
Introduction
Every year, lakhs of aspirants put in countless hours of hard work to prepare for the NABARD Grade A examination. And it’s not without reason, the exam opens the door to a prestigious career with NABARD, a premier financial institution that plays a crucial role in regulating and supporting regional rural banks across the country.
But with high aspirations comes tough competition. Only a limited number of candidates make it to the final selection, which makes the journey even more challenging.
That’s why cracking NABARD Grade A requires more than just hard work, it demands focused preparation, smart strategy, and unwavering dedication.
So, if you’re serious about making it to NABARD Grade A 2025, start your preparation on the right note. Begin by understanding every important detail about the exam, because knowing what lies ahead is the first step toward success.
NABARD Recruitment 2025 (Grade A):
The NABARD Grade A (Assistant Manager) exam is a golden opportunity for those who aspire to build a career in agricultural and rural development banking. Conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, this exam is primarily held to recruit candidates for two major roles — Rural Development Banking Service (RDBS) and Rajbhasha cadre.
Every year, usually around July, NABARD releases an official notification mentioning the number of vacancies, eligibility criteria, exam dates, and other key details.
The recruitment process for NABARD Grade A generally involves four stages:
- Preliminary Exam (Objective-type screening test),
- Main Exam (Descriptive and Objective questions),
- Psychometric Test (to assess personality traits), and
- Interview (the final step of selection).
Cracking this exam not only offers job security but also a highly respected position in the development finance sector. If you’re aiming for NABARD in 2025, now is the perfect time to start preparing!
NABARD Grade A Notification 2025
The NABARD Grade A 2025 Notification, both the short notice and the detailed advertisement, will be released on NABARD’s official website. This notification is your go-to document for all important details, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, exam pattern, syllabus, key dates, and the number of vacancies.
Looking at last year’s recruitment, out of 102 total vacancies, 100 were for the RDBS (Rural Development Banking Service) and 2 were for the Rajbhasha cadre. For RDBS, the vacancies were spread across 17 different disciplines such as General, Finance, Agriculture, IT, Fisheries, Forestry, Chartered Accountant, and more.
For 2025, it is expected that NABARD will once again release vacancies across these disciplines, giving candidates from diverse educational backgrounds a chance to apply. So, keep an eye on the official site and stay ready, the opportunity you’ve been waiting for might be just around the corner!
NABARD Grade A Notification PDF
The detailed NABARD Grade A Notification 2025 will be officially released on NABARD’s website. While we wait for this year’s notification, you can refer to the previous year’s notification PDF (link shared below) to get a clear idea about the exam.
The previous year’s notification includes all the key details like the exam pattern, syllabus, important dates, eligibility criteria, and more. Going through it will help you understand what to expect and how to start your preparation effectively.
NABARD Grade A Exam 2025 Overview
NABARD follows a two-step process when announcing its recruitment:
First, a short notification is released to inform candidates about the upcoming recruitment, and then a detailed notification follows with all the important information.
To help you get a quick idea of what to expect, here’s an overview of NABARD Grade A Recruitment 2025 in the table below:
Particulars | NABARD Notification 2025 Details |
---|---|
Exam Conducting Body | NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) |
Exam Name | NABARD Grade A |
Recruitment Year | NABARD Recruitment 2025 |
Post Name | Assistant Manager |
NABARD Vacancy 2025 | To Be Announced |
Age Limit | 21–30 years (as on July 1, 2024) (Born between 02-07-1994 and 01-07-2003) |
Application Mode | Online |
Selection Process | 1. Prelims 2. Mains 3. Interview |
Salary | ₹1,00,000/- per month (approx.) |
Official Website | www.nabard.org |
NABARD Grade A Exam Date 2025
All the important dates related to the NABARD Grade A exam — like the exam date, admit card release, result announcement, and more — will be clearly mentioned in the official notification or any updates released by NABARD.
Since the 2025 notification hasn’t been released yet, you can refer to the 2024 cycle details we’ve provided below to get an idea of the general timeline. This will help you plan your preparation in advance and stay ahead of the curve.
