NABARD Grade A Preparation
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Grade A Officer
Recruitment examination for Assistant Manager (Grade A) positions in NABARD, a development bank.
Format
5-Stage
Stages
Prelims → Mains - Paper I → Mains - Paper II (Objective) → Mains - Paper II (Descriptive) → Interview
Duration
Prelims: 120 minutes; Mains Paper I: 90 minutes; Mains Paper II: 90 minutes
Attempts
N/A
The NABARD Grade A exam comprises three stages: Preliminary Exam (Objective), Main Exam (Objective + Descriptive), and Interview. The Prelims is qualifying in nature, while marks from Mains and Interview determine the final merit list.
Exam Pattern
📋 Prelims
020302020204040 Qs · 020302020204040 Marks📋 Mains - Paper I
03 (Essay, Precis, Comprehension) Qs · 0100 Marks📋 Mains - Paper II (Objective)
030 Qs · 050 Marks📋 Mains - Paper II (Descriptive)
06 (attempt 4) Qs · 050 Marks📋 Interview
0N/A Qs · 050 MarksPreparation Courses
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Browse All CoursesWhat You Get with NABARD Grade A Preparation
Online Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Negative Marking (0.25 marks for incorrect answers in objective papers)
Sectional Timing in Prelims
Both Objective and Descriptive papers in Mains
Interview Stage for final selection
Bilingual Exam (except English Language paper)
Prelims is qualifying in nature
Complete Syllabus Coverage
Prelims
Reasoning Ability
20 Questions • 20 Marks
English Language
30 Questions • 30 Marks
Computer Knowledge
20 Questions • 20 Marks
Quantitative Aptitude
20 Questions • 20 Marks
General Awareness
20 Questions • 20 Marks
Economic & Social Issues (ESI)
40 Questions • 40 Marks
Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD)
40 Questions • 40 Marks
Mains - Paper I
General English (Descriptive)
3 (Essay, Precis, Comprehension) Questions • 100 Marks
Mains - Paper II (Objective)
Economic & Social Issues (ESI) & Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD)
30 Questions • 50 Marks
Mains - Paper II (Descriptive)
Economic & Social Issues (ESI) & Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD)
6 (attempt 4) Questions • 50 Marks
Interview
Personality Test
N/A Questions • 50 Marks
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
A Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PWBD candidates) or a Post Graduate Degree with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PWBD candidates) from a recognized university. Specific educational qualifications are required for specialist posts.
Age Limit
Minimum 21 years and Maximum 30 years as of a specified cut-off date (typically 1st January of the exam year). Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per Government of India norms.
Number of Attempts
Reservation
As per Govt. norms (SC/ST/OBC/PwD)
How to Prepare for NABARD Grade A
Understand the detailed syllabus and exam pattern for both Prelims and Mains, paying special attention to ESI and ARD.
Focus on building strong conceptual clarity for ESI and ARD, as they are crucial for both stages. Read government reports, schemes, and current affairs related to agriculture and rural development.
Practice descriptive writing for Mains Paper I (English) and Paper II (ESI & ARD) regularly. Improve essay writing, precis, and comprehension skills.
Solve previous year's question papers and take mock tests consistently to improve speed, accuracy, and time management for all sections.
Stay updated with current affairs, especially those related to banking, economy, agriculture, and social issues, for General Awareness, ESI, and ARD sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the selection process for NABARD Grade A?
The selection process involves three stages: Preliminary Examination (objective), Main Examination (objective + descriptive), and an Interview.
Is there negative marking in the NABARD Grade A exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in the objective sections of both Prelims and Mains.
What is the age limit for NABARD Grade A 2026?
Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years old as of the specified cut-off date. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories as per Government of India norms.
What are the key subjects for the NABARD Grade A Mains exam?
The Mains exam consists of Paper I (General English - Descriptive) and Paper II (Economic & Social Issues and Agriculture & Rural Development - Objective + Descriptive).
Can final year students apply for NABARD Grade A?
Generally, candidates must have completed their degree and possess the final mark sheet/certificate by the date specified in the official notification. Provisional degrees are usually not accepted.
Important Dates
NABARD Grade A
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