What is the structure of the NABARD Grade-A exam?

NABARD Grade-A selection has three phases. Prelims is an online objective test with 200 questions covering Reasoning, English, Computer, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. Mains has both objective and descriptive papers covering Economic & Social Issues, Agriculture & Rural Development, and English. Phase III is a personal interview. The Agriculture & Rural Development paper in Mains is the most differentiating section requiring deep domain knowledge.

What is the salary of a NABARD Grade-A Officer?

A NABARD Grade-A Officer receives a basic pay of ₹28,150 per month with a total CTC including DA, HRA, and other allowances of approximately ₹15–18 lakh per annum. Additional perks include residential accommodation at subsidised rates, LTC, medical benefits, and professional development opportunities. NABARD postings include both metro and rural areas, with the rural postings being central to the bank's core development mandate.

Do I need an agriculture degree for NABARD Grade-A?

No, an agriculture degree is not mandatory for the general Development Officer stream — any graduate with 60%+ marks can apply. However, candidates with degrees in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Rural Management (IRMA, NIRD), or Economics have a competitive edge in the Agriculture & Rural Development Mains paper. NABARD also recruits specialists separately for roles requiring specific agriculture or veterinary science qualifications.

What are the key topics in NABARD Agriculture & Rural Development Mains paper?

The paper covers agricultural economics (Green Revolution, MSP, procurement, food security), rural credit institutions (RRBs, PACs, NABARD refinance, MFIs), land reforms and cooperative movement, rural development schemes (MGNREGA, PMKSY, PM-KISAN, SMAM), water conservation, crop insurance (PMFBY), and rural infrastructure. Reading NABARD's Annual Report, the Economic Survey's agriculture chapter, and India Year Book (rural development section) provides comprehensive coverage.

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200

Questions

120 min

Duration

200

Total Marks

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Exam Overview

Conducting BodyNational Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development

Exam ModeOnline (CBT) + Descriptive + Interview

Marking Scheme+1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect (Prelims); Mains is descriptive

SectionsAgriculture & Rural Development, General Awareness, Reasoning, English, Computer Knowledge

FrequencyAnnual

Next ExamAugust 2026

RegistrationMay–June 2026

EligibilityGraduate with 60%+ marks (55% for SC/ST); Age 21–30 years; Priority for Agriculture/Rural Management degrees

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NABARD Grade-A Preparation Tips

Expert strategies to help you crack NABARD Grade-A on your first attempt.

The Agriculture & Rural Development Mains paper is the biggest differentiator — study NABARD Annual Report and government agricultural scheme documents systematically.

For Prelims General Awareness, focus heavily on rural banking current affairs, RBI priority sector guidelines, and state rural development initiatives.

Practice descriptive writing on agricultural policy issues from a development banking perspective — answers should reference NABARD's own programs and data.

Combine preparation with RBI Grade-B ESI material — both exams share significant overlap in economics, social issues, and government scheme content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about NABARD Grade-A exam pattern, eligibility, and preparation.

A NABARD Grade-A Development Officer works at India's apex development bank for agriculture and rural sectors. Responsibilities include credit supervision of regional rural banks and cooperative banks, rural development project appraisal, agricultural financing policy implementation, KCC (Kisan Credit Card) monitoring, and watershed development initiatives. Officers also work on financial inclusion programs, SHG-Bank Linkage, and priority sector lending oversight across rural India.

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