NABARD Grade A Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025
Knowing the NABARD Grade A syllabus for all posts is the first and most important step to begin your preparation with confidence. With the NABARD Grade A 2025 notification expected soon now that the current exam cycle has ended, this is the right time to start your preparation.
Along with the complete syllabus, having a list of reliable and helpful books will save your time and boost your preparation. It is also very important to understand the NABARD Grade A exam pattern clearly. The exam is conducted in four stages – Prelims, Mains, Psychometric Test, and Interview.
In Phase 1 (Prelims), all sections are divided into two parts – qualifying and merit sections. Only the scores from the merit section will count for preparing the merit list. A minimum cut-off will be announced, and only those who score equal to or above the cut-off will move to the next phase. This process continues until the final selection.
So, get started with your preparation now to stay ahead!
| Preliminary Examination (Online Exam will consist of 8 sections) | |
| Main Examination will be online and will be a mix of MCQs and Descriptive Pattern | |
| Psychometric Test | |
| Interview |
NABARD Grade A Prelims Exam Pattern
The NABARD preliminary exam is an objective test designed to assess your expertise and abilities in a variety of disciplines. Last time, we introduced a new subject called 'Decision Making'. The NABARD Phase 1 exam pattern is as follows.
| Nature of Test | Test Name | No. Of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Duration | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying | Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 20 | Composite time of 120 minutes | Bilingual – Hindi and English except test of English language |
| Reasoning Ability | 20 | 20 | |||
| Computer Knowledge | 20 | 20 | |||
| English Language | 30 | 30 | |||
| Decision Making | 10 | 10 | |||
| Merit Based | General Awareness | 20 | 20 | ||
| Agriculture & Rural Development (with focus on Rural India) | 40 | 40 | |||
| Economic and Social Issues (with focus on Rural India) | 40 | 40 | |||
| Total | 200 | 200 | 2 Hours | ||
Important Points to note:
- The qualifying component will include tests in Reasoning, English language, Decision-Making, Computer Knowledge, and Quantitative Aptitude.
- The merit section will include General Awareness, ESI (with a primary emphasis on Rural India), and ARD.
- Candidates for the Mains examination will be shortlisted based solely on their Merit Section scores.
- For each incorrect answer, 1/4 of the marks awarded to that question will be deducted from your overall score.
- There will be sectional and overall cutoffs.
NABARD Grade A Prelims Syllabus 2025
The NABARD Prelims syllabus represents the initial level of the selection process. To advance to the next step, you must perform very well on the exam. To excel in the exam, you should familiarize yourself with the complete NABARD Grade A Preliminaries syllabus.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Time and Work, Mensuration, Average, Speed, Distance and Time, Mixture and Allegations, Permutation and Combination, Probability, Data Interpretation, Ratio & Proportion, Simplification & Approximation, Percentage, Set Theory, Data Interpretation, Quadratic Equation, Number Series, Profit & loss, Boats & Stream, Simple and Compound Interest, Data Sufficiency |
| English Language | Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Passage Making, Error Spotting, Jumble Words, Sentence Framing, Fill in the Blanks, Cloze Test, Sentence Rearrangement, Idioms & Phrases |
| General Awareness | Monetary Policies, Banking & Financial Awareness, Economic Terms, Current Affairs, Static GK, Financial & Economics News, Government Schemes, Agreement & Deals, Banking terms, rates, processes, National Institution |
| Reasoning Ability | Puzzles, Seating Arrangement - Circular, Square and Linear, Data Sufficiency, Directions and Distance, Coding Decoding, Blood Relations, Inequality, Syllogism, Machine Input Output, Verbal Reasoning, Ordering and Ranking, Alphanumeric Series |
| Computer Knowledge | Computer Languages, Basic Hardware and Software, History of Computer, Devices, Viruses and Hacking, MS Office, Networking |
| Decision Making | Behaviour Decision Making,Managerial Decision making,Eligibility Criteria based decision making,Data Arrangements Based Decision making |
NABARD Grade A Mains Exam Pattern 2025
NABARD has recently introduced a major change in the Phase 2 exam pattern for the Grade A recruitment. Phase 2 now consists of two separate papers, each with its own timing and structure. This change aims to test both your writing and subject knowledge more effectively.
Paper 1 is the General English paper, which is now conducted in a descriptive format. You will get 90 minutes to complete this paper, and it carries a total of 100 marks. This paper will test your ability to express ideas clearly and accurately in written English.