Events | NABARD Dates 2025 | NABARD Dates 2024 |
---|---|---|
NABARD Grade A Short Notice Release | To Be Announced | 25th July 2024 |
NABARD Grade A Notification Release | To Be Announced | 27th July 2024 |
Application Start Date | To Be Announced | 27th July 2024 |
Application Last Date | To Be Announced | 15th August 2024 |
Phase 1 Admit Card Release Date | To Be Announced | 26th August 2024 |
Phase 1 Exam Date | To Be Announced | 1st September 2024 |
Prelims Result Date | To Be Announced | 27th September 2024 |
Phase 2 Admit Card Release Date | To Be Announced | 9th October 2024 |
Phase 2 Exam Date | To Be Announced | 20th October 2024 |
Phase 2 Result Date | To Be Announced | 29th November 2024 |
Psychometric Test Date | To Be Announced | 14th December 2024 |
Final Result Date | To Be Announced | 24th February 2025 |
NABARD Grade A Vacancy 2025
Every year, NABARD announces the number of Grade A vacancies through a detailed advertisement published in leading newspapers and on its official website. These vacancies are divided into different categories like UR (Unreserved), SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities).
Understanding the vacancy details is important because it helps you gauge the level of competition. It also allows you to set clear goals and plan your preparation accordingly.
To give you a better idea, here’s how the vacancies were distributed in the NABARD Grade A 2024 notification. This will help you get a rough estimate of what to expect in the upcoming 2025 cycle.
NABARD Vacancy 2024 Discipline Wise
According to the official notification, NABARD announced a total of 102 vacancies for the post of Assistant Manager (Grade A) in 2024. Out of these, 8 vacancies were specially reserved for PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) across various categories, as per the guidelines of the RPWD Act, 2016 (Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act).
This reservation ensures inclusivity and provides equal opportunities for candidates with benchmark disabilities to apply and compete fairly in the recruitment process.
Post / Discipline | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
General | 23 | 7 | 3 | 12 | 5 | 50 |
Chartered Accountant (C.A.) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
Finance | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
IT | 9 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 16 |
Agriculture | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Animal Husbandry | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Fisheries | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Food Processing | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Forestry | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Plantation or Horticulture | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Geo Informatics | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Development Management | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
Statistics | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Civil Engineering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
Electrical Engineering | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Environmental Engineering | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
HR Management | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
RDBS – Total | 45 | 10 | 10 | 26 | 9 | 100 |
Assistant Manager (Rajbhasha) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Grand Total | 46 | 11 | 10 | 26 | 9 | 102 |
This breakdown shows the number of vacancies across different categories and disciplines, helping you understand the reservation and opportunities available for each post.
NABARD Grade A Application Process
The NABARD Grade A online application process starts as soon as the official notification is released. Candidates need to apply only during the specified application window mentioned in the notification. It’s best not to wait until the last day to apply because the website might get overloaded, causing technical issues.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to applying online:
- Apply Online:
- You must apply through the official NABARD website (www.nabard.org). No other way of applying is accepted.
- Registration:
- First, create a login account. Then, fill in your personal details and upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, thumb impression, and handwritten declaration as per the required format.
- Application Fee:
- Pay the application fee online using net banking, debit, or credit card.
- Submit and Print:
- After paying the fee, complete your application and print the confirmation page for your records.
Important things to remember:
- You can apply only once for a single post or discipline. If you submit multiple applications, only the last one will be considered, and the fees from earlier applications will be lost.
- Also, apply for only one category, either RDBS or Rajbhasha, as these are separate services.
Following these instructions carefully will help ensure your application is successfully submitted.
NABARD Grade A Application Fee 2025
The application fees listed below for NABARD Grade A do not include GST. Please note that these fees are expected amounts and might change. If there are any updates or changes, we will make sure to update the information here for you. Check out the fee details for all the categories below:
Here’s the NABARD Grade A application fee structure in a simple table:
Category | SC/ST/PwBD | All Others |
---|---|---|
Application Fee | Nil | Rs. 700 |
Intimation Charges | Rs. 150 | Rs. 150 |
Total Fee | Rs. 150 | Rs. 850 |
NABARD Grade A Eligibility Criteria 2025

Every candidate who applies for the post must meet the mentioned eligibility criteria. If you want to know the detailed eligibility, then check out the subsections below. Also, to help you prepare for this exam, mock tests become one of the most important sources. So, do not forget to attempt NABARD Grade A Mock Test.
