The official recruitment notification for NABARD Grade A Recruitment 2025 provides comprehensive details regarding the NABARD Grade A Syllabus and the exam pattern. The selection process is structured into three crucial phases: Prelims, Mains, and an Interview. Both the Prelims and Mains exams are scored out of a maximum of 200 marks each.
Mains Exam: This stage has sectional timing—90 minutes for Paper-I and 120 minutes for Paper-II. The questions will be a mix of objective and descriptive types.
Prelims Exam: This stage features a duration of 2 hours and consists entirely of objective-type questions.
Here are the key subjects covered in each stage of the NABARD Grade A examination:
Keep reading for more detailed information on the syllabus and exam pattern for the upcoming NABARD Grade A Exam.
The NABARD Grade A exam includes a Preliminary Test with objective-type questions based on the NABARD Grade A syllabus, followed by a Mains Exam that features both objective and descriptive papers covering subjects such as Economics, Agriculture, Rural Development, and General English. Candidates who qualify for these stages are called for the interview, where their overall suitability for the role is assessed.
The NABARD Grade A Prelims 2025 will be a common online objective test for all Grade A posts. It will be conducted in both English and Hindi (except for the English language section).
Selection for the Main Exam will be based only on marks scored in the Merit Section.
| S. No. | Name of the Test | No. of Qs. | Max Marks | Version | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Test of Reasoning | 20 | 20 | Bilingual – Hindi and English, except for English | Composite time of 120 Minutes for all tests |
| 2 | English Language | 30 | 30 | Bilingual – Hindi and English, except for English | Composite time of 120 Minutes for all tests |
| 3 | Computer Knowledge | 20 | 20 | Bilingual – Hindi and English, except for English | Composite time of 120 Minutes for all tests |
| 4 | Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 20 | Bilingual – Hindi and English, except for English | Composite time of 120 Minutes for all tests |
| 5 | Decision Making | 10 | 10 | Bilingual – Hindi and English, except for English | Composite time of 120 Minutes for all tests |
| 6 | General Awareness | 20 | 20 | Bilingual – Hindi and English, except for English | Composite time of 120 Minutes for all tests |
| 7 | Eco & Soc. Issues (focus on Rural India) | 40 | 40 | Bilingual – Hindi and English, except for English | Composite time of 120 Minutes for all tests |
| 8 | Agriculture & Rural Development (focus on Rural India) | 40 | 40 | Bilingual – Hindi and English, except for English | Composite time of 120 Minutes for all tests |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 Minutes |
The NABARD Grade A Mains Exam 2025 will consist of both objective and descriptive online tests, covering subjects outlined in the NABARD Grade A syllabus, including Economics, Agriculture, Rural Development, and General English. Paper I will be common for all positions, while Paper II will be post-specific. For detailed information on marking schemes and section-wise weightage, candidates should refer to the NABARD Grade A exam pattern 2025 for their respective posts.
Candidates who achieve or exceed the minimum cut-off marks in the Mains exam will be eligible for the NABARD Grade A interview 2025. A penalty of 0.25 marks will be applied for each incorrect answer in the Mains exam.
For the Generalist post, the NABARD Grade A syllabus includes two papers in the exam. Paper I, common to all posts, will be descriptive, while Paper II will focus on Economic and Social Issues. View the detailed exam pattern here.
| Paper | Grade A | Type of Paper | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General English | Online Descriptive | 3 | 100 | 90 Min | Descriptive answers to be typed using the keyboard |
| Paper II | Economic and Social Issues | Objective | 30 | 50 | 30 Min | Objective questions |
| Descriptive | 6 | 50 | 90 Min | Descriptive: Attempt 4 out of 6 questions (2 of 15 marks with difficulty level, 2 of 10 marks); Answers to be typed using keyboard in English or Hindi (Remington/Inscript) |
For the Generalist post, the exam will also consist of two papers. Paper I will be common to all posts, while Paper II will be specific to the candidate’s stream. View the detailed pattern here.
| Paper | Grade A | Type of Paper | No. of Qs. | Marks | Duration | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General English | Online Descriptive | 3 | 100 | 90 Min | Descriptive answers to be typed using the keyboard |
| Paper II | Stream Specific Paper | Objective | 30 | 50 | 30 Min | Objective questions |
| Descriptive | 6 | 50 | 90 Min | Descriptive: Attempt 4 out of 6 questions (2 of 15 marks each, 2 of 10 marks each); Answers to be typed using keyboard in English or Hindi (Remington/Inscript) |
For the Rajbhasha post, Paper-II will be stream-specific and consist of 6 questions, of which candidates must attempt 4. The paper will have two sections: one objective and one descriptive. View the complete exam pattern here.
| Paper | Grade A | Type of Paper | No. of Qs. | Marks | Duration | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General English | Online Descriptive | 3 | 100 | 90 Min | Descriptive answers to be typed using the keyboard |
| Paper II | Stream Specific Paper | Objective | 30 | 50 | 30 Min | Objective questions |
| Descriptive | 6 | 50 | 90 Min | Descriptive: Attempt 4 out of 6 questions (2 of 15 marks each, 2 of 10 marks each); Answers to be typed using keyboard in Hindi (Remington/Inscript) |
The NABARD Grade A Syllabus 2025 is designed to evaluate candidates’ knowledge and skills across multiple areas. The Preliminary Exam covers Reasoning, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. The Mains Exam includes specialized subjects relevant to the post, such as Economics, Agriculture, and Rural Development. The Descriptive Paper assesses the candidate’s ability to express ideas clearly in English. A thorough understanding of the syllabus is essential for targeted and effective preparation.
