NABARD SO Notification 2025-26 Out, Download PDF

The NABARD Specialist Officer recruitment notification on a contractual basis was released on 19th December 2025, and the online application process has already started. NABARD, an all-India apex organization fully owned by the Government of India, is an equal opportunity employer. This recruitment is for 17 vacancies across various departments, including RMD, RMSMED, DOR, DDMABI, DIT, and DEAR, at NABARD’s Head Office in Mumbai.

Candidates interested to apply online must be an Indian citizen with the required qualifications and experience can apply only online between 19th December to 2nd January 2026. In this blog, we have provided all the details related to the NABARD Grade A recruitment, such as the application dates, eligibility criteria, selection posts, and more.

When will the NABARD SO notification has been released?

The NABARD Specialist Officer (SO) notification was released on 19th December 2025 for the recruitment of 17 Specialists across various departments on a contractual basis. The initial contract term for the selected specialists is 2 years from the date of appointment, which can be extended annually for up to 3 more years, subject to review, but the total duration will not exceed 5 years. The Bank or the specialist can terminate the contract by giving a one-month notice.

Download the NABARD SO notification PDF

The NABARD SO notification PDF has been released, and candidates interested in applying for the specialist officer post must go through the detailed notification PDF carefully, as NABARD will consider the information provided in the online application, along with the applicable fee, for shortlisting and will verify eligibility at the stage of the interview or joining. If any information is found to be false or if a candidate does not meet the eligibility requirements, their candidature will be cancelled, and they will not be allowed to appear for the interview or join the post.

Download the NABARD SO Notification PDF

What is the term of service under the NABARD SO recruitment on a contractual basis?

The term of service for specialists recruited under the NABARD SO contractual recruitment is initially 2 years from the date of appointment. This term can be extended for up to 3 additional years, subject to annual review, but the total engagement cannot exceed 5 years. The Bank may terminate the contract at any time, usually with one month’s notice, and similarly, a specialist can also end the contract by giving a one-month notice.

If the notice period is not served, the specialist must pay an amount equivalent to the pay for that period. Additionally, NABARD reserves the right to modify the recruitment terms or suspend the engagement without providing a reason. This arrangement can be thought of as a “2+3” model a guaranteed two-year term with the possibility of yearly extensions up to three more years, depending on performance and requirements.

What are the important dates related to the NABARD SO recruitment?

The important dates related to the NABARD SO recruitment are the application start date, the last date to apply online, the eligibility criteria reference date, and the fee payment window. The online application process begins on 19 December 2025 and the last date to submit the online application is on 2nd January 2026, while the eligibility of candidates, including educational qualifications and experience, is considered as of 01 December 2025. NABARD may revise these dates if necessary, and any updates or corrigenda will be published only on the Bank’s official website.

Event	Date
Notification released	19 December 2025
Online application starts from	19 December 2025
Last date to apply online	2nd January 2026
Payment of fees	19th December 2025 to 2nd January 2026
Cut-off date for eligibility	1st December 2025

How many vacancies has been released for the NABARD SO post?

A total of 17 vacancies have been released for the NABARD Specialist Officer (SO) positions on a contractual basis at the Head Office in Mumbai. These vacancies are spread across various departments, including RMD, RMSMED, DOR, DDMABI, DIT, and DEAR, with the majority of positions reserved under the Unreserved (UR) category. Each role requires specialized skills and experience, ranging from risk management and data analytics to IT and financial analysis.

Department	Name of the Post	Total
RMD	Additional Chief Risk Manager	2
RMD	Risk Manager – Data Analytics & Market Intelligence (DAMI)	1
RMD	Risk Manager – Credit Risk	2
RMD	Risk Manager – Market Risk	1
RMD	Risk Manager – Operational Risk	1
RMSMED	Producer Organization Manager	1
RMSMED	Geographical Indications (GI) Manager	1
RMSMED	Incubation Centre / Startup Manager	1
RMSMED	Senior Consultant	1
DOR	Financial Analyst	2
DDMABI	Data Scientist-cum-BI Developer	1
DIT	Project Manager – IT Operations & Infrastructure	1
DIT	Project Manager – Information Security Operations	1
DEAR	Senior Statistical Analyst	1
Total		17

How to fill the online application form for the post of NABARD SO?

