The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has launched its 2025 recruitment drive for 91 Assistant Manager positions in Grade A, focusing on rural development and specialized services. This opportunity targets fresh graduates and professionals in fields like agriculture, finance, and legal, with applications open until November 30, 2025. It seems likely that this recruitment will attract strong competition, given NABARD’s role in India’s rural economy, though exact cutoffs remain uncertain based on past trends.
- Total Vacancies: 91 (85 in Rural Development Banking Service – RDBS, 2 in Legal Service, 4 in Protocol & Security Service)
- Application Window: November 8 to 30, 2025
- Prelims Exam Date: December 20, 2025
- Mains Exam Date: January 25, 2026
- Application Fee: ₹850 for General/OBC (₹150 for SC/ST/PwBD)
- Admit Card Release: Expected 10-12 days before each exam phase, downloadable from nabard.org
Why Apply for NABARD Grade A?
NABARD offers a prestigious entry into public sector banking with a focus on agriculture and rural upliftment. Selected candidates enjoy a starting gross salary of around ₹1,00,000 per month, including allowances, and opportunities for postings across India. The process emphasizes merit through prelims, mains, and interviews, making it accessible yet competitive.
NABARD Assistant Manager Grade A Eligibility Snapshot
- Age Limit: 21-30 years (as of November 1, 2025; relaxations for reserved categories up to 15 years for PwBD/SC-ST)
- Education: Bachelor’s with 60% (55% for reserved) or Master’s with 55% (50% for reserved) in relevant fields; specialists like CA/CS also eligible
- Nationality: Indian citizens only
NABARD Assistant Manager Grade A Exam and Selection Overview
The multi-stage process includes an objective prelims (200 marks, 120 minutes), descriptive mains (200 marks, 210 minutes), and a 50-mark interview. For Protocol & Security, it’s primarily interview-based with a psychometric test. Preparation tip: Focus on rural economy, agriculture, and quantitative skills.
NABARD Assistant Manager Grade A Vacancy Breakdown
NABARD has announced 91 vacancies, a moderate increase from 2024’s 150+ posts, reflecting targeted hiring. The distribution emphasizes RDBS for broad rural expertise, with niche roles in legal and security.
| Stream | Vacancies | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Rural Development Banking Service (RDBS) – General & Specialists (e.g., Finance, IT, Agriculture) | 85 | Rural credit, agriculture tech, economic analysis |
| Legal Service | 2 | Contract review, regulatory compliance |
| Protocol & Security Service | 4 | Institutional security, protocol management |
| Total | 91 | – |
Note: Category-wise reservations follow government norms (SC/ST/OBC/PwBD), but exact splits are in the official PDF. PwBD reservations include 8-10 posts across streams.
NABARD Assistant Manager Grade A Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
Eligibility is stream-specific, ensuring candidates align with NABARD’s rural mandate. All qualifications must be from UGC-recognized institutions, with final-year students ineligible if results are post-November 1, 2025. CGPA conversions use the formula: Percentage = (CGPA/10) * 9, or institutional norms if better.
Age Limit (as of November 1, 2025):
- General: 21-30 years (born between November 2, 1995, and November 1, 2004)
- P&SS: 25-40 years (born between November 2, 1985, and November 1, 2000; no relaxations)
- Relaxations: SC/ST (+5 years), OBC (+3), PwBD (General +10, OBC +13, SC/ST +15), Ex-Servicemen (+5)
Educational Qualifications by Stream:
Detailed requirements vary, but minimum aggregates apply:
| Stream/Specialty | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|
| RDBS – General | Bachelor’s (60%/55% reserved) or Master’s/MBA (55%/50%) in any discipline; or CA/CS/ICWA/PhD |
| RDBS – Finance | BBA/BMS (Finance) or MBA (Finance) with 50%/45%; or BFIA |
| RDBS – IT/Computer | B.Tech/BE (CS/IT) 60%/55% or M.Tech 55%/50%; or DOEACC ‘B’ Level |
| RDBS – Agriculture/Related (e.g., Horticulture, Fisheries) | Bachelor’s/Master’s in specific field 60%/55% |
| Legal Service | LLB 60% or LLM 55%; Bar Council enrollment for advocates |
| P&SS | 10+ years commissioned service in armed forces (5 for PwBD); valid Ex-Serviceman ID |
Experience: Minimal for most; P&SS requires military background. No attempt limits if eligible.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Applications are online-only via nabard.org, under “Opportunities@NABARD” > “Current.” No offline mode or corrections post-submission.
