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The NABARD Grade A syllabus is structured across two examination phases and covers eight subjects in Phase 1 and two papers in Phase 2. What makes NABARD Grade A unique compared to other bank examinations is the centrality of Economic and Social Issues (ESI) and Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD), which together form the entire merit section in Phase 1 and the core of Phase 2. A thorough understanding of the syllabus in these two subjects is the primary determinant of success at every stage.
This page provides the complete topic-by-topic syllabus for both Phase 1 and Phase 2, with preparation insights for each section.
For the complete exam overview, visit the NABARD Grade A main page.
| Topic Link | |
| NABARD Grade A Overview | NABARD Grade A Exam Guide |
| Eligibility Criteria | NABARD Grade A Eligibility Criteria |
| Exam Pattern | NABARD Grade A Exam Info |
| Previous Year Papers | NABARD Grade A PYQ |
| Exam Analysis | NABARD Grade A Exam Analysis |
| Phase Section / Paper Type Marks Counted for Merit? | ||||
| Phase 1 | Reasoning Ability | Objective (MCQ) | 20 | No (Qualifying) |
| Phase 1 | English Language | Objective (MCQ) | 40 | No (Qualifying) |
| Phase 1 | Computer Knowledge | Objective (MCQ) | 20 | No (Qualifying) |
| Phase 1 | Quantitative Aptitude | Objective (MCQ) | 20 | No (Qualifying) |
| Phase 1 | Decision Making | Objective (MCQ) | 20 | No (Qualifying) |
| Phase 1 | General Awareness | Objective (MCQ) | 20 | Yes (Merit) |
| Phase 1 | Economic and Social Issues (ESI) | Objective (MCQ) | 40 | Yes (Merit) |
| Phase 1 | Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) | Objective (MCQ) | 40 | Yes (Merit) |
| Phase 1 | Total | 200 | Merit: 100 | |
| Phase 2 | General English (Paper 1) | Descriptive | 50 | Yes |
| Phase 2 | ESI + ARD (Paper 2) - Objective | Objective (MCQ) | 100 | Yes |
| Phase 2 | ESI + ARD (Paper 2) - Descriptive | Descriptive | 100 | Yes |
| Phase 2 | Total | 250 | Yes | |
| Phase 3 | Interview | 50 | Yes |
Critical note: The syllabus for ESI and ARD is identical in Phase 1 and Phase 2. The same topics are tested in Phase 1 (objective only) and Phase 2 (both objective and descriptive). This means every topic prepared for Phase 1 directly benefits Phase 2 preparation.
The Reasoning section in Phase 1 is qualifying in nature and does not contribute to the merit score. However, it must be cleared with the prescribed sectional cutoff. The questions are at a moderate difficulty level comparable to IBPS PO.
| Topic Sub-topics | |
| Series | Number series, letter series, mixed series, pattern-based series |
| Analogy | Number analogy, letter analogy, word analogy |
| Classification (Odd One Out) | Number, letter, word-based classification |
| Coding-Decoding | Letter coding, number coding, symbol coding |
| Blood Relations | Family tree problems, coded blood relations |
| Direction Sense | Distance-based, angle-based direction problems |
| Seating Arrangement | Linear (single and double row), circular (with and without direction) |
| Puzzles | Box-based, floor-based, day/month/year-based, designation-based |
| Syllogisms | Two, three, and four-statement syllogisms; possibility-based |
| Input-Output | Machine input series |
| Data Sufficiency | Reasoning-based data sufficiency |
| Logical Reasoning | Statement and assumptions, statement and conclusions, statement and arguments, cause and effect |
| Inequalities | Direct and coded inequalities |
| Alphanumeric Series | Letter-number combination series |
| Order and Ranking | Based on height, age, marks |
Preparation tip: Seating arrangements and puzzles together typically account for 8 to 10 questions in Phase 1. These should be practised daily for speed. Since this section is qualifying only, aim for 14 to 16 correct out of 20 rather than attempting all.
