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The NABARD Grade A Syllabus 2026 is an important resource for candidates preparing for the Assistant Manager (Grade A) examination conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). The NABARD Grade A Notification 2026 is expected to be released soon, and aspirants should begin their preparation early rather than waiting for the official announcement.
In this article, candidates can check the complete NABARD Grade A Syllabus 2026, Phase 1 and Phase 2 Exam Pattern, subject-wise topics, important preparation tips, and much more.
NABARD Grade A Syllabus 2026
The NABARD Grade A 2026 Exam is conducted in multiple stages, each featuring specific subjects and question formats. The selection process consists of Phase 1 (Prelims), Phase 2 (Mains), and Interview. The Prelims consists solely of objective-type questions, whereas the Mains includes both objective and descriptive sections. A negative marking of 0.25 is applicable in both stages, making it essential for candidates to thoroughly review the syllabus and exam pattern before devising a structured preparation plan.
NABARD Grade A Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Conducting Body | National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) |
| Posts Name | Grade A |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Types of Questions | Prelims- Objective Mains- Objective & Descriptive |
| Duration | Prelims- 120 minutes Mains- 90 minutes for each paper |
| Negative Marking | Prelims- 0.25 Marks |
| Official website | www.nabard.org |
NABARD Grade A Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of three stages. Candidates are shortlisted for Phase 2 primarily based on their performance in the merit sections of Phase 1. The final selection is based on marks obtained in Phase 2 and the interview.
- Phase 1 (Preliminary Examination)
- Phase 2 (Main Examination)
- Interview
NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern 2026
The exam structure of both Prelims and Mains stages are discussed here. The Grade A Prelims or Phase 1 is completely MCQ-based, whereas Mains (Phase 2) is both objective (MCQ) and Descriptive.
NABARD Grade A Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
- Qualifying sections: Covers computer knowledge, reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English language proficiency, and decision-making.
- General Awareness, Economic & Social Issues, and Agriculture & Rural Development, with a particular focus on Rural India, are portions that are seen as important.
- Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
| NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern: Phase 1 | |||||
| S.No. | Name of the Test | Questions | Marks | Version | Total Time |
| 1 | Test of Reasoning | 20 | 20 | Bilingual – Hindi and English, except for tests in the English language | Composite time of 120 Minutes for all the tests together |
| 2 | English Language | 30 | 30 | ||
| 3 | Computer Knowledge | 20 | 20 | ||
| 4 | Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 20 | ||
| 5 | Decision Making | 10 | 10 | ||
| 6 | General Awareness | 20 | 20 | ||
| 7 | Eco & Soc. Issues (with a focus on Rural India) | 40 | 40 | ||
| 8 | Agriculture & Rural Development with Emphasis on Rural India | 40 | 40 | ||
| Total | 200 | 200 | |||
NABARD Grade A Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The Grade A Exam Pattern for the Mains Exam is given below. Check the post-wise Mains Pattern along with the marking scheme here.
| Paper | Grade A | Type of Paper | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration | Remarks |
| Paper I | General English | Online Descriptive | 3 | 100 | 90 Minutes | Descriptive Answers are to be typed using a keyboard |
| Paper II | Stream Specific Paper | Objective | 30 | 50 | 30 minutes | |
| Descriptive Type | 6 questions will be asked, of which candidates will be required to attempt 4 questions [2 of 15 marks each (with difficulty level) and 2 of 10 marks each] | 50 | 90 Minutes | Descriptive: Answers are to be typed using a keyboard either in English or Hindi (Remington and Inscript keyboards) |
NABARD Grade A Prelims Syllabus 2026 [Phase 1]
To qualify for the desired post, candidates must have a thorough understanding of all relevant subjects. The NABARD Grade A Prelims Syllabus includes Quantitative Aptitude, Computer Knowledge, Reasoning Ability, and General Awareness.
| Subjects | Syllabus |
| Reasoning Ability Syllabus |
|
| Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus |
|
| English Language Syllabus |
|
| General Awareness Syllabus | The questions in this test will be from Current Affairs, Banking and Economy, and Insurance.
