It is said, “Start early, stay ahead”. The same can be said for exam preparation for NABARD Grade A exam. Considering the extensive syllabus for phase 1 & phase 2 papers, coupled with fierce competition, it is imperative to dedicate a reasonably good amount of time to your preparation. In addition, taking mock tests and revising becomes increasingly important as the exam date approaches.
NABARD Grade A 2022 notification has now been released. In order to pass an exam of this stature, one would need a carefully planned and strategized preparation program. One would also need clearly listed preparation resources and key topics. In this NABARD Grade A preparation strategy blog, we have done exactly that for your ease of preparation. Read on to learn all about it.
Table of Contents
NABARD Grade A Preparation Strategy 2022
Before we discuss the NABARD Grade A preparation strategy for Phase 1 & Phase 2 papers, let us have a thorough look at the scheme of the examination and exam pattern for each of the Phases of the exam (Phase 1 & Phase 2 and Interview).
The NABARD Grade A exam for recruitment for the post of Assistant Manager is conducted in three phases.
1. Phase-1 – Preliminary Examination (Online Exam) – 200 Marks
2. Phase-2 – Main Examination will be online and will be a mix of MCQ and descriptive patterns. – 200 Marks
3. Phase-3 – Interview – 50 Marks
I. NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern
It is an online objective paper comprising eight sections The total marks allotted to this examination phase is 200.
» NABARD Grade A 2022 Phase 1 Exam Pattern
Take a look at the phase 1 exam pattern here. Also, do check the significance of the qualifying and merit sections given below:
| Name of the Test | No. of Qs. | Max. 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 (with focus on Rural India) | 40 | 40 |
Agriculture & Rural Development (with emphasis on Rural India) | 40 | 40 |
Total | 200 | 200 |
| Time: Composite time of 120 Minutes for all the tests together |
Important Pointers to Note for the Phase 1 Exam
- Qualifying Section – Test of Reasoning, English Language, Computer Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, Decision Making.
- Merit Section – General Awareness, Eco & Soc. Issues (with focus on Rural India), Agriculture & Rural Development with Emphasis on Rural India.
- Shortlisting of the candidates for the Main exam will be based on marks scored in the merit sections only.
» NABARD Grade A 2022 Phase 2 Exam Pattern
NABARD Grade A Phase 2 examination is held online and will be a mix of objective multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and descriptive questions.
Main Examination Pattern for the RDBS Post
Negative Marking & Cut-off Marks
For every wrong answer marked, 1/4th of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty in both Phase 1 and Phase 2.
Cut-offs in Phase 1 and Phase 2 may be applied in two stages: (i) On scores in individual tests, (ii) On Total Score
II. NABARD Grade A Preparation Strategy for Phase 1 & Phase 2
» NABARD Grade A Exam – Your Myths Busted
Most of the regulatory bodies’ exam aspirants take up SEBI Gr. A and RBI Gr. B exams but are hesitant about taking up the NABARD Gr. A exam.
We would like to clarify that there is not much of a difference when we talk about the position, status, perks, and salary, everything is almost the same.
If we talk about the syllabus, we have a very good overlap.
When you hear about NABARD, you would associate it with agriculture.
But this does not mean that you should have professional knowledge of agriculture as a subject.
Learning the basics and revising multiple times would work in your favour.
We would recommend that you do not restrict yourself from appearing for the NABARD exams.
» NABARD Grade A Preparation Strategy – Phase 1
Section-wise Preparation Strategy & Important Topics
Important Pointers to Note:
- Preparation of ESI and ARD sections is common for both Phase 1 & Phase 2.
- 100/200 Marks in Phase 1 are considered for Merit List (For clearing Ph 1).
- The type of Questions – Phase 1 (ESI & ARD) & Phase 2 (Objective Type of Questions) would be the same.
1. Preparation for Qualifying Sections
- Quants, Reasoning & English – The questions asked here are of medium difficulty level. Do not give away too much of your precious time in preparing for these subjects. Revise the basics, practice a few questions of each type, and then gradually move on to taking topic & sectional tests and then finally take up mock tests.