NABARD Grade A Educational Qualification
Last year, there were 17 disciplines for which vacancies were out. The post wise educational criteria for NABARD Grade A are given below.
Discipline | Educational Qualification |
---|---|
General | Bachelor’s Degree in any subject OR Post Graduate degree, MBA/PGDM OR CA/CS/ICWA OR Ph.D from institutions recognized by GOI/UGC |
C.A. | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized University/Institution with Membership of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), obtained on or before the reference date |
I.T. | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science/Computer Technology/Computer Applications/Information Technology OR Post Graduate degree in the same fields |
Finance | BBA (Finance/Banking) / BMS (Finance/Banking) OR 2 years full-time P.G. Diploma in Management (Finance) / Full-time MBA (Finance) / MMS (Finance) with a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline (certificate required) OR Bachelor of Financial and Investment Analysis |
Agriculture | Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture OR 2 years full-time Post Graduate Degree in Agriculture (Soil Science/Agronomy) |
Animal Husbandry | Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Sciences / Animal Husbandry OR Post Graduate degree in Veterinary Sciences / Animal Husbandry |
Fisheries | Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries Science OR Post Graduate degree in Fisheries Science |
Plantation & Horticulture | Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture OR Post Graduate degree in Horticulture |
Geo Informatics | BE/B.Tech/BSc degree in Geoinformatics OR ME/M.Tech/MSc degree in Geoinformatics |
Forestry | Bachelor’s degree in Forestry OR Post Graduate degree in Forestry |
Food Processing | Bachelor’s degree in Food Processing/Food Technology OR Post Graduate degree in Food Processing/Food Technology |
Statistics | Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics OR Post Graduate degree in Statistics |
Development Management | Bachelor’s degree in Social Work/Rural Development/Rural Management/Development Studies/Development Management/Development Administration/Economics/Development Economics OR Post Graduate degree in same fields |
Civil Engineering | Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering OR Post Graduate Degree in Civil Engineering |
Electrical Engineering | Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering/Electrical & Electronics Engineering OR Post Graduate Degree in same fields |
Environmental Engineering/Sciences | Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering/Environmental Science OR Post Graduate Degree in same fields |
Human Resource Management | Bachelor’s Degree AND 2 years full-time Post Graduate Degree/Diploma in Personnel Management/Industrial Relations/Human Resource/HR Development/Labour Law |
Here are some important points to keep in mind:
- Your graduation should be completed from a recognized university or institution with at least 60% marks overall. For SC, ST, and PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) candidates, the minimum required marks are 55%.
- If you have a postgraduate degree, it should also be from a recognized university or institution with at least 55% marks overall. For SC, ST, and PwBD candidates, the minimum required marks are 50%.
These criteria apply to both the RDBS and Rajbhasha posts.
NABARD Grade A Educational Qualification for Rajbhasha
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university in English or Hindi medium with Hindi and English as a compulsory or elective subject AND
- PG Diploma in Translation (minimum one year) in Hindi to English and vice-versa from any recognized University.
- Candidates must have studied English and Hindi as subjects in at least 02 years of bachelor’s degree course. OR
- Master’s Degree in HINDI with a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate (SC/PWBD applicants – 55%). Candidates must have studied English as main/ elective subject in at least 02 years of Bachelor’s Degree course. OR
- Master’s Degree in ENGLISH with a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate (SC/PWBD applicants – 55%). Candidates must have studied Hindi as main/elective subject in at least 02 years of Bachelor’s Degree course.
- Candidates must be able to translate from English to Hindi and vice/versa.
NABARD Grade A Age Limit
Age Limit:
- You must be between 21 and 30 years old as of 1st July 2025.
- This means your date of birth should fall between 2nd July 1995 and 1st July 2004 (inclusive).
Age Relaxation (as per Government norms):
If you belong to a reserved category, you can get extra years added to the upper age limit:
- OBC: +3 years (i.e., up to 33 years)
- SC/ST: +5 years (i.e., up to 35 years)
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): +10 years
- Note: These relaxations can’t be added together. Only one category-based relaxation applies at a time.
This age criteria helps ensure fair opportunities while also accommodating candidates from reserved categories as per government policy.