In Current Affairs, questions can be asked about recent appointments, awards, and honours, sports, new schemes, national and international news, and the latest developments in science and technology. |
| Computer Knowledge Syllabus | This section covers topics from various topics like Networking, Input-output devices, DBMS, MS Office, Internet, the History of computers & generations, and Shortcuts. |
NABARD Grade A Mains Syllabus 2026 [Phase 2]
The Mains Exam includes both objective and descriptive papers. To perform well, candidates should adopt a strategic study plan and manage their time efficiently. Since the syllabus differs for each stream, aspirants are advised to refer to the official stream-wise syllabus provided below.
Economic and Social Issues Syllabus
| Section | Topics |
| Nature of the Indian Economy |
|
| Inflation | Trends in Inflation & their Impact on National Economy and Individual Income. |
| Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation in India |
|
| Population Trends |
|
| Agriculture |
|
| Industry |
|
| Rural banking and financial institutions in India | Reforms in the Banking/ Financial sector. |
| Globalisation of the Economy |
|
| Social Structure in India |
|
| Education |
|
| Social Justice |
|
| Positive Discrimination in favour of the underprivileged |
|
Agriculture & Rural Development Syllabus
| Section | Topics |
| Agriculture |
|
| Soil and Water Conservation |
|
| Water Resource |
|
| Farm and Agri Engineering |
|
| Plantation & Horticulture |
|
| Animal Husbandry |
|
| Fisheries |
|
| Forestry |
|
| Agriculture Extensions |
|
| Ecology and Climate Change |
|
| Present Scenario of Indian Agriculture and Allied Activities |
|
| Rural Development |
|
Information Technology Syllabus
| Section | Topics |
| Information Technology |
|
Legal Services Syllabus
| Section | Topics |
| Legal Services | The paper will be based on proficiency in interpreting various Laws,
|
NABARD Grade A Syllabus PDF
The subject-wise NABARD Grade A Syllabus PDF can be downloaded using the links provided in the table below. Simply click on the link for the desired subject, and the PDF will open on your screen. Candidates are advised to take a screenshot or print the PDFs and keep them alongside their study plan for effective exam preparation.
| NABARD Grade A Syllabus PDF | |
| General | Download PDF |
| General Agriculture | Download PDF |
| Agriculture Engineering | Download PDF |
| Animal Husbandry | Download PDF |
| Finance | Download PDF |
| Forestry | Download PDF |
| Horticulture-Plantation | Download PDF |
| Land Development- Soil Science | Download PDF |
| Water Resources | Download PDF |
| Information Technology | Download PDF |
NABARD Grade A Books 2026
| Subject | Books |
|---|---|
| Test of Reasoning |
|
| English Language |
|
| Computer Knowledge |
|
| Quantitative Aptitude |
|
| Decision Making |
|
| General Awareness |
|
| Economic & Social Issues (with a focus on Rural India) |
|
| Agriculture & Rural Development (with Emphasis on Rural India) |
|
NABARD Grade A Preparation Strategy 2026
To prepare thoroughly for the NABARD Grade A examination, candidates should follow this preparation strategy to increase their score and boost their chances of selection:
1. Prioritize ESI and ARD. These sections carry maximum weightage and determine Phase 2 qualification.
2. Focus on 6 Months Current Affairs. Special attention should be given to:
- Agriculture
- Rural Development
- PIB
- RBI Circulars
- NABARD Reports
3. Practice Descriptive Writing Weekly. Write:
- 2 essays per week
- 2 precis per week
- 2 agriculture-related answers per week
4. Solve Previous Year Papers. Candidates should practice with mock tests regularly and solve previous year questions papers for better understanding of the exam structure.
5. Read Government Reports. Important reports include:
- Economic Survey
- NABARD Annual Report
- RBI Annual Report
- Agriculture Ministry Reports









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