NABARD Grade B Syllabus 2024: Comprehensive Guide for Phase 1 & Phase 2

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD Grade B syllabus) is one of the most important aspects of preparing for this prestigious banking exam. It helps aspirants understand the topics they need to focus on and ensures effective preparation. In this article, we provide a detailed section-wise breakdown of the NABARD Grade B syllabus 2024, along with preparation tips, the latest exam pattern, and FAQs to clear all your doubts.

Let’s dive into the details to help you ace the exam!

NABARD Grade B Notification 2024 :- CLICK HERE

Overview of NABARD Grade B Exam 2024

The NABARD Grade B exam is conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to recruit managers for its various departments. The exam has three stages:

1. Phase 1 – Preliminary Exam (Objective)
2. Phase 2 – Mains Exam (Objective + Descriptive)
3. Phase 3 – Interview

A clear understanding of the NABARD Grade B syllabus is crucial to crack this exam as it covers diverse topics like agriculture, rural development, and finance.

NABARD Grade B Exam Pattern 2024

The NABARD Grade B exam pattern is designed to assess candidates on various fronts, such as general aptitude, subject-specific knowledge, and communication skills. The exam is conducted in three phases: Preliminary Exam (Phase 1), Mains Exam (Phase 2), and Interview (Phase 3). Below is a detailed explanation of the exam structure.

NABARD Grade B Phase 1: Preliminary Exam Pattern

The Preliminary Exam is an online objective test that serves as a screening round. Only candidates who clear this stage are eligible for the Mains Exam. The detailed pattern for Phase 1 is as follows:

Section	Number of Questions	Marks	Time Allocated
Test of Reasoning	20	20
English Language	30	30
Computer Knowledge	20	20
Quantitative Aptitude	20	20
General Awareness	20	20
Economic and Social Issues (ESI)	40	40
Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD)	40	40
Total	200	200	2 Hours

Key Points:

1. The total duration of the exam is 120 minutes (2 hours).
2. Each section carries equal weightage, so focus on all subjects during preparation.
3. There is negative marking for wrong answers, typically 0.25 marks per incorrect response.

NABARD Grade B Phase 2: Mains Exam Pattern

The Mains Exam evaluates the in-depth knowledge of candidates in agriculture, rural development, and economic topics. This phase consists of two objective papers and one descriptive paper.

Paper	Type	Marks	Duration
Paper I: Economic and Social Issues (ESI)	Objective	100	1.5 Hours (90 mins)
Paper II: Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD)	Objective	100	1.5 Hours (90 mins)
Paper III: English (Descriptive)	Essay, Precis, Letter Writing	100	1.5 Hours (90 mins)
Total	–	300	4.5 Hours

Key Points:

1. Objective Papers: Both ESI and ARD consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), requiring detailed subject knowledge.
2. Descriptive Paper: Tests your ability to communicate effectively in English through writing essays, precis, and letters.
3. Candidates must perform well in both the objective and descriptive sections to qualify for the next round.

NABARD Grade B Phase 3: Interview

The Interview is the final phase of the NABARD Grade B selection process. This stage assesses the candidate’s overall personality, subject knowledge, and suitability for the role of Manager.

Component	Marks
Personal Interview	50

Key Points:

1. Candidates are evaluated on their confidence, communication skills, and understanding of NABARD’s role in rural development.
2. A sound knowledge of agriculture, rural policies, and economics is essential.

Final Selection

The final merit list is prepared based on the combined marks of Phase 2 (Mains) and Phase 3 (Interview). The Prelims score is not considered in the final selection.

Phase	Weightage
Mains Exam	75%
Interview	25%

By understanding the NABARD Grade B exam pattern, you can structure your preparation effectively and increase your chances of success!

NABARD Grade B Syllabus 2024 – Phase 1

The Phase 1: Preliminary Exam for NABARD Grade B is the first step in the selection process. It is a screening test that evaluates candidates’ general aptitude and subject-specific knowledge. The syllabus is divided into seven key sections. Each section requires focused preparation to secure the qualifying marks. Below is the detailed syllabus for NABARD Grade B Phase 1.

