NABARD Grade A Exam 2026
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) conducts the Grade A exam every year to recruit Assistant Managers across streams such as Rural Development Banking Service (RDBS), Legal, Protocol & Security Service, Rajbhasha, Finance, and Information Technology.
NABARD Grade A 2026 notification is expected to be released sometime later this year, bringing new vacancies across these streams.
This page covers everything you need to know including the notification updates, vacancy details, eligibility, application process, exam pattern, salary, career growth, and previous cut-off trends to help you plan your NABARD Grade A 2026 preparation strategically.
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What Is the NABARD Grade A Exam Notification 2026?
The NABARD Grade A 2026 notification is expected to be announced sometime later this year, bringing great news for aspirants.
New vacancies will be open across multiple streams including Rural Development Banking Service (RDBS), Protocol & Security Service, and Legal. Once all key details about the recruitment are available, it's the perfect time to start preparing strategically for your chosen stream.
These notifications will be split into general and reserved categories. When the online application window opens, aspirants can send in their applications along with the fees on or before the last date. So you need to apply early to avoid issues, fill the form accurately, and pay the category-wise fee online.
Once you have paid, the process is complete, and you will receive a schedule for the Preliminary exam, the first step toward an Assistant Manager career. Admit cards will be released 10–15 days before the exam, must be downloaded from the NABARD website, and will state your venue, date, and reporting time; no physical copies will be mailed.
Eligible SC, ST, OBC, and PwBD candidates may request free pre-examination training (details and availability depend on demand and the official notice).
By acting promptly and following the syllabus and exam pattern once published, you can move smoothly through each stage of this opportunity in rural development banking.
What Are the NABARD Grade A Highlights 2026?
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), through IBPS |
| Official Website | www.nabard.org |
| Name of the Post | Assistant Manager in Grade 'A' (RDBS/Rajbhasha and other streams) |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Selection Process | Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, Psychometric Test (Mandatory), and Interview |
| Exam Pattern (Summary) | Prelims: 200 Marks, 120 Minutes; Mains: Two Papers (100 Marks each); Psychometric Test: 90 Minutes; Interview: 50 Marks |
| Total Vacancies (2025 cycle) | 91 |
| Age Limit | 21 to 30 years (General stream), varies by stream |
| Application Fee | General/OBC/EWS: ₹850; SC/ST/PwBD: ₹150 |
The exact notification release date, registration window, and Phase 1/Phase 2 exam dates for each cycle are covered in the timeline below.
Going through these details carefully like the exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility, application process, and key dates is the first step to a strong NABARD Grade A 2026 preparation strategy.
What Are the NABARD Grade A 2025 Notification Updates?
For those wanting to know the exact NABARD Grade A exam updates and timeline at a glance, here is the latest exam timeline for NABARD Grade A 2025 recruitment:
- November 04, 2025: A newspaper advertisement calling out details in a short notification for NABARD recruitment 2025 for Grade A officers' post was released.
- November 08, 2025: The complete NABARD Grade A 2025 exam recruitment was released for 91 vacancies. The application process was declared open from November 08, 2025 to November 30, 2025.
- December 20, 2025: Phase I of the NABARD Grade A Exam is conducted.
- January 25, 2026: Phase II of the NABARD Grade A Exam is held.
- March 07, 2026: Psychometric Test is held.
- April 10, 2026: Final Interview is held.
- May 08, 2026: Final Result of NABARD Grade A Exam 2025 is declared.
What Was the NABARD Grade A 2024 Recruitment Timeline?
- 25th July 2024: The short notice for NABARD recruitment 2024 for Grade A officers' post was declared.
- July 27, 2024: NABARD Grade A 2024 Exam Notification was released for 102 vacancies, along with 8 vacancies for the PwBD category.
- August 26, 2024: The NABARD Grade A Phase 1 Admit Card was released.
- September 27, 2024: The NABARD Grade A Phase 1 result was declared, and qualified candidates cleared for Phase II.