Cut-Off Trends of Last 4 Years

Over the years, the cut-off for the NABARD Grade A exam has varied, influenced by factors such as the number of candidates, the difficulty level of the exam, and vacancies available. This blog will provide a detailed analysis of the NABARD Grade A cut-off from 2021 to 2024, offering insights into the trends and patterns to help aspirants better understand the expectations and prepare more effectively.
- Analysis is being done from 2021 because pattern was changed from here so previous cutoff will not have that significance NABARD Grade A 2021 Phase 1 (Prelims) Cut-Off
- We have take UR cut off as a base for common understanding so that all can have a target as per that
- The cutoff analysis is for generalist stream for NABARD Grade A Exam.
Eligibility Criteria
While the detailed eligibility criteria will be specified in the official notification, generally, candidates must:
- Age:
- Be between 21 and 30 years as on the specified date.
- Educational Qualification:
- Possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PWBD applicants).
Note: Relaxations in age and qualifications may apply for reserved categories as per government guidelines.
NABARD Grade A Selection Process 2025
Selection Stages at a Glance
The recruitment process has 4 major stages:
1. Phase-I: Preliminary Exam (Prelims)
- Type: Online Objective Test
- Total Questions: 200
- Total Marks: 200
- Time: 2 hours
- Subjects Covered:
- Reasoning
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Computer Knowledge
- Decision Making
- General Awareness (GA)
- Economic & Social Issues (ESI) – Focus on rural India
- Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD)
Note: This phase is qualifying in nature. Marks are not counted for final merit.
2. Phase-II: Main Examination (Mains)
Only those who qualify the Prelims are allowed to appear for Mains.
There are two papers:
Paper I – Descriptive English
- Essay writing, précis, comprehension, etc.
- Marks: 100
- Time: 90 minutes
Paper II – Subject-Specific
- For General Discipline:
- Part A: Objective Questions (MCQs) on ESI & ARD – 50 questions, 50 marks, 30 minutes
- Part B: Descriptive Questions (choose 4 out of 6) – 50 marks, 90 minutes
- For Specialist Streams:
- Subject-specific questions based on your discipline (like IT, Agriculture, etc.)
3. Psychometric Test
- Type: Online Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Duration: Around 90 minutes
- Purpose: To evaluate your personality traits, decision-making ability, behavior, etc.
- This test is mandatory but not scored in final merit. However, it helps NABARD assess your suitability for the role.
4. Interview
- Only candidates who clear the Mains (and Psychometric Test) are called for the Personal Interview.
- Interview panel evaluates:
- Your knowledge
- Communication & confidence
- Awareness about NABARD’s role
- Overall suitability for the Grade A position
- Final Selection is based on marks scored in:
- Mains (Paper I + II)
- Interview
Note for Rajbhasha Candidates:
- The overall selection process is largely the same.
- However, the Mains Paper II will be based on Hindi/Translation.
- Final selection also includes an interview as per notification guidelines.
This multi-stage process helps NABARD select candidates who not only have strong academic and analytical skills but also the personality and communication skills needed to work in rural development and banking.
NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern helps you:
- Plan your preparation smartly
- Focus more on important sections
- Avoid surprises during the exam
Phase 1: NABARD Grade A Prelims Exam Pattern
- This is the first stage – an online objective test
- Total Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- The exam has two types of sections:
- Qualifying Sections: Only need to pass (marks not counted for merit)
- Merit Sections: Marks are counted for selection to Phase 2
- All sections are bilingual (Hindi & English) except English Language
Prelims Exam Pattern Table:
Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Category |
---|---|---|---|
Reasoning | 20 | 20 | Qualifying |
English Language | 30 | 30 | Qualifying |
Computer Knowledge | 20 | 20 | Qualifying |
Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 20 | Qualifying |
Decision Making | 10 | 10 | Qualifying |
General Awareness | 20 | 20 | Merit-Based |
Economic & Social Issues (ESI) | 40 | 40 | Merit-Based |
Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD) | 40 | 40 | Merit-Based |
Total | 200 | 200 | – |
Note: Only marks from the Merit Sections (GA, ESI, ARD) are used for shortlisting to Phase 2.
Phase 2: NABARD Grade A Mains Exam Pattern
- Only those who clear the Prelims can appear in Mains
- There are two papers (both are online)
Paper I – Descriptive English (Common for All)
- Time: 90 minutes
- Marks: 100
- Type: Essay, précis, comprehension, etc.
