National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD): A Brief Overview

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is one of the most important organizations when it comes to India’s financial and developmental landscape. It is in Mumbai and has a vast and strong network of regional offices that connect across India. The institute has a complete commitment to uplifting the rural regions of India and bringing about sustainable development. In short, NABARD is responsible for shaping policies and bringing about strategies to bring forth agricultural and strengthen economic activities in rural territories.

Jobs in NABARD offer new opportunities for those aspirants eager for a career in Agricultural and Rural Development. For those preparing for the NABARD exams, ixamBee offers custom study materials based on the latest NABARD Grade A exam pattern and syllabus. Along with that, you also get access to NABARD Grade A Online Course and Mock Tests to help you study for the exam.

NABARD Grade A Officer

The NABARD Grade A post is quite significant in the organization and those who hold this position are important when it comes to formulation and implementation of policies that shape agricultural growth and economic activities in rural India. Grade A officers in NABARD have roles like providing credit support to farmers, promoting rural infrastructure, and supporting sustainable development initiatives. Once NABARD Grade A notification for 2025 has been released, candidates can gear up for the NABARD Grade A exam in 2025. The notification will contain all the detailed information needed regarding the NABARD Grade A exam, its application process, the salary structure, eligibility and vacancy details to name a few.

Importance of Understanding the NABARD Grade A Eligibility

You should be aware of the NABARD Grade A eligibility criteria because you need to know if you meet the requirement for the exam. The requirements include age limits, educational qualifications, and experience. It is important to understand the eligibility criteria for NABARD Grade A exam as knowing the conditions for appearing will help hopefuls prepare properly. If they are not qualified for the exam, they can move on to other recruitment opportunities and prepare for those exams instead. That’s why you need to be thorough about the eligibility criteria for the exam. It will put you on the right track and bring you closer to a long and fruitful career with NABARD.

The NABARD Grade A eligibility criteria consist of the following-

  • Educational Qualifications
  • Age Limit Criteria
  • Age Relaxation

All the details related to the NABARD Grade A eligibility criteria are specified below.

NABARD Grade A Educational Criteria- RDBS 

The NABARD Grade A has some basic conditions that are to be followed by its aspirants. You need to follow specific educational criteria that are mentioned in the official NABARD Grade A recruitment notification. These conditions have been mentioned below.

StreamEducational Criteria 
General Bachelor’s Degree in any subject from any recognized University/Institution with a minimum of 60% marks (SC/ST/PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate

OR

Post Graduate degree, MBA/PGDM with a minimum of 55% marks (SC/ST/PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate

OR

CA/ CS/ICWA

OR

Ph.D from Institutions recognized by GOI/UGC .
Chartered Accountant Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized University/Institution with Membership of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The Membership of ICAI must have been obtained on
OR
before 01-07-2024.
Finance

BBA (Finance / Banking) / BMS (Finance / Banking) from any recognized University / Institution with 60% marks (SC/ST/PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate

OR

Two years full time P.G. Diploma in Management (Finance) / Full time MBA (Finance) /MMS (Finance) degree with 55% marks (SC/ST/PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from Institutions / Universities recognized by GoI /UGC with Bachelor's Degree in any discipline. Candidates will be required to submit a certificate from Institution/University regarding specialization in finance.

OR

Bachelor of Financial and Investment Analysis with 60% marks (SC/ST/PWBD applicants - 55%)

(Desirable : Candidates with Chartered Financial Analyst degree from (CFA InstituteUSA), Financial Risk Manager (FRM) degree from Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), Professional Risk Manager degree from Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA), Certificate in ESG Investing from (CFA Institute-USA), Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) Certificate from Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)

Computer/Information Technology

Four years Bachelor’s Engineering/Technology Degree in Computer Science/ Computer Engineering/ Information Technology / Electronics / Electronics & Telecommunications/ Electronics & Communication/ Electronics & Instrumentation / Data Science / Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence from any recognized University/Institution with 60% marks (SC/ST/PWBD applicants 55%) in aggregate

OR

Post Graduate degree in Computer Science/ Computer Engineering / Computer Applications/Information Technology / Electronics/ Electronics & Telecommunications/ Electronics & Communication/ Electronics & Instrumentation / Data Science / Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence with 55% marks (SC/ST/PWBD applicants 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution

OR

Graduate with 60% marks (SC/ST/PWBD applicants 55%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution AND having passed Department of Electronics and Accreditation of Computer Courses (DOEACC) ‘B’ Level.

