NABARD Grade A 2024 Syllabus: Phase 1, Phase 2 and Interview

NABARD Grade A 2024 syllabus is an invaluable resource if you’re preparing for the Grade A officer’s post. 

With the latest decoded NABARD Grade A syllabus at your disposal, you can learn more about the subjects and important topics around which questions will be framed in the exam. This can further help you choose the right study material, prioritize important topics, and create a focused study plan, enhancing your chances of clearing the NABARD Grade A 2024 exam.

Moreover, the syllabus can help you compare your academic background and strengths with the requirements of the NABARD Grade A exam and decide if this exam is right for you.

NABARD Grade A 2024 Syllabus

Here is the decoded NABARD Grade A syllabus for Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 (psychometric test and interview):

NABARD Grade A 2024 Phase 1 Syllabus

The official recruitment advertisement for NABARD does not mention the syllabus for Phase 1 except that of ESI and ARD. To ease your mind and preparation, our experts have analyzed the previous year’s questions (PYQs) in-depth to come up with an exhaustive list of chapters and topics that you must cover for each subject.

The NABARD Grade A Phase 1 (Prelims) exam is divided into 2 sections.

1. Qualifying (Non-Merit) Sections: Reasoning, English Language, Computer Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, and Decision Making. 

2. Merit Sections: General Awareness, Economic & Social Issues (with a focus on rural India), and Agriculture & Rural Development (with emphasis on rural India). 

Note: The syllabus for Economic and Social Issues (ESI) and Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) is the same for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the NABARD Grade A exam. The official recruitment notification lists all the topics for ESI and ARD for Phase 2. You can download the same here (Pages 13 to 15).

Reasoning Syllabus for NABARD Grade A 2024

Reasoning is a qualifying section comprising 20 questions of 1 mark each. Following is the list of chapters that you must prepare for Reasoning.

1. Alphanumeric series 
2. Coding and Decoding 
3. Syllogism 
4. Direction Sense 
5. Inequality 
6. Ranking and Order 
7. Blood Relation 
8. Puzzles and Seating arrangement 
9. Input-Output 
10. Questions based on Statements 
11. Questions based on Data Sufficiency

Important Topics of Reasoning for NABARD Grade A

To help you identify the important topics for Reasoning for the NABARD Grade A exam, here’s a detailed analysis of PYQs of the last few years.

Based on the PYQs analysis, here are the most important, moderately important, and least important topics for the Reasoning subject for the NABARD Grade A phase 1 exam.

Note: The above list of topics is solely to help you streamline your preparation and make it more efficient. It does not indicate that you should skip the rest of the syllabus.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Syllabus for NABARD Grade A 2024

There are 20 questions of 1 mark each under the Quantitative Aptitude section. Following is the list of chapters that you must prepare for Quantitative Aptitude.

1. Ratio and Proportion 
2. Percentage 
3. Profit and Loss 
4. Simple and Compound Interest 
5. Average and Age 
6. Time and Work 
7. Pipes and Cistern 
8. Time and Distance 
9. Mixture and Alligation 
10. Series and Quadratic equation 
11. Mathematical Inequalities 
12. Number series
13. Data interpretation 
14. Simplification/approximation
15. Quantity Comparisons 

Important Topics of Quantitative Aptitude for NABARD Grade A

To help identify the important topics of Quantitative Aptitude for NABARD Grade A, here’s a detailed analysis of PYQs for the last few years.

Based on the PYQs analysis, here are the most important, moderately important, and least important topics for the Quantitative Aptitude subject for the NABARD Grade A Phase 1 exam.

Note: The above list of important topics is solely to help you streamline your preparation and make it more efficient. It does not indicate that you should skip the rest of the syllabus.

English Syllabus for NABARD Grade A 2024

The English section has 30 questions of 1 mark each. Here is the list of topics that you must prepare for English. 