- Mock tests would help you cover questions of varying difficulty levels from the syllabus of these subjects. Solve as many questions as possible. Analyse the questions and the solutions and assess where you lack and what else needs to be done to get most of these questions right in the stipulated time.
| Section | Topics |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Data Interpretation, Quantity Based, Data Sufficiency, Simplification, Approximation, Quadratic Inequalities, Number Series both missing and wrong number series Important arithmetic topics: Partnership, Average, Ages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Speed Time Distance, Boat & Stream, Trains, Simple Interest and Compound Interest, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion |
| English | Cloze test, Fillers, Spotting the errors, Para Jumbles, New pattern questions, Idioms and phrases, Word Rearrangement, Column Based questions, Sentence improvement, Paragraph Completion, Grammar, Reading Comprehension |
| Section | Topics |
| Reasoning | Alphanumeric Series, Order and Ranking, Direction Sense, Alphabet Test, Data Sufficiency, Inequalities, Seating Arrangement, Puzzle, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Input-Output, Coding-Decoding, Logical Reasoning |
| Computer Knowledge | 1. Computer Fundamentals and Terminologies 2. Computer Hardware and Software 3. History – Generations of Computer 4. Operating System 5. Internet and Networking 6. DBMS 7. MS Office – MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint, etc. 8. Keyboard Shortcuts 9. Basic Security Concepts 10. Computer Abbreviations |
2. Preparation for Merit Sections
- General Awareness – Cover the current affairs of the last 3-4 months prior to the date of the examination. As of now, you can start covering the current affairs starting January 2021. For General Awareness – Refer to BOLT + Monthly Capsules for Phase 2. Static GK has very less weightage, so do not give away much time for its preparation.
- ESI & ARD – ESI & ARD preparation would be common for both Phase-1 & Phase-2 exams. You will have to do a simultaneous prep for Phase-1 & Phase-2. In Phase 1, 80 out of 200 marks are from ESI & ARD, when you study for ARD & ESI, you study for both Phases.
Start practising for Quants, Reasoning, English & GA using Sectional Tests
» NABARD Grade A Preparation Strategy – Phase-2
For Phase 2 you need to individually clear the cut-off for the papers of Descriptive English and ESI & ARD.
1. NABARD Grade A Preparation Strategy – Phase-2 – Descriptive English Preparation
The following question types can be asked:
- Essay writing
- Reading comprehension
- Precis’ writing
- Report writing
- Letter writing
- Paragraph writing
Here you need to focus on two aspects: One is the format and the other is the content. Each of the question types are given above has a unique writing format and you need to be thorough with the same.
Coming to the content part, as you prepare for ESI, ARD and GA, you would have enough fodder material for writing about any topic that is asked in the exam.
It is recommended to practising (typing) each of these questions type on a weekly basis or say every ten days using your desktop/laptop.
2. NABARD Grade A Preparation Strategy – ESI & ARD
You will have two parts: Static & Current Affairs
Usually, equal weightage is given to ESI (50 Marks) & ARD (50 Marks).
A total of 65 questions of 100 marks are asked. 35 questions of 2 marks each (70 marks). 30 questions of 1 mark each (30 marks).
As per the past year’s trends, it is observed that in some years, the paper was tilted more towards static questions, while in other years, the paper was tilted more towards current affairs questions.
To be able to clear the sectional cut-off, you need to be good in both static portions as well as current affairs related to ESI & ARD.
Have a look at the video lessons, study notes & topic tests for ESI & ARD
Important Chapters for ESI & ARD
If you have not started your preparations yet, we would suggest picking up these chapters in the first place and covering the basics of them.
Important Chapters for Economic & Social Issues (ESI)
| 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 |
Important Chapters for Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD)
| Agronomy including Crops | Poultry |
| Irrigation | Soil Science |
| Agricultural Engineering | Horticulture |
| Animal Husbandry | Less Important Chapters: Fisheries & Forestry |
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.
As you start feeling confident enough, start taking up Descriptive Mock tests for ESI & ARD.
How to Use Oliveboard’s NABARD Gr. A 2022 Cracker Course for your Preparation?
Step-1 – Read the ESI & ARD study notes for the first time. Try to understand the concepts.
Step-2 – Watch the ESI & FM video lessons. Again, try and understand the concepts taught in these sessions.
Step-3 – Read the study notes for the second time. This time memorize the basics along with key facts given in there.