1. Test of Reasoning

This section measures logical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and analytical skills.

Key Topics	Detail
Seating Arrangements	Circular, Linear, and Complex Arrangements
Puzzles	Floor-Based, Box-Based, Scheduling Problems
Syllogism	Traditional and Reverse Syllogism
Blood Relations	Family Tree, Coded Relationships
Direction Sense Test	Distance and Direction, Complex Paths
Inequalities	Coded and Mathematical Inequalities
Input-Output	Pattern-Based Questions
Coding-Decoding	New and Old Pattern
Data Sufficiency	Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Questions

2. English Language

This section tests comprehension and language proficiency.

Key Topics	Detail
Reading Comprehension	Questions based on a passage
Error Spotting	Grammatical and Sentence Structure Errors
Fill in the Blanks	Vocabulary and Grammar-Based
Para Jumbles	Rearranging Sentences to Form a Coherent Paragraph
Sentence Improvement	Grammar and Syntax Correction
Cloze Test	Passage Completion with Fill-in-the-Blanks
Vocabulary	Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, and Phrases

3. Computer Knowledge

This section evaluates basic computer skills and familiarity with digital tools.

Key Topics	Detail
Fundamentals of Computers	Input-Output Devices, Hardware, and Software
Operating Systems	Basics of Windows, Linux, and MacOS
MS Office Suite	Word, Excel, PowerPoint Basics
Internet and Networking	Concepts of LAN, WAN, Email, and Browsers
Cybersecurity	Safe Practices, Malware, and Phishing
Computer Abbreviations	Common IT Terms and Definitions

4. Quantitative Aptitude

This section measures mathematical and numerical problem-solving skills.

Key Topics	Detail
Number Series	Missing and Wrong Numbers
Simplification and Approximation	BODMAS Rules and Quick Calculations
Data Interpretation (DI)	Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, and Tables
Arithmetic	Percentage Profit and Loss Simple and Compound Interest Averages Ratios and Proportions Time, Speed, and Distance Time and Work
Algebra	Basic Equations and Quadratic Problems
Mensuration	Area, Volume, and Perimeter of Shapes

5. General Awareness

This section focuses on current affairs and general knowledge.

Key Topics	Detail
Current Events	National, International, Economic, and Sports News
Banking Awareness	Basics of Banking, NABARD’s Role, and Functions
Government Schemes	PM-KISAN, PMGSY, Rural Development Programs
Static GK	Indian History Geography, and Polity Important Days and Dates Books and Authors Awards and Honors

6. Economic and Social Issues (ESI)

This is a critical section directly related to NABARD’s operations and rural development.

Key Topics	Detail
Indian Economy	Growth and Development Economic Reforms Inflation, GDP, and Budget Basics
Social Issues	Poverty, Unemployment, and Rural Development Health and Education Policies Gender Issues and Social Inclusion
Government Schemes and Policies	Focus on Rural Development Programs

7. Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD)

This section is the backbone of NABARD exams, as it tests candidates’ knowledge of rural and agricultural sectors.

Key Topics	Detail
Agriculture	Agronomy, Soil Science, and Crop Production Irrigation Techniques and Systems Horticulture and Forestry Basics Animal Husbandry and Dairy Farming Agricultural Economics and Market Systems
Rural Development	Role of NABARD in Rural Development Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) Financial Inclusion Programs
Current Developments	Recent advancements in agriculture and rural development

Preparation Tips for NABARD Grade B Phase 1 Syllabus

1. Prioritize ESI and ARD: These sections carry the highest weightage and are crucial for clearing the cut-off.
2. Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers and focus on economic and rural development news.
3. Practice Mock Tests: This will improve time management and accuracy across all sections.
4. Strengthen Basics: Revise fundamental concepts in reasoning, mathematics, and computer knowledge.
5. Focus on Government Schemes: Learn details about rural development and agricultural schemes launched by the Indian government.

By mastering the NABARD Grade B Phase 1 syllabus, you can increase your chances of clearing the Preliminary Exam and advancing to Phase 2!