1. Reading Comprehension
2. Sentence Rearrangement
3. Cloze Test
4. Parajumbles
5. Double fillers
6. Error Detection and Sentence Improvement
7. Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word Substitution, Phrasal verbs)

Important Topics of English for NABARD Grade A

To help you identify the most important topics of English for NABARD Grade A exam, here’s a detailed analysis of PYQs for the last few years.

Based on the PYQs analysis, here are the most important, moderately important, and least important topics for the English subject for the NABARD Grade A Phase 1 exam.

Note: The above list of important topics is solely to help you streamline your preparation and make it more efficient. It does not indicate that you should skip the rest of the syllabus.

Computer Knowledge (CK) Syllabus for NABARD Grade A 2024

There are 20 questions of 1 mark each under the Computer Knowledge section. Following is the list of chapters that you must prepare for Computer Knowledge.

1. Computer Awareness
2. Hardware and Memory
3. Software and Operating Systems
4. MS Office
5. Database Management System
6. Internet and Computer Security
7. History and Computer & Generations
8. Shortcuts

Important Topics of Computer for NABARD Grade A

We have carried out a detailed analysis of PYQs for the last few years to help you identify the important topics for Computer Knowledge.

Based on the PYQs analysis, here are the most important, moderately important, and least important topics for the Computer Knowledge subject for the NABARD Grade A Phase 1 exam.

Note: The above list of important topics is solely to help you streamline your preparation and make it more efficient. It does not indicate that you should skip the rest of the syllabus.

Decision Making (DM) Syllabus for NABARD Grade A 2024

The Decision Making section consists of 10 questions of 1 mark each respectively. Following is the list of chapters that you must prepare for Decision Making.

• Basics of Decision Making 
• Types of Decision Making
• Decision Making Models
• Decision Making Approaches 
• Factors Affecting Decision Making 
• Types of Problems Decision Making

Important Topics of Decision Making for NABARD Grade A

We have carried out a detailed analysis of PYQs since its introduction in 2021 to help you identify the important topics of Decision Making.

Based on the PYQs analysis, here are the most important, moderately important, and least important topics for the Decision Making subject for the NABARD Grade A Phase 1 exam.

Note: The above list of important topics is solely to help you streamline your preparation and make it more efficient. It does not indicate that you should skip the rest of the syllabus.

General Awareness (GA) Syllabus for NABARD Grade A 2024

There are 20 questions of 1 mark each for General Awareness. Following is the list of chapters that you must prepare for GA.

1. Current affairs of the preceding 6 months from the date of examination
2. National News: MoUs, summits, and major events related to India.
3. International: Summits and conferences held abroad
4. Defence: Military exercises, drills, and major updates related to the defence sector of India
5. Days in News: Major events or days, along with its date, and theme
6. Persons in News: Obituaries, appointments, retirements
7. Sports: Major tournaments and their winners
8. Science, Technology, and Space 
9. Awards and honours 
10. Environment
11. Banking, Economy, and Schemes 
12. Books and Authors 
13. Static GA: Chief Ministers and Cabinet Ministers, National Parks and Sanctuaries, Organisations’ Headquarters, Banks’ Headquarters and Taglines, Power Plants in India, Indian Dance Forms, Countries’ Capitals and their Currencies

Important Topics of General Awareness for NABARD Grade A

To help you identify the important topics of General Awareness for the NABARD Grade A exam, here’s a detailed analysis of PYQs for the last few years.

Based on the PYQs analysis, here are the most important, moderately important, and least important topics for the General Awareness subject for the NABARD Grade A Phase 1 exam.

Note: The above list of important topics is solely to help you streamline your preparation and make it more efficient. It does not indicate that you should skip the rest of the syllabus.

Economic and Social Issues (ESI) Syllabus for NABARD Grade A 2024

Following is the given syllabus in the NABARD Grade A notification for Phase 2 of the exam. It is applicable for Phase 1 as well, considering the syllabus for ESI for both phases is the same. 

