Vikas
The moment thousands of banking and development sector aspirants have been waiting for is finally here! The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the apex development bank of India, has released the official notification for the recruitment of Assistant Managers (Grade A). This is a golden opportunity to secure a highly respected and well-compensated career dedicated to India’s rural and agricultural progress.
A total of 91 vacancies have been announced across various specializations, including the core Rural Development Banking Service (RDBS), as well as specialist roles like Legal, IT, Finance, and Protocol & Security Service. The online application window is officially open starting November 8, 2025, and will close on November 30, 2025.
NABARD Grade A Recruitment 2025 – Important Dates
The NABARD Grade A recruitment follows a strict timeline. Candidates must ensure their application and preparation align with these crucial dates:
| Event | Date |
| Official Notification Date | November 8, 2025 |
| Online Application Start | November 8, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online & Pay Fee | November 30, 2025 |
| Phase I (Prelims) Exam Date (Tentative) | December 20, 2025 |
| Phase II (Mains) Exam Date (Tentative) | January 25, 2026 |
Pro Tip: With the Prelims exam tentatively scheduled for December 20, 2025, candidates have a compressed window of just over a month. Immediate and focused preparation is essential. Do not wait for the last date, November 30, to submit your application.
NABARD Grade A Recruitment 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the NABARD Grade A post is divided into two primary conditions: Age Limit and Educational Qualification, both calculated as of November 1, 2025.
1. Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
Age relaxation is provided as per Government of India norms for reserved categories (e.g., 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, 10 years for PwBD).
2. Educational Qualification (Highlights)
The eligibility criteria are stream-specific. The General Discipline (RDBS) attracts the majority of candidates:
| Post/Discipline | Essential Educational Qualification |
| General (RDBS) | Bachelor’s Degree in any subject with 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwBD) OR Postgraduate Degree/MBA/PGDM with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD) OR CA/CS/ICWA/Ph.D. |
| Finance | BBA/BMS (Finance/Banking), MBA/PGDM (Finance), or professional qualifications like CA/CFA. |
| Computer/IT | Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Data Science, or AI/ML. |
| Rajbhasha | Bachelor’s degree in English/Hindi with a PG Diploma in Translation OR Master’s in Hindi/English with the other language as a compulsory subject. |
| Protocol & Security | Minimum of ten years’ Commissioned Service in the Army/Navy/Air Force. (Age limit is 25 to 40 years for this post). |
Candidates must carefully review the official notification PDF for the exact requirements of their respective specializations, as specific subjects in B.Tech/B.Sc/M.Sc programs are mandated for specialist roles.
NABARD Grade A Recruitment – Salary and Allowances
The NABARD Grade A position (Assistant Manager) is highly sought after not just for its prestigious role, but also for its comprehensive and high-end salary package, often comparable to RBI Grade B and higher than most entry-level PSU officer roles.
Salary Structure
The NABARD Grade A (Assistant Manager) position is not just a prestigious job; it comes with an extremely competitive and attractive salary package that rivals top-tier public sector bank officer posts. Here is a detailed breakdown of the compensation you can expect upon joining:
Initial Monthly Salary
| Component | Amount / Estimate | Details |
| Basic Pay (Initial) | ₹44,500 | The foundational salary component. |
| Gross Monthly Emoluments | ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,20,000 | This includes Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) or Leased Accommodation, Grade Allowance, Local Compensatory Allowance (LCA), and other admissible perks. This is the total salary before mandatory deductions. |
| Approximate In-Hand Salary | ₹80,000 to ₹95,000 | This is the actual take-home salary after deductions for PF, Income Tax, and professional tax. |
NABARD Grade A Recruitment Official Pay Scale Explained
The NABARD Grade A officer operates on the Junior Management Grade Scale-I (JMGS-I). Understanding the pay scale shows your long-term growth potential:
₹44500 – 2500 (4) – 54500 – 2850 (7) – 74450 – EB – 2850 (4) – 85850 – 3300 (1) – 89150
- Starting Point: Your basic pay starts at ₹44,500.