Step-4 – Solve the ESI & ARD topic-wise tests to test your understanding of each of the chapters.
Step-5 – Read the Descriptive model Q&A once.
Step-6 – Attempt writing at least one answer from that chapter for your practice.
Step-7 – Attempt full-length mock tests for Phase 1 and Phase 2 (objective + descriptive).
Step-8 – Revise the chapters you feel you are not so good at.
ARD Preparation – How to Study?
Firstly, understand that the preparation required for Phase 1 & 2 is the same. More weightage will be given to current affairs.
Here is your 8-step guide curated by Riti Maám to ace the Agriculture and Rural Development section for both Phase-I & II.
Step-1 – Start your prep by building your basics. Begin with the following chapters:
A. Agronomy
B. Soil Science & Water Conservation
Step-2 – Solve all the Topic wise tests related to these two chapters and make sure you revise them at least twice.
Step-3 – Move on to the other chapters: A. Agricultural Engineering, B. Irrigation & Water Management, C. Horticulture, D. Fisheries, E. Forestry.
Step-4 – Keep in mind that while preparing for the ARD chapters, you will have to also memorize important data points. Questions are asked from both Static Concepts as well as Facts.
Step-5 – Solve all the Topic wise tests and revise the chapters given in Step III again.
Step-6 – Now, move on to the Model Descriptive Q&A. Go through these answers at least twice.
Step-7 – You are now ready to attempt the Descriptive Answers – Practice at least 5 Descriptive Answers in a Week. Do not write them, type them.
Step-8 – Go through the remaining chapters given in the syllabus. Keep revising using recorded Video Lectures, Study Notes, Topic Tests, Model Q&A & Mock Tests.
ESI Preparation – How to Study?
The following types of questions can be asked in the ESI section: Concept-based, Factual & Current Affairs Questions.
Firstly, understand that the preparation required for Phase 1 & 2 is the same. More weightage will be given to current affairs.
Here is your 8-step guide curated by Riti Maám to ace the Economic & Social Issues section for both Phase-I & II.
Step-1 – Start your prep by building your basics. Begin with the following chapters:
A. Measurement of Growth & National Income
B. Monetary & Fiscal Policy
C. Balance of Payments
Step-2 – Solve all the topic tests related to these three chapters and make sure you revise them at least twice.
Step-3 – From the ESI section most of the questions asked are current affairs based, but for that, it is important that first, we build the basics.
Step-4 – Then move on to the other chapters given in the syllabus. Do not spend much time on these. Make sure you are comfortable with the basic concepts.
Step-5 – Attempt all the topic tests related to these chapters and revise these other chapters once again.
Step- 6 – It is important to link current affairs as you prepare for the ESI Concepts. Start reading monthly current affairs.
Step- 7 – Now, start with the descriptive model questions & answers. Go through these answers at least twice. Step – 8 – You are now ready to attempt the Descriptive Q&A. Practice at least 5 descriptive answers in a week (Type them).
3. Current Affairs for Phase-2
- 8-10 months prior to the exam is of great importance.
- As of now, in the last 5 months, CA will be very Important (September, August, July, June, and May 2022). After this, Priority needs to be given to the CA of April, March, Feb, and Jan 2022.
- Indices, Important Schemes need to be covered from the month of November 2022, and December 2022 till the date of the exam.
| Components to be Covered for Current Affairs |
| Daily News (Newspapers/PIB) |
| Economic Survey |
| Union Budget |
| Agri Census |
| SECC 2011 |
| Census 2011 |
| Government Schemes |
| NABARD Model Bankable Projects |
| Livestock Census |
III. NABARD Grade A 2022 – 30-Day Study Plan for Phase 1
The NABARD Grade A study plan 2022 given below has been made strictly made as per the syllabus and pattern of the exam. It is as per our understanding of the needs of the Exam. You can make changes and customize the study plan as per your convenience, weak subjects, availability of time etc.