1. Nature of Indian Economy – Structural and Institutional features – Economic underdevelopment – Opening up the Indian Economy – Globalisation – Economic Reforms in India – Privatisation. Inflation – Trends in Inflation & their Impact on National Economy and Individual Income. 
2. Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation in India – Rural and Urban – Measurement of Poverty – Poverty Alleviation Programmes of the Government. 
3. Population Trends – Population Growth and Economic Development – Population Policy in India. 
4. 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. 
5. Industry – Industrial and Labour Policy – Industrial performance – Regional Imbalance in India’s Industrial Development – Public Sector Enterprises. 
6. Rural banking and financial institutions in India – Reforms in Banking/ Financial sector. 
7. Globalization of Economy – Role of International Funding Institutions – IMF & World Bank – WTO – Regional Economic Co-operation. 
8. Social Structure in India – Multiculturalism – Demographic trends – Urbanisation 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. 
9. Social Justice: Problems of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes – socio-economic programmes for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and other backward classes. 
10. Positive Discrimination in favour of the under privileged – Social Movements -Indian Political Systems – Human Development. 
11. Current Economic & Social Issues.

Important Topics of ESI for NABARD Grade A

Following is the list of topics that you must prepare for ESI Static.

1. Growth and Development 
2. Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation in India 
3. Economic History of India – Globalisation and Privatisation 
4. Sustainable Development and Environmental Issues. 
5. Fiscal Policy + Monetary Policy 
6. Inflation 
7. Industrial & Labour Policy   
8. Indian Agriculture 
9. Regional Economic Cooperation 
10. International Economic Institutions – IMF and World Bank – WTO 
11. Opening up of the Indian Economy, Balance of Payments 
12. Multiculturalism 
13. Population and Demographic Trends 
14. Urbanisation and Migration 
15. Gender Issues 
16. Social Justice- Positive Discrimination in favour of the underprivileged 
17. Social Movements 
18. Indian Political System 
19. Human Development 
20. Social Sectors in India, Health and Education 
21. Rural banking and Financial Institutions – Reforms in Banking and Financial Sector

Based on the PYQs analysis, here are the most important, moderately important and least important topics for the ESI (Static) subject for the NABARD Grade A Phase 1 exam.

Following is the list of topics that you must prepare for ESI Current Affairs.

1. Flagship Economic Development Schemes: PM-SYM, PMJDY, PMJJBY, PMSBY, PMMY, Stand Up India, DDU-GKY, PMEGP, Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
2. Books and Authors
3. Defence: Military Exercises, Equipment
4. MoUs + Funding, Banks, Alliance, Membership
5. Person in News: Awards, Appointments, Obituaries
6. First in News (For ex: an initiative taken for the first time, a national organisation’s first event, etc.)
7. Summits and Conference
8. Current Affairs: Environment and Ecology
9. Data by Important Institutes: NITI Ayog, RBI, NABARD, WTO, WB, IMF, ADB, etc

Based on the PYQs analysis, here are the most important, moderately important and least important topics for the ESI (Current Affairs) subject for the NABARD Grade A Phase 1 exam.

Note: The list of important topics is solely to help you streamline your preparation and make it more efficient. It does not indicate that you should skip the rest of the syllabus.

Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) Syllabus for NABARD Grade A 2024

Following is the given syllabus in the NABARD notification for Phase 2 of the exam. It is applicable for Phase 1 as well, given that the syllabus for ARD for both Phases is the same. 

