NABARD Grade A Exam

ICAR AIEEA PG Exam

Indian Council of Agricultural Research conducts ICAR AIEEA PG entrance exam every year for admission to agricultural universities. 30% of seats in each public Agricultural University are reserved for students who pass the ICAR AIEEA Exam. But in the four deemed universities; IARI, IVRI, NDRI, and CIFE, and the central agricultural universities; RLBCAU and RPCAU, 100% seats are filled through the ICAR AIEEA PG exam.

ICAR AIEEA is a National level exam for admission into PG Masters Programme, conducted with the assistance of NTA.

ICAR AIEEA PG Exam Overview

All India Entrance Examination for Admission is conducted every year through online mode.

Under the ICAR AIEEA PG Exam 2024, not more than 40% of the candidates from any state are given admission in the Agricultural University.

The online application for ICAR AIEEA PG Exam 2024 starts from 11th April 2024 to 11th May 2024.

ICAR AIEEA PG Important Dates

The important dates of ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 exam have been announced by ICAR. In this, all the information related to application date, editing date in application, release of admit card, exam date, and declaration of result has been notified.

ICAR AIEEA PG Exam Pattern

Complete information about the exam pattern for ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 exam is mentioned below in the table.

ICAR AIEEA PG Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications: Candidates should note that the eligibility for admission to Master degree programs through the ICAR AIEEA PG conducted by NTA requires candidates to have completed one of the following: a four-year or six-year (12+4/10+6) graduation program (such as B.Sc. Ag./B.Tech.), a five-year (B.V.Sc. & AH) degree program, or a 5½-year (B.V.Sc. & AH) degree program.

Marks Required: For General, OBC, UPS, and EWS Category; 60% marks is required and for For SC, ST, PwBD, and Third Gender Category; 50% marks is required to be eligible in the exam.

Age Limit: Minimum age limit is 19 years old.

ICAR AIEEA PG Application Fee

ICAR AIEEA PG exam application will be filled through online mode. The online application fee is mentioned in the table below:

ICAR AIEEA PG Syllabus 2024

It is very important for the applicants who are preparing for the ICAR AIEEA PG Exam to have knowledge of the syllabus of the major subjects. Exam syllabus is mentioned in the table below:

ICAR AIEEA PG Admit Card 2024

ICAR AIEEA 2024 Admit Card is an important document which will contain all the important information of the candidates like instructions, rules and roll number. Admit cards will be available on NTA website www.nta.ac.in, https://exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR/ .

ICAR AIEEA PG Answer Key

ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Answer Key: The final answer key of the questions along with the question papers solved by the candidates will be uploaded on the official website of NTA www.nta.ac.in and https://exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR/. The answer key will be displayed for two to three days.

ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Result Date

ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 result will be displayed on NTA website: https://exams.nta.ac.in/ICAR/ or www.nta.ac.in.

NABARD Grade A Exam

About the organization:

As an apex refinancing institution ,NABARD purveys all types of credit needs for the farm sector and rural development. It is also vested with the responsibility of promoting rural development activities through refinance.

Genesis of NABARD

The Agricultural Refinance and Development Corporation (ARDC) was struggling to meet India's massive rural credit demands, highlighting gaps in institutional support and financial expertise.

To address these issues, key recommendations from the Banking Commission (1972), National Commission on Agriculture (1976), and the CRAFICARD committee (1979), led by B. Sivaraman, proposed a dedicated national institution.

In July 1982, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was established based on the recommendation of CRAFICARD committee headed by B.Shivaraman. This new entity consolidated ARDC, the Agricultural Credit Department (ACD), and the RBI's Credit Cell, ushering in a focused approach to rural finance and development.

Purposes for which refinance is available are:

Pilot rainfed farming projects (100%)

 Waste land development schemes (100%)

 Non-farm sector schemes (outside the purview of IRDP) (100%)

 Agro-processing units (75%)

 Biogas (75%)

 All other schemes including IRDP (70%)

 Farm mechanization (50%)

 (Note: Percentage figures in parentheses indicate extent to refinance provided by NABARD).

