How to Prepare Once the NABARD Grade A Notification is Out

The wait is finally over as the official NABARD Grade A notification has been released on 4 November 2025. With the NABARD Grade A Phase 1 exam expected on 20 December 2025, you have a limited time window for preparation.

Don’t worry, I am here to guide you on how to prepare now that the NABARD Grade A notification is out. At this stage, you must focus on execution rather than simply investing your time in creating a perfect strategy for the NABARD Grade A 2025 exam.

In this article, I’ll walk through a step-by-step approach to help you make the most of your available preparation time after the release of the NABARD Grade A notification.

Let’s begin.

Step 1: Thoroughly Read the NABARD Grade A Notification-

The first thing first. You must go through the official NABARD Grade A 2025 notification. I am not talking about getting an overview. You must read every crucial information, as it contains all the crucial information, such as:

• Registration Dates
• Exam Dates
• Vacances
• Eligibility
• Pattern
• Syllabus
• How to Apply
• Application Fees

Step 2: Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus-

Once the NABARD Grade A notification is out, you must check for the official pattern and syllabus to understand the changes (if any). The NABARD Grade A exam consists of 3 stages:

Phase 1 (Preliminary Exam)-

• Objective-based MCQs
• Subjects are divided into 2 sections
Non-Merit: Reasoning, Quant, English, Computer Knowledge, Decision Making
Merit: ESI, ARD, and General Awareness.
• Time: 120 minutes
• Marks: 120 marks
• Negative Marking: Yes (1/4th)

Phase 2 (Mains Exam)-

• Descriptive + Objective
• Consists of 2 papers:
Paper 1: English Descriptive (Essay, Letter, Comprehension)
Paper 2: ESI and ARD (Objective + Descriptive mix)
• Time: 90+120 minutes
• Marks: 100 each paper
• Negative Marking: Yes (1/4th)

Phase 3 (Interview)-

a. In person
b. Marks: 50

Step 3: Create a Practical Study Plan-

After knowing the exam pattern and syllabus, you’ll need a personalized timetable that suits your routine. Hence, you should avoid copying someone else’s schedule and create your own based on your study habits, strengths, weaknesses, and the available time you have.

Here is a sample NABARD Grade A study plan for Phase 1:

• Morning (2 hours): ESI
• Afternoon (1–2 hours): ARD
• Evening (30- 45 Minutes): Current Affairs and revision
• Night (1–2 hours):. Quant, Reasoning, or English practice.

Keep the weekends for revising covered topics and practicing topic-wise MCQs.

Important Note: If you’re a working professional, aim for 3-4 hours of focused study on weekdays and 6-7 hours on weekends.

The goal is not to study all day but to study smart and consistently.

Step 4: Prioritize Core Subjects: ESI and ARD-

The Economic & Social Issues (ESI) and Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD) subjects are the most crucial subjects for the NABARD Grade A exam. These are tested in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 exams.

Here are the topics that you should schedule and prioritize while preparing for the ESI and ARD:

Important Note: Start with the static topics and gradually move to current affairs related to agriculture, economy, and social issues.

Step 5: Focus on Current Affairs and Government Schemes-

Current affairs are crucial for both NABARD Grade A Phase 1 and Phase 2. Hence, you must cover at least 4-6 months of current affairs and focus on:

• Government schemes
• Economic Survey and Union Budget
• NABARD’s own reports and initiatives
• International reports related to development, environment, or finance

Step 6: Practice Topic-Wise MCQs Regularly-

With the notification out and a limited time before the exam, it’s important to practice as many questions as possible. Focus on topic-wise MCQs to understand which areas you’re strong in and which ones need improvement.

Step 7: Prepare for the Descriptive Paper Early-

Start your descriptive writing practice as soon as possible and don’t wait until after the Prelims. Even while preparing for Phase 1, spend 20–30 minutes daily improving your writing skills.

Write at least one answer every day to build your confidence and speed. Focus on practicing the following types of questions:

• Essays on current affairs, economy, agriculture, and rural development
• Letters (both formal and informal)
• Comprehension passages to improve reading and expression
• Precis writing for summarizing information effectively

Pay attention to your structure, clarity, and time management.

Final Thoughts-

The NABARD Grade A notification is out, and every day counts. Use this time to stay focused, follow your schedule strictly, and revise regularly.