Interview Guide for NABARD Grade A Officer

What is NABARD?

NABARD stands for the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development. It was established in 1982 by the Government of India to promote sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural development through the mobilization of financial resources from various sources. NABARD provides credit and financial services to promote agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and village industries, handicrafts, and other rural crafts. It also provides technical assistance and advice to the government, financial institutions, and non-governmental organizations for the promotion of these activities.

When was NABARD founded?

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was established on 12 July 1982 by an Act of Parliament.

What is the main purpose of NABARD?

The main purpose of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is to promote sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural development in India by providing credit and financial services, promoting and developing efficient and competitive rural banking, and providing capacity building support to both State Governments and rural financial institutions.

What are the broad areas of operations of NABARD?

1. 1. Rural Development
2. 2. Financial Inclusion
3. 3. Infrastructure Development
4. 4. Agricultural Development
5. 5. Rural Credit
6. 6. Microenterprise Development
7. 7. Rural Financial Markets
8. 8. Financial Sector Development
9. 9. Technology Upgradation
10. 10. Capacity Building and Training

What type of institution is NABARD?

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is a development banking institution in India, headquartered in Mumbai. It was established in 1982 by an act of Parliament and serves as an apex institution for the integrated development of the rural economy.

What are the main functions of NABARD?

1. Promotion of Rural Credit

NABARD plays a major role in the promotion of rural credit. It provides refinance facilities to cooperative banks, regional rural banks, and commercial banks.

2. Financial Support

NABARD provides financial support to State Governments and other state-owned financial institutions in the form of loans to promote agriculture, small-scale industries and other rural development projects.

3. Supervision and Monitoring

NABARD supervises and monitors the functioning of cooperative banks, regional rural banks and other rural financial institutions.

4. Development of Agriculture

NABARD provides assistance to farmers and entrepreneurs for the development of agriculture and allied activities such as dairy, poultry, fisheries, etc.

5. Research and Development

NABARD also undertakes various research and development activities to promote rural development.

6. Extension of Banking Facilities

NABARD extends banking facilities to rural areas and helps in the making of banking services available to the rural people.

How does NABARD assist rural areas?

NABARD is dedicated to the development of rural areas by providing credit and financial services to rural areas. It provides loans to farmers and agricultural projects, financial assistance to rural banks and other financial institutions, and technical assistance for rural infrastructure. It also provides grants for projects related to agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy, fishery, and other rural activities. In addition, NABARD provides guidance on micro-finance, rural marketing, and other related activities.

What is the primary goal of NABARD?

The primary goal of NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) is to promote sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural development in India by providing credit and other support to various stakeholders.

What are the financial products offered by NABARD?

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) offers a variety of financial products and services to the rural sector. These include:

1. Short-term Credit

NABARD provides short-term credit to farmers, artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs through cooperative banks and regional rural banks.

2. Long-term Credit

NABARD provides long-term credit for investment in agriculture and rural development projects through commercial banks and regional rural banks.

3. Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)

This is a special fund set up by NABARD to provide long-term credit to state governments for rural infrastructure projects.

4. Refinance Facility

NABARD provides refinance facility to cooperative banks and regional rural banks for financing agriculture and rural development projects.

5. Credit Guarantee Scheme

NABARD operates a credit guarantee scheme to protect commercial banks and regional rural banks against the risk of default on loans to small and marginal farmers.

6. Developmental Support

NABARD provides developmental support to various rural institutions such as cooperatives, self-help groups, and microfinance institutions.

7. Capacity Building

NABARD also runs various capacity building programmes for rural institutions.

How does NABARD promote financial inclusion?

NABARD promotes financial inclusion in a number of ways, including providing credit and technological support to rural banks and cooperatives, providing financial literacy and awareness, and providing grants and subsidies to facilitate access to banking services. NABARD also works to help develop a sustainable and inclusive financial system by setting up microfinance institutions, promoting the use of mobile banking, and providing support to the development of credit bureaus and credit rating agencies. In addition, NABARD works to improve the availability of banking and financial services in rural and remote areas.

What are the benefits of NABARD for rural India?

1. Financial Inclusion

NABARD provides financial services to rural areas and ensures that the rural population is brought into the fold of the formal banking system. This helps the rural population access financial services and obtain credit from the formal banking system.