- 09th October 2024: The NABARD Grade A Phase 2 Admit Card was released.
- November 29, 2024: The NABARD Grade A Phase 2 Result was declared, qualifying candidates for Phase III.
- December 14, 2024: The Psychometric Test was conducted for shortlisted candidates.
- February 24, 2025: The final result for the NABARD Grade A 2024 exam cycle was released.
What Is NABARD and its Full Form?
NABARD stands for National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development. It was established in 1982 as an apex development financial institution, set up by the Government of India to provide refinance, development, and supervisory functions for institutions engaged in agriculture and rural development.
NABARD works in close coordination with state governments, cooperative banks, rural banks, and NGOs to implement a wide range of development schemes. It refinances cooperative banks, supports agri-tech and innovation, and regulates rural financial institutions to maintain stability and growth.
Understanding NABARD's functions and mandate gives you a strong edge especially in the Economic & Social Issues (ESI) and Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD) sections of both Phase 1 and Phase 2 and helps you write well-informed descriptive answers. Grade A is the entry point into a hierarchy that runs all the way up to Chairperson. The full promotion path is covered later in this page under "Job Profile and Career Growth."
What Are the Functions and Responsibilities of NABARD?
According to the objectives outlined at the time of its inception, NABARD is responsible for providing and regulating credit, offering developmental support, and promoting sustainable growth in the agriculture and rural sectors.
Its key functions include:
- Providing refinance to banks and financial institutions supporting agriculture and rural development.
- Promoting sustainable and inclusive growth through various development initiatives.
- Inspecting the accounts of institutions receiving refinance support.
- Monitoring and regulating cooperative banks and regional rural banks.
- Providing policy guidance to the government for rural credit planning.
- Eliminating irregularities and ensuring compliance with guidelines in rural lending.
As a development financial institution, NABARD plays a crucial role in both financial regulation and rural development, making it a vital organization for strengthening the rural economy.
How Many Vacancies Are There for NABARD Grade A 2026?
Since the NABARD Grade A 2026 notification has not yet been released, aspirants should study the details from the previous cycle as an indicative benchmark.
The last recruitment (2025 cycle) called for 85 vacancies in Grade A for Rural Development Banking Service, 02 for Legal, and 04 for Protocol and Security Service, a total of 91 vacancies. You can find the complete stream-wise breakup below:
| S.No. | Post / Discipline | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | Total | PwBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | AM (RDBS) | |||||||
| i) | General | 20 | 7 | 4* | 13 | 4 | 48 | - |
| ii) | Chartered Accountant | 2 | 1 | - | 1 | - | 4 | - |
| iii) | Company Secretary | 1 | - | - | 1 | - | 2 | - |
| iv) | Finance | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | 5 | - |
| v) | Computer / Information Technology | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 10 | - |
| vi) | Agriculture Engineering | 1 | - | - | - | - | 1 | - |
| vii) | Plantation & Horticulture | 1 | - | - | 1 | - | 2 | - |
| viii) | Fisheries | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | 2 | - |
| ix) | Food Processing | - | 1 | - | 1 | - | 2 | - |
| x) | Land Development & Soil Science | 1 | - | - | 1 | - | 2 | - |
| xi) | Civil Engineering | - | 1 | 1 | - | - | 2 | - |
| xii) | Electrical Engineering | 1 | - | - | 1 | - | 2 | - |
| xiii) | Media Specialist | 1 | - | - | - | - | 1 | - |
| xiv) | Economics | - | 1 | - | 1 | - | 2 | - |
| AM (RDBS) Total | 35 | 14 | 8 | 20 | 8 | 85 | 7 | |
| II | AM (Legal) | 2 | - | - | - | - | 2 | - |
| III | AM (Protocol & Security) | 3 | - | 1 | - | - | 4 | - |
| Grand Total | 40 | 14 | 9 | 20 | 8 | 91 | 7 | |
The exact number of vacancies for the upcoming 2026 exam cycle will be confirmed in the official notification once released.