- Questions Asked: 3 questions
Paper II – Stream Specific
For Generalist Officers:
Paper | Subject | Type | Marks | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Paper I | General English (Descriptive) | Descriptive | 100 | 90 mins |
Paper II (A) | ESI & ARD (Objective) | MCQs (30 Qs) | 50 | 30 mins |
Paper II (B) | ESI & ARD (Descriptive) | Descriptive (4 Qs) | 50 | 90 mins |
Descriptive Questions Rule:
- Attempt 4 out of 6 questions
- 2 questions should be of 15 marks each,
- 2 questions of 10 marks each
For Specialist Streams (e.g., Agriculture, IT) & Rajbhasha:
Paper | Subject | Type | Marks | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Paper I | General English (Descriptive) | Descriptive | 100 | 90 mins |
Paper II (A) | Stream-Specific Subject (Objective) | MCQs (30 Qs) | 50 | 30 mins |
Paper II (B) | Stream-Specific (Descriptive) | Descriptive (4 Qs) | 50 | 90 mins |
Note: Some MCQs in the Specialist stream may carry 2 marks.
Phase 3: NABARD Grade A Psychometric Test
- Purpose: To check your personality, behavior, emotional intelligence, and suitability for NABARD’s work culture
- Type: MCQ-based
- Time: 90 minutes
- Nature: Mandatory, but not eliminatory
- Impact: May influence the final selection, though it doesn’t carry specific marks
Final Phase: Interview
- Candidates who clear the Mains + Psychometric Test are invited for an interview
- Focus:
- Domain knowledge
- Awareness of rural development, economy, NABARD’s role
- Communication skills & attitude
- Final selection = Mains Score (Paper I + II) + Interview Marks
NABARD Grade A Syllabus 2025
The NABARD Grade A Prelims exam is designed to test a candidate’s overall aptitude and awareness through a total of eight sections. These include Reasoning, English Language, Computer Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, and Decision Making, which assess a candidate’s logical thinking, communication skills, numerical ability, and basic IT knowledge. Alongside these, there are three crucial knowledge-based sections — General Awareness, Economic and Social Issues (ESI) with a focus on rural India, and Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) with emphasis on rural areas. These test your understanding of current affairs, development policies, and rural agricultural systems.
Once you qualify in the prelims, you move on to the Mains exam, which focuses more deeply on your subject knowledge and writing skills. The Mains has three key sections: Economic & Social Issues (ESI), Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD), and Descriptive English. In this phase, you’ll answer both objective and descriptive questions to show your understanding of important topics and your ability to express ideas clearly in written English.
NABARD Grade A Prelims Syllabus
NABARD Grade A Phase 1 Prelims Syllabus – Qualifying Sections Only
Section | Topics Covered |
---|---|
Reasoning Ability | Puzzles & Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Data Sufficiency, Verbal Reasoning (Statement-based Questions), Inequality, Miscellaneous Questions, Input-Output, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding |
Quantitative Aptitude | Data Interpretation, Quadratic Equations, Number Series, Simplification/Approximation, Data Sufficiency, Arithmetic Questions, Quantity Comparisons, Mathematical Inequalities |
English Language | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Sentence Improvement, Spotting the Errors, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Rearrangement, Para Jumbles, New Pattern Questions |
General Awareness | Current Affairs (National & International), Banking Awareness, Economy, Insurance, Appointments, Sports, Awards & Honors, Government Schemes, Science & Technology |
Decision Making | Interpreting Information, Recognizing Assumptions, Situation-based Questions, Case Studies |
