How to Prepare ARD for NABARD Grade A Exam?

Are you thinking about how to prepare for the Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) part of the NABARD Grade A exam?
Are you wondering:
What are the key topics to concentrate on?
Where can I access good ARD current affairs content?

If yes, you’re here!

In this blog, we’re dissecting everything you need to know about the ARD section of NABARD Grade A—from the pattern of the exam to key topics, last year trends, and answer writing practice in an effective way. Whether you’re new or reshuffling your approach for 2025, this guide will provide you with a clear and actionable way forward.

Examination Pattern

Understanding ARD

The first step is to see how it fits into the NABARD Grade A scheme of exam—both Phase 1 (Prelims) and Phase 2 (Mains). Knowing this will help you plan your preparation wisely and focus on what is most important at each step of the exam.

Feature	Phase 1 (Prelims)	Phase 2 (Mains)
Exam Type	Objective	Objective + Descriptive
Negative Marking	1/4th of the marks allotted	1/4th for Objective questions only
Total Questions	40 Questions (ARD + ESI)	30 Objective + 6 Descriptive Questions
Total Marks	40 Marks	40–50 Marks (combined for Objective + Descriptive)

To get clarity on how ARD is structured in the NABARD Grade A exam, keep the following key points in mind:

• In Phase 1 (Prelims), the exam is divided into 8 sections, including both merit and qualifying (non-merit) sections, making up a total of 200 questions for 200 marks.
  ➤ ARD falls under the merit section, contributing 40 questions worth 1 mark each—so it plays a major role in your selection for Phase 2.
• In Phase 2 (Mains), ARD is part of Paper 2, which is a combined paper of Economic & Social Issues (ESI) + ARD.
  ➤ The total marks for Paper 2 is 100 marks, split between objective and descriptive components.
• The objective section includes 30 questions, carrying either 1 or 2 marks each.
• The descriptive section consists of 6 questions, out of which you only need to attempt 4.
• Both the objective and descriptive questions in Phase 2 come from a mix of ESI and ARD topics, so you need to be well-prepared in both areas.

Read more about examination pattern of NABARD Grade A.

To prepare smartly for ARD, it’s important to first look at what’s been asked in the past. So, let’s briefly go through the PYQ analysis for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the NABARD Grade A exam, along with some actual ARD questions from the exam.

This will give you a clear idea of the type and difficulty level of questions, and based on that, we’ll identify the most important ARD topics you need to focus on. The goal is to help you adopt an integrated preparation strategy that works for both phases of the exam.

ARD Phase 1: PYQ Analysis 

Over the last five years, NABARD Grade A Phase 1 has shown a consistent pattern in the Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) section. On average, around 40 questions are asked from ARD, focusing on both static concepts like Soil & Water Conservation, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and dynamic content such as ARD Current Affairs. The weightage of each topic can vary yearly, but current affairs, soil topics, and animal sciences remain key areas. This data helps candidates prioritize topics smartly for Phase 1 preparation.

S.No	Topics	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
1	Introduction to Agriculture	2	0	1	1	0	NA
2	Agronomy and Field Crops	0	2	2	4	1	2
3	Farming System	0	1	3	4	0	NA
4	Cropping System and Pattern	0	1	0	0	0	NA
5	Agrometeorology	0	2	2	0	2	1
6	Seed and Sowing	2	0	0	0	3	1
7	Soil and Water Conservation	2	3	3	4	9	4
8	Water Resource and Irrigation	1	2	2	0	2	3
9	Agriculture Engineering	0	0	1	0	1	3
10	Plantation and Horticulture	5	4	3	5	3	4
11	Animal Husbandry and Poultry	5	3	3	5	5	5
12	Fisheries	1	1	3	2	1	NA
13	Forestry	0	0	2	3	2	NA
14	Agriculture Extension	2	0	2	2	1	2
15	Agriculture Economics	3	3	0	1	0	1
16	Important Agronomic Practices	1	3	0	1	0	NA
17	Rural Development	0	2	0	0	0	2
18	ARD Current Affairs	9	9	8	9	10	10
19	ESI Current Affairs	7	4	5	0	0	NA

Note: Some current affairs topics fall under both ARD (Agriculture & Rural Development) and ESI (Economic & Social Issues). For instance, if a government scheme relates to agriculture and also impacts the rural economy, it can be classified under both subjects. So, when preparing, you don’t need to separate everything strictly, just focus on understanding the topic well, and know it could be asked under either section.