Paper 2 differs based on the post you apply for. For the General post, this paper includes questions from Economic & Social Issues (ESI) and Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD), with a special focus on Rural India. This paper has two parts — an objective section of 30 minutes carrying 50 marks, and a descriptive section of 90 minutes, also for 50 marks.
If you are applying for a Specialist post, the content of Paper 2 will be based on your respective discipline instead of ESI and ARD.
Understanding this revised pattern is very important, as it helps you align your preparation according to the structure of the exam and the time you’ll have in each section.
| Paper | Subject | Type of Paper | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General English | Online Descriptive | 3 | 100 | 90 Minutes | Descriptive Answers to be typed using keyboard |
| Paper II | Economic and Social Issues and Agriculture & Rural Development | Objective | 30** | 50 | 30 Minutes | |
| Descriptive Type | 6 questions will be asked, of which candidates will be required to attempt 4 questions [2 of 15 marks each (with difficulty level) and 2 of 10 marks each] | 50 | 90 Minutes | Descriptive Answers to be typed using keyboard either in English or Hindi (Remington and Inscript keyboards) | ||
| Total | 100 (Paper II) | 2 Hours (Paper II) | ||||
| **(Some questions carry 2 marks each and some questions carry 1 mark each) | ||||||
Important Points to Note:
- For each incorrect answer, 1/4 of the mark awarded to that question will be deducted from your overall score.
- There will be sectional and overall cutoffs.
- You can type the answers in Hindi using either the Inscript or Remington (GAIL) keyboard layout.
- Paper 1 (General English) will be taught in the morning shift, followed by Paper 2 (Economics and Social Issues) in the afternoon shift.
- You cannot switch between objective and descriptive articles. Furthermore, the descriptive papers will begin immediately following the objective tests.
- For Descriptive Paper 2, if you answer more than four questions, only the first four will be considered.
- Descriptive English must be replied entirely in English.
NABARD Grade A Syllabus for Mains
The NABARD Grade A Mains syllabus varies for each stream. Paper 2 in the general stream covers themes such as Agriculture & Rural Development and Economic & Social Issues (with an emphasis on Rural India). Paper 2 for specialized posts will include questions from the field of specialization.
NABARD Mains Syllabus (Generalist): Paper 1.
Paper 1 of the NABARD Grade A Mains will be in English Language, with a descriptive format in online mode. Candidates are expected to type their responses, and their expression and comprehension skills will be assessed throughout this step. The detailed NABARD Grade A syllabus for Paper 1 is provided below.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| English (Writing Skills) | Essay, Precis writing, Comprehension and Business/Office Correspondence. |
NABARD Grade A Syllabus for Economic & Social Issues
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Economic & Social Issues | Nature of Indian Economy - Structural and Institutional features - Economic underdevelopment - Opening up the Indian Economy - Globalisation - Economic Reforms in India - Privatisation. Inflation - Trends in Inflation & their Impact on National Economy and Individual Income. Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation in India - 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 in India - Non Institutional and Institutional Agencies in rural credit. Industry - Industrial and Labour Policy - Industrial performance - Regional Imbalance in India's Industrial Development - Public Sector Enterprises. Rural banking and financial institutions in India - Reforms in Banking/ Financial sector. Globalisation of Economy - Role of International Funding Institutions - IMF & World Bank - WTO - Regional Economic Co-operation. Social Structure in India - Multiculturalism - Demographic trends - Urbanisation and Migration - Gender Issues Joint family system - Social Infrastructure - Education - Health and Environment. Education - Status & System of Education - Socio -Economic Problems associated with Illiteracy - Educational relevance and educational wastage - Educational Policy for India. Social Justice: Problems of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes - socio-economic programmes for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and other backward classes. Positive Discrimination in favour of the under privileged - Social Movements - Indian Political Systems - Human Development. Current Economic & Social Issues. |
NABARD Grade A Syllabus for Agriculture and Rural Development
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Agriculture |
|
| Rural Development |
|
NABARD Grade A Psychometric Test
After the Mains exam, NABARD has introduced a new stage in the Grade A recruitment process – the Psychometric Test. This is the third phase of the selection process and is aimed at identifying the most suitable candidates for the final stage, which is the Interview.
The Psychometric Test will be conducted in MCQ format and will be for 90 minutes. This test is designed to assess a candidate's personality traits, behavioral strengths, and cognitive abilities. More specific details about the Psychometric Test will be shared by NABARD with the candidates who qualify for this stage. However, only those aspirants who secure the minimum cut-off marks or above in the Mains exam and appear for the Psychometric Test will be considered eligible for the Interview round.
| Name of Test | Paper Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Psychometric Test (Mandatory) | MCQ based | 90 minutes |
NABARD Grade A Interview
If you qualify in the NABARD Grade A Mains exam and clear the Psychometric Test, you will move on to the fourth and final stage of the recruitment process – the NABARD Grade A Interview.