- Annual Increments: You will receive an annual increment of ₹2,500 for the first four years, then ₹2,850 for the next seven years, and so on, until your basic pay reaches the maximum of ₹89,150.
- Timeframe: This structured progression ensures steady financial growth throughout your career at NABARD.
Beyond Salary: The Perks and Benefits
NABARD officers also enjoy a robust package of benefits and allowances that significantly enhance the overall compensation value:
- Accommodation: Eligibility for Bank-provided staff accommodation or a handsome Leased Accommodation Facility in major cities.
- Medical & Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for self and dependents.
- Concessional Loans: Highly concessional interest rates on loans for housing, vehicles, and personal needs.
- Allowances: Generous annual allowances for Furniture, Spectacles, and Leave Fare Concession (LFC) to travel with family.
- Pension Scheme: Coverage under the New Pension Scheme (NPS) with a substantial employer contribution.
Bottom Line: The NABARD Grade A salary package is designed to be highly competitive, offering financial security and a host of benefits, making it one of the most desirable government jobs in the country.
Perks and Additional Benefits
NABARD officers enjoy excellent corporate benefits, ensuring a high quality of life:
- Accommodation: Availability of Bank-provided residential accommodation subject to location.
- Concessional Loans: Highly concessional loans for Housing, Car, Personal Computer, etc.
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Local Compensatory Allowance (LCA), Transport Allowance (TA), and generous annual allowances for Medical, Furniture, Spectacles, and Leave Fare Concession (LFC).
- Work-Life Balance: NABARD is known for a relatively better work-life balance compared to high-pressure commercial banking roles.
NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern & Selection Process 2025
The selection process for the majority of posts (RDBS, Legal, Specialist) involves three comprehensive stages: Phase I (Prelims), Phase II (Mains), and Phase III (Interview).
Phase I: Preliminary Examination (Objective, 200 Marks)
This is a computer-based online test with a composite time of 120 minutes. Crucially, the sections are divided into Qualifying and Merit-based. Final shortlisting for Mains is based only on the marks scored in the Merit Section.
| Section | No. of Questions | Max. Marks | Status |
| Qualifying Sections | Must clear sectional cut-off | ||
| Reasoning Ability (RA) | 20 | 20 | |
| English Language (EL) | 30 | 30 | |
| Computer Knowledge (CK) | 20 | 20 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 20 | 20 | |
| Decision Making (DM) | 10 | 10 | |
| Merit Sections | Scores count for Mains Shortlisting | ||
| General Awareness (GA) | 20 | 20 | |
| Economic & Social Issues (ESI) | 40 | 40 | |
| Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD) | 40 | 40 | |
| TOTAL | 200 | 200 | Composite Time: 120 Minutes |
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer in the objective sections.
Phase II: Main Examination (Descriptive + Objective, 200 Marks)
The Mains exam is the most challenging stage, testing both deep subject knowledge and written communication skills. It consists of two papers:
| Paper | Subject | Type | Marks | Duration | Remarks |
| Paper-I | General English (Common to All) | Online Descriptive | 100 | 90 Mins | Essay, Précis Writing, Comprehension & Business/Official Letter. |
| Paper-II | ESI & ARD (Generalist Post) | Objective + Descriptive | 100 | 120 Mins | Objective: 50 Marks (30 Qs), Descriptive: 50 Marks (Attempt 4 out of 6 Qs). |
| Paper-II | Stream Specific (Specialist Post) | Objective + Descriptive | 100 | 120 Mins | Objective: 50 Marks (30 Qs), Descriptive: 50 Marks (Stream-specific questions). |
Phase III: Interview (50 Marks)
Candidates shortlisted based on the Mains results will be called for a Personal Interview, which carries a weightage of 50 marks. The final merit list is calculated based on the combined scores of Mains (Paper I + Paper II) and Interview.
Core Syllabus Focus: ESI & ARD
For the Generalist post, the Economic & Social Issues (ESI) and Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD) sections are the core differentiators in both Prelims and Mains. Preparation for these sections must focus on current developments and government reports.