The English section tests comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and language usage. It is qualifying in nature but carries more marks (40) than other qualifying sections.
| Topic Sub-topics | |
| Reading Comprehension | Two to three passages; fact-based, inference-based, tone-based questions; vocabulary from passage |
| Cloze Test | Fill-in-the-blank with appropriate word from options; context-based |
| Error Spotting | Spotting grammatical or usage errors in sentences |
| Sentence Correction | Identifying the correct version of an incorrect sentence |
| Para Jumbles | Rearranging sentences to form a coherent paragraph |
| Fill in the Blanks | Double and single blank fill-ins with appropriate word or phrase |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, contextual meaning, idioms and phrases |
| Sentence Completion | Completing a sentence with the most appropriate option |
| Para Completion | Choosing the most appropriate sentence to complete a paragraph |
| Phrase or Word Replacement | Identifying a better word or phrase to replace the underlined portion |
Preparation tip: Reading Comprehension typically accounts for 10 to 15 of the 40 English marks. Practice with passages on economic and social topics is doubly beneficial as it also builds vocabulary for ESI descriptive writing in Phase 2.
Computer Knowledge is a qualifying section at the same level as IBPS PO. The questions cover both conceptual and functional knowledge of computers.
| Topic Sub-topics | |
| Basics of Computers | History, generations, types of computers (analog, digital, hybrid) |
| Hardware | CPU components (ALU, CU, registers, cache), input/output devices, memory types (RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD) |
| Software | System software, application software, open-source vs proprietary, programming languages (names and types) |
| Operating Systems | Functions, types (batch, time-sharing, real-time, distributed), Windows, Linux, Unix basics |
| MS Office | MS Word, MS Excel (formulas, functions), MS PowerPoint, MS Access basics |
| Internet and Networking | WWW, HTML, URL, domain names, IP address (IPv4/IPv6), LAN/WAN/MAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Database Management | DBMS concepts, SQL basics, types of databases |
| Cybersecurity | Malware types (virus, worm, Trojan, ransomware), phishing, firewall, SSL/TLS, encryption |
| Cloud Computing | Types of cloud (public, private, hybrid), SaaS/PaaS/IaaS |
| Digital Payments | UPI, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, digital wallets |
| Number Systems | Binary, decimal, octal, hexadecimal conversion |
| Computer Shortcuts | Common keyboard shortcuts |
Preparation tip: This section can be covered in one to two weeks of targeted study. Standard IBPS-level computer knowledge preparation is sufficient. Focus on cybersecurity and digital payments as these are increasingly tested.
Quantitative Aptitude in NABARD Grade A is at a moderate level compared to IBPS PO but includes Data Interpretation which requires speed and accuracy.
| Topic Sub-topics | |
| Number System | HCF, LCM, divisibility rules, remainders, simplification |
| Percentage | Basic percentage calculations; percent change; percentage of a quantity |
| Ratio and Proportion | Direct and inverse proportion; combined ratios |
| Average | Simple average; weighted average; average speed |
| Profit, Loss and Discount | CP, SP, profit%, loss%, marked price, discount |
| Simple and Compound Interest | SI and CI formulas; difference; effective rate |
| Time and Work | Individual and combined work rates; pipes and cisterns |
| Time, Speed and Distance | Relative speed; trains; boats and streams |
| Mixture and Alligation | Direct alligation; mixing solutions |
| Quadratic Equations | Roots; relationship between roots and coefficients |
| Permutation and Combination | Arrangements and selections; circular permutations |
| Probability | Basic probability; conditional probability |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, bar graphs, line charts, pie charts; two-chart combined |
| Data Sufficiency | Arithmetic-based data sufficiency |
Preparation tip: Data Interpretation questions typically account for 6 to 8 of the 20 Quantitative Aptitude marks. Since the section is qualifying only, aim for 14 to 16 correct out of 20. Do not spend disproportionate time on this section.