Who Is Eligible for the NABARD Grade A Exam?
Eligibility for the General (RDBS) stream is based on three factors: age, educational qualification, and nationality.
What Is the Age Limit for NABARD Grade A?
Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years as on the cut-off date specified in the notification (typically 1 November of the recruitment year). Age relaxation is available as follows:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
Age limits differ for specialist streams, for example, the Protocol and Security Service stream allows candidates aged 25 to 40 years, while RDBS/Rajbhasha streams follow the standard 21–30 age bracket.
What Is the Educational Qualification for NABARD Grade A?
Candidates need any one of the following for the General stream:
- A Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates), or
- A Master's degree/MBA/PGDM with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates), or
- A professional qualification such as CA, CS, or ICWA, or
- A PhD.
Specialist streams (Finance, IT, Agriculture, Legal, Rajbhasha, etc.) require a relevant professional or postgraduate qualification specific to that discipline, as notified each year.
What Is the Nationality Criteria for NABARD Grade A?
A candidate must be one of the following:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia), or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Candidates falling under the last three categories must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
Is There a Limit on the Number of Attempts for NABARD Grade A?
No, there is no restriction on the number of attempts for the NABARD Grade A exam. Candidates can apply as many times as they wish, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and have not crossed the upper age limit.
Can Final-Year Students Apply for NABARD Grade A?
No, final-year students are not eligible. A candidate's final term/semester/year examination results must have been officially declared on or before the date specified in the notification, usually the 1st of the month in which the notification is released. The date of declaration of result is deemed the date of acquiring the qualification, and no relaxation is given on this account.
How Can Candidates Apply Online for NABARD Grade A 2026?
Understanding and following the NABARD Grade A application process is important to avoid issues with your application. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Log into the official website of NABARD, i.e., www.nabard.org.
- Check the 'nabard.org/career' notice and look for the "Apply Online" link.
- New registrants must click on the 'Click here for New Registration' tab and provide details such as full name, email ID, and contact details.
- Registrants will receive a Provisional Registration Number and Password.
- Use these login credentials to complete the form by providing the correct details.
- Validate the details by selecting the 'Validate your details' and 'Save & Next' buttons.
- Upload the documents (photo and signature), taking care of the specifications.
- Upload a handwritten declaration in the format mentioned in the official notification.
- Verify all details one final time before clicking 'Final Submit'.
- Select the 'Payment' tab to remit the application fee.
- Submit and save a copy of the online application form.
What Are the Photo and Signature Upload Guidelines for NABARD Grade A?
Photograph
- Dimensions must be 200 x 230 pixels.
- The photograph must be clear and passport size.
- File size should be between 20 KB and 50 KB.
Signature
- The signature should be clear and legible.
- File size should be between 10 KB and 20 KB — an incorrect file size will cause application rejection.
Left Thumb Impression
- Applied on white paper with black or blue ink.
- File type: jpg/jpeg; Dimensions: 240 x 240 pixels at 200 DPI (3 cm x 3 cm); File Size: 20 KB – 50 KB.
Hand-Written Declaration
- Must not be written in capital letters, and must be in the candidate's own handwriting in English.
- File type: jpg/jpeg; Dimensions: 800 x 400 pixels at 200 DPI (10 cm x 5 cm); File Size: 50 KB – 100 KB.
- Declaration text: "I, _______ (Name of the candidate), hereby declare that all the information submitted by me in the application form is correct, true and valid. I will present the supporting documents as and when required."
What Is the NABARD Grade A Application Fee 2026?
| Category | Application Fee | Intimation Charges | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹700 | ₹150 | ₹850 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | Nil | ₹150 | ₹150 |
Candidates must carefully complete the application process and pay the correct fee amount according to their category. The fee is payable only through online mode (debit card, credit card, internet banking, IMPS, cash cards, or mobile wallets), and bank or GST charges, if applicable, are to be borne by the candidate separately. If any discrepancy is found in the fee payment, the application may be rejected.