Sources of Fund:

Authorized share  capital of NABARD is Rs. 500 crores. Issued and paid issued and paid capital is 100 crores.

Other sources are:

Borrowings from the Government of India and any institution approved by the Government of India.

Issue and sale of bonds by the Government of India.

Borrowing from RBI.

Deposits from State Governments and local authorities, and Gifts and grants received.

About the NABARD GRADE A EXAM

NABARD every year conducts an exam to recruit Grade A officers in different disciplines for the posts of Assistant Manager and Manager in NABARD’s regional offices and head office. As the post itself says, this post is for the assistant manager and manager, so there are a lot of responsibilities and work to perform in the organization.

As this is a very prestigious and responsible post, the officers have huge responsibilities on their shoulders to perform well in the work culture of the organization. So NABARD needs hardworking, responsible, knowledgeable, skilled, and honest candidates. To get the desired candidates for this position, NABARD conducts this examination.

NABARD Grade A & Grade B Exams 2024: Key Information

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Assistant Manager in Grade ‘A’ (RURAL DEVELOPMENT BANKING SERVICE) (RDBS)

Academic Qualifications :

(i) 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.

(ii) Computer/Information Technology:

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science / Computer Technology / Computer Applications/Information Technology from any recognised university or institution with 60% marks (SC/ST/PWBD applicants 55%) in aggregate OR Post Graduate degree in Computer Science/Computer Technology/Computer Applications/Information Technology with 55% marks (SC/ST/PWBD applicants 50%) in aggregate from a recognised university or institution.

(iii) Finance:

BBA (Finance/Banking) / BMS (Finance/Banking) with 60% marks (SC/ST/PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate from Universities / Institutions recognized by GoI /UGC

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 Universities/ Institutions recognized by GoI /UGC with Bachelor's Degree in any discipline. Candidates will be required to submit a certificate from University/ Institution regarding specialization in finance OR Bachelor of Financial and Investment Analysis with 60% marks (SC/ST/PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate from University/ Institution recognized by GoI /UGC OR  Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized University/Institution with Membership of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) OR CFA Institute. The Membership of ICAI must have been obtained on or before 01-09-2023

OR Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized University/Institution with Membership of Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ACMA/FCMA) & ICWA. The Membership of ICAI must have been obtained on or before 01-09-2023.

(iv) Company Secretary :

Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized University/Institution with Associate membership of Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). The Membership of ICSI must have been obtained on or before 01-09-2023.

(v) Civil Engineering

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from any recognized University/Institution with a minimum of 60% marks (SC/PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate OR Post Graduate degree in Civil Engineering with a minimum of 55% marks (SC/PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution.

(vi) Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized University/Institution with 60% marks (PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate OR Post graduate degree in Electrical Engineering with 55% marks (PWBD applicants - 50%)in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution.

(vii) Geo Informatics

BE/B.Tech/BSC degree in Geoinformatics from any recognized University/Institution with 60% marks (PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate OR ME/M.Tech/MSc degree in Geoinformatics with a minimum of 55% marks (PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution.

(viii) Forestry

Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from a recognized University/Institution with 60% marks (ST/PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate OR Post graduate degree in Forestry with 55% marks (ST/PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution.

(ix) Food Processing

Bachelor’s degree in Food Processing/Food Technology from a recognized University/Institution with 60% marks (PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate OR Post graduate degree in Food Processing /Food Technology with 55% marks (PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution. Page | 8

x) Statistics :

Bachelor's Degree in Statistics from a recognized University/Institution with 60% marks (PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate OR Post Graduate degree in Statistics with a minimum of 55% marks (PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/ Institution.

xi) Mass Communication/Media Specialist

Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media/ Communication/ Journalism/ Advertising & Public Relations from a recognized University/ Institution with 60% marks (PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate

OR Post graduate degree in Mass Media/ Communication/ Journalism/ Advertising & Public Relations from a recognized University/Institution with 55% marks (PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate.

