What is NABARD?
NABARD stands for National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development. It is an apex development financial institution in India that focuses on providing credit and other financial support to the agricultural and rural sectors.
NABARD conducts various exams to recruit candidates for different positions within the organization. One of the prominent exams conducted by NABARD is the NABARD Grade A and Grade B exam, which is held to select candidates for the post of Assistant Managers and Managers, respectively. These exams assess candidates’ knowledge and skills in areas such as agriculture, rural development, economics, finance, and general awareness.
| Exam Name | NABARD Grade A | NABARD Grade B |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted by | National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) | National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) |
| Positions | Assistant Managers | Managers |
| Exam Level | National level | National level |
| Exam Mode | Online | Online |
| Selection Process | Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview | Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview |
| Exam Duration | Preliminary: 2 hours | Phase I: 2 hours |
| Main: 3 hours | Phase II: 3 hours | |
| Phase III: Varies | ||
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with specific age limits and additional criteria as specified by NABARD | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with specific age limits and additional criteria as specified by NABARD |
| Official Website | www.nabard.org | www.nabard.org |
NABARD Exam Pattern
Grade A Exam Pattern:
| Phase | Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Phase | Test of Reasoning | 20 | 20 |
| English Language | 40 | 40 | |
| Computer Knowledge | 20 | 20 | |
| General Awareness | 20 | 20 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 20 | |
| Economic and Social Issues | 40 | 40 | |
| Agriculture and Rural Development | 40 | 40 | |
| Main Phase | Paper I: General English | 30 | 30 |
| Paper II: Economic and Social Issues and Agriculture and Rural Development | 50 | 50 | |
| Paper III: Development Economics, Statistics, Finance and Management | 50 | 50 | |
| Interview | – | – | 25 |
Grade B Exam Pattern
| Phase | Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase I | Test of Reasoning | 20 | 20 |
| English Language | 40 | 40 | |
| Computer Knowledge | 20 | 20 | |
| General Awareness | 20 | 20 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 20 | |
| Economic and Social Issues | 40 | 40 | |
| Agriculture and Rural Development | 40 | 40 | |
| Phase II | Paper I: General English | 100 | 100 |
| Paper II: Economic and Social Issues and Agriculture and Rural Development | 100 | 100 | |
| Paper III: Development Economics, Statistics, Finance and Management | 100 | 100 | |
| Phase III | Interview | – | 40 |
Grade A and Grade B exam syllabus
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| English Language | Vocabulary, Grammar, Comprehension, Error Detection, Cloze Test, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Rearrangement, etc. |
| Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Analogy, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Syllogism, Directions, Number Series, Puzzle, Seating Arrangement, etc. |
| Computer Knowledge | Basic computer architecture, Internet, Networking, Operating Systems, MS Office, Database Management Systems, Computer Security, etc. |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, Economic News, National and International Events, Awards and Honors, Sports, Indian History, Geography, Indian Economy, etc. |
| Economic and Social Issues | Current Economic and Social Issues in India, Poverty and Unemployment, Social Schemes and Programs, Sustainable Development, Economic Reforms, Social Justice, etc. |
| Agriculture and Rural Development | Indian Agriculture: Types, Land Reforms, Agricultural Policy, Agriculture Extension, Irrigation, Crop Production and Management, Rural Development: Panchayati Raj, Rural Credit Institutions, Rural Development Programs, Rural Marketing, etc. |
| Development Economics | Concepts of Development and Sustainable Development, Economic Development Models, Monetary and Fiscal Policies, International Economics, Economic Planning, Inflation, Poverty and Unemployment, etc. |
Salary Structure
| Position | Pay Scale | Initial Monthly Gross Salary* |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A | Rs. 28150 – Rs. 55600 (in-hand salary) | Approx. Rs. 62,000 – Rs. 70,000 |
| Grade B | Rs. 35150 – Rs. 62400 (in-hand salary) | Approx. Rs. 73,000 – Rs. 82,000 |
NABARD Grade A and Grade B Officer Exam Pattern
| Phase | Examination Type | Subjects | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase I | Preliminary Exam | Reasoning Ability | 120 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | |||
| English Language | |||
| Computer Knowledge | |||
| General Awareness | |||
| Phase II | Main Exam | Economic and Social Issues | Varies |
| Agriculture and Rural Development | |||
| Descriptive English | |||
| Development Finance | |||
| Interview |
| Phase | Examination Type | Subjects | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase I | Preliminary Exam | Reasoning Ability | 120 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | |||
| English Language | |||
| Computer Knowledge | |||
| General Awareness | |||
| Phase II | Main Exam | Economic and Social Issues | Varies |
| Agriculture and Rural Development | |||
| Descriptive English | |||
| Finance and Management | |||
| Phase III | Interview |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for the NABARD exam?
To apply for the NABARD exam, you need to visit the official NABARD website and look for the exam notification. The notification will provide detailed instructions on the application process, including online registration, filling the application form, uploading documents, and paying the application fee.
How should I prepare for the NABARD exam?
Preparation for the NABARD exam requires a comprehensive study plan. Start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. Collect study materials, including books, online resources, and previous year question papers. Make a study schedule and allocate sufficient time for each subject. Practice solving sample papers and take mock tests to improve time management and accuracy. Also, stay updated with current affairs and developments in the agricultural and rural sectors.
What is the validity of the NABARD exam score?
The validity of the NABARD exam score is usually for one year. However, it is advisable to check the exam notification or contact NABARD for the exact validity period.
Can candidates from any state apply for the NABARD exam?
Yes, candidates from any state in India can apply for the NABARD exam. However, they must fulfill the eligibility criteria specified in the exam notification.
Is there any negative marking in the NABARD exam?
Yes, there is usually a negative marking scheme in the NABARD exam. For each incorrect answer, a certain number of marks is deducted. It is important to read the exam instructions carefully and answer the questions wisely.
Can I apply for both Grade A and Grade B exams simultaneously?
No, you can apply for either the Grade A exam or the Grade B exam, as both exams are conducted separately. You cannot apply for both exams simultaneously in the same year.
Is there any sectional cutoff in the NABARD exam?
Yes, there is usually a sectional cutoff in the NABARD exam. Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks in each section of the Preliminary Exam and Main Exam to be eligible for further stages of the selection process.
Is work experience mandatory for the NABARD exam?
No, work experience is not mandatory for the NABARD Grade A and Grade B exams. However, certain positions or specific categories within NABARD may require relevant work experience, which will be specified in the exam notification.