1. Agriculture: definition, meaning and its branches, Agronomy: definition, meaning and scope of agronomy. Classification of field crops. Factors affecting crop production, Agro Climatic Zones; Cropping Systems: Definition and types of cropping systems. Problems of dry land agriculture; Seed production, seed processing, seed village; Meteorology: weather parameters, crop-weather advisory; Precision Farming, System of Crop Intensification, organic farming; 
2. Soil and Water Conservation: Major soil types, soil fertility, fertilisers, soil erosion, soil conservation, watershed management; 
3. 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. 
4. Farm and Agri Engineering: Farm Machinery and Power, Sources of power on the farm- human, animal, mechanical, electrical, wind, solar and biomass, bio fuels, water harvesting structures, farm ponds, watershed management, Agro Processing, Controlled and modified storage, perishable food storage, godowns, bins and grain silos. 
5. Plantation & Horticulture: Definition, meaning and its branches. Agronomic practices and production technology of various plantation and horticulture crops. Post-harvest management, value and supply chain management of Plantation and Horticulture crops. 
6. Animal Husbandry: Farm animals and their role in Indian economy, Animal husbandry methods in India, common terms pertaining to different species of livestock, Utility classification of breeds of cattle. Introduction to common feeds and fodders, their classification and utility. Introduction to poultry industry in India (past, present and future status), Common terms pertaining to poultry production and management. Concept of mixed farming and its relevance to socio-economic conditions of farmers in India. Complementary and obligatory nature of livestock and poultry production with that of agricultural farming. 
7. Fisheries: Fisheries resources, management and exploitation – freshwater, brackish water and marine; Aquaculture- Inland and marine; biotechnology; post-harvest technology. Importance of fisheries in India. Common terms pertaining to fish production.
8. Forestry: Basic concepts of Forest and Forestry. Principles of silviculture, forest mensuration, forest management and forest economics. Concepts of social forestry, agroforestry, joint forest management. Forest policy and legislation in India, India State of Forest Report 2015. Recent developments under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 
9. Agriculture Extensions: Its importance and role, methods of evaluation of extension programmes, Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s (KVK) in dissemination of Agricultural technologies. 
10. Ecology and Climate Change: Ecology and its relevance to man, natural resources, their sustainable management and conservation. Causes of climate change, Green House Gases (GHG), major GHG emitting countries, climate analysis, distinguish between adaptation and mitigation, climate change impact to agriculture and rural livelihood, carbon credit, IPCC, UNFCCC, CoP meetings, funding mechanisms for climate change projects, initiatives by Govt of India, NAPCC, SAPCC, INDC.
11. Present Scenario of Indian Agriculture and Allied activities; recent trends, major challenges in agriculture measures to enhance viability of agriculture. Factors of Production in agriculture; Agricultural Finance and Marketing; Impact of Globalization on Indian Agriculture and issues of Food Security; Concept and Types of Farm Management. 

Rural Development: Concept of Rural Area, Structure of the Indian Rural EconomyImportance 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.

Important Topics of ARD for NABARD Grade A

Following is the list of topics that you must prepare for ARD Static.

1. Agronomy: Production, Definition, & Meaning
2. Farming System: Types of Farming
3. Types of Soils and Soil Water
4. Methods to prevent soil erosion
5. Nutrient deficiency and symptoms
6. Horticulture: Production and Branches
7. Vegetative Propagation and Types
8. Major Diseases and Pest
9. Post-harvest method
10. Animal Husbandry: Breeds, Terminology
11. Milk and its properties
12. Poultry: Breed and Terminology
13. Fisheries: Types and Production
14. Aquaculture: Breeds, types, and terminology
15. Forestry and Types
16. Agriculture Extension Institute and Schemes

Based on the PYQs analysis, here are the most important, moderately important, and least important topics for the ARD (Static) subject for the NABARD Grade A Phase 1 exam.

Following is the list of topics that you must prepare for ARD Current Affairs.

1. ARD Schemes of the last 6 months
2. Flagship Agriculture Schemes (AIF, PMKSY, PMFBY, PM-KMY, e-NAM, KCC, SHC, PMMSY, NHM)
3. Flagship Rural Development Schemes: PMAY-G, PMGSY, NRuM, MGNREGA, JJM, NRLM, DDUGKY
4. Census: 2011, SECC, Livestock, Agriculture
5. Annual Reports: MoA&FW, AH&D, NABARD, and MSP
6. Latest Union Budget
7. Latest Economic Survey
8. Indian State of Forest Report
9. Key Stats of Cooperative Banks

Based on the PYQs analysis, here are the most important, moderately important, and least important topics for the ARD (Static) subject for the NABARD Grade A Phase 1 exam.