The Interview carries a maximum of 50 marks. Candidates are shortlisted for the interview in a 1:3 ratio, which means for every one vacancy, three candidates will be called for the interview.
Your final selection will be based on your combined performance in the Mains exam, Psychometric Test, and the Interview. All three stages are considered while preparing the final merit list.
During the interview, your overall personality will be evaluated. Questions can be asked about your background, educational qualifications, and current affairs. To perform well, it is strongly recommended to read newspapers daily, stay updated with current events, and be confident in discussing your graduation subject.
NABARD Grade A Marking Scheme
NABARD Grade A Phase 1 will contain objective-type questions worth 200 points. NABARD Grade A Phase 2 will also include two papers. Paper 1 will be a 100-mark Descriptive English Test, and Paper 2 will be of the Objective + Descriptive kind on Economic and Social Issues and Agriculture & Rural Development. As a result, it is critical to understand the NABARD marking scheme outlined below.
NABARD Grade A Marking Scheme
| Marking Scheme | Considered Marks |
|---|---|
| For correct answers | 1 Mark or 2 Marks |
| For wrong answers | For 1 Mark question: Negative Marking of 0.25 Marks For 2 Mark question: Negative Marking of 0.50 Marks |
| For not attempted | 0 (no marks) |
NABARD Grade A Exam Language
Both NABARD Grade A exams will be administered online. Please keep in mind that all questions in the NABARD preliminary and main exams, with the exception of the English Language Test in Phase 1 and the Descriptive Test of English in Phase 2, will be bilingual, meaning they will be in both English and Hindi.
NABARD Grade A Preparation Tips & Strategies
To excel in the NABARD Grade A exam, you need more than just hard work—you need a well-structured and smart preparation strategy. The syllabus is vast, and the time to prepare is limited. So, it’s important to plan effectively and stay consistent. Here are some valuable tips and strategies to guide your NABARD Grade A exam preparation:
- Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus: Begin by understanding the NABARD Grade A exam pattern and syllabus in detail. Know the different phases of the exam, the mark distribution, and time limits for each section. This clarity will help you create a realistic and focused study plan.
- Devise a Study Plan: Make a personalized study plan that covers all the topics. Give more time to subjects you find challenging. Break your preparation into daily, weekly, and monthly targets. This way, you can track your progress and stay motivated.
- Use Relevant Study Materials: Gather reliable study materials such as NCERT books, standard reference books, previous years’ papers, and online resources. You can also check NABARD’s official website for sample papers and recommended topics. Make sure all materials are up-to-date and aligned with the latest exam pattern.
- Focus on Core Subjects: The exam includes subjects like Agriculture & Rural Development, Economic & Social Issues, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and English Language. Allocate balanced time to each subject and give extra focus to your weaker areas.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Reading current affairs regularly is a must. Focus on news related to agriculture, rural development, the economy, and social issues. Read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express, and use reliable resources like ixamBee’s BeePedia, which provides free General Awareness capsules in both English and Hindi.
- Take Care of Your Health: Staying healthy is essential during preparation. Get proper sleep, eat nutritious food, and exercise regularly. Don’t ignore mental health—try meditation, deep breathing, or spend time on hobbies to manage stress.
In a competitive exam like NABARD Grade A, consistency, smart work, and a positive mindset are key to success. Follow these strategies, keep your goals in sight, and stay committed throughout your preparation journey.
Time Management Strategies for Covering the NABARD Syllabus Effectively
To manage your time effectively during NABARD Grade A exam preparation, it's essential to follow a smart and disciplined approach. Below are some practical strategies that will help you stay organized, productive, and focused throughout your preparation journey:
- Customize Your Study Plan: Create a personalized study plan that includes all subjects and topics from the NABARD Grade A syllabus. Allocate more time to the areas where you're weak while maintaining a balanced approach. A well-structured plan ensures complete syllabus coverage without last-minute stress.
- Focus on What’s Important: Identify high-weightage topics and the ones that are frequently asked in the exam. Prioritize these subjects in your study plan and spend more time understanding them thoroughly and practicing questions regularly.
- Set Realistic Goals: Break the syllabus into smaller, manageable parts and set daily, weekly, and monthly goals. This makes the preparation feel less overwhelming and helps you track your progress efficiently. Setting realistic goals ensures you stay consistent without burnout.