OR

Bachelor’s Degree in any subject from a recognized University/Institution with a minimum of 60% marks (PWBD applicants - 55%) in aggregate with Post graduate diploma in Mass Media/ Communication/ Journalism/ Advertising & Public Relations/ with 55% marks (PWBD applicants - 50%) in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution.

AGE (as on 01-09-2023) For 2023 application

The candidate must be between 21 and 30 years of age as on 01-09-2023, i.e., the candidate must have been born not earlier than 02-09-1993 and not later than 01-09-2002.

 NABARD Grade A exam Pattern :

The exam is conducted in three faces:

Phase 1: Preliminary examination (Online objective test)

Phase 2:  Mains examination (Online objective test + Online descriptive test)

Phase 3: Interview.

Now let’s discuss all three phases in detail.

Phase 1: This exam is a screening test and qualifying in nature. The marks obtained in this examination will not be counted for the final selection. This exam has 8 major sections and 2 parts, Qualifying part, marks obtained in this part are not calculated for phase 2 qualification. And the second one is the Merit part where marks of this are calculated for phase 2 qualification. There is a sectional cut off for all the sections but there is no sectional time in the online exam for each section, the complete exam has a cumulative time of 2 hours.

The calling Ratio to qualify for the main examination and interview would be a maximum of 1:25 and 1:3, respectively. The ratio may be suitably reduced at the discretion of the bank. Candidates who qualify and rank sufficiently high as decided by NABARD, shall be called for appearing at the Main Examination and Interview. There will be a penalty for wrong answers marked by the candidate. For every wrong answer marked, 1/4th of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as penalty in Phase-I and Phase-II, both. Cut-offs in Phase-I and Phase-II may be applied in two stages: (i) On scores in individual tests, (ii) On Total Score

Exam pattern of the Phase 1 exam:

How to approach the examination:

As already mentioned that the preliminary examination has two parts qualifying and merit so your major focus should be on scoring maximum possible marks in merit part, along with that you also have to focus simultaneously on the qualifying part so that you can easily clear the sectional cut-off.

Detailed syllabus of the Phase 1 examination.

NABARD has not provided any official detailed syllabus for the phase 1 examination but as per the analysis of the previous year examination we can figure out this syllabus;

Let’s discuss the detailed syllabus of the NABARD Grade A Prelims Non Merit Section

1. Reasoning Ability: This section tests your logical thinking and problem-solving

skills. It covers topics like:

Puzzles

Seating Arrangements

Inequalities

Syllogism

Input-Output

Data Sufficiency

Blood Relations

Order and Ranking

Alphanumeric Series

Distance and Direction

Verbal Reasoning

2. Quantitative Aptitude: This section assesses your mathematical abilities and

accuracy. It includes topics like:

Number Series

Data Interpretation

Simplification/ Approximation

Quadratic Equations

Data Sufficiency

Mensuration (2D and 3D)

Average, Percentage

Profit and Loss Ratio

Proportion

Work, Time, and Energy

Time and Distance

Probability

Simple and Compound Interest

Permutation and Combination

3. English Language: This section evaluates your proficiency in written English. It

covers areas like:

Comprehension

Error Correction

Fillers

Paragraph Completion

Vocabulary

Cloze Test

Word swap

4. Computer Awareness:

Topics like

Input – Output devices

Networking

DBMS

MS Office

Internet

History of Computers & Generations

Shortcuts

5. Decision Making:

Interpreting Information

Recognizing Assumptions

Situation-based question

Case Studies

Let’s discuss the detailed syllabus of the NABARD Grade A Prelims Merit Section

It has 3 sections:
6. General awareness:

Current affairs is the major part of the general awareness section approximately  15-16 questions out of 20 questions are directly from the current affairs.

