NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern 2026 (Expected): Prelims, Mains, Psychometric Test & Interview
The NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern 2026 is expected to be released along with the official recruitment notification. Until then, candidates can refer to the latest NABARD Grade A notification to understand the expected selection process, exam stages, marking scheme, and paper pattern.
As per the 2025 notification, the recruitment process consists of Phase I (Preliminary Examination), Phase II (Main Examination), a mandatory Psychometric Test, and an Interview. The Preliminary examination is conducted online with objective-type questions, while the Main examination includes both objective and descriptive papers depending on the post. Understanding the exam pattern helps candidates prepare according to the weightage of each section and plan an effective study strategy.
NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
Before starting your preparation, it is important to understand the expected structure of the NABARD Grade A examination. The table below highlights the major features of the exam pattern based on the latest official notification.
|
Particulars |
Details (Expected) |
|
Exam Name |
NABARD Grade A Recruitment 2026 |
|
Conducting Body |
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) |
|
Post |
Assistant Manager (Grade A) |
|
Notification Status |
Expected Soon |
|
Selection Process |
Prelims, Mains, Psychometric Test, Interview |
|
Exam Mode |
Online |
|
Question Type |
Objective & Descriptive |
|
Language |
Hindi & English (except English Language Test) |
|
Negative Marking |
1/4th mark for every incorrect objective answer |
|
Official Website |
NABARD Grade A Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the recruitment process for Grade A (RDBS/Legal). It is conducted online and consists entirely of objective-type questions.
NABARD Grade A Prelims Exam Pattern (Expected)
|
Test |
No. of Questions |
Maximum Marks |
|
Test of Reasoning |
20 |
20 |
|
English Language |
30 |
30 |
|
Computer Knowledge |
20 |
20 |
|
Quantitative Aptitude |
20 |
20 |
|
Decision Making |
10 |
10 |
|
General Awareness |
20 |
20 |
|
Economic & Social Issues (Focus on Rural India) |
40 |
40 |
|
Agriculture & Rural Development (Focus on Rural India) |
40 |
40 |
|
Total |
200 |
200 |
NABARD Grade A Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The NABARD Grade A Mains Exam Pattern differs based on the discipline for which a candidate has applied. While the General English paper remains common for all streams, the second paper is stream-specific and tests subject knowledge relevant to the chosen discipline.
NABARD Grade A Mains Exam Pattern 2026 for Generalist
The Main Examination for the Generalist post consists of two papers. Paper I evaluates English writing skills, while Paper II tests candidates on Economic & Social Issues (ESI) and Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD).
|
Paper |
Subject |
Type |
Questions |
Marks |
Duration |
Remarks |
|
Paper I |
General English |
Descriptive |
3 |
100 |
90 Minutes |
Answers to be typed using keyboard |
|
Paper II |
Economic & Social Issues and Agriculture & Rural Development |
Objective |
30 |
50 |
30 Minutes |
|
|
Descriptive |
6 questions (Attempt any 4) |
50 |
90 Minutes |
2 questions of 15 marks each and 2 questions of 10 marks each |
Important Points
-
Paper I is entirely descriptive.
-
Paper II consists of both objective and descriptive sections.
-
Descriptive answers must be typed on the keyboard.
-
Candidates can answer the descriptive paper in English or Hindi using the available keyboard options.
NABARD Grade A Mains Exam Pattern 2026 for Specialist Posts
Candidates applying under specialist disciplines such as Finance, IT, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Agriculture Engineering, Fisheries, Plantation & Horticulture, Food Processing, Economics, and other notified streams will have the following pattern.
|
Paper |
Subject |
Type |
Questions |
Marks |
Duration |
|
Paper I |
General English |
Descriptive |
3 |
100 |
90 Minutes |
|
Paper II |
Stream Specific Paper |
Objective |
30 |
50 |
30 Minutes |
|
Descriptive |
6 questions (Attempt any 4) |
50 |
90 Minutes |
Paper II Descriptive Pattern
-
6 descriptive questions are asked.
-
Candidates are required to attempt 4 questions.
-
Two questions carry 15 marks each.
-
Two questions carry 10 marks each.
NABARD Grade A Mains Exam Pattern 2026 for Legal
The Main Examination pattern for the Legal post follows the same structure as the Specialist stream, with the subject paper based on Law.
|
Paper |
Subject |
Type |
Questions |
Marks |
Duration |
|
Paper I |
General English |
Descriptive |
3 |
100 |
90 Minutes |
|
Paper II |
Legal Paper |
Objective |
30 |
50 |
30 Minutes |
|
Descriptive |
6 questions (Attempt any 4) |
50 |
90 Minutes |
Descriptive answers are to be typed using the keyboard in either English or Hindi.
NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern 2026 for Protocol & Security Service
The exam pattern for Protocol & Security Service differs from the RDBS and Legal streams.
|
Test |
Questions |
Marks |
|
Test of Reasoning |
50 |
50 |
|
English Language |
50 |
25 |
|
General Awareness (with Special Reference to Banking Industry) |
50 |
50 |
|
Professional Knowledge |
50 |
75 |
|
Total |
200 |
200 |
Duration: 120 Minutes (Composite Time)
After the online examination, shortlisted candidates appear for:
-
Mandatory Psychometric Test (90 Minutes)
-
Interview (50 Marks)
NABARD Grade A Psychometric Test 2026
As per the latest official notification, candidates shortlisted after the Main Examination are required to appear for a mandatory Psychometric Test before the Interview.
Key Highlights
-
Mandatory stage of the selection process.
-
Conducted in MCQ format.
-
Duration: 90 Minutes.
-
Candidates must appear for this test to be considered for the Interview stage.
NABARD Grade A Interview 2026
Candidates qualifying the Main Examination and appearing in the Psychometric Test are shortlisted for the Interview.
|
Particular |
Details |
|
Interview Marks |
50 Marks |
|
Interview Medium |
English or Hindi |
|
Conducted For |
Candidates shortlisted after Phase II |
The interview evaluates a candidate's subject knowledge, communication skills, awareness of rural and agricultural issues, and overall suitability for the role of Assistant Manager.
NABARD Grade A Exam Marking Scheme 2026 (Expected)
As the NABARD Grade A Notification 2026 is yet to be released, the expected marking scheme is based on the previous official notification. Any changes will be updated once the latest notification is released.
|
Particular |
Details |
|
Prelims Total Marks |
200 |
|
Mains Total Marks |
200 (Paper I: 100 + Paper II: 100) |
|
Interview Marks |
50 |
|
Negative Marking |
0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect objective answer in Phase I and Phase II |
|
Merit in Prelims |
Only General Awareness, ESI, and ARD marks are considered for shortlisting |
|
Psychometric Test |
Mandatory but not considered for the final merit |
|
Final Selection |
Based on Phase II (Mains) + Interview performance |
Related Resources
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| Also, Read | |
| IBPS AFO Recruitment | IFFCO AGT Recruitment |
| Scope of Agriculture in India | How to Become an Agricultural Officer in India |
NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern FAQs
1. What is the exam pattern for NABARD Grade A 2026?
2. Is there negative marking in the NABARD Grade A exam?
3. Which sections are considered for merit in the NABARD Grade A Prelims?
4. Is the Psychometric Test mandatory for NABARD Grade A?
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