- Take Frequent Breaks: Avoid long, unbroken study hours. Instead, follow the Pomodoro Technique or similar time-blocking methods—study for 50 minutes and take a 10-15 minute break. These short breaks refresh your mind and help maintain concentration for longer periods.
- Minimize Distractions: Study in a quiet, organized space. Switch off notifications, log out of social media, and avoid phone calls during your study hours. A distraction-free environment boosts productivity and helps you absorb information better.
- Regular Revision: Include revision slots in your study routine. Revisiting previously studied topics regularly is key to long-term retention. Weekly revisions help reinforce your memory and improve recall during the actual exam.
- Be Tech-Savvy: Leverage technology to make your preparation smoother. Use study apps, planners, timers, and online resources for tracking progress and organizing study schedules. Platforms like Google Calendar, Notion, or Trello can help you plan and manage time efficiently.
- Stay Motivated: Keep reminding yourself why you're preparing for this exam. Visualize your goals, reward yourself for hitting targets, and maintain a healthy routine. Staying positive and motivated plays a huge role in keeping your momentum going until the final day.
By using these time management strategies, you can ensure balanced and stress-free preparation for the NABARD Grade A exam.
NABARD Grade A Recommended Study Resources
Preparing for the NABARD Grade A test involves dedication and hard work. Here are some recommended study resources to help you with your exam preparation.
- Union Budget: Understanding the Union Budget's key features is vital, as it has a substantial impact on the country's economy, monetary policy, and financial system. Keep up with the Union Budget to better understand and analyze economic policies and trends. Focus on factors such as fiscal deficit, taxation reforms, allocation of funding to different sectors, and policy actions targeted at economic growth and development.
- Economic Survey: The Government of India publishes the Economic Survey once a year. It presents a thorough analysis of the Indian economy, including its performance, difficulties, and policy recommendations. Reading and comprehending the Economic Survey can provide essential information about the state of the economy, upcoming trends, and governmental initiatives. Focus on themes like GDP growth, inflation, employment, agriculture, infrastructure, and social sectors.
- Manorama Yearbook: The Manorama Yearbook is a well-known reference book that includes major events, developments, and general information from India and around the world. It is an excellent resource for expanding your knowledge in a variety of fields, including history, geography, science and technology, sports, and politics. Use the Manorama Yearbook to enhance your awareness of various topics and keep up with current events.
- Pratiyogita Darpan: Pratiyogita Darpan is a popular magazine that covers current events, general knowledge, and other pertinent issues. It covers national and international events, government policies, sports, the economy, and other topics in detail. Regularly reading Pratiyogita Darpan can help you stay up to date on significant changes while also improving your knowledge and awareness. The magazine frequently includes practice tasks and mock examinations to help you prepare for the exam.
- Mock Tests: Taking mock tests created for the NABARD Grade A exam is essential. These simulated examinations mirror the actual exam setting and allow you to evaluate your preparation level. You can use ixamBee to get free mock tests for the NABARD Grade A exam. Analyze your test results to identify areas for improvement.
- Previous Year Papers: Solving previous year NABARD Grade A exam question papers is an excellent way to gain a good understanding of the exam pattern and become acquainted with the question kinds. It helps to design an effective exam strategy and improves time management abilities.
NABARD Grade A 80 Days Study Plan 2025
| NABARD 2024 Live class Plan (80 Days ARD & ESI), Batch 2 Starts from 1st April 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Day | Subject | Time | Topics | |
|
1 April |
Monday |
Intro |
5:00 PM |
NABARD Preparation Strategy & Approach |
|
|
2 April |
Tuesday |
ESI |
5:00 PM |
NABARD ESI PYQ Analysis |
|
|
3 April |
Wednesday |
ARD |
4:00 PM |
NABARD Previous Year Paper Analysis and Learning |
|
|
4 April |
Thursday |
GA |
4:00 PM |
GA Road map and focus points based on Previous year paper |
|
|
5 April |
Friday |
ARD |
4:00 PM |
ARD questions and Syllabus- What to Focus |
|
|
6 April |
Saturday |
ESI |
4:00 PM |
ESI Questions and Syllabus- What to Focus |
|
|
7 April |
Sunday |
Quants |
4:00 PM |
Quants 2021, 2022, 2023 analysis - Structure & Roadmap |
|
|
8 April |
Monday |
English |
4:00 PM |
Role of English in Prelims anf Mains based on previous year paper |
|
|
9 April |
Tuesday |
ARD |
4:00 PM |
Introduction to agriculture & Agronomy |
|
|
10 April |
Wednesday |
ESI |
4:00 PM |
Nature of Indian Economy Part-1 |
|
|
11 April |
Thursday |
Reasoning |
4:00 PM |
Reasoning 2021, 2022, 2023 analysis - Structure & Roadmap |
|
|
12 April |
Friday |
DM |
4:00 PM |
Decision Making- Crucial for Prelims- Roadmap |
|
|
15 April |
Monday |
ESI |
4:00 PM |
Nature of Indian Economy Part-2 |
|
|
16 April |
Tuesday |
ARD |
4:00 PM |
Classification of crops and Factor affecting crop Production |
|
|
19 April |
Friday |
Computer Awareness |
4:00 PM |
Computer Awareness approach -History and Generations of computer Components of computer |
|
|
20 April |
Saturday |
ARD |
4:00 PM |
Growth of agriculture - Union Budget & Economic Survey |
|
NABARD Grade A Books 2025
It would be good to take cues from the top books on the market and curriculum so that you do not squander time that might be better spent on productive tasks. So, make the most of your available time and begin your preparations gradually. The table below includes some valuable information on NABARD Grade A exam study materials.