| Day | Day | Daily Targets |
| Day 1 | 8th August 2022 | Full-Length Mock Test No.1 (Ph 1) ESI Chapters: Introduction to Economics Measurement of Growth Inflation BOLT – May 2022 Current Affairs (Phase 2 Capsules – ESI & ARD, also for Ph 1) May 2022 Advanced Level Topic Tests: Advanced Level Topic Test 1 (ARD) Advanced Level Topic Test 2 (ARD) Advanced Level Topic Test 3 (ARD) Advanced Level Topic Test 4 (Decision Making) Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 2 | 9th August 2022 | ESI Chapters & Live Session: Human Development Health Education ARD Chapters & Live Session: Agronomy Crops BOLT – May 2022 Current Affairs (Phase 2 Capsules – ESI & ARD, also for Ph 1) May 2022 Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 3 | 10th August 2022 | ESI Chapters: Monetary Policy Fiscal Policy BOLT – May 2022 Current Affairs (Phase 2 Capsules – ESI & ARD, also for Ph 1) May 2022 Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 4 | 11th August 2022 | Full-Length Mock Test No.2 (Ph 1) ESI Chapters: Balance of Payments Economic Reforms ARD Chapters & Live Session: Animal Husbandry & Poultry BOLT – June 2022 Current Affairs (Phase 2 Capsules – ESI & ARD, also for Ph 1) June 2022 Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 5 | 12th August 2022 | Computer Notes BOLT – June 2022 Current Affairs (Phase 2 Capsules – ESI & ARD, also for Ph 1) June 2022 Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 6 | 13th August 2022 | ARD Chapter: Agrometeorology BOLT – June 2022 Current Affairs (Phase 2 Capsules – ESI & ARD, also for Ph 1) June 2022 Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 7 | 14th August 2022 | Full-Length Mock Test No.3 (Ph 1) BOLT – July 2022 Current Affairs (Phase 2 Capsules – ESI & ARD, also for Ph 1) July 2022 Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 8 | 15th August 2022 | Computer Notes BOLT – July 2022 Current Affairs (Phase 2 Capsules – ESI & ARD, also for Ph 1) July 2022 Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 9 | 16th August 2022 | ESI Chapters & Live Session: Indian Political System ARD Chapters & Live Session: Irrigation Management & Water Management Horticulture BOLT – July 2022 Current Affairs (Phase 2 Capsules – ESI & ARD, also for Ph 1) July 2022 Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 10 | 17th August 2022 | Full-Length Mock Test No.4 (Ph 1) BOLT – July 2022 Current Affairs (Phase 2 Capsules – ESI & ARD, also for Ph 1) July 2022 Advanced Level Topic Tests: Advanced Level Topic Test 5 (ARD) Advanced Level Topic Test 6 (ARD) Advanced Level Topic Test 7 (ARD) Advanced Level Topic Test 8 (ESI) Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 11 | 18th August 2022 | ARD Chapters & Live Session: Agricultural Engineering BOLT – July 2022 Current Affairs Components: 20th Livestock Census SECC, Census, Agricultural Census 2015-2016 Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 12 | 19th August 2022 | Decision-Making Module Current Affairs (Phase 2 Capsules – ESI & ARD, also for Ph 1) Jan 2022 to July 2022 Schemes Reports & Indices Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 13 | 20th August 2022 | Full-Length Mock Test No.5 (Ph 1) ARD Chapter: Fisheries Current Affairs (Phase 2 Capsules – ESI & ARD, also for Ph 1) Jan 2022 to July 2022 Schemes Reports & Indices Advanced Level Topic Tests: Advanced Level Topic Test 9 (ESI) Advanced Level Topic Test 10 (ESI) Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 14 | 21st August 2022 | Computer Notes Current Affairs (Phase 2 Capsules – ESI & ARD, also for Ph 1) Jan 2022 to July 2022 Schemes Reports & Indices Advanced Level Topic Tests: Advanced Level Topic Test 11 (Decision Making) Advanced Level Topic Test 12 (ESI) Advanced Level Topic Test 13 (ESI) Advanced Level Topic Test 14 (ESI) Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 15 | 22nd August 2022 | Decision-Making Module ARD Chapter: Forestry Current Affairs (Phase 2 Capsules – ESI & ARD, also for Ph 1) Jan 2022 to July 2022 Schemes Reports & Indices Advanced Level Topic Tests: Advanced Level Topic Test 15 (ESI) Advanced Level Topic Test 16 (ARD) Advanced Level Topic Test 17 (ARD) Advanced Level Topic Test 18 (Decision Making) Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 16 | 23rd August 2022 | Full-Length Mock Test No.6 (Ph 1) ESI Chapters & Live Session: International Economic Institutions Regional Economic Cooperation ARD Chapters & Live Session: Soil Science & Water Conservation – Part 1 Current