The NABARD Specialist Officer (SO) application process is completely online and must be completed between 19th December 2025 and 2nd January 2026. Candidates should follow these steps carefully to ensure successful submission:

• Registration: Visit the NABARD website (nabard.org), go to “Career Notices,” and click “APPLY HERE.” Select “Click here for New Registration” and enter your name, contact details, and email ID.
• Credentials: A Provisional Registration Number and Password will be generated and sent via email and SMS.
• Data Entry: Fill the application form using the “SAVE AND NEXT” feature to complete it in multiple sessions if needed. Once Complete Registration is clicked, no modifications are allowed.
• Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of the required documents (photograph, signature, left thumb impression, handwritten declaration, and CV/resume) following the Bank’s size and format requirements.
• Final Preview: Use the Preview Tab to verify all details and clarity of uploaded images before final submission.

NABARD SO online application form link

The NABARD SO notification has been released, and the application window is now active. The direct link to apply for the NABARD SO is provided below.

Apply Online for the NABARD SO

What is the application fee for NABARD SO?

The application fee for NABARD SO positions consists of the application fee and intimation charges, exclusive of GST. Payment is integrated into the online application form and can be made via Debit/Credit Cards, Internet Banking, IMPS, or Mobile Wallets.

After successful payment, an e-Receipt is generated, which along with the application form, should be saved for future reference. If the e-Receipt is not generated, it indicates a failed payment, and the process must be repeated.

Category	Application Fee	Intimation Charges	Total Fee*
SC / ST / PWBD	NIL	₹150	₹150
All Others	₹700	₹150	₹850

*Exclusive of GST

What is the eligibility criteria to appear for the NABARD SO posts?

The eligibility criteria for the NABARD Specialist Officer (SO) post ensure that candidates meet the right combination of age, education, nationality, and professional experience to handle specialized roles effectively. NABARD looks for candidates with strong academic backgrounds, relevant work experience, and sector-specific expertise. These criteria vary slightly across different posts based on responsibilities and seniority.

What is the age limit for NABARD SO posts?

The age limit for NABARD SO positions varies depending on the post, ranging generally from 23 to 62 years. For junior positions like Data Scientist, candidates must be at least 23 years old, while senior positions such as Additional Chief Risk Manager may have an upper age limit of 62 years.

S. No	Post Name	Age Limit (Years)
1	Additional Chief Risk Manager	30–62
2	Risk Manager – Data Analytics & Market Intelligence (DAMI)	30–60
3	Risk Manager – Credit Risk	30–50 (30–45 preferred)
4	Risk Manager – Market Risk	30–50 (30–45 preferred)
5	Risk Manager – Operational Risk	30–50 (30–45 preferred)
6	Producer Organization Manager	30–50
7	Geographical Indications (GI) Manager	30–50
8	Incubation Centre / Startup Manager	30–50
9	Senior Consultant	40–55
10	Financial Analyst	24–35
11	Data Scientist-cum-BI Developer	23–30
12	Project Manager – IT Operations & Infrastructure	28–62
13	Project Manager – Information Security Operations	28–62
14	Senior Statistical Analyst	30–45

What are the educational qualifications required for NABARD SO posts?

Candidates must possess relevant graduate or postgraduate degrees from recognized universities or institutions. Qualifications vary depending on the post: finance and risk roles require degrees in Economics, Finance, Statistics, or Commerce, often supplemented with MBA/PGDBA or professional certifications. Technical positions like Data Scientist or IT Project Manager require engineering or IT degrees, while some roles prefer certifications in AI, Data Science, Risk Management, or professional courses like CA/ICWA/CFA.