NABARD Grade B Syllabus :- CLICK HERE

NABARD Grade B Syllabus 2024 – Phase 2

The Phase 2: Mains Exam of NABARD Grade B is a critical stage that tests candidates on their expertise in economic, social, agricultural, and rural development topics. It also assesses communication skills through descriptive English. This phase comprises three papers, and the syllabus for each paper is outlined below in detail.

Paper 1: Economic and Social Issues (ESI)

This NABARD Grade B Syllabus for Economic and Social Issues (ESI) paper 1 evaluates candidates’ understanding of economic concepts, social issues, and government schemes relevant to India’s development.

Key Topics	Detailed Syllabus
Indian Economy	• Indian Economy and its nature, • Institutional features, • Structural features, • Underdevelopment of the economy, • Opening up: Indian Economy, • Globalization and Privatization • Economic Reforms in India.
Inflation	• Inflation trends & their Impact on National Economy and Individual Income
Employment Generation	• Urban and Rural, • Poverty Measurement, • Alleviation Programmes for Poverty by the Government.
Population	• Population and its trends, • Economic Development and Population Growth, • Policies for Population
Agriculture	• Characteristics of Agriculture • Institutional and Technical changes in Indian Agriculture, • Performance of Agriculture, • Food Security issues in India, • Institutional and Non-Institutional Agencies in rural credit.
Industry	• Industrial & Labor Policies, • Industrial performance, • Regional Imbalance in Industrial Development, • Public Sector Enterprises.
Financial institutions in India and Rural Banking	• Banking/ Financial Sector Reforms, • Economical Globalisation, • International Funding Institutions and their role, • IMF and World Bank, • World Trade Organization, • Regional Economic Co-operation.
India’s Social Structure	• Multiculturalism, • Trends in Demography, • Urbanization & Migration, • Joint family system & Gender Issues, • Social Infrastructure & Education, • Health & Environment.
Education	• Status and System of Education, • Illiteracy and Socio-Economic Problems associated with it, • Educational relevance & educational wastage, • Educational Policies for India.
Social Justice	• Problems of scheduled castes & scheduled tribes, • Socio-economic programs for SC & ST and other backward classes.
Positive Discrimination in favour of the underprivileged	• Social Movements, • Indian Political Systems, • Human Development.

Paper 2: Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD)

This NABARD Grade B Syllabus for Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) paper 2 tests subject knowledge specific to agriculture and rural development, which is central to NABARD’s mission.

NABARD Grade B Syllabus for Agriculture

Key Topics	Detailed Syllabus
Agriculture	• Agriculture definition, meaning, and its branches, • Agronomy definition, meaning and • Agronomy Scope, • Field crops Classification, • Factors affecting crop production, • Agro & climatic zones, • Cropping Systems definition and types of cropping systems, • Dry land agriculture problems • Seed: Production, processing, village • Meteorology, weather parameters, crop-weather advisory, • Precision Farming, • Crop Intensification System, • Farming: Organic
Soil & Water Conservation	• Soil types, fertility, erosion, conservation
Water as a resource	• Management of irrigation, irrigation types, sources of irrigation, • Crop & water requirements, • Command-area development, • Water conservation methods, • Micro irrigation, • Irrigation pumps, • Minor, medium, and major irrigation.
Agri and Farm Engineering	• Farm Power & Machinery, • Sources of power. • Agro-processing, • Controlled& modified storage, perishable food storage, godowns, bins, and grain silos.
Plantation & Horticulture	• Plantation and Horticulture definition, meaning & its branches, • Agronomic practices & production technology of various plantation and horticulture crops, Post-harvest management, • Value & supply chain management of Plantation and Horticulture crops.
Animal Husbandry	• Farm animals: their role in the Indian economy, • Methods of Animal husbandry in India, standard terms pertaining to different livestock species, utility classification of cattle breeds. • common feeds & fodders, their classification & utility. • The poultry industry in India, common terms about poultry production and management. • Concept of mixed farming & its relevance to socio-economic conditions of farmers in India. • Complimentary & obligatory nature of livestock and poultry production with that of agricultural farming.
Fisheries	• Fisheries resources, management & exploitation, freshwater, brackishwater, and marine, • Aquaculture- inland & marine, Biotechnology, • Post-harvest technology, • Importance of fisheries, • Common terms about fish production.
Forestry	• Basic concepts of Forest & Forestry, • Principles of silviculture, forest mensuration, forest management & forest economics • Concepts of social forestry, agroforestry, and joint forest management, • Forest policy &egislation in India, • ISF Report 2015, • Recent developments of the Ministry of Environment, • Forest & Climate Change.
Extension of agriculture	• Its importance & role, methods of evaluation of extension programs, and Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s (KVK) in the dissemination of Agricultural technologies.
Ecology & Climate Change	• Ecology & its relevance to man, natural resources, their sustainable management, and conservation. • Climate change and its causes, • Green House Gases, major GHG emitting countries, • Climate-Analysis, • Distinguish between adaptation & mitigation, • Impact of climate change on agriculture and rural livelihood, carbon credit, IPCC, UNFCCC, CoP meetings, funding mechanisms for climate change projects, initiatives by Govt of India, NAPCC, SAPCC, INDC
Present Scenario of Indian Agriculture & Allied activities	• Recent trends, • Major challenges in agriculture measures to enhance the viability of agriculture. • Production factors in agriculture, • Agricultural Finance & Marketing, Globalization’s impact on Indian Agriculture & issues of Food Security, • Concept & Types of Farm Management.

