The NABARD Grade A exam date 2025–26 has been released, and the Phase 1 exam has been scheduled to be held on 20th December 2025, followed by the Phase 2 exam scheduled to be held on 25th January 2026. In both the Phase 1 and Phase 2 exams, ESI and ARD are the common subjects along with the merit section of the exam. Scoring good marks in these two sections is of utmost importance to qualify for both the Phase 1 and Phase 2 exams. In this blog, we have provided a preparation guide to clear the Economic and Social Issues (ESI) and Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) papers, along with details of the preparation strategy and more.
Why ESI and ARD papers are important for the NABARD Grade A exam?
Economic & Social Issues (ESI) and Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD) are the most critical and merit-deciding subjects in the NABARD Grade A exam for aspirants targeting the RDBS and Legal posts. Unlike qualifying sections, ESI and ARD directly impact the Phase 1 merit score and final selection, and they are also tested again in Phase 2 through both Objective and Descriptive papers. Together, these subjects carry 40 marks each in Phase 1 and a combined 100 marks in Phase 2.
| Reason | Why it matters |
|---|
| Merit-based subjects | Marks obtained in ESI & ARD directly affect Phase 1 merit and final ranking |
| High weightage | 80 marks in Phase 1 and 100 marks in Phase 2 |
| Asked in both phases | Only subjects tested in both Prelims and Mains |
| Core to NABARD's role | Closely linked to rural development, agriculture, and economic policymaking |
| Descriptive paper in Phase 2 | Test's analytical ability, clarity of thought, and real-world understanding |
Since NABARD's work revolves around rural development, agriculture finance, and socio-economic policymaking, the questions test not just factual knowledge but also conceptual clarity and application. A smart preparation strategy must therefore balance Static fundamentals with Current Affairs, as past exams have alternated between static-heavy and current-focused papers. To clear sectional cut-offs and score well in the merit list, aspirants must focus on strong basics, regular revision, and consistent answer-writing practice.
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How to start the preparation for NABARD Grade A ESI and ARD subjects?
To prepare for ESI and ARD effectively, aspirants need a clear, structured, and consistent approach. Since these subjects are vast and merit-based, preparation should begin with understanding the complete syllabus and building strong static fundamentals. Once the basics are clear, candidates must link them with current affairs, especially government schemes, reports, and policy updates. Regular practice of objective questions, descriptive answer writing, and mock tests, along with timely revision, is essential to improve accuracy, clarity, and confidence in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the NABARD Grade A exam.
| Preparation Area | What candidates should do |
|---|
| Understand the syllabus first | Go through the complete ESI & ARD syllabus and identify high-weightage chapters |
| Build static fundamentals | Start with core topics like National Income, Inflation, Fiscal Policy, Agronomy, Soil Science, Irrigation, etc. |
| Integrate current affairs | Link static topics with current government schemes, reports, and policy updates |
| Focus on important chapters | Prioritise topics frequently asked in previous years' papers |
| Prepare for objective questions | Practice MCQs regularly to improve accuracy and speed |
| Practice descriptive answers | Write structured answers using introduction, body, conclusion, data, and examples |
| Use authentic sources | Refer to Economic Survey, Union Budget, NABARD Annual Report, RBI and government releases |
| Revise consistently | Weekly and monthly revision is essential due to the vast syllabus |
| Attempt mock tests | Take sectional and full-length mocks and analyse mistakes carefully |
What are the important chapters for Economic & Social Issues (ESI)?
Economic & Social Issues (ESI) is a high-scoring and merit-based subject in the NABARD Grade A exam, especially for aspirants targeting RDBS and Legal posts. The questions in ESI test a candidate's basic economic understanding, awareness of social issues, and ability to relate concepts with current developments. To score well, aspirants should focus on the most important and frequently asked chapters. Building strong conceptual clarity in these topics also helps in writing better answers in the Phase 2 descriptive paper.
| Important Chapters |
|---|
| Measurement of Growth & National Income | Rural Banking & financial institutions in India |
| Inflation & Monetary Policy | International funding institutions |
| Fiscal Policy | Urbanization & Migration |
| Balance of Payments (BoP) | Health & Education |
| Economic Reforms in India | Indian Political Systems (Very Basic) |
| Poverty Alleviation & Employment Generation in India | Human Development |
| Industrial & Labour Policy | Ecology & Climate Change |
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What are the important chapters for Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD)?
Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD) is a core and merit-based subject in the NABARD Grade A exam and holds significant importance in both Phase 1 and Phase 2. The ARD syllabus is closely aligned with NABARD's mandate of promoting agriculture, allied activities, and rural development, which is why questions asked in this paper are often conceptual and application-based. To score well, aspirants should focus on the most important chapters, as these areas consistently contribute a major share of questions in the exam. A strong command over these topics also helps candidates perform better in the Phase 2 descriptive paper.
| Important Chapters |
|---|
| Agronomy including Crops | Poultry |
| Irrigation | Soil Science |
| Agricultural Engineering | Horticulture |
| Animal Husbandry | Less Important Chapters: Fisheries & Forestry |
For the Preparation for the Phase 2 Descriptive Paper, For the first few weeks, make sure your ESI & ARD concepts are clear and you have covered all the basic chapters.
How should candidates prepare Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) paper for NABARD Grade A exam?