Statik GK is also an important part.

7. Economic and Social issues: As there is no official syllabus released by the NABARD but we prepare for Phase 1 as per the  syllabus provided for Phase 2.

Indian Economy and Its Nature

Institutional & Structural Features

Economic Underdevelopment

Opening Up the Indian Economy

Globalization

Economic Reforms in India

Privatization

Inflation

Various trends regarding inflation and the impacts on individual income and the national economy

Employment Generation & Poverty Alleviation in India

Urban & Rural

Measurement of Poverty

Poverty Alleviation Programmes of the Government

Population Trends

Population Growth and Economic Development

Population Policy in India

Agriculture

Characteristics / Status

Technical and Institutional Changes in Indian Agriculture

Agricultural Performance

Issues in Food Security in India

Non-Institutional and Institutional Agencies in Rural Credit

Industry

Industrial and Labour Policy

Industrial Performance

Regional Imbalance in India's Industrial Development

Public Sector Enterprises

Financial Institutions and Rural Banking in India

Reforms in the Financial Sector / Banking

Economic Globalization

International Funding Institutions and Their Roles

IMF & World Bank

WTO

Regional Economic Cooperation

Social Structure in India

Multiculturalism

Demographic Trends

Urbanization and Migration

Gender Issues

Joint Family System

Social Infrastructure

Education

Health and Environment

Education

Status & System of Education

Socio-Economic Problems Associated with Illiteracy

Educational Relevance and Educational Wastage

Educational Policy for India

Social Justice Pertaining to Various Castes and Classes

Problems of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes

Socio-Economic Programmes Directed Towards Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes

Positive Discrimination or Steps to Favour the Underprivileged Classes

Social Movements

Indian Political Systems

Human Development

8.Agriculture and Rural Development

Definition, Meaning, and Branches

Agronomy:

Definition, Meaning, and Scope

Classification of Field Crops

Factors Affecting Crop Production

Agro Climatic Zones

Types of Cropping Systems and Definitions

Challenges in Dry Land:

Seed Production & Processing

Seed Village

Meteorology:

Weather Parameters

Crop-Weather Advisory

Modern Farming Techniques:

Precision Farming

System of Crop Intensification

Organic Farming

Soil and Water Conservation

Soil:

Major Soil Types

Soil Fertility

Fertilizers

Soil Erosion

Soil Conservation

Watershed Management

Water Resource

Irrigation:

Management

Types

Sources

Crop-Water Requirement

Command Area Development

Conservation Techniques

Micro-Irrigation

Irrigation Pumps

Major, Medium, and Minor Irrigation

Agri and Farm Engineering

Farm Power and Machinery

Power Sources: Animal, Human, Electrical, Mechanical, Wind, Biomass, Solar, Biofuels

Water Harvesting Structures

Farm Ponds

Agro Processing:

Modified & Controlled Storage

Storage of Perishable Foods, Bins, Godowns, Grain Silos

Horticulture & Plantation

Definition, Meaning, and Branches

Production Technology and Agronomic Practices of fruits vegetables and plantation crops.

Value and Supply Chain Management

Post-Harvest Management

Animal Husbandry

Role in the Indian Economy

Methods in India

Terminologies for Livestock Species

Utility Classification of Cattle Breeds

Common Fodders and Feeds

Poultry Industry in India

Mixed Farming and Its Socio-Economic Implications

Livestock and Poultry Production

Fisheries

Resources and Management:

Marine Water, Freshwater, Brackish Water

Aquaculture:

Inland and Marine

Biotechnology

Post-Harvest Technology

Importance in India

Common Terms in Fish Production

Forestry

Basic Concepts:

Forest and Forestry

Management, Mensuration, and Economics

Principles of Silviculture

Agroforestry, Social Forestry, Joint Forest Management

Legislation and Policies:

