NABARD Grade A Syllabus: The NABARD Grade A Syllabus consists of three main phases: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Prelims consists of 200 objective type questions in which the three sections, ARD, GA, and ESI are merit sections while the rest are qualifying. The Mains paper is both objective and descriptive and it consists of English, ESI, and ARD sections. All these sections are of 100 marks wherein for ESI & ARD, both the objective and descriptive sections are of 50 marks each. Find the detailed NABARD Syllabus PDF in this article.
Latest Update on NABARD Grade A Syllabus:
- Exam pattern unchanged – Prelims and Mains.
- Prelims: Reasoning, English, Quant, Computer, Decision Making, GA, ESI, ARD.
- Mains: Paper I – Descriptive English; Paper II – ESI & ARD (Generalist) / Stream-specific (Specialist).
NABARD Grade A Syllabus 2025
The NABARD Grade A 2025 syllabus is divided into three phases: Phase 1 is qualifying in nature, Phase 2 has Objective + Descriptive paper, and Phase 3 includes psychometric test & Interview. Candidates are advised to download the NABARD Grade A syllabus PDF and refer to it regularly while planning their study schedule.
What topics are included in the NABARD Grade A Phase 1 syllabus?
Prelims is the 1st stage of the selection process in NABARD Grade A 2025 Exam. Hence, it is important to know the syllabus for a better preparation. Check out the NABARD Grade A Syllabus for the qualifying sections of Prelims.
| NABARD Grade A Syllabus for Phase 1 |
|---|
Reasoning Ability
Puzzles & Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Data Sufficiency, Statement Based Questions (Verbal Reasoning), Inequality, Miscellaneous Questions, Input - Output, Blood Relations, Coding - Decoding |
Quantitative Aptitude
Data Interpretations, Quadratic Equations, Number Series, Simplification/Approximation, Data Sufficiency, Arithmetic Questions, Quantity Comparisons, Mathematical Inequalities |
English Language
Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Sentence Improvement, Spotting the Errors, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Rearrangement, Para Jumbles, New Pattern Questions |
General Awareness
Questions based on Current Affairs, Banking, Economy, and Insurance, Current Affairs based on recent appointments, sports, awards, and honors, new schemes, international and national news, the latest science and technological developments |
Decision Making
Interpreting Information, Recognizing Assumptions, Situation-based Questions, Case Studies |
Computer Knowledge
Input - Output devices, Networking, DBMS, MS Office, Internet, History of Computers & Generations, Shortcuts |
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NABARD Grade A ARD Syllabus for Phase 1 & 2
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.
| NABARD Grade A ARD Syllabus |
|---|
Agriculture
Definition, Meaning, and Its Branches, Agronomy: Definition, Meaning, and Scope of Agronomy, Classification of Field Crops, Factors Affecting Crop Production, Argo Climatic Zones, Types of Cropping Systems and Their Definitions, Problems faced if the land is dry - Seed Production & Processing, and 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, Soil Conservation, Watershed Management |
Water Resource
Irrigation Management, Types of Irrigation, Sources of Irrigation, Crop-Water Requirement, Command Area Development, Water Conservation Techniques, Micro Irrigation, Irrigation Pumps, Major, Medium and Minor Irrigation |
Agri & Farm Engineering
Power and Machinery Related to Farms, Power Sources on the farm - animal, human, electrical, mechanical, wind, biomass and solar, biofuels, Water Harvesting Structures, Farm Ponds Agro Processing, Modified & controlled storage, storage of perishable foods, bins, godowns, and grain silos |
Horticulture & Plantation
Meaning, Definition, and Its Branches, Production Technology and Agronomic practices with respect to various horticulture and plantation crops, Value and supply chain management of Horticulture & Plantation crops, Post-harvest management of the same |
Animal Husbandry
Farm animals and their role in the Indian economy, Animal husbandry methods in India, Commonly used terminologies pertaining to the different species of livestock, Utility classification of breeds of cattle, Introduction to common fodders and feeds, their utility, and classification, Introduction to the industry of poultry in India, Common terms pertaining to poultry production and management, Socio-Economic implications of mixed farming on the farmer in India and the concept of mixed farming, Livestock and Poultry production and their obligatory and complementary relationship with that of agricultural farming |
Fisheries