The preparation strategy for ARD is the same for both Phase 1 and Phase 2, with greater weightage given to current affairs and application-based questions. A systematic approach helps candidates build strong conceptual clarity, revise effectively, and perform well in both objective and descriptive papers.
| Step | ARD Preparation Strategy for Candidates |
|---|
| Step 1 | Candidates should begin by strengthening their basics. Start with core chapters such as Agronomy and Soil Conservation, as these topics form the foundation of the ARD syllabus. |
| Step 2 | Solve all topic-wise tests related to these chapters and revise them at least twice to ensure strong conceptual clarity. |
| Step 3 | After covering the basics, candidates should move on to the remaining important chapters: Agricultural Engineering, Irrigation & Water Management, Horticulture, Fisheries, and Forestry. |
| Step 4 | While preparing ARD, candidates must focus on memorising important facts and data points, as questions are asked from both static concepts and factual information. |
| Step 5 | Attempt all topic-wise tests for the chapters covered in Step 3 and revise these topics thoroughly once again. |
| Step 6 | Candidates should then start with Model Descriptive Q&A and review the answers at least two times to understand proper content flow and answer structure. |
| Step 7 | Begin practising descriptive answer writing by attempting at least 5 answers per week. Candidates should type their answers instead of writing them to replicate the actual exam pattern. |
| Step 8 | Finally, candidates should complete the remaining syllabus and revise regularly using video lectures, study notes, topic tests, model Q&A, and mock tests. |
How should candidates prepare Economic and Social Issues (ESI) papers for NABARD Grade A?
The ESI section in the NABARD Grade A exam includes concept-based, factual, and current affairs questions, with current affairs carrying relatively higher weightage. The preparation strategy for Phase 1 and Phase 2 remains the same, making it essential for candidates to first build strong conceptual clarity and then effectively integrate current affairs. Below is an expert-curated 8-step preparation strategy to help candidates ace ESI for both Phase I and Phase II.
| Step | What should candidates do? |
|---|
| Step 1 | Candidates should begin by strengthening their basics by covering core chapters such as Measurement of Growth & National Income, Monetary & Fiscal Policy, and Balance of Payments, as these topics form the foundation of the ESI syllabus. |
| Step 2 | Solve all topic-wise tests related to these chapters and revise them at least twice to ensure strong conceptual clarity. |
| Step 3 | Since a major portion of ESI questions is current affairs–based, candidates must first build strong fundamentals before linking concepts with current events. |
| Step 4 | Move on to the remaining chapters mentioned in the ESI syllabus. Candidates should avoid spending excessive time on these topics and focus mainly on understanding the basic concepts. |
| Step 5 | Attempt all topic-wise tests related to these chapters and revise them once again to reinforce learning. |
| Step 6 | Start linking current affairs with ESI concepts. Candidates should regularly read and revise monthly current affairs to stay exam-ready. |
| Step 7 | Begin practising with Model Descriptive Questions & Answers and review the answers at least two times to understand structure, flow, and content relevance. |
| Step 8 | Candidates are now ready to practise Descriptive Q&A. Attempt at least 5 descriptive answers per week, and make sure to type the answers to match the actual exam pattern. |
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How should candidates prepare current affairs for NABARD Grade A?
Current affairs preparation plays a crucial role in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the NABARD Grade A exam, especially when started 5–6 months before the exam. Candidates must focus on indices, important government schemes, reports, and agriculture- and rural-focused data while ensuring regular revision for long-term retention.
| Component | What candidates should cover |
|---|
| Daily news | Newspapers and PIB releases relevant to economy, agriculture, and rural development |
| Economic survey | Key highlights, chapters, data, and policy directions |
| Union budget | Major allocations, schemes, reforms, and sector-wise focus |
| Agriculture census | Latest data, trends, and findings |
| SECC | Socio-Economic Caste Census key insights |
| Census | Population, rural–urban data, and demographic trends |
| Government schemes | Central and state schemes related to ESI & ARD |
| NABARD model bankable projects | Objectives, sectors covered, and practical relevance |
| Livestock census | Livestock population trends and key statistics |
How should candidates plan and revise current affairs?
Candidates should select one topic from ESI or ARD and aim to complete it within a fixed timeline to avoid procrastination and maintain preparation momentum. Regular revision plays a crucial role in competitive exams like NABARD Grade A, as it strengthens conceptual clarity and improves long-term retention. Every new topic studied should be revised multiple times so that important facts and concepts remain fresh. Consistent and structured revision ultimately helps candidates recall information accurately and confidently on the exam day.
How to prepare for NABARD Grade A Exam?
Preparing for the NABARD Grade A exam requires a clear understanding of the NABARD Grade A exam pattern, a strong grip on core subjects, and consistent revision. Candidates should focus on building solid fundamentals in Economic & Social Issues (ESI) and Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD), as these subjects are common to both Phase 1 and Phase 2.
Alongside static concepts, regular coverage of current affairs, especially related to the economy, agriculture, and government schemes, is essential. A well-structured study plan, regular practice through topic-wise tests and mock exams, and continuous revision help improve accuracy, retention, and answer-writing skills, ultimately increasing the chances of success in the NABARD Grade A exam.
If you are a candidate who has never prepared for the NABARD Grade A Exam before and is scared of the Agriculture section that is asked in the exam, then you must check out the following success stories:
Success Story of Anantha Giri Padmanabhan
Success Story of Himanshu Baliyan
Special Note: Any Graduate candidate from any discipline can apply for this exam. With a systematic way of preparation, aspirants can smoothly get good marks in the Agriculture section.
What is the NABARD Grade A exam pattern?
The NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern 2025 varies across the RDBS, Legal, and Protocol & Security Service (P&SS) 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.
For the P&SS post, the selection process includes an Online Examination, Psychometric Test, and Interview. The Online Exam covers Reasoning, English, General Awareness (with emphasis on the Banking Industry), and Professional Knowledge. The final selection for all posts is based on combined performance in the Mains/Online Examination and Interview.
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