Computer Knowledge | Input & Output Devices, Networking Basics, DBMS (Database Management System), MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet, History & Generations of Computers, Keyboard Shortcuts |
NABARD Grade A ARD Syllabus for Phase 1 & 2
Topic | Sub-Topics Covered |
---|---|
Agriculture | – Definition, Meaning, and Branches of Agriculture- Agronomy: Definition, Scope, Classification of Field Crops- Factors Affecting Crop Production- Agro-Climatic Zones- Cropping Systems: Types and Definitions- Seed Production, Seed Processing, Seed Village Concept- Meteorology: Weather Parameters & Advisory- Precision Farming, System of Crop Intensification- Organic Farming |
Soil and Water Conservation | – Major Soil Types- Soil Fertility and Fertilizers- Soil Erosion and Conservation- Watershed Management |
Water Resource | – Irrigation Management and Types- Sources of Irrigation- Crop-Water Requirement- Command Area Development- Water Conservation Techniques- Micro Irrigation- Irrigation Pumps- Major, Medium, and Minor Irrigation |
Agri & Farm Engineering | – Farm Power and Machinery- Power Sources: Animal, Human, Electrical, Mechanical, Wind, Biomass, Solar- Biofuels- Water Harvesting Structures- Farm Ponds- Agro Processing- Modified & Controlled Storage- Storage of Perishables: Bins, Godowns, Grain Silos |
Horticulture & Plantation | – Definition and Branches- Production Technologies for Horticulture and Plantation Crops- Agronomic Practices- Value Chain & Supply Chain Management- Post-Harvest Management |
Animal Husbandry | – Role of Farm Animals in Indian Economy- Husbandry Methods in India- Livestock Terminologies- Breed Classification (Cattle)- Introduction to Feeds and Fodders- Poultry Industry: Overview and Terms- Mixed Farming: Concept and Socio-Economic Role- Relationship Between Agriculture and Livestock |
Fisheries | – Fisheries Resources: Marine, Freshwater, Brackish Water- Exploitation and Management- Aquaculture (Inland & Marine)- Fisheries Biotechnology- Post-Harvest Technology- Importance of Fisheries in India- Fish Production Terminology |
Forestry | – Basic Forestry Concepts- Forest Management, Mensuration, Economics- Silviculture Principles- Agroforestry, Social Forestry, Joint Forest Management- Forest Policies and Legislation- State of Forest Report (2015)- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) Initiatives |
Agriculture Extensions | – Importance and Role of Extension- Evaluation of Extension Programmes- Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) |
Ecology & Climate Change | – Relevance of Ecology to Humans- Sustainable Natural Resource Management- Causes of Climate Change, GHGs- Top GHG Emitting Countries- Adaptation vs Mitigation- Impact on Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods- Concepts: Carbon Credit, IPCC, UNFCCC, CoP- Indian Initiatives: SAPCC, NAPCC, INDC |
Present Scenario of Agriculture & Allied Activities | – Recent Trends & Challenges- Enhancing Viability in Agriculture- Factors of Production- Agricultural Finance & Marketing- Impact of Globalization- Food Security Issues- Farm Management: Concepts and Types |
Rural Development | – Definition of Rural Area- Structure of Indian Rural Economy- Role of Rural Sector: Economic, Social, Demographic- Rural Backwardness Causes- Rural Occupation Patterns: Farmers, Labourers, Artisans, Handicrafts, Traders, Forest Dwellers- Workforce Trends- Problems of Rural Labour- Handloom Sector Issues- Panchayati Raj: Functions & Working- Government Schemes: MGNREGA, NRLM-Aajeevika, Rural Drinking Water, Swachh Bharat, Rural Housing, PURA, Others |
Note:
- Phase 1 will include objective-type questions from these topics at a moderate level.
- Phase 2 will have a more descriptive and analytical approach, especially in Paper II (Economic & Social Issues + ARD).
- Understanding concepts along with current affairs linkages is essential.
