The recruitment for the Assistant Manager (Grade A) post at NABARD has become highly competitive. For the year 2025, candidates will pass through a clearly defined selection process designed to evaluate not only fundamental reasoning and quantitative skills but also subject-specific knowledge in agriculture, rural development and allied disciplines. Understanding each phase and tailoring preparation accordingly can make a significant difference in performance and outcome.
NABARD Grade A Selection Process 2025
The NABARD Grade A Selection Process 2025 consists of three key stage Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview. The Preliminary round serves as a screening test, while the Mains assesses candidates’ descriptive writing and subject-specific knowledge. Those qualifying in both stages are invited for a personal interview to evaluate communication skills, professional aptitude, and suitability for the role of Assistant Manager. The final merit list is prepared based on the combined marks of the Mains and Interview.
Selection Process Phases & Variations
The Selection process of NABARD Grade A Exam 2025 is divided into three stages Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Personal Interview. Each phase evaluates different aspects of a candidate’s knowledge, aptitude, and personality. While the Preliminary stage is qualifying in nature, the Mains and Interview marks together decide the final merit. The process ensures the selection of well-rounded candidates capable of contributing effectively to rural and agricultural development.
1.Preliminary Examination (Phase I)
| Section |
Total Marks / No. of Questions |
Time Duration |
| Test of Reasoning |
20 |
Composite time of 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| English Language |
30 |
| Computer Knowledge |
20 |
| Quantitative Aptitude |
20 |
| Decision Making |
10 |
| General Awareness |
20 |
| Economic & Social Issues (with focus on Rural India) |
40 |
| Agriculture & Rural Development (with emphasis on Rural India) |
40 |
| Total |
200 Marks |
2. Mains Examination (Phase II)
Paper-1 (General English)
| Particulars |
Details |
| Type of Paper |
Descriptive |
| Total Questions |
3 |
| Total Marks |
100 |
| Duration |
90 Minutes |
| Remarks |
Includes Essay, Precis Writing, Comprehension, and Business Correspondence. Answers are to be typed on a keyboard. |
| Particulars |
Details |
| Type of Paper |
Objective + Descriptive |
| Total Questions |
30 (Objective) + 6 (Descriptive) |
| Total Marks |
50 (Objective) + 50 (Descriptive) |
| Duration |
30 Minutes (Objective) + 90 Minutes (Descriptive) |
| Remarks |
The descriptive section includes 2 questions of 25 marks each (difficult level) and 2 of 10 marks each (moderate level). Answers are to be typed in English on a keyboard. |
Paper-II (Economic & Social Issues and Agriculture & Rural Development)
| Particulars |
Details |
| Type of Paper |
Objective + Descriptive |
| Total Questions |
30 (Objective) + 6 (Descriptive) |
| Total Marks |
50 (Objective) + 50 (Descriptive) |
| Duration |
30 Minutes (Objective) + 90 Minutes (Descriptive) |
| Remarks |
The descriptive section includes 2 questions of 25 marks each (difficult level) and 2 of 10 marks each (moderate level). Answers are to be typed in English on a keyboard. |
3.Phase III – Personal Interview
Candidates who qualify in the NABARD Grade A Mains Examination are shortlisted for the Personal Interview round. This stage assesses a candidate’s overall personality, confidence, communication skills, analytical ability, and understanding of rural economy, banking policies, and development issues. The interview aims to evaluate not just subject knowledge but also decision-making ability and suitability for the role of an Assistant Manager at NABARD. The final merit list is prepared by combining the marks obtained in the Mains Exam and the Interview, determining the candidates selected for appointment