Decision Making was introduced in the NABARD Grade A Phase 1 exam in 2021. It is qualifying in nature but tests a specific analytical thinking ability.
| Topic Sub-topics | |
| Case-based Decision Making | Reading a business or organisational scenario; identifying the most appropriate course of action |
| Assumption-based Questions | Identifying valid assumptions from a statement |
| Action-based Questions | Choosing the best action given a set of conditions |
| Cause and Effect | Identifying likely causes and effects in a given situation |
| Analytical Reasoning | Identifying logical conclusions from given premises |
Preparation tip: Decision Making questions in NABARD are scenario-based and do not follow a rigid pattern. Practice reading scenarios carefully and identifying what the question is actually asking. There are no dedicated books for NABARD Decision Making; practicing reasoning-based case studies and mock papers is the most effective approach.
General Awareness is a merit section and contributes directly to Phase 2 shortlisting. It tests current affairs, banking awareness, and awareness of government schemes relevant to NABARD's mandate.
| Topic Sub-topics | |
| Current Affairs | Last 6 months: national and international events, summits, awards, appointments |
| Banking Awareness | RBI policies, repo rate, CRR, SLR, monetary policy committee decisions |
| NABARD-specific Awareness | NABARD schemes (RIDF, PODF, SHG-BLP, PM-FME, PMFBY), NABARD annual report highlights |
| Government Schemes | PM-KISAN, PMAY-G, MGNREGS, PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission |
| Important Organisations | IMF, World Bank, ADB, WTO, UNDP, FAO, IFC |
| Appointments | Governor of RBI, heads of major banks and financial institutions |
| Important Reports | Economic Survey, Union Budget highlights, NABARD NAFIS report |
| International Events | G20, G7, BRICS summits; bilateral agreements |
| Economy and Finance | GDP data, WPI/CPI inflation, fiscal deficit, balance of payments |
Preparation tip: NABARD-specific questions (schemes, annual report) appear regularly and are often missed by candidates who prepare only from general banking awareness books. Reading the NABARD Annual Report summary and the State of Indian Agriculture report gives a significant advantage in this section.
ESI is the most important subject in the NABARD Grade A examination. It carries 40 merit marks in Phase 1 and forms a substantial portion of Phase 2 Paper 2. The syllabus covers the Indian economy, social sector indicators, banking and financial system, and rural economy.
Part A: Indian Economy
| Topic Sub-topics | |
| Basic Concepts of Economics | Macro and microeconomics; demand, supply, equilibrium; market types |
| National Income Accounting | GDP, GNP, NNP, GVA; methods (income, expenditure, output); GDP deflator |
| Economic Growth and Development | Human Development Index (HDI), multidimensional poverty; Kuznets curve |
| Economic Planning in India | Five-Year Plans; Planning Commission to NITI Aayog; SDGs |
| Public Finance | Union Budget structure; revenue and capital expenditure; fiscal deficit; FRBM Act |
| Taxation System | Direct and indirect taxes; GST and its structure; tax reforms |
| Banking and Financial System | RBI functions; monetary policy; NBFC regulations; payment systems |
| Financial Inclusion | Jan Dhan Yojana; PM Jan Dhan; financial inclusion indicators; FLCs |
| Inflation | WPI and CPI; inflation targeting; causes and effects; food inflation |
| Balance of Payments | Current account; capital account; forex reserves; FEMA |
| International Economics | Trade policy; WTO; import-export data; RCEP; trade agreements |
| Infrastructure | National infrastructure pipeline; roads, railways, energy, ports |
| Economic Reforms | 1991 reforms; disinvestment; privatisation; SEBI; IRDA |
| Capital Markets | BSE/NSE; FDI/FII; SEBI regulations; Sovereign Green Bonds |
Part B: Social Issues and Human Development
| Topic Sub-topics | |
| Poverty | Poverty estimation (Tendulkar Committee; Rangarajan Committee); BPL; NSSO data |