Forests in India, 2015 Report

Ministry of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change:

Recent Developments

Agriculture Extensions

Role and Importance

Evaluation Methods

KVK’s (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) Role

Ecology and Climate Change

Relevance and Conservation of Natural Resources

Climate Change:

Causes, GHGs, High-Emitting Countries, Climate Analysis

Adaptation vs. Mitigation

Impact on Rural Livelihoods and Agriculture

Carbon Credit

Global and National Initiatives:

IPCC, UNFCCC, CoP Meetings

Funding Mechanisms for Climate Change Projects

Indian Government Initiatives: SAPCC, NAPCC, INDC

Present Scenario of Agriculture and Allied Activities in India

Recent Trends

Major Challenges and Solutions

Viability of Agriculture

Factors of Production

Agricultural Finance and Marketing

Globalisation and Its Impacts

Food Security

Farm Management:

Concept and Types

Rural Development

Concept of Rural Area

Structure of the Indian Rural Economy

Importance and Role of the Rural Sector

Social, Demographic, and Economic Characteristics

Causes of Rural Backwardness

Rural Population and Workforce Trends

Problems of Rural Labour and Handlooms

Panchayati Raj Institutions:

Functions and Working

Government Programs:

NRLM, MGNREGA, Drinking Water Programmes, Aajeevika, Swachh Bharat, Housing, PURA, and Other Programs

By studying all the topics precisely, you can easily score good marks in phase 1 examination to qualify for the phase 2 examination.

Phase 2: As we have already discussed that the marks obtained in the preliminary exam will only be considered to sit in the mains examination, and the marks obtained in the phase 2 or mains examination are considered to prepare the final cut-off along with the interview marks.

NABARD Grade A 2024 Phase 2 Exam Pattern

The syllabus for ESI and ARD section is same for both phase 1 and phase 2 only the difference is the level of difficulty in the question paper. For the detailed overview of the ESI and ARD section consider the same syllabus which is provided for phase 1 in this page.

Descriptive English for Phase 2: In the descriptive English section of phase 2 you must write essays, letters, Reading comprehension and precise writing. This paper consists of 3 questions, and you have 90 minutes tom write the answer.

NABARD Grade A 2024 Phase 3:

Subject to the discretion of the Bank, a psychometric test will be conducted on completion of the Mains Examination

Interview (RDBS) : 50 Marks

Candidate may opt for interview either in Hindi or English

Final Selection process: After completing all the 3 phases a final cut off is released for the shortlisted candidates. This cut off is prepared after combining the score obtained in the phase 2 exam and score obtained in the phase 3(Psychometric test and Interview).

EMOLUMENTS AND SERVICE CONDITIONS ( Salary and allowance)

(a) Pay Scale: Selected candidates will draw a starting basic pay of Rs.44,500/- p.m. in the scale of Rs. 44500 – 2500 (4) – 54500 – 2850 (7) – 74450 – EB – 2850 (4) – 85850 – 3300 (1) – 89150 (17 Years) applicable to Officers in Grade 'A' and they will be eligible for Dearness Allowance, Local Compensatory Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and Grade Allowance as per rules in force from time to time. At present, initial monthly gross emoluments are approximately Rs. 1,00,000/-.

(b) Perquisites : Bank's accommodation subject to availability, reimbursement of expenses for maintenance of vehicle for official purpose, newspaper, internet, telephone charges, book grant, allowance for furnishing of residence, etc. as per eligibility. Free dispensary facility besides reimbursement of medical expenses for OPD treatment/hospitalization as per eligibility. Interest free festival advance, Leave Travel Concession, Loans and Advances at concessional rates of interest for Housing, Car, Education of children, Consumer articles, Personal computer, etc.

(c) Candidates selected for the post will be governed by "the defined contribution to New Pension Scheme (NPS)' in addition to the benefits of Gratuity and Group Term Insurance Plan.

