The NABARD Grade A 2026 Notification is expected to be released soon, bringing a major opportunity for aspirants aiming to build a career in the development banking sector. Each year, the recruitment attracts candidates seeking a stable role with strong growth prospects and meaningful exposure to rural and agricultural finance. Candidates planning to appear should begin preparation early to strengthen their chances of success.
NABARD Grade A 2026
NABARD conducts Grade A exams for various disciplines such as General, Finance, Company Secretary, Civil Engineering, Forestry, Statistics, Media Specialists, etc. A summary of the NABARD Grade A 2026 has been tabulated below for reference
| NABARD Grade A 2026: Overview |
| Organization |
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development |
| Exam Name |
NABARD Garde A |
| Post |
Grade ‘A’ Officer |
| Vacancy |
To Be Notified |
| Category |
Recruitment |
| Age Limit |
Minimum – 21 years
Maximum – 30 years |
| Medium of Exam |
Bilingual (Except English Language) |
| Selection Process |
Phase I, Phase II & Interview |
| Application Mode |
Online only |
| Basic Pay |
₹44,500/- p.m. |
| Official Website |
www.nabard.org |
NABARD Grade A Vacancy 2026 (Last Year)
The NABARD Grade A Vacancy 2026 will be announced along with the Notification PDF. In the Previous year, 102 Assistant Manager positions were for the Rural Development Banking Service (RDBS) and Rajbhasa roles.
| NABARD Grade A Vacancy (Last Recruitment Cycle) |
| Stream |
General |
EWS |
SC |
ST |
OBC |
Total |
| General |
23 |
5 |
7 |
3 |
12 |
50 |
| Chartered Accountant |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
| Finance |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
| Computer/ Information Technology |
9 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
16 |
| Agriculture |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
| Animal Husbandry |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
| Fisheries |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
| Food Processing |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
| Forestry |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
| Plantation & Horticulture |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| Geo Informatics |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
| Development Management |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
| Statistics |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
| Civil Engineering |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
| Electrical Engineering |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| Environmental Engineering/Science |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
| Human Resource Management |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
| Asst Manager (RDBS) Total |
45 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
26 |
100 |
| Assistant Manager(Rajbhasa) |
1 |
– |
1 |
– |
– |
2 |
| Total |
46 |
9 |
11 |
10 |
26 |
102 |
NABARD Grade A Eligibility Criteria
Aspirants must ensure that they fulfil the minimum eligibility criteria before filling out the application form, regarding age limit, educational qualification, etc. Details are provided below regarding eligibility criteria.
Educational Qualification
The NABARD Grade A exam is conducted to recruit various discipline posts, so, it requires different minimum educational qualifications. Details are provided below
General
- Bachelor’s Degree – minimum 60% marks (For SC/ST/PwBD 55%) or
- Post Graduate Degree – minimum 55% marks (For SC/ST/PwBD 50%) or
- CA/CS/ICWA or
- PhD
Computer/IT
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science/Computer Technology/Computer Applications/IT – minimum 60% marks (SC/ST/PwBD – 55%) or
- Post Graduate Degree in Computer Science/Computer Technology/Computer Applications/IT – minimum 55% marks (SC/ST/PwBD – 50%)
Finance
- CA/CMA/ICWA with a Bachelor’s Degree or
- BBA (Finance/Banking)/BMS (Finance/Banking)/Bachelor of Finance & Investment Analysis – minimum 60% marks (SC/ST/PwBD – 55%) or
- 2 years full-time P.G. Diploma in Management (Finance)/Full-time MBA (Finance)/MMS (Finance) – minimum 60% marks (SC/ST/PwBD – 55%)
Company Secretary
- CS from ICSI with a Bachelor’s Degree
Civil Engineering
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering – minimum 60% marks (SC/PwBD – 55%) or
- Post Graduate Degree in Civil Engineering – minimum 55% marks (SC/PwBD – 50%)
Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering – minimum 60% marks (PwBD – 55%) or
- Post Graduate Degree in Electrical Engineering – minimum 55% marks (PwBD – 50%)
Geo Informatics
- BE/B.Tech/BSc Degree in Geoinformatics – minimum 60% marks (PwBD – 55%) or
- ME/M.Tech/MSc Degree in Geoinformatics – minimum 55% marks (PwBD – 50%)
Forestry
- Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry – minimum 60% marks (ST/PwBD – 55%) or