| Inequality | GINI coefficient; wealth concentration; redistribution policies |
| Unemployment | Types of unemployment; NSSO/PLFS data; MGNREGS impact |
| Health Sector | National Health Mission; Ayushman Bharat; health indicators (IMR, MMR, U5MR) |
| Education | RTE Act; NEP 2020; literacy rate; ASER report; SDG 4 targets |
| Women Empowerment | SHG movement; Beti Bachao Beti Padhao; gender parity index; CEDAW |
| Rural Livelihoods | NRLM; DAY-NRLM; SVAMITVA scheme |
| Demography | Census data; population growth; demographic dividend; age structure |
| Social Security | ESIC; EPFO; Atal Pension Yojana; PM Shram Yogi Mandhan |
| Food Security | National Food Security Act 2013; PDS; food grain procurement; FCI |
| Urbanisation | Smart Cities Mission; AMRUT; PMAY-Urban; urban poverty |
| Sustainable Development | SDGs (17 goals); India's SDG progress; climate finance; green economy |
Preparation tip: ESI questions in NABARD Phase 1 have a stronger rural focus than in RBI Grade B. Questions specifically about financial inclusion, SHG linkages, rural poverty, and cooperative banking appear more frequently in NABARD than in other banking examinations. The NABARD Annual Report is a primary source for authentic data.
ARD is the defining section of the NABARD Grade A examination and differentiates it from all other banking exams. It carries 40 merit marks in Phase 1 and a substantial portion of Phase 2. The syllabus covers both the technical aspects of agriculture and the institutional framework of rural development.
| Topic Sub-topics | |
| Indian Agriculture: Overview | Contribution to GDP; employment; crop seasons (Kharif, Rabi, Zaid) |
| Agronomy and Crop Production | Major field crops (rice, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, cotton, sugarcane); crop husbandry; yield levels |
| Horticulture | Vegetables, fruits, spices, floriculture; post-harvest technology; value addition |
| Soil and Soil Management | Soil types (alluvial, red, black/regur, laterite, arid); soil degradation; organic carbon; soil health card |
| Irrigation | Types of irrigation (drip, sprinkler, surface, sub-surface); irrigation efficiency; micro-irrigation |
| Water Management | Watershed development; water harvesting; Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) |
| Fertilizers and Pesticides | Types of fertilizers (nitrogenous, phosphatic, potash); biofertilizers; integrated pest management (IPM) |
| Seeds and Plant Protection | High Yielding Varieties (HYVs); genetically modified crops (Bt cotton); seed certification |
| Animal Husbandry | Cattle breeds; dairy farming; poultry; fisheries; National Livestock Mission |
| Forestry | Forest types; forest cover (FSI data); forest rights; NABARD's forestry schemes |
| Agricultural Statistics | Major crop production data; India's global ranking in crop production |
| Climate and Agriculture | Climate change effects on agriculture; drought and flood management |
| Cropping Pattern and System | Intercropping; mixed cropping; crop rotation; cropping intensity |
| Farm Mechanisation | Types of farm machinery; SMAM scheme; FPO role in mechanisation |
| Food Processing | Value chain; PMFPF (PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) |
| Topic Sub-topics | |
| Agricultural Credit Flow | Annual credit flow data; institutional and non-institutional credit |
| Priority Sector Lending (PSL) | PSL targets (18% for agriculture); sub-targets; ANBC |
| Kisan Credit Card (KCC) | Scheme details; credit limit; coverage; recent modifications |
| Interest Subvention Scheme | Short-term crop loans; 3% subvention; 4% for prompt repayment |
| NABARD's Refinancing | Short-term refinance; long-term refinance; RIDF; infrastructure funding |
| Cooperative Credit Structure | PACS, DCCB, StCB, NABARD; short-term and long-term cooperative credit |
| Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) | Structure; sponsored banks; NABARD supervision; recapitalisation |
| Micro Finance and SHGs | SHG-BLP linkage; NABARD's role; JLG model; MUDRA |
| Agricultural Insurance | PMFBY (PM Fasal Bima Yojana); RWBCIS; weather-based crop insurance |