How Can Candidates Download the NABARD Grade A Admit Card 2026?
Candidates registered for the NABARD Grade A exam can download their admit card from the official NABARD website.
The admit card, or call letter, is made available 10–15 days before the exam and contains crucial information such as the exam date, timing, venue, and reporting instructions.
Candidates who fail to bring their admit card and valid identity proof to the examination center may not be allowed to sit for the exam.
It is important to double-check and ensure that all required documents are carried to the examination center on the exam day.
What Is the Complete NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern 2026?
The NABARD Grade A selection process is conducted in three or four stages depending on the recruitment cycle: Phase 1 (Prelims), Phase 2 (Mains), a mandatory Psychometric Test, and the Interview.
What Is the NABARD Grade A Phase 1 Exam Pattern?
Phase 1 is a qualifying, online, objective-type test carrying 200 marks, to be completed in 120 minutes with no sectional timing. It is divided into a Merit section (used for ranking) and a Non-Merit/Qualifying section (only used to clear the cut-off). A wrong answer attracts a penalty of 1/4th, or 0.25 marks.
| Section | Category | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test of Reasoning | Non-Merit (Qualifying) | 20 | 20 |
| English Language | Non-Merit (Qualifying) | 30 | 30 |
| Computer Knowledge | Non-Merit (Qualifying) | 20 | 20 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Non-Merit (Qualifying) | 20 | 20 |
| Decision Making | Non-Merit (Qualifying) | 10 | 10 |
| General Awareness | Merit | 20 | 20 |
| Economic & Social Issues (ESI) | Merit | 40 | 40 |
| Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD) | Merit | 40 | 40 |
| Total | - | 200 | 200 |
An important subject that often gets missed while listing the Phase 1 syllabus is Decision Making and it is a 10-question, 10-mark section testing analytical and scenario-based judgment, separate from Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude.
Phase 1 is generally conducted in 2 shifts on the exam day in a morning shift (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) and an afternoon/evening shift (12:30 PM to 2:30 PM). Candidates need to attend only their allotted shift.
What Is the NABARD Grade A Phase 2 Exam Pattern?
Phase 2 marks count directly towards the final merit list. It consists of two papers, each carrying 100 marks, and is generally held in a single shift (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM).
| Paper | Type | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: General English | Descriptive (Essay, Precis, Reading Comprehension) | 100 | 90 minutes |
| Paper 2: ESI + ARD (General stream) | Objective + Descriptive | 100 | 90–120 minutes |
For specialist streams (Finance, IT, Legal, Agriculture, Rajbhasha, etc.), Paper 2 is replaced with a stream-specific paper testing the relevant domain knowledge instead of ESI and ARD. A negative marking of 1/4th (0.25 marks) applies to the objective portion of Paper 2.
What is the NABARD Grade A 2026 Syllabus?
Understanding the syllabus is the very first step toward preparing for the NABARD Grade A exam.
- NABARD Phase 1 Syllabus – Phase 1 covers Reasoning Ability, English Language, Computer Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, Decision-Making, General Awareness, ARD, and ESI.
- NABARD Phase 2 Syllabus – Phase 2 includes Descriptive English, Development Economics, Statistics, F&M, ARD, and ESI.
A clear understanding of the syllabus doesn't just help you pinpoint the key topics — it also allows you to build an effective preparation strategy suited to your individual strengths and weaknesses.
For a detailed breakdown of the syllabus, including subject-wise topics for both Phase 1 and Phase 2, you can refer to the official NABARD Grade A 2026 syllabus.
What Is the NABARD Grade A Psychometric Test?