Here are the key takeaways in bullet points based on the topic-wise ARD question distribution from 2019 to 2024 in NABARD Grade A Phase 1:

Key Takeaways from ARD Trend (2019–2024)

High-Weightage & Consistent Topics

• Soil and Water Conservation:
  • Most asked topic overall (as high as 9 questions in 2023).
  • Remains crucial every year—must be thoroughly prepared.
• Animal Husbandry and Poultry:
  • Very consistent (3–5 questions every year).
  • Important for both Phase 1 (objective) and Phase 2 (descriptive).
• Plantation and Horticulture:
  • Regularly appears (3–5 questions yearly).
  • Focus on crop-specific facts, seasons, and government initiatives.
• ARD Current Affairs:
  • Always 8–10 questions; highest weightage in recent years.
  • Covers schemes, reports, innovations, and agriculture-related policies.

Moderately Important Topics

• Agronomy and Field Crops:
  • Frequently tested (especially 2022 and 2024).
  • Know definitions, crop varieties, and scientific practices.
• Water Resources and Irrigation:
  • Reappeared strongly in 2024 (3 questions).
  • Covers irrigation types, water-use efficiency, PMKSY, etc.
• Agrometeorology:
  • 1–2 questions consistently.
  • Focus on weather patterns, drought types, monsoon behavior.
• Seed and Sowing:
  • Regular topic; tested in 2023 and 2024.
  • Know about seed types, sowing methods, and certification.
• Agriculture Extension:
  • 1–2 questions annually; includes KVKs, ICAR outreach, etc.

Less Frequent / Unpredictable Topics

• Fisheries, Forestry, and Rural Development:
  • Appeared in only a few years (sporadic pattern).
  • Prepare for completeness, but not top priority.
• Agricultural Engineering:
  • Sudden rise in 2024 (3 questions)—likely to gain relevance.
• Agricultural Economics:
  • Inconsistent; low weightage post-2021.

Declining or Negligible Topics

• Cropping System and Pattern, Important Agronomic Practices:
  • Almost absent in recent papers.
  • Can be given minimal time.
• Introduction to Agriculture:
  • No questions asked since 2022—low priority.

Current Affairs Dominance & Overlap

• ARD Current Affairs:
  • Forms ~30–35% of Phase 1—most scoring area.
  • Must be updated monthly with schemes, events, and reports.
• ESI Current Affairs:
  • Discontinued in Phase 1 after 2021.
  • Now largely integrated with Phase 2 or overlaps with ARD.

Integrated Preparation Advice

• Prepare Soil Conservation, Animal Husbandry, Schemes, and Irrigation topics for both Phases.
• These areas often appear in objective + descriptive formats.

ARD Phase 2: PYQ Analysis

This is a simple explanation of the breakdown of the number of objective questions asked in Phase 2 over the last few years:

In Phase 2 of the NABARD Grade A exam, the number of objective questions asked from different topics in Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) has varied each year. By looking at past years, you can see which topics have been emphasized more and which ones appear less frequently.

This breakdown helps candidates understand the pattern and focus areas for Phase 2, so they can prepare smartly and prioritize topics that are more likely to be tested. It shows how questions are spread across different subjects, giving a clear picture of what to expect in the exam.

Year	ARD Static	ARD Current Affairs	Total ARD Questions	Phase 2 Total Objective Questions
2019	15	13	28	65
2020	22	6	28	65
2021	5	4	9	30
2022	11	7	18	30
2023	11	5	16	30
2024	27	13	40	30

Note: Before 2021, Paper II of the exam was completely objective, consisting of 35 questions worth 2 marks each and 30 questions worth 1 mark each. However, starting from 2021, the format changed, now Paper II is split equally, with half the questions being objective and the other half descriptive.