Fisheries Resources, Exploitation and management – marine water, freshwater, and brackish water, Aquaculture- Inland and Marine, Biotechnology, Post-Harvest Technology, Importance of fisheries in India, Common terms pertaining to fish production |
Forestry
Basic Concepts of Forest and Forestry, Management, mensuration, and Economics regarding Forests, and the Principles of silviculture, Concepts of agroforestry, social forestry, and joint forest management, Legislation and Policies regarding forests in India, 2015 Report on the State of forests in India, Ministry of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Ministry of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change and Recent developments under them |
Agriculture Extensions
Its role and importance, evaluations methods of extension programmes, KVK's (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) role in the dissemination of technologies based on Agriculture |
Ecology & Climate Change
Ecology and how it is relevant to man, sustainable management, and conservation of natural resources, Climate change and its causes, GHGs (Green House Gases), countries emitting high amounts of GHGs, and climate analysis, Distinguish between adaptation and mitigation, Climate change and its impact on rural livelihoods and agriculture, Carbon credit IPCC, UNFCCC, CoP meetings, Funding mechanisms for climate change projects, Indian government initiatives like SAPCC, NAPCC, and INDC |
Present Scenario of agriculture and allied activities in India
Trends of recent times, Major challenges in agriculture measures to enhance, Viability of agriculture, Factors of Production in Agriculture, Agricultural Finance and Marketing, Globalization and its impacts on Indian Agriculture and the issue of food security, Concept and Types of Farm Management |
Rural Development
Concept of Rural Area, Structure of the Indian Rural Economy Importance, and role of the rural sector in India- Economic, Social and Demographic Characteristics of the Indian rural economy, causes of Rural Backwardness. Rural population in India; Occupational structure, Farmers, Agricultural Labourers, Artisans, Handicrafts, Traders, Forest dwellers/tribes and others in rural India- Trends of change in rural population and rural work force; problems and conditions of rural labour; Issues and challenges in Handlooms Panchayati Raj Institutions – Functions and Working. MGNREGA, NRLM – Aajeevika, Rural Drinking water Programmes, Swachh Bharat, Rural Housing, PURA and other rural development programmes. |
Is ESI part of both Phase 1 and Phase 2 in NABARD Grade A?
Yes. Economic & Social Issues (ESI) is included in both Phase I (Prelims) and Phase II (Mains) for all streams. It is a merit section in Prelims and forms part of Paper II in Mains, which is equally divided between objective and descriptive formats. In Mains, you will find more difficult questions.
| NABARD Grade A ESI Syllabus |
|---|
Indian Economy and Its Nature
Institutional & Structural Features, Economic Underdevelopment, Opening Up the Indian Economy, Globalization, Economic Reforms in India, Privatization |
Inflation
Various trends regarding inflation and the impacts they have on Individual Income and National Economy |
Employment Generation & Poverty Alleviation in India
Urban & Rural, Measurement of Poverty, Poverty Alleviation Programmes of the Government |
Population Trends
Population Growth and Economic Development, Population Policy in India |
Agriculture
Characteristics / Status, Technical and Institutional changes in Indian Agriculture, Agricultural performance, Issues in Food Security in India, Non-Institutional and Institutional Agencies in rural credit |
Industry
Industrial and Labour Policy, Industrial Performance, Regional Imbalance in India's Industrial Development, Public Sector Enterprises |
Financial Institutions and Rural Banking in India
Reforms in the Financial Sector / Banking |
Economic Globalization
International Funding Institutions and their roles, IMF & World Bank, WTO, Regional Economic Co-operation |
Social Structure in India
Multiculturalism, Demographic Trends, Urbanization and Migration, Gender Issues Joint Family System, Social Infrastructure, Education, Health and Environment |
Education
Status & System of Education, Socio-Economic Problems Associated with Illiteracy, Educational Relevance and Educational Wastage, Educational Policy for India |
Social Justice
Problems of scheduled tribes and scheduled castes, Socio-economic programmes directed towards Scheduled castes, Scheduled tribes, and Other Backward Classes |
Positive Discrimination or steps to favor the underprivileged classes
Social Movements, Indian Political Systems, Human Development, Current Economic & Social Issues |
Attempt NABARD Grade A Previous Year Papers
Where can I download the official NABARD Grade A syllabus PDF?