- Post Graduate Degree in Forestry – minimum 55% marks (ST/PwBD – 50%)
Food Processing
- Bachelor’s Degree in Food Processing/Food Technology – minimum 60% marks (PwBD – 55%) or
- Post Graduate Degree in Food Processing/Food Technology – minimum 55% marks (PwBD – 50%)
Statistics
- Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics – minimum 60% marks (PwBD – 55%) or
- Post Graduate Degree in Statistics – minimum 55% marks (PwBD – 50%)
Mass Communication/Media Specialist
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Media/ Communication/ Journalism/ Advertising/ Public Relations – minimum 60% marks (PwBD – 55%) or
- Post Graduate Degree in Mass Media/ Communication/ Journalism/ Advertising/ Public Relations – minimum 55% marks (PwBD – 50%) or
- Bachelor’s Degree (in any subject) – minimum 60% marks (PwBD – 55%) with Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Media/ Communication/ Journalism/ Advertising/ Public Relations – minimum 55% marks (PwBD – 50%)
NABARD Grade A Age Limit
With the release of the official notification, NABARD will specify the cut-off date for the NABARD Grade A age limit. The minimum and maximum age limits and age relaxation are mentioned below
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
| NABARD Grade A: Age Relaxation |
| Category |
Age Relaxation |
| OBCs |
03 years |
| SC/ST |
05 years |
| Ex-Serviceman |
05 years |
| PwBD |
10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) |
13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) |
15 years |
| Victims of the 1984 riots |
05 years |
NABARD Grade A Nationality
The NABARD Grade A Notification 2026 recruitment process is only for Indian citizens. To attend this examination a candidate should hold a citizenship of India. Other than the Citizen of India nobody is allowed to sit for the NABARD Grade A Examination.
NABARD Grade A 2026 Application Fees
To complete the registration process for NABARD Grade A, candidates need to pay an application fee. The details of the fee according to the previous year’s notification have been listed in the table below. Make sure to pay this fee to complete the application process.
NABARD Grade A 2026: Application Fees
|
| Category |
Application Fee |
Intimation Charges |
Total |
| Fee for SC/ST/PwBD |
Nil |
Rs. 150 |
Rs. 150/- |
| For all other applicants |
Rs.700 |
Rs. 150 |
Rs. 850/- |
NABARD Assistant Manager Salary Structure
The candidates who will be selected as NABARD Grade A Officers in 2026 will be drawing a salary based on a pay scale of Rs. 44500 – 2500 (4) – 54500 – 2850 (7) – 74450 – EB – 2850 (4)– 85850 – 3300 (1) – 89150 (17 Years). The gross monthly emoluments are approximately Rs. 1,00,000/-, including the DA, TA, HRA, Grade Allowance, Local Compensatory Allowance, etc. Click here to check the NABARD Grade A Salary.
NABARD Grade A Notification 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for NABARD Grade A consists of multiple stages designed to assess the candidates. Understanding the selection process is crucial for strategic preparation. The recruitment process is divided into three phases, viz;
- Preliminary Exam (Phase I): An online objective test that serves as a screening exam. It includes sections like English Language, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and Economic & Social Issues.
- Mains Exam (Phase II): Candidates who qualify for the prelims are eligible for the main exam, which includes both objective and descriptive sections. The focus is on core subjects relevant to rural development and agriculture.
- Interview: Candidates who clear the main exam are called for an interview. This stage assesses the candidates’ personality, knowledge, and suitability for the role.
NABARD Grade A 2026 Exam Pattern
The NABARD Grade A Exam includes two stages: Prelims and Mains. The details of how the exam will be conducted have been provided by the officials. It’s important for candidates to understand this pattern to prepare effectively. Below, you can find the exam structure for both NABARD Grade A Prelims and Mains exams.
NABARD Grade A Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The first phase of the examination is the Preliminary Exam, which is common for the RDBS and Rajbhasa.
| NABARD Grade A Phase I Exam Pattern 2026 |
| Subjects |
No. of Questions |
Max. Marks |
Duration |
| Reasoning |
20 |
20 |
120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Quantitative Aptitude |
20 |
20 |
| English |
30 |
30 |
| Computer |
20 |
20 |
| Decision Making |
10 |
10 |
| General Awareness |
20 |
20 |
| Economic & Social Issues (emphasis on Rural India) |
40 |
40 |
| Agriculture & Rural Development (emphasis on Rural India) |
40 |
40 |
| Total |
200 |
200 |
|
Note – Reasoning, English, Computer, Quantitative Aptitude, and Decision Making are Qualifying in nature
Marks obtained in General Awareness, Economic & Social Issues, and Agriculture & Rural Development are calculated for Merit.