Affairs (Phase 2 Capsules – ESI & ARD, also for Ph 1) Jan 2022 to July 2022 Schemes Reports & Indices Advanced Level Topic Tests: Advanced Level Topic Test 19 (Decision Making) Advanced Level Topic Test 20 (Decision Making) Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 17 | 24th August 2022 | Computer Notes BOLT – August 2022 Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 18 | 25th August 2022 | Decision-Making Module ARD Chapters & Live Session: Soil Science & Water Conservation – Part 2 BOLT – August 2022 Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 19 | 26th August 2022 | Full-Length Mock Test No.7 (Ph 1) BOLT – August 2022 Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 20 | 27th August 2022 | ARD Chapters: Ecology & Climate Change BOLT – August 2022 Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 21 | 28th August 2022 | ARD Chapters: Agriculture Extension Agriculture Economics Panchayati Raj Institutions Rural Development Current Affairs Components: NABARD National Financial Inclusion Survey 2016-2017 National Strategy for Financial Inclusion National Family Health Survey Periodic Labour Force Survey Current Affairs MCQs Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 22 | 29th August 2022 | Full-Length Mock Test No.8 (Ph 1) ARD Chapters: Remaining Chapters Current Affairs Components: Indian State of Forest Report 2021 Economic Survey 2021-2022 (Agri Specific + General) Union Budget 2021-2022 (Agri Specific + General) Sample Registration System Current Affairs MCQs Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 23 | 30th August 2022 | ESI Chapters & Live Session: Poverty Alleviation & Employment Generation Demographic Trends ARD Live Session: Previous Year Questions Discussion Current Affairs MCQs Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 24 | 31st August 2022 | ESI Chapters & Live Session: Social Justice Gender Issues Social Movements Current Affairs MCQs Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 25 | 1st September 2022 | Full-Length Mock Test No.9 (Ph 1) ESI Chapters & Live Session: Urbanization & Migration Current Affairs MCQs Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 26 | 2nd September 2022 | ESI Chapters & Live Session: Sustainable Development Industrial Policy Labour Policy Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 27 | 3rd September 2022 | Computer Notes ESI Chapters: Issues in Food Security BOLT – August 2022 Current Affairs (Phase 2 Capsules – ESI & ARD, also for Ph 1) August 2022 Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 28 | 4th September 2022 | Full-Length Mock Test No.10 (Ph 1) ESI Chapters: Rural Banking Population Trends BOLT – August 2022 Government Schemes – 20 Minutes |
| Day 29 | 5th September 2022 | Revision |
| Day 30 | 6th September 2022 | Revision |
It is advisable to take up a topic from ESI and ARD and complete it in a stipulated time without procrastination. Revision is always very very important when it comes to competitive exams like NABARD. Whenever you learn a new topic, do not forget to revise it. The revision will help you in the retention of the basics that you learnt and will aid you in recollecting them on the Exam day.
Preparation Strategy for NABARD Grade-A 2022 – Complete Study Plan by Riti Mam
In this video, Riti Mam explains the complete strategy to crack NABARD Gr A 2022 exam.
IV. How do you manage your time?
We would recommend covering the basic chapters of ESI & ARD during weekdays while reserving the weekends for the coverage & revision of the current affairs, and practising Quants, Reasoning & English Questions.
Get ESI Study Notes, Video Lessons & Topic Tests to Boost your Preparations
This was all from us in this blog of “NABARD Grade A Preparation Strategy 2022 for Phase 1 & Phase 2. We hope that you like the content of the blog NABARD Grade A preparation strategy and will prove useful to you.
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5) NABARD Grade A IT Officer Posts
6) NABARD Grade A Agriculture Officer Posts
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Course Details
» Phase 1 & 2 Videos Lessons (ESI, ARD & Desc. Eng)
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» Complete Current Affairs (CA) for Phase 1 & 2 (Budget, Survey, Reports, etc)
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» 10 Phase 1 + 15 Phase 2 Objective Mock Tests + 5 Descriptive Mock Tests with Solutions & Analysis
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