2. Development of Rural Infrastructure

NABARD provides assistance to local governments for the development of rural infrastructure such as roads, bridges, irrigation systems, and rural electrification.

3. Development of Rural Industries

NABARD provides financial assistance to rural industries for the development of their production and marketing infrastructure. This helps rural industries to become competitive and increases the employment opportunities for rural people.

4. Support for Cooperatives

NABARD provides financial assistance to cooperative societies for the development of their infrastructure and operations. This helps cooperatives to become more efficient and competitive, leading to increased income for their members.

5. Credit Support

NABARD provides credit support to rural areas, helping them to access credit from the formal banking system. This helps the rural population to become financially self-reliant and access better economic opportunities.

What is the NABARD Rural Infrastructure Development Fund?

The NABARD Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) is a credit guarantee scheme that provides financial assistance to state and central government agencies, as well as local bodies, for rural infrastructure projects. The fund was established in 1995 in order to finance infrastructure projects in rural areas, such as irrigation, rural roads, power, drinking water, sanitation, and other similar projects. The fund is managed by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

What is the NABARD Rural Self Employment Training Institute?

The NABARD Rural Self Employment Training Institute (NARSEP) is an initiative of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to promote self employment in rural areas. The institute provides comprehensive training to rural youth in various areas such as animal husbandry, dairy development, poultry farming, bee-keeping, horticulture, food processing, computer applications, and related aspects. The training also covers basic business management and entrepreneurial skills such as record keeping, loan management, marketing, and pricing. The aim of the institute is to create employment for rural youth and to increase the income of rural households.

How does NABARD promote food security?

NABARD helps promote food security through a number of initiatives and programs. These include providing financial assistance to farmers for improved access to agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and improved seeds. NABARD also provides loans to agricultural cooperatives, farmers and other rural entrepreneurs, to help them access capital for investment and working capital needs. In addition, NABARD helps to promote public-private partnerships in agriculture, to facilitate access to markets, and to promote the adoption of improved post-harvest practices. NABARD also works to strengthen the capacity of farmers and other rural stakeholders through training and capacity-building programs.

What is the NABARD Rural Financial Inclusion Fund?

The NABARD Rural Financial Inclusion Fund (NRFIF) is an initiative of National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in India. The fund was established to provide financial assistance to eligible rural households in order to enable them to access financial services and products. The fund provides concessional loans to rural households and small businesses that are excluded from the formal financial system, and are unable to access banking and other financial services. The NRFIF is intended to bridge the gap between rural households and the banking system in India. The fund also provides support to institutions providing financial services in rural areas, such as micro-finance institutions, self-help groups, and cooperatives.

What is difference between RBI and NABARD?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India's central banking institution, which controls the monetary policy of the Indian rupee. It was established on April 1, 1935 in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The primary objective of the RBI is to maintain price stability and ensure adequate flow of credit to productive sectors.

NABARD, on the other hand, is an apex development bank in India, established in 1982 by an act of the Indian Parliament. It is responsible for providing and regulating credit and other facilities for the promotion and development of agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and village industries, handicrafts and other rural crafts. NABARD has a focus on rural development and poverty alleviation, and its activities include rural credit, rural infrastructure development, promotion of rural non-farm sector, micro-enterprise development, rural banking, financial inclusion, etc.

Which are the Various Posts in the NABARD Organization?

The various posts in the NABARD organization include:

1. Deputy Manager

2. Officer Grade A

3. Officer Grade B

4. Manager

5. Chief Manager

6. Assistant General Manager

7. Deputy General Manager

8. General Manager

9. Chief General Manager

10. Executive Director

11. Deputy Director

12. Director

13. Chief Executive Officer

14. Chief Risk Officer

15. Chief Technology Officer

NABARD Regional Offices are located at?

various places in India to serve the rural areas of the country. The regional offices of NABARD are located in the following states:

• Andhra Pradesh
• Assam
• Bihar
• Chandigarh
• Delhi
• Goa
• Gujarat
• Haryana
• Himachal Pradesh
• Jammu and Kashmir
• Jharkhand
• Karnataka
• Kerala
• Madhya Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Odisha
• Punjab
• Rajasthan
• Tamil Nadu
• Telangana
• Uttar Pradesh
• Uttarakhand
• West Bengal

What are the In Hand Salary and Perks of NABARD Grade A Officer?

