Key Takeaways
- The NABARD Grade A Phase 2 exam is set for 25th January 2026, and the descriptive writing paper is critical for selection.
- The exam pattern includes two papers: English Descriptive and ESI & ARD, each evaluating writing skills and clarity.
- A well-structured approach to preparation is essential; integrate objective and descriptive study for better outcomes.
- Current affairs significantly impact descriptive questions, especially in ESI topics; monitor relevant news and stats.
- Regular practice with mock tests and timing exercises enhances speed, clarity, and accuracy for the NABARD Grade A Descriptive Writing.
The NABARD Grade A Phase 2 exam has been scheduled to be held on 25th January 2026. Aspirants who clear the Phase 1 exam will be further shortlisted to appear for the Phase 2 exam. Clearing the NABARD Grade A Phase 2 exam is not just about knowing facts; it is about how effectively you can explain them.
The descriptive writing paper often becomes the deciding factor for selection. With high sectional cut-offs and limited preparation time after Phase 1, a focused strategy for descriptive writing is essential. In this blog, we provide details on what to prepare, how to prepare, and how to practice for the NABARD Grade A Phase 2 descriptive writing paper.
Why is the descriptive paper crucial for final selection?
Many aspirants underestimate the descriptive paper and lose marks despite doing well in objective sections. It tests not only your knowledge but also your ability to present ideas clearly and professionally. High sectional cut-offs prove that descriptive writing can make or break your final selection.
What is the NABARD Grade A phase 2 descriptive writing exam pattern?
The descriptive paper in Phase 2 evaluates your writing skills, clarity of thought, and analytical ability.
| Paper | Subject | Type | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | General English | Descriptive | 100 | 90 minutes |
| Paper 2 | ESI & ARD | Descriptive (with objective) | 50 | 90 minutes |
- Paper 1 (English) – 3 questions: Essay, Precis, Letter/Report Writing
- Paper 2 (ESI & ARD) – 4 questions: 2 questions of 10 marks, 2 questions of 15 marks
Why this matters: High cut-offs show the importance of scoring well in descriptive writing.
| Paper | Max Marks | Sectional Cut-off |
| English Descriptive | 100 | ~53 |
| ESI & ARD Descriptive | 50 | ~31 |
What is the syllabus for NABARD Grade A descriptive writing?
The syllabus for descriptive writing is largely the same as Phase 1 and Phase 2 objective papers, but you are expected to answer in a more analytical and structured manner.
Paper 1 – General English Topics:
- Essay Writing
- Precis Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Business & Office Correspondence (Letters/Reports)
Paper 2 – ESI & ARD Topics:
ESI Topics:
- Indian Economy
- Inflation & Population Trends
- Agriculture & Industry
- Rural Banking & Financial Institutions
- Globalisation
- Social Justice & Inclusive Growth
- Education & Social Structure
- Current Economic & Social Issues
ARD Topics:
- Agriculture & Agronomy
- Cropping Systems & Seed Technology
- Soil & Water Conservation
- Farm & Agricultural Engineering
- Horticulture & Plantation Crops
- Animal Husbandry & Fisheries
- Forestry & Agroforestry
- Ecology & Climate Change
- Rural Development & Panchayati Raj
- Present Scenario of Indian Agriculture
What kind of questions were being asked in the descriptive paper of ESI and ARD ?
As per the last exam cycle, most questions asked in the ESI and ARD papers were related to objectives, benefits, challenges, government initiatives, and the way forward.
- Benefits of post-harvest management in horticulture
- Government initiatives for financial inclusion
- Institutional rural credit framework in India
- Role of cooperative societies in rural development
- Agroforestry: features, benefits, challenges
- India’s demographic dividend and related challenges
Key Insight: Most questions are directly linked to the syllabus.
How should you prepare ESI & ARD for descriptive answers?
The best strategy is to integrate objective and descriptive preparation. For every topic, structure your answers as follows:
| Aspect to Cover | Details |
| Definition / Concept | Explain the term clearly |
| Current Relevance | Why it matters today |
| Government Initiatives | Schemes and programs |
| Benefits / Importance | Advantages or significance |
| Challenges / Issues | Problems and concerns |
| Data or Reports | Statistics, facts, or surveys |
| Way Forward | Suggestions or solutions |
This approach helps in confidently writing both 10-mark and 15-mark answers.
How important is current affairs for NABARD Grade A descriptive writing?
Current affairs are crucial, especially for ESI topics. Around 60–70% of ESI descriptive questions are linked to current events.
- Read editorials, NABARD Annual Report, Economic Survey, and Budget documents
- Use data, committee names, schemes, and reports in answers
- Support static topics with current examples and statistics
How to prepare for essay writing in NABARD Grade A?
Essays are often ESI or ARD-based, framed in a broader or philosophical way.
| Section | Tips |
| Introduction | Give context, background, and your opinion |
| Body | Present analysis, examples, and data; 2–3 paragraphs |
| Conclusion | Summarize, suggest solutions or NABARD’s role; avoid new ideas |
Practice Tip: Plan your essay first, then write, and finally revise before submission.
How to handle letter and report writing questions?
Letter and report writing are high-scoring areas if done correctly.
Letter Types: Complaint, official correspondence, request/extension letters
Evaluator Checklist:
- Correct format
- Professional tone
- Clear purpose
- Concise content
Report Writing: Focus on structure, headings, clarity, and actionable points.
How much practice is required for NABARD Grade A descriptive paper?
Regular practice is essential for success in descriptive writing. To prepare effectively, focus on practicing full-length descriptive mocks, writing answers topic by topic, and completing exercises within a set time limit. This approach helps improve your writing speed and ensures your answers are well-structured. It also prevents you from repeating the same points, boosts your confidence, and helps you identify and correct common mistakes. By practicing consistently, you can enhance both your accuracy and overall performance.
FAQs
The NABARD Grade A phase 2 exam scheduled to be held on 25th January 2026.
It tests clarity of thought, presentation, and can significantly impact final selection.
Paper 1 English Descriptive (100 marks, 90 min); Paper 2 ESI & ARD Descriptive (50 marks, 90 min).
Essay, Precis, Letter/Report writing, and Reading Comprehension.
ESI: Economy, Banking, Social Issues; ARD: Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Rural Development, Ecology.
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