The Psychometric Test is a mandatory stage introduced in recent recruitment cycles, conducted after Phase 2 for candidates who qualify the Mains exam. It is an MCQ-based assessment lasting approximately 90 minutes and evaluates personality traits, behavioural tendencies, and suitability for the role, rather than testing subject knowledge.
What Is the NABARD Grade A Interview Pattern?
The Interview is the final stage of the selection process, conducted after candidates clear Phase 2 (and the Psychometric Test, where applicable).
- Weightage: The interview carries 50 marks.
- Language: Candidates can choose to appear in either English or Hindi.
- Assessment Areas: Questions are based on the candidate's academic background, conceptual knowledge, reasoning ability, communication, and leadership skills, along with awareness of NABARD's role and functions.
How Is the Final NABARD Grade A Merit List Prepared?
The final selection is based on the candidate's aggregate marks scored in Phase 2 (Paper 1 and Paper 2) combined with the interview marks. Phase 1 marks are not counted in the final merit list. Rather, they are used only to shortlist candidates for Phase 2.
What Is the NABARD Grade A Previous Year Cut-Off?
Understanding the NABARD Grade A previous years' cut-off marks is an important part of your preparation journey.
These cut-offs give you a clear idea of the score range you need to aim for to stay competitive, help you assess the difficulty level of the exam, set realistic goals, and plan how many safe attempts you should target in each section.
Here is the multi-year cut-off trend for the General category (RDBS stream), which gives a more realistic benchmark than looking at a single year in isolation:
| Year | Phase 1 Cut-Off | Phase 2 Cut-Off | Final Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 47.00 | 126.75 | 168.00 |
| 2023 | 46.00 | 128.50 | 172.75 |
| 2022 | 41.75 | 130.50 | 171.50 |
| 2021 | 53.50 | 118.42 | 164.33 |
| 2020 | 118.50 | 126.00 | 157.75 |
| 2019 | 129.00 | 127.50 | 154.00 |
Figures are for the General category and vary by category, sub-stream, and year. Candidates should treat this as an indicative trend rather than a fixed target.
Using this information wisely allows you to optimize your efforts, avoid guesswork, and increase your chances of clearing the exam with a strong score.
What Was the Result of the NABARD Grade 2025 Exam?
Candidates who sat the NABARD Grade A exam in 2025 will be pleased to know that the final result is out.
Out of the 85 vacancies announced in the Grade A final result, ixamBee students secured 31 selections, including 18 in General, 5 in IT, 3 in Finance, and 1 each in Economic, Protocol & Security, CA, Electrical Engineering, and Legal. We congratulate all the aspirants who achieved their NABARD dream.
What Is the NABARD Grade A Salary Structure?
Reported salary figures can vary slightly across pay-revision cycles, so the official notification should always be the final reference. Broadly, the pay structure includes:
| Component | Approximate Figure |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (starting) | Reported between ₹44,500 and ₹62,500 depending on the applicable pay scale cycle |
| Gross Monthly Salary | Reported between ₹1,00,000 and ₹1,60,000, inclusive of DA, HRA, and Grade Allowance |
| In-Hand Monthly Salary | Approximately ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,30,000 after standard deductions |
| Annual CTC | Approximately ₹16 – 18 lakh, including all perks and allowances |
Perks & Allowances typically include Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Grade Allowance, Special Grade Allowance, concessional-rate loans, medical reimbursement for family, reimbursement for higher studies, and Group Term Insurance.
What Is the Job Profile of a NABARD Grade A Officer?
As a NABARD Grade A officer, you'll be working at the intersection of policy, finance, and on-ground rural development. It is a role that goes far beyond a typical desk job. Your responsibilities may include:
- Implementing government-sponsored schemes.
- Planning district-level credit.
- Assessing agricultural and rural infrastructure projects.
- Coordinating with cooperative banks, state departments, and NGOs.
- Conducting field visits to monitor the real-time impact of development initiatives.
You may be posted in departments such as Financial Inclusion, RIDF (Rural Infrastructure Development Fund), and Farm Sector Development.
