ESI & ARD Practice Questions for NABARD Grade A 2025-26

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Published on 15 December 2025 by

Key Takeaways

  • The NABARD Grade A Phase 1 exam takes place on 20th December 2025; practicing ESI and ARD questions is crucial for candidates.
  • The ESI section tests awareness of economic and social issues affecting rural development, covering topics like poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
  • Sample ESI practice questions enhance preparation; each question includes explanations for better understanding.
  • The ARD section focuses on agriculture and rural economy topics, testing knowledge on farming practices, animal husbandry, and rural development initiatives.
  • Candidates can access detailed syllabus information for both ESI and ARD sections to improve their preparation strategies for the exam.

The NABARD Grade A exam date for 2025-26 has been released, and the Phase 1 exam is scheduled to be held on 20th December 2025. With just a few days left, practicing ESI (Economic and Social Issues) and ARD (Agriculture and Rural Development) questions is essential for candidates preparing for the NABARD Grade A exam. This practice helps in several ways, including improving exam relevance, conceptual clarity, time management, identifying weaknesses, building confidence, and enhancing problem-solving skills.

In this blog, we have provided details about the ESI and ARD sections, along with practice questions, correct answers, and detailed explanations.

What is the ESI section?

The Economic and Social Issues (ESI) section tests a candidate’s awareness and understanding of key national and global economic and social problems, policies, and programs that impact rural development. Key topics include:

  • Indian Economy
  • Economic Reforms in India
  • Government schemes and programs
  • Poverty alleviation
  • Employment generation
  • Social sector initiatives (education, health, gender issues, etc.)
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • International Financial Institutions like IMF, World Bank, WTO
Attempt NABARD Grade A Mock Test 

Sample ESI Practice Questions

It is important to practice questions if you are preparing for the exam. Check out some of the sample questions below:

Q1: Which of the following is NOT a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) adopted by the United Nations?

A. No Poverty
B. Climate Action
C. Clean Energy for All
D. Gender Equality

Answer: C. Clean Energy for All
Explanation: While “Affordable and Clean Energy” is a goal, there is no specific SDG titled “Clean Energy for All”. The official goal refers to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

Q2: The Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative was launched in response to which of the following challenges?

A. Economic slowdown due to demonetization
B. Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
C. Global trade war
D. Decrease in rural employment

Answer: B. Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Explanation: The Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) initiative was introduced to counter the economic distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and to encourage local production and self-sustainability.

Q3: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) guarantees how many days of wage employment in a financial year to rural households?

A. 90 days
B. 100 days
C. 120 days
D. 150 days

Answer: B. 100 days
Explanation: MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.

Q 4: Which of the following organizations is responsible for conducting the Global Hunger Index?

A. World Health Organization (WHO)
B. International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
C. World Bank
D. World Economic Forum

Answer: B. International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Explanation: The Global Hunger Index is jointly published by IFPRI along with Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe.

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Q5: Which of the following is a primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)?
A. Employment generation for rural youth
B. Financial inclusion by providing access to banking services
C. Subsidized loans for farmers
D. Affordable housing for the urban poor

Answer: B. Financial inclusion by providing access to banking services
Explanation: PMJDY aims to provide universal access to banking facilities, financial literacy, and insurance coverage, focusing on financial inclusion for all citizens, especially the unbanked population.

Q6: Which of the following government schemes is primarily aimed at improving maternal health?
A. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan
B. PM-KISAN
C. Swachh Bharat Mission
D. Ayushman Bharat

Answer: A. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan
Explanation: This scheme aims to ensure quality antenatal care and checkups for pregnant women to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.

Q7: According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which of the following best describes “inclusive growth”?
A. Growth limited to urban areas
B. Growth that benefits a select group of people
C. Growth that creates opportunities for all segments of society
D. Growth focused only on increasing GDP

Answer: C. Growth that creates opportunities for all segments of society
Explanation: Inclusive growth ensures that the benefits of economic growth are widely distributed and that all segments of society, particularly the poor and marginalized, can participate in and benefit from the growth process.

What is the ARD section?

The Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) section assesses the candidate’s knowledge of agricultural practices, rural economy, and development programs aimed at improving rural livelihoods.

Key topics include:

  • Agriculture basics: crop production, horticulture, irrigation techniques
  • Soil and water conservation
  • Agricultural economy
  • Animal husbandry, fisheries, and forestry
  • Rural development initiatives
  • Micro-finance and self-help groups (SHGs)
  • Agribusiness and marketing
Explore NABARD Grade A Online Courses

Sample ARD Practice Questions

Q1: Which crop is known as the “King of Pulses” in India?

A. Lentil
B. Pigeon Pea
C. Chickpea
D. Black Gram

Answer: B. Pigeon Pea
Explanation: Pigeon Pea (Tur or Arhar) is referred to as the “King of Pulses” because it is a major source of protein and is widely consumed across India.

Q2: Which of the following is a Rabi crop in India?