| Paper | Book | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Economic and Social Issues | Indian Economy | Uma Kapila or Mishra Puri |
| Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh | |
| Indian Social System | Ram Ahuja / Rawat Publications | |
| Agriculture & Rural Development | Agriculture at a Glance | R K Sharma and S K Bhoi |
| Rural Development | GPH Panel of Experts | |
| Fundamental Of Agriculture Vol 2 | Arun Katyan | |
| A Competitive Book of Agriculture | Nem Raj Sunda | |
| Rajbhasha | संपूर्ण हिन्दी व्याकरण और रचना | Lucent |
| सामान्य हिन्दी प्रतियोगी परीक्षाओं के लिए | lucent पब्लिकैशन | |
| सामान्य हिन्दी | अग्रवाल ग्रुप ऑफ पब्लिकैशन | |
| सरल हिन्दी व्याकरण | साहित्य भवन / पुष्पलता सिंह | |
| मानक हिन्दी व्याकरण एवं रचना | सरस्वती पब्लिकैशन / कमल सत्यर्थी | |
| राजभाषा हिन्दी | डॉ भोलानाथ तिवारी | |
| हिन्दी साहित्य का इतिहास | आचार्य रामचन्द्र शुक्ल | |
| हिन्दी शब्द सामर्थ्य | कैलाश चंद्र भाटिया | |
| राजभाषा भारती E Book | https://rajbhasha.gov.in/hi/e_book | |
| हिन्दी मासिक पत्र पत्रिकाएं |
|
|
| नोट: हिन्दी राजभाषा से संबंधित विषयों पर अधिक जानकारी हेतु https://rajbhasha.gov.in/hi का अध्ययन आवेश्यक है । | ||
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quicker Mathematics | BSC Publications |
| Quantitative Aptitude | RS Agarwal | |
| Class Notes | SS Bharti | |
| Reasoning Ability | A modern approach to verbal & Non-verbal reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | S.Chand | |
| Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | Arihant Publication | |
| English Language | English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | |
| Descriptive General English | SP Bakshi | |
| Computer Awareness | Objective Computer Awareness | Arihant |
| General Awareness | Lucent GK Knowledge | Lucent Publication |
| Beepedia | ixamBee | |
NABARD Grade A Free Mock Tests
To succeed in any competitive exam, it is important to do more than just cover the syllabus. You need to evaluate your progress and strengthen your weak areas. One of the most effective ways to do this is through mock tests. They act as powerful assessment tools that not only enhance your preparation but also boost your confidence.
Recognizing this need, ixamBee offers free NABARD Grade A mock tests on its website. These tests help you assess your current preparation level, identify your strong and weak points, and work on improving your performance. Attempting these tests regularly allows you to fine-tune your strategy and increase your chances of success.
NABARD Grade A Online Course
To further support aspirants, ixamBee also offers a comprehensive ‘NABARD Grade A Online Course’. This course has been thoughtfully designed by expert faculty to meet the complete preparation needs of candidates. It includes detailed study material, video lessons, practice questions, mock tests, and doubt-clearing sessions. The course aims to provide focused guidance and help you prepare in a structured and efficient manner. Whether you are a beginner or looking to improve your existing preparation, this online course can be a valuable resource on your path to cracking the NABARD Grade A exam.
NABARD Grade A Phase I - Free Mock Tests
NABARD Grade A Phase I - Previous Year Question Paper
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