NABARD Grade A ESI Syllabus for Phase 1 & 2
Major Topics | Sub-Topics Covered |
---|---|
Indian Economy and Its Nature | – Institutional and Structural Features- Characteristics of Economic Underdevelopment- Opening Up of the Indian Economy- Globalization- Economic Reforms in India- Privatization |
Inflation | – Trends in Inflation in India- Causes and Consequences- Impact of Inflation on Income and Economy |
Employment Generation and Poverty Alleviation in India | – Employment Trends: Urban & Rural- Methods of Measuring Poverty- Government Programmes for Poverty Alleviation |
Population Trends | – Population Growth and Its Impact on Economic Development- Population Policy in India |
Agriculture | – Characteristics and Current Status of Indian Agriculture- Technical and Institutional Reforms- Agricultural Performance- Food Security Issues- Rural Credit: Institutional & Non-Institutional Sources |
Industry | – Industrial Policy and Labour Policy- Performance of the Industrial Sector- Regional Imbalances in Industrial Growth- Role and Status of Public Sector Enterprises |
Financial Institutions and Rural Banking in India | – Structure of Financial Institutions- Banking Sector Reforms- Role of Rural Banking in Financial Inclusion |
Economic Globalization | – Role of International Funding Institutions- IMF, World Bank, WTO- Regional Economic Cooperation |
Social Structure in India | – Multiculturalism- Demographic Trends- Urbanization & Migration- Gender Issues- Joint Family System- Social Infrastructure: Education, Health, and Environment |
Education | – Status and Structure of the Education System in India- Socio-Economic Challenges of Illiteracy- Educational Relevance and Wastage- Educational Policies |
Social Justice | – Issues of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes- Socio-Economic Schemes for SCs, STs, and OBCs |
Positive Discrimination | – Policies and Constitutional Provisions for the Upliftment of Weaker Sections |
Social Movements & Political Systems | – Role and Impact of Social Movements- Structure and Nature of the Indian Political System |
Human Development & Current Issues | – Concepts of Human Development- Human Development Index (HDI)- Current Economic and Social Issues (both national and global) |
Note:
- Phase 1 has objective questions (moderate level).
- Phase 2 involves both objective and descriptive questions in Paper II focusing on analysis and policy interpretation.
- Linking static concepts with current affairs is essential for scoring high.
NABARD Grade A Salary 2025
In 2025, newly selected NABARD Grade A Assistant Managers start with a basic monthly salary of ₹44,500(Approx.). Their pay scale follows a structured progression, eventually reaching up to ₹89,150(Approx.) over the years. When you add various allowances like Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, City Compensatory Allowance, and Grade Allowance, the total gross salary comes to around ₹1,00,000(Approx.) per month.
In addition to the salary, officers enjoy several benefits such as:
- Bank-leased accommodation or support for buying a house
- Reimbursements for expenses like vehicle maintenance, internet, phone bills, and books
- Medical coverage for OPD and hospitalisation
- Leave travel concessions
- Retirement benefits including NPS, gratuity, and group insurance
- Low-interest loans for housing, education, and vehicles
New recruits go through a probation period of two years, which can be extended by one more year if needed. They can be posted anywhere in India, and over time, there are opportunities for promotion to higher grades, which come with increased responsibilities and better pay.
NABARD Grade A Job Profile
Once you join NABARD as an Assistant Manager (Grade A), you could be assigned to any department, no matter what your academic background is. NABARD has a formal and structured work environment, and usually, you will report to the Chief General Manager (CGM) in your department.
Preparation Tips for NABARD Grade A 2025
Getting ready for NABARD Grade A 2025 calls for a smart plan, a good grasp of the exam pattern, and focused study across all subjects to stay ahead of the competition.
First, understand the exam pattern well — know the format and marking scheme for both Prelims (200 marks) and Mains (200 marks plus 50 marks for the interview).
Make a daily study timetable, dividing your time among all sections like English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, ESI, and Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD). Give extra attention to Agriculture & Rural Development since it’s a unique part of NABARD’s syllabus.
Keep yourself updated with current affairs related to banking, agriculture policies, government schemes, rural development, and general knowledge. Following monthly magazines or trusted news sources will help a lot.
Focus deeply on Agriculture & Rural Development topics such as crops, livestock, agricultural reforms, NABARD’s role, and rural credit. NCERT books on agriculture and NABARD’s Annual Report are great resources.
Regularly practice with mock tests online to improve your speed and accuracy. After each test, analyze your weak areas and revise those topics.
Solve previous years’ NABARD Grade A question papers to get a feel for the difficulty level and important subjects, especially ARD and ESI.
Make concise notes for quick revision of formulas, agriculture concepts, economics, and current affairs.
For the interview stage, stay confident about the basics of rural banking and your chosen specialization. Be ready to answer questions on agriculture and your personal background.
With consistent preparation, a clear understanding of the syllabus, and knowing the exam pattern, you can greatly improve your chances of cracking NABARD Grade A 2025.
Join NABARD Grade A Course
With a structured plan, daily discipline, and the right resources, you can master and move one step closer to your dream job at NABARD.
You’ve got this — let’s make it happen!
Watch C4S Interview videos and attend mock sessions to improve your communication and confidence. Remember, your personality and thought process matter here.
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

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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