Post Name	Educational Qualification
Additional Chief Risk Manager	Graduate/Postgraduate in Economics, Statistics, Finance, Business Administration; MBA/PGDI or CA/CS
Risk Manager – Data Analytics & Market Intelligence (DAMI)	PG Degree in Finance/Commerce/Economics/Statistics/Econometrics/ Mathematics/MBA/PGDBA/PGPM; B.Tech from recognized institute; CA/ICWA
Risk Manager – Credit Risk	PG Degree in Finance/Commerce/Economics/ Statistics/Mathematics/MBA/PGDBA/PGPM; CA/ICWA
Risk Manager – Market Risk	Same as Credit Risk
Risk Manager – Operational Risk	Same as Credit Risk
Producer Organization Manager	Master’s in Business Administration/Rural Development/Business Analytics/Agriculture/Agri Business Management
Geographical Indications (GI) Manager	Master’s in Agriculture Economics/Marketing/ Agri Business Management/IP Law
Incubation Centre / Startup Manager	Master’s in Business Administration/Technology Management/ Entrepreneurship
Senior Consultant	PG/MBA in Economics, Rural Development, Rural Management, Marketing, Agri Business, Entrepreneurship, MSME Management (≥60%)
Financial Analyst	PG Diploma/MBA (Finance) with 55%; or ICAI/CFA with Bachelor’s degree
Data Scientist-cum-BI Developer	B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech/MCA in IT/ CS/ECE/AI & Data Science (Min 60%)
Project Manager – IT Operations & Infrastructure	Bachelors/Masters in Engineering/ Technology (CS/IT/ECE) or BCA/MCA/MSc (IT)
Project Manager – Information Security Operations	Bachelors/Masters in Engineering/ Technology (CS/IT/Cyber Security) or BCA/MCA/MSc (IT)
Senior Statistical Analyst	Master’s in Economics/Applied Economics/ Agri Economics/Financial Economics/Statistics/ Data Science/Business Analytics

What is the nationality requirement for NABARD SO posts?

Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for NABARD SO positions. Candidates must provide proof of nationality during the application and verification process. Valid documents include a passport, Aadhaar card, or other government-issued identity proofs. This ensures compliance with government regulations and NABARD’s internal recruitment policies.

• Eligible: Only Indian citizens
• Proof Required: Passport, Aadhaar, or other government-issued ID
• Non-Indian citizens: Not eligible

What is the required work experience for NABARD SO posts?

Work experience requirements vary based on the post’s seniority and specialization. Most positions require 5–10 years of relevant experience, primarily in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector. Senior posts such as Additional Chief Risk Manager require a minimum of 10 years of experience, with at least 5 years in senior management. Experience in risk management, credit appraisal, operational risk, analytics, IT infrastructure, or rural development is essential depending on the role.