A. Rice
B. Cotton
C. Wheat
D. Maize

Answer: C. Wheat
Explanation: Wheat is a Rabi crop, typically sown in winter and harvested in the spring. Rice and cotton are Kharif crops.

Q3: The Blue Revolution is related to the growth and development of which sector?

A. Dairy Farming
B. Fisheries
C. Poultry Farming
D. Horticulture

Answer: B. Fisheries
Explanation: The Blue Revolution refers to the growth and development of the fisheries sector in India, aimed at increasing fish production.

Q4: Which of the following is the largest contributor to India’s agricultural GDP?

A. Horticulture
B. Livestock
C. Fisheries
D. Forestry

Answer: A. Horticulture
Explanation: Horticulture, which includes fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants, is the largest contributor to India’s agricultural GDP.

Q5. Which of the following green manure crop contains the highest amount of nitrogen?
A. Dhaincha
B. Cowpea
C. Sunhemp
D. Chickpea

Answer: A. Dhaincha
• In agriculture, green manure is created by leaving uprooted or sown crop parts to
wither on a field so that they serve as a mulch and soil amendment.
• Typically, they are ploughed under and incorporated into the soil while green or
shortly after flowering.
• Dhaincha is quick growing succulent green manure crop, which can be incorporated 8
to 10 weeks after sowing when the crop is at the flowering stage.

Q6: What is the term used for farming that integrates crop production and livestock to maximize efficiency and minimize waste?
A. Organic farming
B. Mixed farming
C. Monoculture
D. Agroforestry

Answer: B. Mixed farming
Explanation: Mixed farming involves the cultivation of crops and the raising of livestock on the same piece of land, improving productivity and sustainability by recycling farm resources.

Q7: Which of the following is a major cash crop grown in the coastal regions of India?
A. Tea
B. Rubber
C. Coconut
D. Wheat

Answer: C. Coconut
Explanation: Coconut is primarily cultivated in coastal areas of India, especially in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, due to the favorable tropical climate.

Q8: In the context of water conservation, what is the purpose of watershed management?
A. Protecting wildlife
B. Managing irrigation systems
C. Conserving soil and water in a specific area
D. Enhancing agricultural productivity by using chemical fertilizers

Answer: C. Conserving soil and water in a specific area
Explanation: Watershed management focuses on the sustainable use of land and water resources within a defined watershed area to conserve soil and water, reduce erosion, and improve water quality.

Q9: Which of the following is a Kharif crop?
A. Barley
B. Mustard
C. Maize
D. Wheat

Answer: C. Maize
Explanation: Maize is a Kharif crop, typically sown in the rainy season from June to October in India.

Q10: Which of the following breeds is an indigenous breed of cattle in India?
A. Jersey
B. Holstein Friesian
C. Sahiwal
D. Brown Swiss

Answer: C. Sahiwal
Explanation: Sahiwal is an indigenous breed of cattle found in India, known for its high milk production and disease resistance.

What is the NABARD Grade A exam pattern?

The NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern 2025 varies across the RDBS, and Legal streams. For the RDBS and Legal posts, the selection process comprises the Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, Psychometric Test, and Interview. The Preliminary Exam is an objective paper covering Reasoning, English, Computer Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, Decision Making, General Awareness, Economic & Social Issues, and Agriculture & Rural Development.

The Mains Exam includes both descriptive and objective papers based on the selected discipline. Candidates who qualify the Mains must appear for a Psychometric Test followed by a Personal Interview.

Selection StagesExam Details
Preliminary ExamObjective paper covering: Reasoning, English, Computer Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, Decision Making, General Awareness, Economic & Social Issues (ESI), Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD)
Mains ExamDescriptive and objective papers based on the selected discipline
Psychometric TestQualifying test to assess personality traits and suitability
InterviewPersonal interview to assess overall suitability
Attempt NABARD Grade A Previous Year Papers

What topics are included in the NABARD Grade A phase 1 and 2 ARD syllabus?

The candidates must prepare for both Phase 1 & 2 simultaneously for NABARD Grade A ARD as the topics are same but the difficulty level changes.