Note: The list of important topics is solely to help you streamline your preparation and make it more efficient. It does not indicate that you should skip the rest of the syllabus.

Now that you have extensive knowledge about the NABARD Grade A 2024 Phase 1 syllabus, let’s dive deep into Phase 2.

NABARD Grade A 2024 Syllabus For Phase 2

The NABARD Grade A Phase 2 (Mains) exam is divided into two papers of 100 marks each.

• Paper I: Descriptive English 
• Paper II: Economic and Social Issues (ESI) + Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD)

Let’s review the subject-wise NABARD Grade A phase 2 syllabus and important topics.

Descriptive English Syllabus for NABARD Grade A 204

The Descriptive English exam aims to assess your writing skills, including how well you can express your ideas and your understanding of the topic around which the questions are asked.

Here is the syllabus for descriptive English as per the official notification of NABARD.

1. Essay 
2. Précis writing
3. Comprehension
4. Business/Office Correspondence

What topics do you study to prepare for Paper 1? Let’s find out.

Important Topics of Descriptive English for NABARD Grade A

The English paper presents 3 questions (mostly essay, precis, and letter writing) and carries 100 marks in total. As a result, selecting important subject topics to focus on is a challenging task. 

• The English paper holistically assesses your language proficiency, vocabulary, and topic understanding.
• A well-rounded approach is essential, prioritizing consistent newspaper editorial reading to develop vocabulary and answer typing practice to enhance your writing skills.

The syllabus of ESI and ARD for phase 1 and 2 is the same.

Let’s first examine the objective section of Paper 2. 

Important Topics of ESI and ARD for NABARD Grade A

Following is a list of essential core topics for ESI and ARD from the syllabus given by NABARD that you must cover for Phase 2. We have also included Current Affairs topics that you need to prioritize.

ARD Static: Important Topics for NABARD Grade A

1. Agronomy: Production, Definition, & Meaning
2. Farming System: Types of Farming
3. Types of Soils and Soil Water
4. Methods to prevent soil erosion
5. Nutrient deficiency and symptoms
6. Horticulture: Production and Branches
7. Vegetative Propagation and Types
8. Major Diseases and Pest
9. Post-harvest method
10. Animal Husbandry: Breeds, Terminology
11. Milk and its properties
12. Poultry: Breed and Terminology
13. Fisheries: Types and Production
14. Aquaculture: Breeds, types, and terminology
15. Forestry and Types
16. Agriculture Extension Institute and Schemes

Based on the PYQs analysis, here are the most important, moderately important, and least important topics for the ARD (Static) subject for the NABARD Grade A Phase 2 exam.

ARD Current Affairs: Important Topics for NABARD Grade A

1. ARD Schemes of the last 6 months
2. Flagship Agriculture Schemes (AIF, PMKSY, PMFBY, PM-KMY, e-NAM, KCC, SHC, PMMSY, NHM)
3. Flagship Rural Development Schemes: PMAY-G, PMGSY, NRuM, MGNREGA, JJM, NRLM, DDUGKY
4. Census: 2011, SECC, Livestock, Agriculture
5. Annual Reports: MoA&FW, AH&D, NABARD, and MSP
6. Latest Union Budget
7. Latest Economic Survey
8. Indian State of Forest Report
9. Key Stats of Cooperative Banks

Based on the PYQs analysis, here are the most important, moderately important, and least important topics for the ARD (Current Affairs) subject for the NABARD Grade A Phase 2 exam.