You can find the stream-wise syllabus PDFs for NABARD Grade A Phase 2 in the section below. To make your preparation more convenient, we have also provided a combined syllabus PDF that covers both Phase 1 and Phase 2 for all subjects in a single document. Whether you are focusing on General, Agriculture, or any other stream, this resource will help you stay on track with your preparation. Click the link below for the NABARD Grade A Syllabus PDF free download and access the complete syllabus in one place. This NABARD Grade A syllabus PDF is essential for understanding what to study and planning your strategy accordingly.
Download NABARD Grade A Syllabus PDF
NABARD Grade A Subject Wise Syllabus PDF Download
For detailed preparation, candidates are advised to download the NABARD Grade A Syllabus PDF, which includes a comprehensive list of topics, and subtopics. Below are the NABARD Grade A Phase 2 Syllabus PDFs:
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NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern 2025
It is important for the candidates to know the NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern thoroughly before starting with the preparation. This will helps is getting an idea about which sections hold the maximum weightage. The table below provides a detailed overview of the exam pattern for both phases.
| Phase | Paper/Section | Subject | Type | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Phase 1 | Section 1 | Reasoning | Objective | 20 | 120 minutes |
| Section 2 | English Language | Objective | 30 |
| Section 3 | Computer Knowledge | Objective | 20 |
| Section 4 | Quantitative Aptitude | Objective | 20 |
| Section 5 | Decision Making | Objective | 10 |
| Section 6 | General Awareness | Objective | 20 |
| Section 7 | Economic & Social Issues (ESI) | Objective | 40 |
| Section 8 | Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD) | Objective | 40 |
| Total (Phase 1) | 200 |
| Phase 2 | Paper I | General English (Essay, Letter, Comprehension) | Descriptive | 100 | 90 minutes |
| Paper II (General Discipline) | ESI & ARD | Objective + Descriptive | 100 | 90 minutes |
| Paper II (Specialist Disciplines) | Stream-Specific Subjects | Objective + Descriptive | 100 | 90 minutes |
| Interview | Personal Interview | 50 |
How to Prepare for NABARD Grade A & B Exams 2025?
A focused preparation plan combined with daily practice is crucial for success in any exam. Here's a step-by-step approach to help you prepare effectively for NABARD Grade A & B exams:
| Step | Description |
|---|
| Start with Mock Tests | Attempt a few mock tests initially to identify your strengths and weak areas in the syllabus. |
| Analyze & Improve | Use the results to focus more on topics where you need improvement and strengthen those areas. |
| Regular Practice | Consistently solve Grade A & B mock tests to build speed, accuracy, and exam familiarity. |
| Understand Subject Importance | Regular practice helps you understand which subjects carry more weight and how to allocate time wisely. |
| Refer to RBI Grade B Strategy | Review the RBI Grade B preparation strategy I created, as it offers useful insights applicable to NABARD preparation as well. |
| Use Reliable Resources | Rely on trusted study materials and cover the entire syllabus thoroughly for best results. |
| Access Study Materials | Utilize free, high-quality RBI Grade B notes and video lectures I provide, which cover all topics with detailed explanations. |
NABARD Grade A Syllabus - Key Takeaways
Here's a Key Takeaways Table for the NABARD Grade A Syllabus:
| Key Point | Details |
|---|
| Phases of Exam | Two main phases – Prelims (Phase I) and Mains (Phase II) |
| Prelims Sections | Reasoning, English, Quantitative Aptitude, Computer, Decision Making, GA, ESI, ARD |
| Merit Sections in Prelims | General Awareness (GA) Economic & Social Issues (ESI) Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD) |
| Qualifying Sections in Prelims | Reasoning, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Computer Knowledge, Decision Making |
| Mains Paper I | Descriptive English – Essay, Precis, Comprehension, Business Communication |
| Mains Paper II (Generalists) | ESI and ARD – 50 marks Objective + 50 marks Descriptive |
| Mains Paper II (Specialists) | Discipline-specific – 50 marks Objective + 50 marks Descriptive |
| Common Subjects in Both Phases | ESI and ARD are asked in both Prelims and Mains (more advanced in Mains) |
| Descriptive Focus Areas | ESI, ARD (conceptual clarity, application-based writing, data interpretation) |
| Preparation Tip | Download and refer to official NABARD syllabus PDF regularly for focused study |