- Registration: Use active email/mobile; get Registration Number and Password.
- Fill Form: Upload photo (20-50 KB, JPG), signature (10-20 KB), and documents (e.g., ID proof, certificates).
- Fee Payment: Online via debit/credit card/net banking (no cash/challan).
- Submit & Print: Download confirmation; track via portal.
Timeline:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | November 8, 2025 |
| Application Start | November 8, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply/Pay Fee | November 30, 2025 |
Fee Structure:
| Category | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | 850 (700 application + 150 intimation) |
| SC/ST/PwBD | 150 (intimation only) |
| NABARD Staff | Reimbursable if eligible; otherwise as above |
GST extra; refunds only if overpaid.
Exam Pattern and Dates: What to Expect
The selection is phased, with cutoffs varying by category/stream (e.g., 2024 prelims: 70-80 for General). Negative marking: 0.25 per wrong answer in prelims.
Prelims (Phase I – December 20, 2025; 200 marks, 120 minutes):
Objective MCQs; qualifying for mains.
| Section (RDBS General) | Questions/Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 20/20 | Composite |
| English | 30/30 | – |
| Computer Knowledge | 20/20 | – |
| Quant Aptitude | 20/20 | – |
| Decision Making | 10/10 | – |
| General Awareness | 20/20 | – |
| ESI (Rural Focus) | 40/40 | – |
| ARD (Rural Emphasis) | 40/40 | – |
| Total | 200 | 120 min |
For P&SS/Legal: Adjusted sections (e.g., more Quant/Reasoning).
Mains (Phase II – January 25, 2026; 200 marks, 210 minutes):
Descriptive + Objective; English/Hindi keyboard typing.
| Paper | Type | Marks/Time |
|---|---|---|
| General English | Descriptive (3 Qs) | 100/90 min |
| Stream-Specific (ESI/ARD or Specialty) | Objective (30 Qs) + Descriptive (4/6 Qs) | 50/30 min + 50/90 min |
Interview (Phase III; 50 marks): Post-mains shortlist; psychometric test for P&SS. Final merit: Mains (75%) + Interview (25%).
Admit Card and Exam Logistics
Admit cards release ~10-12 days prior via email/SMS; download using Registration No./Password/DOB from nabard.org. Mandatory: Print with photo, carry original ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID). No entry without; exams at designated centers (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi).
- Prelims Admit Card: Early December 2025
- Mains Admit Card: Mid-January 2026
- Interview Call Letter: Email post-mains; bio-data form required
Centers: Multi-city; choose during application.
Salary, Perks, and Career Growth
Pay Scale: ₹44,500 – ₹89,150 (17 years); initial gross ~₹1,00,000/month.
- Allowances: DA, HRA, CCA, vehicle reimbursement, medical, LTA.
- Perks: Pension, housing, training at premier institutes.
Growth: Promotions to Grade B in 3-5 years; postings pan-India, with rural focus.
Preparation Tips and Common Challenges
- Resources: NABARD website for syllabus; books like Ramesh Singh (Economy), Arihant (Quant).
- Strategy: Daily mocks; focus on ARD/ESI (30-40% weightage). Past papers show rural schemes (PM-KISAN, FPOs) as high-yield.
- Challenges: Descriptive mains; time management in prelims. Reserved categories get scaled scoring.
Apply early to avoid glitches; monitor nabard.org for updates. This recruitment aligns with India’s rural GDP goals, offering stable, impactful careers—ideal for economics/agri enthusiasts.