Candidates will be shortlisted for the Mains Exam based on the marks obtained in the Merit section only.
NABARD Grade A Mains (Generalist) Exam Pattern 2026
The preliminary exam-qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the NABARD Grade A 2026 Mains Examination
| NABARD Grade A Mains (Generalist) Exam Pattern 2026 |
| Paper |
Subject |
Type |
No. of Qs. |
Marks |
Duration |
| Paper I |
English |
Descriptive |
3 |
100 |
90 minutes |
| Paper II |
Economic & Social Issues, Agriculture & Rural Development |
Objective |
30 |
50 |
30 minutes |
| Descriptive |
Attempt 4 out of 6 |
50 |
90 minutes |
NABARD Grade A Mains (Specialist) Exam Pattern 2026
The exam pattern for the NABARD Grade A 2026 Mains Examination for the Specialists Officer is
| NABARD Grade A Mains (Specialist) Exam Pattern 2026 |
| Paper |
Subject |
Type |
No. of Qs. |
Marks |
Duration |
| Paper I |
English |
Descriptive |
3 |
100 |
90 minutes |
| Paper II |
Stream Specific Paper |
Objective |
30 |
50 |
30 minutes |
| Descriptive |
Attempt 4 out of 6 |
50 |
90 minutes |
Selected Candidates will be called for the Interview (50 marks)
Note: 1/4 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer marked in both the Preliminary & Mains Examination.
NABARD Grade A 2026 Syllabus
The NABARD Grade A Syllabus includes both Preliminary and Main exams. The Preliminary exam tests English, reasoning, quantitative aptitude, general awareness, and economic & social issues. The Mains exam focuses on General English and a specialized paper on Economic & Social Issues and Agriculture & Rural Development, covering topics like agricultural finance, rural development programs, and economic reforms.
Prelims Exam:
- English Language: Comprehension, grammar, vocabulary
- Reasoning: Logical and analytical ability
- Quantitative Aptitude: Numerical and problem-solving skills
- General Awareness: Current affairs with focus on banking and agriculture
- Economic & Social Issues: Indian economy, poverty alleviation, rural development
Mains Exam:
- General English: Essay writing, comprehension, and precise writing
- Economic & Social Issues & Agriculture & Rural Development: Agricultural finance, rural development programs, economic reforms
NABARD Grade A Previous Year Papers
To excel in the NABARD Grade A exam, it is crucial to understand the exam pattern and the types of questions that have been asked in previous years. NABARD Grade A Previous Year Paper is an invaluable resource for this purpose. Candidates preparing need to gain insights into the structure of the exam, including the distribution of questions across different sections.
NABARD Grade A Promotion Hierarchy
Candidates selected as Assistant Managers in NABARD begin their careers at the Grade A level and receive multiple opportunities for departmental growth and promotions. The promotion structure in NABARD is well-defined and offers long-term career stability along with leadership exposure in rural development and financial administration.
| Rank |
Position |
| Entry Level |
Assistant Manager (Grade A) |
| 1st Promotion |
Manager (Grade B) |
| 2nd Promotion |
Assistant General Manager (AGM) |
| 3rd Promotion |
Deputy General Manager (DGM) |
| 4th Promotion |
General Manager (GM) |
| Senior Level |
Chief General Manager (CGM) |
| Top Executive Level |
Executive Director / Director-Level Positions |
Although promotion timelines may vary, the average progression is generally:
| Promotion |
Approximate Time |
| Grade A to Grade B |
4–6 years |
| Grade B to AGM |
5–7 years |
| AGM to DGM |
4–6 years |
NABARD Grade A vs RBI Grade B
Both NABARD Grade A and RBI Grade B are among the most prestigious regulatory body jobs in India, but the career experience is very different. Your choice should depend on whether you prefer policy-making & financial regulation or rural development & field-oriented impact.
| Aspect |
NABARD Grade A |
RBI Grade B |
| Core Focus |
Agriculture, rural development, financial inclusion |
Monetary policy, banking regulation, financial stability |
| Work Nature |
Developmental + field exposure |
Policy-driven + analytical |
| Difficulty Level |
Tough but comparatively easier |
Considered tougher and more competitive |
| Posting Locations |
Rural, semi-urban, state offices |
Mostly metros and regional offices |
| Transfer Policy |
More field/state movement |
Relatively stable postings |
| Salary & Perks |
Strong government benefits |
Higher salary and premium perks |
| Career Exposure |
Grassroots governance |
National financial system |
| Best For |
Candidates interested in social impact and rural economy |
Candidates interested in economics, finance, and policymaking |