(Desirable : : Candidate with diploma
OR
post graduate diploma in Data Science)

Agriculture Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from any recognized University / Institution with a minimum of 60% marks (PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate

OR

Two years full time Post Graduate Degree in Agriculture (Soil Science/Agronomy) with a minimum of 55% marks (PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University / Institution.
Animal Husbandry Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Sciences / Animal Husbandry from any recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks (PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate

OR

Post Graduate degree in Veterinary Sciences / Animal Husbandry with a minimum of 55% marks (PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution.
Fisheries Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries Science from a recognized University/Institution with 60% marks (ST/PWBD applicants 55%) in aggregate

OR

Post graduate degree in Fisheries Science with 55% marks (ST/PWBD applicants 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution
Food Processing Bachelor’s Degree in Food Processing /Food Technology/Dairy Technology from a recognized University/Institution with 60% marks (PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate

OR

Post graduate degree in Food Processing /Food Technology /Dairy Technology with 55% marks (PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution.
Forestry Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry from a recognized University/Institution with 60% marks (PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate

OR

Post graduate degree in Forestry with 55% marks (PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution.
Plantation/Horticulture Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture from any recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks (PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate

OR

Post Graduate degree in Horticulture with a minimum of 55% marks (PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution.
Geo Informatics Bachelor’s degree in Geoinformatics from any recognized University/Institution with 60% marks (PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate

OR

Post graduate degree in Geoinformatics with a minimum of 55% marks (PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution.
Development Management Bachelor’s degree in Social Work/Rural Development/Rural Management/Development Studies/Development Management/Development Administration/Economic/Development Economics from any recognized University/Institution with 60% marks (ST/PWBD applicants 55%) in aggregate

OR

Post Graduate degree in Social Work/Rural Development/Rural Management /Development Studies/Development Management/ Development Administration/Economic/Development Economics with 55% marks (ST/PWBD applicants 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution
Statistics Bachelor's Degree in Statistics/Mathematical Statistics/Mathematical Economics/ Econometrics/Statistics & Informatics/Applied Statistics & Informatics from a recognized University/Institution with 60% marks (ST/PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate

OR

Post Graduate degree in Statistics/Mathematical Statistics/Mathematical Economics/ Econometrics/Statistics & Informatics/Applied Statistics & Informatics with a minimum of 55% marks (ST/PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution.
Civil Engineering Bachelor’s degree in Geoinformatics from any recognized University/Institution with 60% marks (PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate
OR
Post graduate degree in Geoinformatics with a minimum of 55% marks (PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution.
Geo Informatics Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from any recognized University/Institution with 60% marks (PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate
OR
Post Graduate Degree in Civil Engineering with a minimum of 55% marks (PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution.
Electrical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering/Electrical & Electronics Engineering from any recognized University/Institution with 60% marks (ST/PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate
OR
Post Graduate Degree in Electrical Engineering/Electrical & Electronics Engineering with 55% marks (ST/PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution.
Environmental Engineering/Sciences Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering/ Environmental Science from any recognized University/Institution with 60% marks (ST/PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate
OR
Post Graduate Degree in Environmental Engineering / Environmental Science with 55% marks (ST/PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution.
Human Resource Management Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized University/Institution AND Two years full time Post Graduate Degree/Diploma in Personnel Management/Industrial Relations/Human Resource/Human Resource Development/Labour Law) with 60% marks (SC/PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution.

NABARD Grade A Educational Criteria- Rajbhasha

Given below are the educational criteria for the NABARD Grade A (Rajbhasha) stream.

StreamEducational Criteria
Rajbhasha
  • (i) Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university in English or Hindi medium with Hindi and English as a compulsory or elective subject with a minimum of 60% marks (SC/ST/PWBD applicants – 55%) or equivalent in aggregate and
    (ii) PG Diploma in Translation (minimum one year) in Hindi to English and vice-versa from any recognized University. Candidates must have studied English and Hindi as subjects in at least 02 years of bachelor’s degree course.