ESI Static: Important Topics for NABARD Grade A

1. Growth and Development 
2. Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation in India 
3. Economic History of India – Globalisation and Privatisation 
4. Sustainable Development and Environmental Issues. 
5. Fiscal Policy + Monetary Policy 
6. Inflation 
7. Industrial & Labour Policy   
8. Indian Agriculture 
9. Regional Economic Cooperation 
10. International Economic Institutions – IMF and World Bank – WTO 
11. Opening up of the Indian Economy, Balance of Payments 
12. Multiculturalism 
13. Population and Demographic Trends 
14. Urbanisation and Migration 
15. Gender Issues 
16. Social Justice- Positive Discrimination in favour of the underprivileged 
17. Social Movements 
18. Indian Political System 
19. Human Development 
20. Social Sectors in India, Health and Education 
21. Rural Banking and Financial Institutions – Reforms in Banking and Financial Sector

Based on the PYQs analysis, here are the most important, moderately important, and least important topics for the ESI (Static) subject for the NABARD Grade A Phase 2 exam.

ESI Current Affairs: Important Topics for NABARD Grade A

1. Flagship Economic Development Schemes: PM-SYM, PMJDY, PMJJBY, PMSBY, PMMY, Stand Up India, DDU-GKY, PMEGP, Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
2. Books and Authors
3. Defence: Military Exercises, Equipment
4. MoUs + Funding, Banks, Alliance, Membership
5. Person in News: Awards, Appointments, Obituaries
6. First in News (For ex: an initiative taken for the first time, a national organisation’s first event, etc.)
7. Summits and Conference
8. Science and Tech
9. Sports
10. Current Affairs: Environment and Ecology
11. Data by Important Institutes: NITI Ayog, RBI, NABARD, WTO, WB, IMF, ADB, etc

Based on the PYQs analysis, here are the most important, moderately important, and least important topics for the ESI (Current Affairs) subject for the NABARD Grade A Phase 2 exam.

Note. The above list of important topics is solely to help you streamline your preparation and make it more efficient. It does not indicate that you should skip the rest of the syllabus.

NABARD Grade A Interview Syllabus

Phase 3 of the NABARD Grade A exam comprises a psychometric test and an interview. 

Psychometric Test of NABARD Grade A Exam

After clearing the NABARD Grade A Mains examination, candidates will be called for a psychometric test. The purpose of this test is to assess your cognitive ability or/and personality traits.

Once you appear for the psychometric test, an evaluation is done based on your performance. This evaluation is probably handed to the interview panel to help them determine if your personality, based on the test, matches your actual personality.

Let’s break down the aspects that will be evaluated during this test:

1. Cognitive Skills
   1. Paying Attention
   2. Remembering
   3. Processing
   4. Analyzing
   5. Judging and Evaluating
   6. Reasoning
   7. Problem-solving
   8. Decision-making

2. Personality Traits
   1. Openness
   2. Neuroticism
   3. Extraversion
   4. Agreeableness
   5. Conscientiousness

Please Note. This test does not carry any weightage, marks wise.

NABARD Grade A Syllabus for Interview

Candidates are selected for the interview based on the Phase 2 marks only. The interview carries a weightage of 50 marks and can be opted for in English or Hindi. The final selection decision is made based on the marks you score in the interview in addition to the marks of your Mains exam.

While there is no official syllabus for the interview, here are two primary aspects around which questions are generally asked:

Personality (~60-70% weightage)

This section can be further divided into two parts:

• You: Interviewers are known to ask questions about your personality. So, it’s important that you know a lot about yourself.

• Organization (NABARD): One of the primary objectives of the NABARD Grade A 2024 interview is to determine if you are compatible with the organization. So, there can be questions about your personality in relation to the organization, such as:

• What do you know about NABARD?
• Why do you want to become a part of NABARD?

Knowledge (~30-40% weightage)

This section can be further divided into two parts:

• Newspaper: You can refer to newspapers to learn more about the economy and world affairs (a high-level overview would do).

• Syllabus: You can revise your entire syllabus to prepare well for your interview. However, this sub-section can be considered low-priority.

Conclusion

The detailed NABARD Grade A 2024 syllabus gives you in-depth insights into the subjects and important topics. By learning about the subjects and important topics around which questions are asked in the NABARD Grade A exam, you can customize your preparation strategy based on your strengths and weaknesses and boost your chances of clearing the exam.