Economic & Social Issues (ESI)
- Nature of Indian Economy: Structural and Institutional features, Economic Reforms, Privatization, Globalization.
- Poverty and Employment: Measurement, Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation Programmes.
- Inflation: Trends, causes, and impacts on the national economy.
- Social Structure in India: Demographic trends, Urbanization, Gender Issues, Social Justice and Positive Discrimination.
Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD)
- Agriculture: Status, Technical and Institutional changes, Cropping Systems, Farm Mechanisation, Seed Technology.
- Rural Development: Challenges, Rural Credit (Institutional and Non-Institutional), Micro Finance, Rural Housing, Sanitation, and Health.
- Government Schemes: Detailed knowledge of recent schemes related to Agriculture and Rural Development (e.g., PM-KISAN, Fasal Bima Yojana, MGNREGA). Focus on latest scheme updates from the last 6 months.
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is entirely online through the NABARD official website.
- Visit the Official NABARD Website: Go to
www.nabard.organd navigate to the “Career Notices” section. - New Registration: Click on the link for “Recruitment to the Post of Assistant Manager (Grade ‘A’) – 2025” and select ‘Click here for New Registration’.
- Basic Information: Enter your name, mobile number, and email ID. A provisional registration number and password will be generated.
- Fill Application Form: Log in and fill in all personal, educational, and experience details accurately. Select your preferred examination centres.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned images of your photograph (20kb–50kb), signature (10kb–20kb), left thumb impression, and a handwritten declaration as per the specified dimensions and size.
- Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online.
- SC/ST/PwBD: $\text{₹}150\text{-}$ (Intimation Charges only)
- Others (General/OBC/EWS): $\text{₹}800\text{-}$ (Application Fee + Intimation Charges)
- Final Submission: Review all details carefully before clicking ‘Final Submit’. Print the application form for your records.
➡️ Direct Link to NABARD Grade A Apply Online 2025 (Link will be active from Nov 8, 2025)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NABARD Grade A 2025
Q1. Is the NABARD Grade A exam tough compared to IBPS PO or SBI PO?
A. The NABARD Grade A exam is considered conceptually demanding. While the Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning sections are generally comparable to other banking exams, the inclusion of ESI and ARD sections requires candidates to study topics beyond typical banking syllabus, demanding focus on government reports, rural finance, and developmental economics. The descriptive writing component in Mains also adds complexity.
Q2. Is a minimum percentage required in graduation to apply for NABARD Grade A?
A. Yes, for the General Discipline, a minimum of 60% marks in the Bachelor’s Degree is required (or 55% for Master’s Degree). For SC/ST/PwBD candidates, the requirement is 55% in graduation (or 50% in post-graduation).
Q3. What is the weightage of the Interview in the final selection?
A. The Interview carries a weightage of 50 marks. The final merit list is based on the aggregate marks obtained in Phase II (Mains) (200 Marks) and Interview (50 Marks). Phase I (Prelims) is only qualifying.
Q4. Can final-year students apply for NABARD Grade A 2025?
A. No, usually candidates must possess the prescribed educational qualifications and produce the mark sheet/certificate on or before the specified date mentioned in the notification. Since the cut-off date is November 1, 2025, those whose final results are pending cannot apply.
Q5. What is the job profile of a NABARD Assistant Manager (Grade A)?
A. The Assistant Manager is posted either at the Head Office in Mumbai or Regional Offices across India. The job profile involves developmental functions, supervisory roles over regional rural banks (RRBs) and cooperative banks, policymaking related to rural credit, and implementation of government schemes in agriculture and rural sectors. It is a highly analytical and policy-oriented job.
Q6. Is there a bond period after selection in NABARD Grade A?
A. Yes, usually there is a service bond of a certain duration (often 2-3 years) which candidates must sign upon joining. If a candidate leaves the service before the expiry of the bond period, they are liable to pay a specified amount as compensation to NABARD.
The NABARD Grade A position offers an unparalleled opportunity to work at the intersection of policy and practice, driving development at the grassroots level while enjoying a secure and rewarding career. Start your preparation today!