| Warehouse Receipt Finance | Negotiable warehouse receipts; eNAM; pledge finance |
| Topic Sub-topics | |
| NABARD | Establishment; functions; NAFIS; rural infrastructure; supervision role |
| Self-Help Groups (SHGs) | Formation; grading; bank linkage; NRLM; SHG-BLP statistics |
| Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) | Functions; computerisation; PACS as CSCs |
| Cooperatives | Types; role in rural credit; cooperative credit structure; NCCT |
| Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) | Purpose; allocation by sectors; cumulative data |
| Government Rural Development Schemes | MGNREGS; PMAY-G; PM-KISAN; PM-KUSUM; PMFBY; Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) |
| e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) | Online trading platform; mandis connected; commodities |
| FPO (Farmer Producer Organisations) | Role; PM FPO scheme; NABARD's support; equity grant |
| NABARD Schemes | PODF; Tribal Development Fund; WADI (tribal area horticulture); climate change adaptation funds |
| Rural Non-farm Economy | MSME in rural areas; agro-processing; rural tourism; handicrafts |
Preparation tip: ARD is where NABARD candidates can build a decisive advantage. Many candidates skip technical agriculture topics (crop husbandry, soil types, animal breeds) because they appear intimidating without an agriculture background. However, these topics account for 12 to 16 marks in Phase 1 ARD and are factual rather than conceptual. Reading the NABARD Annual Report's crop production data, studying the list of government schemes related to agriculture, and memorizing key statistics (annual credit flow, RRB count, PACS count, SHG linkage data) from the NABARD NAFIS report builds a significant lead.
Phase 2 consists of two papers. The ESI and ARD syllabus is the same as Phase 1, but the depth and presentation expected are significantly higher.
Paper 1 is entirely descriptive and is typed on the computer using the interface provided during the online exam.
| Question Type Marks Expected Length | ||
| Essay Writing | 20 | 500 to 600 words |
| Precis Writing | 10 | Summary of a given passage (approximately 1/3rd of original) |
| Reading Comprehension | 10 | Based on an unseen passage |
| Business Letter / Report Writing | 10 | Formal business letter or report on a given topic |
Essays in Phase 2 Paper 1 are almost always on economic, social, or agricultural topics. Practising essays on the following theme areas prepares candidates for most eventualities:
| Theme Area Example Topics | |
| Rural Development | Role of cooperatives in rural development; digital agriculture; farmer income |
| Banking and Finance | Financial inclusion; MSME credit; digital payments |
| Social Issues | Women empowerment; rural health; education access |
| Agriculture | Sustainable agriculture; climate-resilient farming; FPOs |
| Government Policy | National Education Policy; land reforms; GST impact on rural economy |
| Environment | Climate change and Indian agriculture; water conservation |
Business letter topics in NABARD Phase 2 are typically related to banking and finance: writing a letter to a cooperative bank seeking information about credit delivery, or writing to a regional office on a rural development issue. Standard formal letter format (date, address, salutation, subject, body, complimentary close) must be followed exactly.
Preparation tip: Write at least one descriptive answer (essay, precis, or letter) every day for six weeks before Phase 2. The ability to structure a 500-word essay on rural development coherently within 15 to 20 minutes comes only through regular practice. Time yourself strictly: three hours of descriptive writing must cover both Paper 1 (English) and the descriptive portion of Paper 2.
Paper 2 is the most critical paper in the NABARD Grade A examination. It combines objective and descriptive components on ESI and ARD.
The objective component uses multiple choice questions at a higher difficulty than Phase 1. Questions carry either 1 or 2 marks each. There is 1/4 negative marking.