Post Name	Experience	Desirable/Additional Skills
Additional Chief Risk Manager	Min 10 yrs in BFSI; Min 5 yrs in Senior Management in Risk Management	Risk Management Certification (GARP/PREMIA/CFA); Exposure to Credit, Market, Operational Risk; Climate change/ESG
Risk Manager – Data Analytics & Market Intelligence (DAMI)	Min 5 yrs practitioner-level experience in Risk Management, Risk Consultancy, or Risk Rating Firms	Specialization in Data Science, IT, Business Analytics; IT background preferred
Risk Manager – Credit Risk	Min 5 yrs in Risk Management Dept. of Banks/FIs; or Risk Consultancy experience	Certifications from GARP/PRMIA/CMIRM; Data Analytics, CFA; Risk & Pricing Model experience
Risk Manager – Market Risk	Min 5 yrs in Risk Management Dept. or Practitioner-level Risk Management experience	GARP/PRMIA/CMIRM; Data Science/Analytics; Market & Liquidity Risk experience
Risk Manager – Operational Risk	Min 5 yrs in Risk Management or Practitioner-level experience	GARP/PRMIA/CMIRM; Data Analytics; IT/Risk Management Software experience
Producer Organization Manager	Min 5 yrs in rural development, cluster development, or PO promotion	Marketing & Business Development; MS Office & Data Analysis; Coordination Skills
Geographical Indications (GI) Manager	Min 5 yrs in GI promotion or rural development	Marketing & Business Development; GI Registration & Legal Framework; Rural Innovation
Incubation Centre / Startup Manager	Min 7 yrs in startup incubation, rural entrepreneurship, or technology commercialization	Innovation Management; MSME ecosystem; Policy formulation; Stakeholder engagement
Senior Consultant	Min 10 yrs in MSME sector, rural enterprise, or agri incubation	Writing & Editing; Computer & IT proficiency; Cluster development experience
Financial Analyst	Min 2 yrs in BFSI sector; experience in data/business analytics preferred	Analytical Thinking; Financial Statement Analysis; Reporting & Portfolio Monitoring
Data Scientist-cum-BI Developer	Min 1 yr in AI/ML projects	Data Modeling, Machine Learning, AI/ML/NLP, Cloud & BI tools, Data Governance, LLMs
Project Manager – IT Operations & Infrastructure	Min 7 yrs for graduates, 5 yrs for postgraduates in IT Infrastructure/Operations	Cloud, Network, Storage, DC Management, ITIL, Cisco, PMP, Infrastructure Automation
Project Manager – Information Security Operations	Min 7 yrs for graduates, 5 yrs for postgraduates in InfoSec/Cyber Security	CISM/CISSP/CISA/CCISO; IT Security Risk Management; ISO 27001; Security Operations
Senior Statistical Analyst	Min 5 yrs in survey design, data management, analysis, reporting	Stata/R/Excel; Quantitative & Econometrics skills; Data Collection & Analytical Reporting

What is the selection process for the NABARD SO posts?

The selection process for the NABARD Specialist Officer (SO) posts is mainly interview-based and focuses on a candidate’s qualifications, relevant work experience, and suitability for the role. Candidates are first shortlisted based on the details provided in their online application, usually in a 1:3 ratio against the number of vacancies.

Shortlisted candidates are then called for an interview conducted by a Selection Committee, whose decision on qualifying standards and final selection is binding. Candidates working in government, PSU, banks, or financial institutions must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of the interview and a relieving letter before joining.

Stage	Details
Shortlisting	Based on qualifications and experience mentioned in the online application
Shortlisting Ratio	1:3 (three candidates for one vacancy)
Mode of Selection	Interview only
Interview Authority	NABARD Selection Committee
Document Verification	Eligibility checked at interview/joining stage
NOC Requirement	Mandatory for candidates working in Govt/PSU/Banks/FIs
Relieving Letter	Required before final appointment
Medical Examination	Pre-recruitment medical fitness is compulsory
Result Declaration	Published on NABARD’s official website only

How much is the NABARD SO salary and allowances?

The NABARD Specialist Officer (SO) salary is offered as a consolidated, all-inclusive remuneration, which varies according to the post and level of responsibility. The monthly pay ranges from ₹1.50 lakh to ₹3.85 lakh, while the Data Scientist-cum-BI Developer role carries an annual package of ₹15–21 lakh.

This compensation is subject to Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) and may include a performance-based annual increment of up to 10%, at the Bank’s discretion. While specialists do not receive traditional benefits like PF, pension, or gratuity, they are entitled to leave up to 30 days per year, medical facilities at NABARD’s dispensary, and travelling and halting allowances for official tours.

Post Name	Salary / Remuneration
Additional Chief Risk Manager	₹3.85 lakh per month
Risk Managers (DAMI, Credit, Market, Operational)	₹3 lakh per month
Project Managers (IT & Information Security)	₹3 lakh per month
Senior Statistical Analyst	₹2 lakh per month
Financial Analyst	₹1.75 – ₹2.00 lakh per month
Producer Organization / GI / Incubation-Startup Managers	₹1.50 lakh per month
Senior Consultant	₹1.50 lakh per month
Data Scientist-cum-BI Developer	₹15 – ₹21 lakh per year

What is the job profile for NABARD specialist officers across various departments?

