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NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern, Check Marking Scheme

NABARD Grade A exam pattern includes Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages with objective and descriptive tests for officer selection. Check the crucial information related to the exam pattern.
authorImageNazish Fatima17 May, 2025
NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern, Check Marking Scheme

NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern: The NABARD Grade A exam pattern comprises three phases: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Prelims is an online examination consisting of 200 MCQs across eight sections to be answered in 2 hours. Marks only from General Awareness, economic and social Issues, and Agriculture and rural Development are counted towards merit. 

The Mains consists of two papers: Paper I (Descriptive English, 100 marks, 90 minutes) and Paper II (Objective and Descriptive questions on economic and social Issues and Agriculture and rural Development, 100 marks, 120 minutes). The last phase is an interview for the shortlisted candidates.

NABARD Grade A Exam Overview

The NABARD Grade A exam is used to recruit Assistant Managers for the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, one of India's major rural and agricultural sector supporting institutions. Recruited officers execute and monitor government schemes, rate rural projects, oversee regional rural banks, and assist in organizing agrarian societies. 

They carry out administrative work, policy research, and field visits to facilitate effective rural development and financial inclusion. Grade A officers are instrumental in promoting rural livelihoods and are stationed primarily in state capitals and reporting to high-level management. The career provides scope for growth, varied assignments, and direct contribution to the agricultural development of India.

NABARD Grade A Syllabus

NABARD Grade A syllabus for the Prelims and Mains levels is presented here. Prelims consists of Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, Computer Knowledge, General Awareness, Decision Making, Economic & Social Issues (ESI), and Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD). 

The Mains exam contains a descriptive English paper (essay, comprehension, report/letter writing) and a subject paper on ESI and ARD with objective and descriptive questions. General Awareness focuses on current affairs, banking, and rural development.

NABARD Grade A Notification PDF

NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern

The three stages of the NABARD Grade A exam are Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Prelims is an online objective test of 200 questions from a total of eight sections, in which only marks scored in General Awareness, Economic & Social Issues, and Agriculture & Rural Development are to be considered for merit. Mains is a descriptive English paper and a specialist paper consisting of objective and descriptive questions. The third and final stage is the interview.


NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern

Phase

Paper/Section

Type

Questions / Details

Marks

Duration

Remarks

Prelims

Test of Reasoning

Objective (MCQ)

20

20

 

Qualifying section

 

English Language

Objective (MCQ)

30

30

 

Qualifying section

 

Computer Knowledge

Objective (MCQ)

20

20

 

Qualifying section

 

Quantitative Aptitude

Objective (MCQ)

20

20

 

Qualifying section

 

Decision Making

Objective (MCQ)

10

10

 

Qualifying section

 

General Awareness

Objective (MCQ)

20

20

 

Merit section

 

Economic & Social Issues (focus on Rural India)

Objective (MCQ)

40

40

 

Merit section

 

Agriculture & Rural Development (focus on Rural India)

Objective (MCQ)

40

40

 

Merit section

 

Total

 

200

200

120 min

Only merit section marks are considered for shortlisting

Mains

Paper I: General English

Descriptive

3

100

90 min

Answers typed on the computer

 

Paper II: ESI & ARD/Stream Specific

Objective

30 (objective) + 4 (descriptive out of 6 asked)

100

30 min (Obj) + 90 min (Desc)

Answers typed on the computer

Interview

-

-

-

50

-

For shortlisted candidates

NABARD Grade A Batch

NABARD Grade A Exam Marking Scheme

The NABARD Grade A examination is a three-phase selection process: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

Prelims: 200 objective questions (200 marks) within 2 hours. Negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. General Awareness, Economic & Social Issues, and Agriculture & Rural Development sections only contribute to merit marks; all other sections are qualifying.

Mains: Two papers- Paper I (Descriptive English, 100 marks, 90 min), Paper II (ESI & ARD: 30 objective questions for 50 marks in 30 min, and 4 out of 6 descriptive questions for 50 marks in 90 min). There is a 0.25 negative marking for objective questions.

 Interview: Shortlisted candidates are given 50 marks.

Also check : NABARD Grade A Eligibility

NABARD Grade A Exam Preparation Tips

The NABARD Grade A exam marks the beginning of the selection process, and success at this stage is crucial for reaching the next rounds. To help you succeed in NABARD Grade A, we have prepared some valuable preparation tips

  1. Start thoroughly familiarizing yourself with the syllabus and the Exam. This step provides a clear road map of what topics and types of questions to expect.

  2. It is important to follow a structured syllabus. Consistency in your study routine can greatly improve your understanding and retention of material.

  3. Take time to thoroughly study all the concepts in the syllabus. Building a strong foundation is the key to effectively tackling exam questions.

  4. Taking short study notes can be very useful for doing last-minute revisions. These notes are a quick reference and help you retain them better.

  5. Choose the best SBI Clerk study material available that suits your learning style. Quality resources can simplify complex topics and improve your understanding.

  6. Following Previous Year Papers is a great way to crack the actual exam and identify recurring questions.

  7. Register for the test series and try to take mock tests regularly. They simulate exam conditions and help you improve time management and accuracy.

  8. Revise the entire Syllabus before the exam. The revision will strengthen your knowledge and increase your confidence.

  9. Take regular breaks while studying to keep your mind fresh and avoid burnout. A rejuvenated mind is more receptive to learning.

Aspirants must join Physics Wallah's Join Agriculture Online Courses to boost their readiness for the Agriculture Competitive Examinations. Our courses offer daily live classes, study notes, recorded classes, test series, and more.

Also, Read
IBPS AFO Recruitment 2025 IFFCO AGT Recruitment 2025
Scope of Agriculture in India How to Become an Agricultural Officer in India

NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern FAQs

What is the NABARD Grade A exam?

NABARD Grade A exam is a national-level recruitment examination conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development for recruiting Assistant Managers in various departments.

How many stages are involved in the NABARD Grade A selection process?

There are three: Prelims (objective test), Mains (objective and descriptive test), and Interview.

Is there negative marking in the exam?

Yes, there is a minus marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer in both Prelims and the objective section of Mains.

What are the subjects in the Prelims exam?

Prelims includes Reasoning, English Language, Computer Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, Decision Making, General Awareness, Economic & Social Issues, and Agriculture & Rural Development.

Q. What is the NABARD Grade A salary?

Ans. Candidates selected for the NABARD Grade A position are entitled to a basic pay of Rs. 44,500/-, subject to various allowances.

Q. Is NABARD a government bank?

Ans. Yes, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is a government-owned bank that is fully owned by the Government of India and functions as an apex development financial institution for agriculture and rural development.
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