Topics covered are the same as the ESI and ARD sections in Phase 1 but at greater depth. Analytical and application-based questions (not just factual recall) appear more frequently in Phase 2 than in Phase 1.
The descriptive component requires candidates to write structured answers on ESI and ARD topics. Typically, 3 to 4 descriptive questions are asked, each carrying 20 to 30 marks.
| Question Type Marks Expected Length | ||
| Long-answer ESI question | 25 to 30 | 400 to 500 words |
| Long-answer ARD question | 25 to 30 | 400 to 500 words |
| Short-answer or case-based question | 15 to 20 | 250 to 300 words |
Based on analysis of previous years' Phase 2 papers:
ESI Descriptive Topics:
ARD Descriptive Topics:
Preparation tip: For descriptive answers in Phase 2, structure is as important as content. A well-structured 400-word answer with an introduction, three to four body points each supported by data, and a conclusion consistently scores higher than an unstructured answer with more content. Practice STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar structured frameworks for development-oriented descriptive questions.
For specialist stream candidates (Agriculture, Finance, IT, Engineering, HR, Rajbhasha), Paper 2 of Phase 2 includes questions from the respective specialisation area alongside or instead of the generalist ESI/ARD content. NABARD specifies the specialist paper syllabus in the official notification.
Key areas for specialist streams in Phase 2:
| Stream Phase 2 Specialist Topics | |
| Agriculture | Advanced crop science; agricultural economics; farm management; agri-processing |
| Finance | Financial management; capital markets; banking regulations; financial analysis |
| Information Technology | Software engineering; DBMS; networking; cybersecurity; IT governance |
| HR | Labour laws; talent management; organisation behaviour; industrial relations |
| Rajbhasha | Hindi grammar; translation; official language policy; Hindi communication |
| Legal | Company law; banking law; RBI Act; NABARD Act; contract law |
| Subject Resource | |
| ESI | "Economic and Social Issues for RBI and NABARD" by Ramesh Singh (Indian Economy); NABARD Annual Report |
| ARD | "Agriculture and Rural Development" by Anuj Jindal; NABARD Annual Report; State of Indian Agriculture (GOI) |
| Reasoning | "A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning" by RS Aggarwal |
| Quantitative Aptitude | "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by RS Aggarwal |
| English | "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis; practice with editorial pages |
| General Awareness | Current affairs from The Hindu, LiveMint; monthly current affairs compilation |
| Computer Knowledge | Standard IBPS-level computer awareness books |
| Previous Year Papers | NABARD Grade A previous year question papers (available at NABARD website) |
Is the ESI and ARD syllabus the same for Phase 1 and Phase 2? Yes. The official NABARD syllabus specifies the same topics for ESI and ARD in both Phase 1 and Phase 2. Phase 2 tests these topics at a greater depth through both objective and descriptive formats.
Does the ARD syllabus require a background in agriculture? No. While an agriculture background helps, the ARD syllabus in NABARD is learnable from standard books and NABARD publications. Many successful NABARD Grade A officers have come from non-agriculture backgrounds. The institutional and scheme-based ARD topics (NABARD schemes, cooperative structure, SHGs) are learnable from NABARD's own publications.
Which is more important in Phase 2: the objective or descriptive component? Both carry 100 marks each in Phase 2 Paper 2, making them equal. However, the descriptive section is where most candidates' scores diverge significantly. Candidates with strong written communication skills and deep domain knowledge consistently score 15 to 20 more marks in the descriptive section than those who know the content but cannot express it well.
What is the most neglected but high-impact part of the NABARD syllabus? The ARD technical topics (crop production statistics, soil types, irrigation types, animal breeds) are often neglected by candidates from non-agriculture backgrounds. These account for approximately 12 to 16 marks in Phase 1 ARD and are entirely factual, making them among the most efficiently learnable parts of the entire syllabus.
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