OR

  • Master’s Degree in HINDI with a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate (SC/ST/PWBD applicants – 55%). Candidates must have studied English as main/ elective subject in at least 02 years of bachelor’s degree course.
    OR
  • Master’s Degree in ENGLISH with a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate (SC/ST/PWBD applicants – 55%). Candidates must have studied Hindi as main/elective subject in at least 02 years of bachelor’s degree course.

Please Note:

  • You can apply for only ONE Post/Discipline, i.e., either for General Discipline or for Specialised Discipline. If you apply multiple times across or within disciplines for Grade A (RDBS), only the latest application will be valid, and the fee for other applications will be forfeited.
  • PwBD candidates applying for Unreserved (UR) posts won't get a percentage relaxation in Educational Qualification. However, they might have Age and Fee relaxation.

NABARD Grade A Age Criteria 

In addition to adhering to the standard educational criteria, meeting the NABARD Grade A age limit is of equal significance. NABARD outlines specific age criteria for the Grade A post, which is essential to be aware of before applying. Ensuring your age eligibility aligns with the prescribed limits is crucial for a successful application. As per the notification released recently, the aspirant for the exam must be between 21 and 30 years of age as of the age deadline that will be mentioned in the notification. This means that the aspirant should have been born not earlier than the set date that will be mentioned in the notification.Please refer to the provided information below to verify the age criteria set by NABARD for the Grade A position.

PostAge Criteria (As on July 01, 2024)
NABARD Grade A The candidate must be between 21 and 30 years of age as on 01-07-2024, i.e., the candidate must have been born not earlier than 02-07-1994 and not later than 01-07-2003.

NABARD Grade A Age Relaxation

In addition to the previously mentioned age criteria, the NABARD Grade A notification extends specific relaxations concerning the upper age limit for certain categories. Reserved categories, as stipulated in the official NABARD Grade A notification, are eligible for these age relaxations when applying for the Grade A post. This provision acknowledges the diverse backgrounds of applicants and aims to ensure equitable opportunities for individuals from various segments of society to participate in the NABARD Grade A recruitment process.

Sr. No.CategoryAge relaxation
1 Other Backward Classes (OBC) 3 Years
2 Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) 5 Years
3 Ex-servicemen (including Emergency Commissioned Officers/Short Service Commissioned Officers) provided that the applicants have rendered at least five years continuous Military Service and have been released on completion of assignment (including those whose assignment is due to be completed within one year) otherwise than by way of dismissal or discharge on account of misconduct or inefficiency or on account of physical disability or have been released on account of physical disability attributable to Military Service or on invalidation 5 Years
4 Emergency Commissioned Officers/Short Service Commissioned Officers who have completed their initial period of assignment of five years of Military Service but whose assignment has been extended beyond five years and in whose case, on selection, the Ministry of Defence issues certificates that they would be released within 03 months from the date of receipt of offer of appointment 5 Years
4 Children/family members of victims died in the1984 riots. 5 Years
5 Persons With Bench Mark Disabilities PwBD (General) 10 Years
PwBD (OBC) 13 Years
PwBD (SC/ ST) 15 Years

Note: No 'cumulative' relaxation will be provided to any candidate belonging to any category.

Work Experience

The NABARD Grade A exam 2025 will offer a promising avenue for fresh graduates, as it does not, generally, impose any mandatory work experience requirement. This inclusive approach enables aspiring candidates with fresh educational qualifications to apply solely based on their academic achievements and desired field of specialization. NABARD Grade A warmly embraces young and skilled individuals, providing them with a seamless entry into the government sector. This open-door policy promotes diversity and empowers enthusiastic graduates to demonstrate their capabilities and commitment within their chosen domains, thus carving a path towards a bright and fulfilling career.

Conclusion

As highlighted in the preceding discussion, a prudent approach emphasizes the significance of meticulously reviewing the NABARD Grade A eligibility criteria prior to initiating the application process. Grasping the essential prerequisites outlined within the NABARD Grade A eligibility framework aids candidates in gauging their conformity with the necessary conditions for examination participation. These criteria encompass educational qualifications, age limitations, potential work experience requisites, and category-specific reservations. A comprehensive grasp of NABARD Grade A eligibility criteria ensures the submission of an authentic and valid application, mitigating the prospect of disqualification or dismissal. This systematic approach not only simplifies the candidate selection process but also streamlines the responsibilities of the recruitment authority. Thus, a diligent assessment of one's eligibility status is strongly recommended before embarking on the NABARD Grade A exam  application journey.