Key Observations

• Increase in Static Questions:
  • In 2024, there was a significant rise in static questions, with 27 questions asked compared to 11 in 2023. This indicates a shift towards a greater emphasis on static topics in the ARD section.
• Current Affairs Consistency:
  • The number of current affairs questions remained consistent over the years, with 13 questions asked in 2024, similar to previous years.
• Total ARD Questions:
  • The total number of ARD questions increased to 40 in 2024, up from 16 in 2023, reflecting a broader coverage of topics.
• Phase 2 Objective Questions:
  • Despite the increase in ARD questions, the total number of objective questions in Phase 2 remained constant at 30 in 2024, suggesting that other sections may have seen a reduction in the number of questions.

Preparation Tips

• Focus on Static Topics:
  • Given the increased number of static questions in 2024, prioritize studying topics such as soil and water conservation, animal husbandry, and agriculture economics.
• Stay Updated with Current Affairs:
  • Regularly follow agricultural news, government schemes, and rural development initiatives to stay informed about current affairs.
• Practice Previous Year Questions:
  • Reviewing past year questions can help identify recurring topics and question patterns, aiding in targeted preparation.
• Time Management:
  • With the increased number of questions, effective time management during the exam will be crucial. Practice mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.

ARD Important Topics of Phase 1 & 2

Remember, this list of important topics is meant to guide and focus your preparation for better efficiency. It doesn’t mean you should ignore or skip other parts of the syllabus.

Category	Important Topics
ARD Static	1. Agronomy: Production, Definition, & Meaning, Post-harvest methods
	2. Farming System: Types of Farming
	3. Types of Soils and Soil Water
	4. Methods to Prevent Soil Erosion
	5. Nutrient Deficiency and Symptoms
	6. Horticulture: Production and Branches
	7. Vegetative Propagation and Types
	8. Major Diseases and Pests
	9. Animal Husbandry: Breeds, Terminology
	10. Milk and Its Properties
	11. Poultry: Breeds and Terminology
	12. Fisheries: Types and Production
	13. Aquaculture: Breeds, Types, and Terminology
	14. Forestry and Types
	15. Agriculture Extension Institutes and Schemes
ARD Current Affairs	1. ARD Schemes of the Latest 6 Months
	2. Flagship Agriculture Schemes: AIF, PMKSY, PMFBY, PM-KMY, e-NAM, KCC, SHC, PMMSY, NHM
	3. Census Data: 2011, SECC, Livestock, Agriculture
	4. Latest Union Budget & Economic Survey
	5. Key Statistics of Cooperative Banks
	6. Flagship Rural Development Schemes: PMAY-G, PMGSY, NRuM, MGNREGA, JJM, NRLM, DDUGKY
	7. Annual Reports: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, NABARD, MSP
	8. Indian State of Forest Report

Know more about preparation strategy of NABARD Grade A.

Resources: Newspapers and Websites

Following is our expert-recommended list of important official websites for Current Affairs that you need to refer to, especially when undertaking a self-study approach.

S.No	Name of Resource	Remarks
1	Press Information Bureau (PIB)	For Government reports and schemes
2	Krishi Jagran	For regional news and advancements by private corporations
3	Business Line	Or any newspaper with an agriculture/agricultural economy section
4	Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)	Example of syllabus-related ministries/organizations
5	Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW)	Example of syllabus-related ministries/organizations
6	National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)	Example of syllabus-related ministries/organizations
7	Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) e-Courses	Useful for additional learning resources

Other Resources: Lesson Videos and PYQ Analysis

Following is our expert-recommended list of lectures for both static and current affairs syllabi that you need to refer to, especially when undertaking a self-study approach.

S.No.	Topic	Link
1	Fisheries	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6f2UKTbyxU
2	Cropping System and Cropping Pattern	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI7Wci0jzjI&t=98s
3	Rural Development	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s58_hDGPwLs
4	ARD Current Affairs	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aH5OjdLrK0
5	DCA Important MCQ	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTicrHxiJ6Y&list=PL6UO8P0F6ELVO7VqtWzxjESTrUc5BBpYC&index=4
6	NABARD Grade A Exam 2021-2024 Cutoff Analysis	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Asp69xyjx-w&t=32s

NABARD Grade A – ARD Preparation Strategy

Preparing for the ARD section in NABARD Grade A can be tricky, but with a clear plan, you can master it. Here’s a 4-step approach to help you prepare smartly and effectively:

1. Understand the Exam by Analyzing Previous Year Papers

Before diving into books, take time to go through past year ARD papers.

