Check IAI Core Principles eligibility, the age limit, pay scale and selection stages.
- [Notification](https://bunkpoint.com/article/pfrda/pfrda-grade-a-actuary-2026/notification/): PFRDA Grade A Actuary notification 2026 (Advt. 03/2026) lists 30 posts, 2 in the Actuary stream. See vacancies, dates and the application fee.
- [Eligibility](https://bunkpoint.com/article/pfrda/pfrda-grade-a-actuary-2026/eligibility/): PFRDA Grade A Actuary eligibility 2026: graduation, all seven IAI Core Principles subjects, a 30-year age limit on 31 July 2026 and relaxation rules.
- [Exam Pattern](https://bunkpoint.com/article/pfrda/pfrda-grade-a-actuary-2026/exam-pattern/): PFRDA Grade A Actuary exam pattern 2026: Phase I and Phase II papers, 100 marks each, questions, time, negative marking and Phase II weightage.
- [Syllabus](https://bunkpoint.com/article/pfrda/pfrda-grade-a-actuary-2026/syllabus/): PFRDA Grade A Actuary syllabus 2026: Paper 2 topics in Insurance and Management, common for Phase I and Phase II, plus the Paper 1 subjects.