The NABARD Grade A Prelims exam will be conducted for a total of 200 marks, consisting of 200 questions. The exam will be based on the NABARD Grade A syllabus and will cover subjects including Reasoning, English Language, Computer Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, Decision Making, General Awareness, Economics & Social Issues, and Agriculture & Rural Development. A detailed syllabus for each of these sections is provided below.
The Reasoning section of the NABARD Grade A syllabus covers the following key topics:
| Topics | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | Puzzles & Seating Arrangement |
| Syllogism | |
| Data Sufficiency | |
| Statement-based Questions (Verbal Reasoning) | |
| Inequality | |
| Miscellaneous Questions | |
| Input-Output | |
| Blood Relations | |
| Coding-Decoding |
The Quantitative Aptitude section is a key part of the NABARD Grade A syllabus. The following important topics are included for preparation in this section:
| Topics | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Data Interpretation |
| Quadratic Equations | |
| Number Series | |
| Simplification / Approximation | |
| Data Sufficiency | |
| Arithmetic Questions | |
| Quantity Comparisons | |
| Mathematical Inequalities |
The English Language section is a part of the NABARD Grade A syllabus. The following topics are included for preparation in this section:
| Topics | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| English Language | Reading Comprehension |
| Cloze Test | |
| Sentence Improvement | |
| Spotting the Errors | |
| Fill in the Blanks | |
| Sentence Rearrangement | |
| Para Jumbles | |
| New Pattern Questions |
The Computer Knowledge and Awareness section is an important part of the NABARD Grade A syllabus. The key topics to focus on for preparation in this section are as follows:
| Topics | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Computer Knowledge | Networking |
| Input-Output Devices | |
| DBMS (Database Management Systems) | |
| MS Office (Microsoft Office Suite) | |
| Internet | |
| History of Computers & Generations | |
| Shortcuts |
Economics and Social Issues form an important part of the NABARD Grade A syllabus for the Prelims exam, with a weightage of 40 questions. The key topics to concentrate on in this section are as follows:
| Topics | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Nature of the Indian Economy | Structural and Institutional Features, Economic Underdevelopment, Opening up the Indian Economy, Globalization, Economic Reforms in India, Privatization |
| Inflation | Trends in Inflation & their Impact on the National Economy and Individual Income |
| Poverty Alleviation & Employment | Rural and Urban, Measurement of Poverty, Poverty Alleviation Programmes of the Government |
| Population Trends | Population Growth and Economic Development, Population Policy in India |
| Agriculture | Characteristics/Status, Technical and Institutional Changes in Indian Agriculture, Agricultural Performance, Issues in Food Security, Rural Credit Agencies |
| Industry | Industrial and Labour Policy, Industrial Performance, Regional Imbalance in Industrial Development, Public Sector Enterprises |
| Rural Banking & Financial Institutions | Reforms in Banking/Financial Sector |
| Globalization of the Economy | Role of International Funding Institutions, IMF & World Bank, WTO, and Regional Economic Cooperation |
| Social Structure in India | Multiculturalism, Demographic Trends, Urbanization and Migration, Gender Issues, Joint Family System, Social Infrastructure (Education, Health, Environment) |
| Education | Status & System of Education, Socio-Economic Problems related to Illiteracy, Educational Relevance & Wastage, Educational Policy for India |
| Social Justice | Problems of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Socio-Economic Programmes for SC/ST & OBC, Positive Discrimination for the Underprivileged |
| Social Movements | Indian Political Systems, Human Development |
Agriculture & Rural Development is a significant part of the NABARD Grade A syllabus for the Prelims exam. The following are the key topics candidates should focus on in this section:
| Topics | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Definition, meaning, and its branches |
| Agronomy | Definition, meaning, scope; Classification of field crops; Factors affecting crop production; Agro-climatic zones; Cropping systems – definition and types; Problems of dry land – seed production, seed processing, seed village; Meteorology – weather parameters, crop-weather advisory; Precision farming; System of crop intensification; Organic farming |
| Soil & Water Conservation | Major soil types; Soil fertility; Fertilizers; Soil erosion; Soil conservation; Watershed management |
| Water Resources | Irrigation management; Types & sources of irrigation; Crop-water requirement; Command area development; Water conservation techniques; Micro-irrigation; Irrigation pumps; Major, medium, and minor irrigation |
| Farm & Agri Engineering | Farm machinery and power; Sources of power – human, animal, mechanical, electrical, wind, solar, biomass, biofuels; Water harvesting structures; Farm ponds |
| Agro-Processing | Controlled and modified storage; Perishable food storage; Godowns, bins, grain silos |
| Plantation & Horticulture | Definition, meaning, branches; Agronomic practices and production technology; Post-harvest management; Value and supply chain management |