What Is the NABARD Grade A Career Growth and Promotion Path?
A NABARD Grade A officer's career progresses through a well-defined hierarchy over the years, typically as follows:
| Stage | Position |
|---|---|
| Joining | Assistant Manager (Grade A) |
| After ~4 years | Manager (Grade B) |
| After the next ~5 years | Assistant General Manager (Grade C) |
| After the next ~4–5 years | Deputy General Manager (Grade D) |
| After the next ~4 years | General Manager (Grade E) |
| After the next ~4–5 years | Chief General Manager (Grade F) |
| By Government appointment | Deputy Managing Director |
| By Government appointment | Chairperson |
Do NABARD Grade A Officers Undergo Training, and Where Are They Posted?
Yes. Newly selected NABARD Grade A officers undergo an initial training period of 2 to 3 weeks at the National Bank Staff College (NBSC), Lucknow, before being assigned to their first posting. Officers receive full salary during this training period.
Post-training, officers can be posted at NABARD's Head Office in Mumbai or at any of its regional offices spread across major cities in India. Being a PAN-India service, officers are liable to be transferred to any location, and postings are not restricted to any single state or region.
Is There a Probation Period for NABARD Grade A Officers?
Yes, NABARD Grade A officers serve a probation period of 2 years, which can be extended by up to 1 additional year depending on performance during the initial posting.
Where Are the NABARD Grade A Exam Centres Located?
NABARD conducts its exam across multiple cities to ensure nationwide accessibility. A candidate's chosen exam centre, once selected during application, generally cannot be changed later.
| Phase | Sample Regions/Cities Covered |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Chandigarh-Mohali, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Lucknow, Guwahati, Patna, and other centres across the Northern, Western, Eastern, Southern, and North-Eastern regions. |
| Phase 2 | Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Lucknow, Guwahati, New Delhi-NCR, Mumbai/Navi Mumbai/Thane, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram. |
| Interview | Amritsar, Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Lucknow, and other select centres (confirmed in the interview call letter). |
How Should Candidates Prepare for NABARD Grade A 2026?
Your NABARD Grade A preparation must be strategy-driven and aligned closely with the exam pattern.
The two most important sections for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 are Economic & Social Issues (ESI) and Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD), so your preparation should revolve around them.
For ESI, focus on key topics such as poverty, inflation, unemployment, social justice, and government schemes. Refer to trusted sources like the Union Budget, Economic Survey, PIB releases, and reports by international organizations like the World Bank and IMF.
For ARD, start with NCERTs (Class 6–12) to build your base, especially if you're from a non-agriculture background. Complement these with Kurukshetra magazine, NABARD annual reports, and updates on agricultural schemes and policies.
Don't ignore the Descriptive English section. Make it a habit to write essays and reports weekly to improve your content, structure, and clarity. For the Prelims qualifying sections, practice daily and track your speed and accuracy through topic-wise and full-length mock tests.
Current affairs play a major role, especially in the ESI and ARD sections. Stay updated with news related to agriculture, economy, rural development, and government initiatives, covering at least the last 6–8 months before the exam.
Structure your preparation in phases by first building strong conceptual knowledge, then move on to practice through quizzes and tests, and finally dedicate ample time to revision and mock tests. Track your progress weekly, identify weak areas, and improve consistently.
Why Choose ixamBee for NABARD Grade A Online Coaching?
Deciding to apply and prepare for an exam like NABARD Grade A is a well-thought-out move for any serious aspirant.
A focused candidate always follows a step-by-step approach to ensure that nothing is missed during the preparation journey, and at the heart of this journey is the need for the right guidance.
To support this crucial need, ixamBee offers the NABARD Grade A Online Course. This course is carefully designed by expert faculty, keeping in mind the specific needs of aspirants.
It provides structured content, relevant study material, and expert-led guidance to help you prepare effectively and stay on the right track throughout your NABARD Grade A exam journey.
