NABARD IT and Finance exam is a good opportunity for government job seekers due to the organization’s focus on the critical sectors of agricultural and rural development, job security with good work-life balance, competitive compensation, potential for professional growth, social impact, the prestige associated with the institution, and the chance for continuous learning and exposure.
The NABARD Grade A exam has been announced for 91 vacancies, and the NABARD Grade A notification provides all the essential details regarding the exam. The registration is open from November 08, 2025, to November 30, 2025. The NABARD Grade A phase 1 Exam is expected to begin on December 20, 2025, and Phase II on January 25, 2026. So, aspirants, you should be prepared for the exam and work on your pre-exam anxiety.
The best part about applying is that you need not necessarily be related to the agriculture field to become eligible for the NABARD IT and Finance fields or even any other stream, for that matter. For instance, if you are an IT graduate, you can apply for the NABARD Assistant Manager (RDBS) post in the Computer /IT discipline.
However, there is a major challenge that a person from a non-agriculture background faces in the exam, especially for NABARD IT and Finance. In this blog, we are going to talk about some tips to help you prepare for NABARD IT and Finance. So keep reading this blog till the end to know more about how NABARD IT and Finance aspirants can prepare for ARD and ESI.
NABARD IT and Finance: Challenge for Non-Agriculture Aspirants
We all know the Exam Pattern of the NABARD Grade A comprises Phase 1, 2, and the interview round for all posts. Simultaneously, you must also know that the vacancies announced as per the NABARD Grade A Notification are not limited only to the Agriculture field but also encompass various fields. Those fields include IT, Finance, Legal, etc. As a result, the phase 1 exam is the same for all posts, and the phase 2 exam differs in accordance with the field-to-field vacancies.
The syllabus for Phase 1 is the same for all posts. Here, applicants from non-agriculture backgrounds find it difficult when it comes to some agriculture-based topics in the NABARD IT and Finance syllabus. Ideally, the subjects of NABARD Grade A Phase 1 are divided into two sections: Qualifying and Merit-based.
The major challenge non-agriculture aspirants face is in the merit-based sections. Here, the ESI and ARD subjects include the Dynamic questions wholly related to the agriculture studies. In this blog, we will tell some strategies through which you can be able to study these two subjects of ESI and ARD. This will help you score good marks in the NABARD IT and Finance exam and positively impact your merit.
NABARD IT and Finance: Introduction to ARD and ESI
To begin studying anything, it is important to understand the basics of both subjects. At ixamBee, we believe in spreading conceptual knowledge. Our Upcoming Banking Exams platform provides aspirants with all the information they need regarding the bank exams. Hence, below is a brief introduction to the subjects ESI and ARD, especially for NABARD IT and Finance aspirants:
Economic and Social Issues (ESI):
This subject deals with various economic and social aspects that affect rural India. It includes topics like poverty alleviation, rural development programs, economic reforms, and social issues like gender inequality, education, and healthcare.
Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD):
ARD, as the name suggests, focuses on rural development and agriculture-related topics. It covers areas such as crop production, agricultural policies, rural banking, and the agricultural economy.
NABARD IT and Finance: Preparation Tips for ARD and ESI Subjects
It is important to know the fact that the syllabus of ESI and ARD of the NABARD IT and Finance Exam only includes the Dynamic questions. Therefore, there is no point in waiting hours to read course books and have in-depth knowledge about them. You can play smart instead by following the below hacks that are definitely going to help you score high and qualify for the NABARD Grade A phase 2 exam.
1. Know the Exam Pattern
Understanding the NABARD Grade A syllabus is the first step to preparing effectively for ESI and ARD. The NABARD IT and Finance exam, like the rest of the exam, consists of two sections: merit-based subjects and qualifying subjects. ESI and ARD fall under the merit-based subjects. These subjects carry substantial weightage in the exam, making them crucial for your overall score.
2. Collect Study Materials
To excel in ESI and ARD, you need the right study materials. Here are some recommendations:
Books:
Look for books that cover the ESI and ARD syllabus comprehensively. Some popular choices include “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh and “Agriculture at a Glance” by R.K. Sharma.
Yearly Reports and Data
Yearly reports are one of the best resources to practice and enhance your knowledge about ARD and ESI. Such reports include the Union Budget, Updates of ICAR and KVK, Economic Survey Summary, ISFR Report, NABARD yearly report etc.
3. Create a Study Plan
To manage your preparation effectively, create a well-structured study plan. Allocate time for each subject and topic, giving more attention to areas you find challenging.
Start with the basics and gradually move to advanced topics. This approach will help you build a strong foundation in ESI and ARD.
4. Focus on Basics
If you’re from a non-agricultural background, don’t be intimidated by ARD. Begin with the basics. Understand the fundamentals of agriculture and rural development, such as crop cultivation techniques, agricultural policies, and rural banking systems.
Similarly, for ESI, start by grasping basic economic concepts and then delve into specific issues affecting rural India. This step-by-step approach will make the subjects more manageable.
5. Practice Regularly
Practice is key to mastering ESI and ARD. Seek out sample questions, NABARD Grade A previous year papers, and free mock tests. Regular practice will familiarise you with the exam format and improve your problem-solving skills.
Several online platforms offer NABARD Grade A mock tests and quizzes specifically designed for NABARD Grade A aspirants. Make use of these resources to gauge your preparation level.
6. Seek Guidance
If you find certain topics challenging, don’t hesitate to seek guidance. Connect with mentors, experts, or fellow aspirants who excel in ESI and ARD. Joining online forums, study groups, or enrolling on NABARD Grade A Online Course can be immensely helpful in discussing doubts and gaining insights.
7. Stay Updated
Both ESI and ARD are dynamic subjects that require you to stay updated with current affairs through the BeePedia platform. Make it a habit to read newspapers, watch news programs, and follow government initiatives related to rural development, economic reforms, and social issues.
Understanding current developments will not only boost your knowledge but also enhance your performance in the descriptive section of the exam.
8. Revise Effectively
Revision is often underestimated, but it’s a crucial part of exam preparation. Create concise notes summarising key points, formulas, and important facts. These notes will be invaluable for last-minute revision.
For more information about how to prepare for ARD and ESI subjects, especially for aspirants with a non-agriculture background, have a look at the video below.
Conclusion
In conclusion, for non-agriculture aspirants preparing for the NABARD IT and Finance exam, mastering Economic and Social Issues (ESI) and Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) is essential. By understanding the exam pattern, collecting appropriate study materials, creating a structured study plan, focusing on fundamentals, practicing regularly, seeking guidance, staying updated with current affairs, and revising effectively, candidates can overcome the challenges presented by these subjects. With diligent preparation, even those from non-agricultural backgrounds can score well and qualify for the NABARD Grade A Phase 2 exam, opening doors to a rewarding career in various fields beyond agriculture. Wish you Good luck!
At ixamBee, we specialize in providing comprehensive online courses for government exams and online courses for government jobs. Our expertly designed courses for government jobs cater to a wide range of upcoming government exams. Whether you’re preparing for specific courses for government exams or seeking general guidance, ixamBee offers the resources like Beepedia previous year papers, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC MTS and other mock tests to succeed in exams like RBI Grade B, SEBI Grade A, NABARD Grade A, RRB NTPC, SSC MTS, NIACL Assistant, and more.
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