| Animal Husbandry | Farm animals and their role in the Indian economy; Methods in India; Common terms of livestock species; Utility classification of cattle breeds; Feeds and fodders – types and utility; Poultry industry overview; Mixed farming relevance; Complementary role of livestock and poultry |
| Fisheries | Fisheries resources; Management & exploitation – freshwater, brackish water, marine; Aquaculture – inland & marine; Post-harvest technology; Importance of fisheries in India; Common fish production terms |
| Forestry | Basic concepts of forest & forestry; Principles of silviculture, forest mensuration, forest management & economics; Social forestry, agroforestry, joint forest management; Forest policy & legislation; India State of Forest Report 2015; Recent developments by Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change |
| Agriculture Extension | Importance and role; Methods to evaluate extension programs; Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in technology dissemination |
| Ecology & Climate Change | Ecology and relevance to humans; Natural resources management; Climate change – causes, GHGs, major emitters, analysis; Adaptation vs mitigation; Impact on agriculture & rural livelihoods; Carbon credit; IPCC, UNFCCC, CoP meetings; Funding mechanisms; Government initiatives – NAPCC, SAPCC, INDC |
| Present Scenario of Indian Agriculture & Allied Activities | Recent trends; Major challenges; Measures to enhance viability; Factors of production; Agricultural finance & marketing; Globalization impact; Food security; Farm management concepts & types |
| Rural Development | Concept of rural area; Structure of Indian rural economy; Role of rural sector; Economic, social & demographic characteristics; Causes of rural backwardness; Rural population; Occupational structure – farmers, laborers, artisans, handicrafts, traders, forest dwellers/tribes; Changes in rural population & workforce; Problems of rural labor; Handloom issues |
The NABARD Grade A Psychometric Test 2025 is a mandatory assessment designed to evaluate candidates’ personality traits, aptitude, and overall suitability for the role, in line with the NABARD Grade A syllabus. The test lasts 90 minutes and is a crucial part of the selection process. Performing well in this assessment is essential to advance further in the recruitment.
Candidates who achieve a sufficiently high rank in the exam will be shortlisted for the Interview. The Final Merit List will be based on marks obtained in the Mains exam and the Interview. The Interview carries a total of 50 marks, with the following weightage:
Refer to the NABARD Grade A Best Books to prepare your syllabus effectively.
The NABARD Grade A syllabus 2025 is pivotal for acing the exam. It covers various topics, emphasizing subject-specific knowledge for both Prelims and Mains. With sections like Economic and Social Issues, Agriculture and Rural Development, and General English, the syllabus is structured to assess candidates comprehensively. Aspiring candidates must focus on the detailed syllabus to excel in the exam. Notification for NABARD Grade A 2025 is expected soon, offering insights into the syllabus, exam pattern, eligibility criteria, and more. Make the most of the preparation period by prioritizing critical subjects and enhancing your understanding to secure success. Stay updated for official announcements.
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Ans. The difficulty level of the NABARD Grade A exam varies depending on the preparation level and knowledge of the topics covered in the exam. However, in general, the NABARD Grade A exam is considered to be moderately difficult.
Ans. The starting monthly salary for an NABARD Grade A officer is INR 44,500, within a pay scale of INR 44,500 – 1,50,000/–. However, the total take-home salary is significantly higher once all allowances are included. Officers receive various allowances such as Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and Transport Allowance, among others.
Ans. The test patterns and syllabi for RBI Grade B and NABARD are identical. There are three steps in the RBI Grade B and NABARD exams: the preliminary exam, the main exam (online assessments), and the final interview.
Ans. Agriculture and rural development are the only subjects different between the NABARD Grade A and RBI Grade B exams, which inquire about Finance and management instead. Economics and social issues are included in both the RBI Grade B and NABARD Grade A exams.
Ans. NABARD Grade A employees are entitled to all benefits provided to central government employees.
Yes, you can crack the NABARD exam in 3 months with a well-planned strategy. Focus on thoroughly understanding the syllabus, covering key topics in Economic & Social Issues, Agriculture & Rural Development, and practicing descriptive writing regularly.
Authored by, Nidhi Kukreja
Exam Prep Advisor
Nidhi is a passionate writer who specializes in long-form, research-backed content that delivers real value. Whether she’s writing blog articles or creating educational modules, she focuses on making complex topics clear, detailed, and easy to understand. Her content is designed to build knowledge and credibility, helping readers gain deeper insights with every piece.
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