• Spot the patterns – What topics are repeated often?
• Type of questions – Are they mostly factual or do they test your understanding?
• Current affairs twist – Are they asking for exact scheme dates or the impact and outcomes?
  This will help you figure out what to focus on and how deep your understanding should be.

2. Build Your Basics – Cover the Static Syllabus First

Once you know what’s important, start covering the static portion (theory-based chapters).

• Make a study plan and stick to it – this brings consistency.
• Give extra attention to chapters like Agronomy, Soil Conservation, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, etc. These are frequently asked.
• Revise multiple times – once is never enough.
• After each chapter, test yourself with questions or try writing a short answer. This strengthens memory and improves writing skills too.

3. Bring in the Current Affairs

Once your base is strong, start focusing on current affairs related to agriculture and rural development.

• Focus on government schemes, reports, and recent developments in agriculture.
• Use monthly quizzes and short notes for quick and effective revision.
• Don’t just read – try to understand the context and impact of these events.

4. Revise Smartly & Practice Regularly

By now, you’ve studied a lot – now it’s time to revise and sharpen your skills.

• Regularly revise notes, mind maps, and short summaries.
• Practice writing 3 answers from each chapter – it helps with retention and writing speed for the exam.
• Stick to the official syllabus – don’t wander into too many sources. Choose 1–2 good materials and revise them thoroughly instead of reading everything.

Preparation is not just about how much you study, but how well you study. Stay consistent, revise often, and believe in the process. You’ve got this!

Equipped with the right preparation resources and an effective strategy on how to cover the ARD section, an essential step for you acing the ARD in NABARD Grade A is honing your answer writing skills.

ARD Answer Writing Practice

Want to score well in the ARD section of NABARD Grade A? Then you must practice writing answers — not just read them. Here’s a list of important topics you should write about. These will help you revise key concepts and improve your writing skills for the exam.

Practice Questions You Should Try Writing On:

1. Minimum Support Price (MSP)
   ➤ What is MSP? How does it help small and marginal farmers earn a fair price?
2. Agroforestry
   ➤ What is agroforestry? Talk about its types, objectives, and why it’s beneficial.
3. Organic Farming in India
   ➤ How has organic farming changed Indian agriculture? Discuss its methods and impact.
4. Soil Erosion and Its Prevention
   ➤ What is soil erosion? Write about natural and man-made causes and prevention methods.
5. Vegetative Propagation
   ➤ What is it? What are the methods, types, and benefits (especially in horticulture)?
6. Micro-Irrigation
   ➤ Why is drip and sprinkler irrigation called the future of farming in India? Explain how it saves water and improves productivity.
7. Poultry Housing Systems
   ➤ What are the different housing systems in poultry (deep litter, cage system, etc.)? How do they impact health and productivity?
8. Aquaculture in India
   ➤ What is aquaculture? Describe different types (inland, marine, integrated, etc.) practiced in India.
9. Evolution of Panchayati Raj
   ➤ How did Panchayati Raj evolve over time? What role does it play in rural governance today?
10. Post-Harvest Techniques for Fruits & Vegetables
    ➤ Since fruits and vegetables spoil quickly, what storage, packaging, and preservation methods are used to increase shelf life?

When writing answers:

• Stick to the point – start with a clear intro, follow with facts, and end with a short conclusion.
• Use diagrams and bullet points where possible.
• Keep your answers structured and relevant to the syllabus.

You’re now all set to master ARD answer writing. Practicing these will not only boost your confidence but also improve your retention and presentation in the actual exam.

Watch C4S Interview videos and attend mock sessions to improve your communication and confidence. Remember, your personality and thought process matter here.

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In the words of Swami Vivekananda, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.” Preparing for NABARD Grade A may seem challenging, but with the right mindset, structured guidance like that offered by C4S Courses, and consistent practice, success is within reach. Focus on understanding concepts, practice writing with clarity, revise smartly, and believe in your preparation journey. You’re not just preparing for a job—you’re preparing to contribute to the growth and prosperity of rural India.

Click to know details of the programme – https://learn.c4scourses.in/learn/NABARD2025

Remember, with the right strategy, dedication, and guidance, your dream of securing a prestigious position at NABARD is within reach. Stay focused, stay motivated, and make the most of every resource available to you.