Main TopicsSubtopics / Key Areas
Agriculture• Definition, meaning, and branches of agriculture • Agronomy – definition, meaning, and scope • Classification of field crops • Factors affecting crop production • Agro-climatic zones • Types of cropping systems • Dry land problems • Seed production & processing • Seed village • Meteorology – weather parameters, crop-weather advisory • Precision farming • System of crop intensification • Organic farming
Soil and Water Conservation• Major soil types • Soil fertility • Fertilizers • Soil erosion and conservation • Watershed management
Water Resource Management• Irrigation management • Types and sources of irrigation • Crop-water requirement • Command area development • Water conservation techniques • Micro irrigation • Irrigation pumps • Major, medium & minor irrigation projects
Agri & Farm Engineering• Power and machinery used in farms • Power sources – animal, human, electrical, mechanical, wind, biomass, solar, biofuels • Water harvesting structures • Farm ponds • Agro processing • Modified & controlled storage • Storage of perishable foods • Bins, godowns & grain silos
Horticulture & Plantation• Meaning, definition & branches • Production technology & agronomic practices of horticultural and plantation crops • Value & supply chain management • Post-harvest management
Animal Husbandry• Role of farm animals in Indian economy • Animal husbandry practices in India • Common livestock terminologies • Utility classification of cattle breeds • Common fodders & feeds – types and utility • Poultry industry and production in India • Mixed farming – concept & socio-economic importance • Relationship between livestock, poultry, and agriculture
Fisheries• Fisheries resources and management – marine, freshwater & brackish water • Aquaculture – inland & marine • Biotechnology in fisheries • Post-harvest technology • Importance of fisheries in India • Common fish production terms
Forestry• Basic concepts of forest & forestry • Management, mensuration & forest economics • Principles of silviculture • Agroforestry, social forestry & joint forest management • Forest legislation & policies in India • State of Forest Report 2015 • Ministry of Forest, Environment & Climate Change – functions & updates
Agriculture Extension• Role and importance of agricultural extension • Evaluation methods of extension programmes • Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in technology dissemination
Ecology & Climate Change• Ecology and relevance to human life • Sustainable resource management & conservation • Climate change – causes & greenhouse gases (GHGs) • Adaptation vs mitigation • Impact on agriculture and rural livelihoods • Carbon credits, IPCC, UNFCCC, CoP meetings • Funding mechanisms for climate projects • Indian initiatives – SAPCC, NAPCC, INDC
Present Scenario of Agriculture & Allied Activities• Recent trends in agriculture • Major challenges and solutions • Measures to enhance viability • Factors of production in agriculture • Agricultural finance & marketing • Globalization & its impact on Indian agriculture • Food security concerns • Farm management – concept & types
Rural Development• Concept of rural areas and rural economy • Economic, social & demographic importance • Causes of rural backwardness • Rural population and workforce trends • Occupational structure – farmers, labourers, artisans, traders, forest dwellers, etc. • Issues of rural labour and handlooms • Panchayati Raj Institutions – functions & working • Key rural schemes – MGNREGA, NRLM (Aajeevika), Rural Drinking Water, Swachh Bharat, Rural Housing, PURA, and other programmes

What is the ESI syllabus for the NABARD Grade A phase 1 and phase 2 exam?

The Economic & Social Issues (ESI) section is included in both Phase I (Prelims) and Phase II (Mains) for all streams. It is a merit-based section in Prelims and forms part of Paper II in Mains, which is divided equally between objective and descriptive questions. In the Mains exam, the level of questions is more difficult.

Main TopicsSubtopics / Key Areas
Indian Economy and Its Nature• Institutional and structural features of the Indian economy • Economic underdevelopment • Opening up of the Indian economy • Globalization and its effects • Economic reforms in India • Privatization and liberalization
Inflation• Types and trends of inflation • Causes and control measures • Impact of inflation on individual income and the national economy
Employment Generation & Poverty Alleviation in India• Employment trends in urban and rural areas • Poverty measurement methods • Major poverty alleviation programmes of the Government of India
Population Trends• Population growth and its impact on economic development • Population policy in India • Demographic transition and related challenges
Agriculture• Characteristics and current status of Indian agriculture • Technical and institutional changes • Agricultural performance • Food security issues in India • Rural credit – institutional and non-institutional agencies
Industry• Industrial and labour policies • Industrial performance and growth • Regional imbalances in industrial development • Role of public sector enterprises
Financial Institutions and Rural Banking in India• Structure and role of financial institutions • Rural banking systems • Financial sector and banking reforms in India
Economic Globalization• Role of international funding institutions • IMF, World Bank, and WTO • Regional economic cooperation and integration
Social Structure in India• Multiculturalism and diversity • Demographic trends and urbanization • Migration and its social impact • Gender issues • Joint family system • Social infrastructure – education, health, and environment
Education• Status and structure of the education system in India • Problems of illiteracy and socio-economic implications • Educational relevance and wastage • Educational policies and reforms in India
Social Justice• Issues of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) • Socio-economic programmes for SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) • Measures and policies for promoting social equity
Positive Discrimination / Upliftment of Underprivileged Classes• Steps taken to support underprivileged and weaker sections • Social movements and their significance • Indian political system and democratic values • Human development and social welfare • Current economic and social issues in India

FAQs

1. When is the NABARD Grade A Phase 1 exam 2025 scheduled?

Ans. The NABARD Grade A Phase 1 exam 2025 scheduled to be held on 20th December 2025.

2. What is the ESI section in the NABARD Grade A exam?

Ans: It tests awareness of national and global economic and social issues affecting rural development.

3. What is the ARD section in the NABARD Grade A exam?

Ans. It assesses knowledge of agriculture, rural economy, and development programs for rural livelihoods.

4. What are the key topics in the ARD section?

Ans. Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Forestry, Soil & Water Conservation, Rural Development, and Agribusiness.

5. What is the difference in difficulty between Phase 1 and Phase 2 for ESI and ARD?

Ans. The topics remain the same, but the questions in Phase 2 (Mains) are more difficult.