NABARD Specialist Officers are engaged across risk management, analytics, rural development, finance, IT, and policy support functions. Their overall role is to provide domain-specific expertise to strengthen NABARD’s regulatory, supervisory, developmental, and operational capabilities. Depending on the post, Specialists handle policy formulation, risk assessment, data analysis, project monitoring, technology implementation, and stakeholder coordination, while ensuring compliance with RBI guidelines, BASEL norms, and NABARD’s developmental objectives.

Post name	Key job profile
Additional Chief Risk Manager	Lead enterprise-wide risk management, frame and review risk policies (credit, market, operational, ALM), ensure RBI & BASEL III compliance, assess high-value credit proposals, oversee risk mitigation, stress testing, model validation, and support business continuity planning.
Risk Manager – Data Analytics & Market Intelligence (DAMI)	Conduct data-driven credit and portfolio risk analysis, develop early warning systems, perform industry and sector studies, build and validate risk models, evaluate risk-return metrics, and provide analytical inputs for policy and portfolio management.
Risk Manager – Credit Risk	Identify and assess credit risks, review credit risk policies, monitor exposure limits, conduct stress testing and scenario analysis, validate rating models, support ICAAP and RAROC frameworks, and assess credit proposals and capital adequacy.
Risk Manager – Market Risk	Analyze market movements, assess investment and borrowing risks, conduct VaR, duration and stress testing, manage ALM and liquidity risk frameworks, compute market risk capital charges, and support pricing and contingency funding plans.
Risk Manager – Operational Risk	Manage operational risk frameworks including RCSA, KRI, loss data and BCM, assess incidents and near-misses, support BASEL III capital computation for operational risk, coordinate BCP implementation, and conduct training and awareness programs.
Producer Organization Manager	Support promotion and strengthening of Producer Organizations, conduct field visits, assist in business plan development, monitor REPO schemes, build market and financial linkages, and coordinate with regional offices and stakeholders.
Geographical Indications (GI) Manager	Identify and promote GI products, support GI registration and authorized user processes, develop MIS for GI projects, organize exhibitions and workshops, conduct field reviews, and provide policy-level inputs for GI scheme implementation.
Incubation Centre / Startup Manager	Guide incubation centres and MSME clusters, monitor RBIC performance, facilitate partnerships with startups and institutions, support rural innovation deployment, conduct field evaluations, and provide policy and strategic recommendations.
Senior Consultant	Provide technical support for MSME and off-farm clusters, design new rural development interventions, assist business plan development, guide incubation centres, coordinate with ROs and agencies, and manage catalytic capital and monitoring tools.
Financial Analyst	Conduct financial analysis and credit appraisal, monitor NBFC portfolios, prepare credit reports, assess financial health of clients, support compliance and documentation, and coordinate with internal departments.
Data Scientist – cum – BI Developer	Develop AI/ML and analytics solutions, build data models and dashboards, deploy and monitor AI systems, automate data pipelines, support business analytics use cases, ensure data governance, and collaborate with technical and business teams.
Project Manager – IT Operations & Infrastructure Services	Manage data centre and IT infrastructure operations, oversee vendors and SLAs, provision IT resources, ensure backup and DR readiness, plan cloud and network architecture, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimize IT operations.
Project Manager – Information Security Operations	Lead information and cyber security initiatives, manage risk assessments, ensure compliance with ISO 27001 and RBI frameworks, handle security incidents, define KPIs/KRIs, support audits, and strengthen security governance.
Senior Statistical Analyst	Design and implement surveys, manage sampling and field operations, analyze large datasets using econometric tools, ensure data quality, prepare analytical reports and presentations, and support evidence-based policy formulation.

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