NABARD Grade B Syllabus for Rural Development

Topic	Syllabus
Rural Economy	• Rural area concept, • Indian Rural Economy: Structure • Importance & role of the rural sector in India, • Economic, Social & Demographic characteristics of the Indian rural economy, • Rural backwardness causes.
Rural Population	• India’s Rural population, • Occupational structure, • Agricultural Labourers, • Farmers, • Artisans, • Handicrafts, • Traders, • Forest dwellers/tribes & others in rural India • Trends of change in rural population & rural workforce, • Problems & conditions of rural labor; Issues and challenges in Handlooms.
Government Schemes	• Functions &Working, • MGNREGA, • NRLM-Aajeevika, • Drinking water programs in Rural India, • Swachh Bharat, • Rural housing, • PURA & other rural development programs.

Paper 3: English (Descriptive)

This NABARD Grade B Syllabus for English (Descriptive) paper 3 evaluates writing skills and the ability to communicate effectively through essays, precis, and formal letters.

Key Topics	Detail
Essay Writing	• Topics related to rural development, agriculture, social issues, and economics. Examples: “Role of NABARD in Rural Credit,” “Impact of Climate Change on Indian Agriculture.”
Precis Writing	• Summarizing a given passage concisely while retaining the core message.
Letter Writing	• Formal letters, such as letters to government officials or proposals for rural projects.

Key Strategies to Prepare for NABARD Grade B Phase 2

1. Understand the Weightage: Focus on ESI and ARD, as these papers are objective and contribute significantly to the overall score.
2. Combine Static and Current Knowledge: For ESI and ARD, study both static concepts and current affairs related to the topics.
3. Improve Writing Skills: Practice descriptive writing regularly for Paper 3. Use clear, concise language to express ideas effectively.
4. Focus on NABARD-Related Topics: Study NABARD’s annual reports, rural development policies, and financial inclusion programs to align with the exam’s requirements.
5. Mock Tests and Time Management: Regularly attempt mock tests for all three papers to build accuracy and manage time efficiently during the exam.

By mastering the Phase 2 syllabus of NABARD Grade B, you can significantly improve your chances of clearing this crucial stage and securing a place in the final merit list.

NABARD Grade B Syllabus pdf Download :- CLICK HERE

Changes in NABARD Grade B Syllabus 2024

As per the latest notification, there are no major changes in the syllabus compared to the previous year. However, candidates should stay updated by referring to the official NABARD website for any announcements.

Conclusion

Understanding the NABARD Grade B syllabus is the first step towards cracking the exam. By covering all sections and following the preparation tips mentioned in this article, you can confidently plan your studies. For updates and official notifications, stay tuned to NABARD’s website.

Preparing for the NABARD Grade B syllabus you build knowledge of subjects like economy and agriculture. Start your preparation today and give your best shot at becoming a NABARD Grade B Officer!

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