If you’re aiming for a prestigious managerial role in the public sector banking space, understanding the NABARD Grade B exam pattern is your first step. Conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, this exam opens the door to one of the most coveted Grade ‘B’ Managerial positions in India. Let’s walk you through everything—from the NABARD Grade B exam pattern to the eligibility criteria and detailed syllabus.
What is the NABARD Grade B Exam?
Before jumping into the technicalities, it’s important to know that the NABARD Grade B exam pattern is designed to test candidates on a broad range of topics—from general aptitude to development economics. This post is for experienced and qualified candidates looking to take up a leadership role in agriculture and rural development policies.
NABARD Grade B Exam Pattern: Stage-Wise Breakdown
The NABARD Grade B exam pattern consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Exam (Online Objective – Screening)
- Mains Exam (Online – Objective + Descriptive)
- Interview
Phase 1: Preliminary Exam
The Prelims stage in the NABARD Grade B exam pattern serves as a screening round. It includes multiple sections to test general aptitude and domain awareness.
| Section | Marks | Duration |
| Reasoning | 20 | Combined |
| English Language | 30 | 120 |
| Computer Knowledge | 20 | |
| General Awareness | 20 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | |
| Economic & Social Issues (ESI) | 40 | |
| Agriculture & Rural Dev (ARD) | 40 | |
| Total | 190 |
Phase 2: Mains Exam
This is the most crucial part of the NABARD Grade B exam pattern, consisting of three papers:
| Paper | Type | Subjects | Marks | Duration |
| Paper I | Descriptive | English (Essay, Report, Comprehension) | 100 | 90 mins |
| Paper II | Objective | ESI & ARD (50+50 Questions) | 100 | 90 mins |
| Paper III | Objective + Descriptive | Development Economics, Statistics, Finance & Management | 100 | 90 mins |
Eligibility Criteria
To apply under the NABARD Grade B exam pattern, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility conditions:
- Educational Qualification:
- Master’s degree with at least 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwBD) in any discipline OR
- Bachelor’s degree with 60% and 2 years of full-time experience in finance/banking/development sectors.
- Master’s degree with at least 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwBD) in any discipline OR
- Age Limit:
- Minimum 25 years and Maximum 32 years
- Age relaxations apply for reserved categories
- Minimum 25 years and Maximum 32 years
Syllabus Breakdown for NABARD Grade B
The NABARD Grade B exam pattern covers a mix of technical and general subjects. Here’s a brief look:
Paper II Syllabus (ESI & ARD)
- Economic & Social Issues (ESI):
- Poverty, Inequality, Demographics
- Indian Economy & Government Schemes
- Social Sector Initiatives
- Poverty, Inequality, Demographics
- Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD):
- Soil, Water, Crops, Irrigation
- Animal Husbandry, Agri-Tech, Schemes
- Rural Credit and Institutions
- Soil, Water, Crops, Irrigation
Paper III Syllabus:
- Development Economics
- Statistical Tools and Data Interpretation
- Financial Systems and Markets
- Principles of Management and Human Resource Development
Final Stage: Interview
After clearing Mains, candidates appear for an interview (50 marks). The NABARD Grade B exam pattern values not just academic knowledge but also leadership potential and understanding of rural development policies.
Final Thoughts
The NABARD Grade B exam pattern is extensive and demands a deep understanding of both general and technical topics. With the right strategy, timely revision, and conceptual clarity, you can master this exam and begin a rewarding career in one of India’s most prestigious development institutions.
Would you like a follow-up blog on cut-off trends, salary structure, or preparation strategy for NABARD Grade B? Let me know!