(d) At certain centers, limited number of residential quarters are available. Facility for securing residential accommodation on lease, however, exists at all centers.

(e) Initial appointment of a selected applicant will be on probation for a period of 02 years, which may, at the Bank’s discretion, be extended for a further maximum period of one year.

(f) All candidates selected for appointment by the Bank are liable to be posted and transferred anywhere in India.

Total CTC: After adding salary and all the perks and allowance given by NABARD according to the selected candidates the total CTC per annum is 20 lakh+, so you can see that NABARD is providing you a very handsome salary and a great work life balance.

So, it’s obvious that to get this type of position and life you have to work hard and smart to clear the exam, so finally let’s discuss how we can prepare for this exam in a very smart way.

NABARD GRADE PREVIOUS YEAR CUT-OFF

NABARD GRADE A Cut -off 2022

PHASE I - PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

Sectional Cut -off

Merit Section cut-off to qualify for mains out of 100.

NABARD GRADE A MAINS CUT OFF 2022 out of 200.

NABARD GRADE A MAINS Sectional CUT OFF 2022 for RDBS General:

ASST. MANAGER (RDBS) - 2022 - SELECT LIST - CUT OFF out of 250.

NABARD GRADE A Cut -off 2023

PHASE I - PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

Sectional Cut -off

CATEGORYWISE CUT-OFF POINTS APPLIED ON MERIT SECTION TOTAL (100) FOR RDBS GENERAL:

CAEGORY-WISE CUT-OFF POINTS APPLIED ON MERIT SECTION TOTAL (200) FOR RDBS GENERAL:

CATEGORY-WISE CUT-OFF POINTS USED ON OBJECTIVE TEST AND DESCRIPTIVE PAPER

ASST. MANAGER (RDBS) GENERAL - 2023 - SELECT LIST - CUT OFF

How to prepare for the examination:

So, after reading everything about the examination you now have great knowledge about the organization, job profile, exam pattern and the detailed syllabus of the exam. Now this is the time to discuss how we can cover the entire syllabus as the syllabus is vast so along with a great hard work, smart work is compulsory to ace the examination. You can easily score good marks by reading all the topics and practice questions related to those topics. You can read books related to the syllabus, prefer you tube channels or online / offline classes for the same.

Preparation strategy for the non- merit section of phase 1 exam.

You can see from the past two years' cut-off of non- merit section. The cut off is not too high but it is very low so, instead of covering the entire syllabus you need to focus on 4-5 major topics in each subject so that you can easily score more than the cut- off with less effort.

But English language is a subject and only qualifying in phase 1 but it plays a very important role in Phase 2 exam. To write a good answer in English and score good marks in phase you should cover English very well and you should develop good reading and writing skills in English.

What should be your strategy to Ace the ESI/ARD/ and GA part:

As we have earlier discussed, the syllabus for ESI and ARD is the same for both Phase 1 and Phase 2. So, keeping that thing in mind we have to cover the ESI and ARD part in a very comprehensive manner so that we can score good marks in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 exams.

According to the previous year’s papers analysis we have seen that current affairs, reports and government schemes are the most scoring part in both ESI and ARD section, Along with that Comprehensive subjective knowledge is also very important especially in ARD section because in both the Phase 1 and Phase 2, the paper of ARD section is more focused on Static part as compared to ESI section. So, only having factual knowledge about the topics is not important because you have to write descriptive answers too for being a good writer first you need to be a good reader so now the point is what you should read to cover these parts.

Prepare a good habit of reading and Writing.

What to read:

Daily newspaper Prefer The Hindu, Times of India, Indian Express, and Live mint

PIB  

Read news related those topics only which are mentioned in your syllabus.

Important Books to cover the syllabus:

Hope so after reading the complete information and detailed strategy about the NABARD GRADE A exam now you have proper clarity and a way to start your preparation. Start your preparation by following the syllabus and strategy, we wish you the best for your preparation.