The salary and perks of NABARD Grade A Officers are as follows:

Basic Pay: Rs. 28150/- p.m. in the scale of 28150-1550(4)-34350-1750(7)-46600-EB-1750(4)-53600-2000(1)-55600 applicable to Officers in Grade A

• Dearness Allowance: 40.2% of basic pay
• House Rent Allowance: 7.5% of basic pay
• City Compensatory Allowance: 7% of basic pay
• Transport Allowance: Rs.3,000 per month
• Medical Aid: Rs.1250 per month (for self only)
• Leave Travel Concession: Once in two years (for self, spouse and dependent children)

Other benefits: Gratuity, Leave encashment, etc. are as per government rules.

RBI Grade B or NABARD Grade A which is better?

The main difference between RBI Grade B and NABARD Grade A is the type of job each offers. RBI Grade B is a higher level job in the Reserve Bank of India, offering a position as a Grade B Officer in the Central Bank. NABARD Grade A is a lower level job in the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, offering a position as a Grade A Officer in the Rural Development Bank. RBI Grade B Officers are responsible for policy making and economic analysis, while NABARD Grade A Officers are responsible for monitoring and implementing rural credit and financing policies. RBI Grade B Officers have more authority and decision-making power than NABARD Grade A Officers.

What is the difference between NABARD Grade A and NABARD Grade B Officer?

Nabard Grade A and Nabard Grade B are two types of competitive exams conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). The Grade A exam is conducted for the recruitment of Assistant Managers and the Grade B exam is conducted for the recruitment of Managers.

NABARD Grade A:

The NABARD Grade A exam is conducted in two stages, the Preliminary exam and the Main exam. Candidates must first clear the Preliminary exam to be eligible to take the Main exam. The Preliminary exam consists of multiple-choice questions from General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Candidates must score a minimum qualifying mark in each section to qualify for the Main exam. The Main exam consists of questions from Economics and Social Issues, Agriculture and Rural Development, Analytical & Quantitative Ability, English Writing Skills, and Financial & Management.

NABARD Grade B:

The NABARD Grade B exam is conducted in two stages, the Preliminary exam and the Main exam. Candidates must first clear the Preliminary exam to be eligible to take the Main exam. The Preliminary exam consists of multiple-choice questions from General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Candidates must score a minimum qualifying mark in each section to qualify for the Main exam. The Main exam consists of questions from Economics, Agriculture and Rural Development, Analytical & Quantitative Ability, English Writing Skills, and Financial & Management.

In conclusion, the NABARD Grade A exam is conducted for the recruitment of Assistant Managers and the NABARD Grade B exam is conducted for the recruitment of Managers. Both exams consists of a Preliminary exam and a Main exam, with different types of questions in each exam.

What are the In Hand Salary and Perks of NABARD Development Assistant?

The salary and perks of a NABARD Development Assistant are as follows:

Hand Salary: 

The basic pay of a NABARD Development Assistant is Rs. 32,150 per month.

Perks: 

The perks of a NABARD Development Assistant include travel allowance, dearness allowance, house rent allowance, city compensatory allowance, and other allowances as per rules. They also get benefits such as medical reimbursement, leave travel concession, and group insurance. Additionally, they are eligible for promotion after completion of 5 years of service.

Which are the Subsidiaries of NABARD?

NABARD has the following subsidiaries:

1. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Financial Services Limited (NABFINS)
2. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Securities Limited (NABARD Securities)
3. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Consultancy Services Limited (NABCONS)
4. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Institute of Rural Development (NIRD)
5. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Foundation (NABFINS Foundation)
6. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Education and Training Foundation (NABET)
7. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Technical Services (NAB-Tech)

What does the Logo of NABARD depicts?

The logo of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) depicts a hand holding up a sprouting plant, which symbolizes the growth of rural India. The two lines in the background represent the banks two main goals: to promote agricultural and rural development and to provide banking services to the rural population. The green colour of the logo further symbolizes the bank’s commitment to the environment and sustainable development.

What is the Mission of NABARD?

The mission of NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) is to promote sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural prosperity through effective credit support, related services, institution development and other innovative initiatives.

What is the Vision of NABARD?

The vision of NABARD is to emerge as a premier development bank in the country, and to promote economic development and employment opportunities in India through sustainable and inclusive agricultural and rural development.

Which is the Official Website of NABARD?

The official website of NABARD is www.nabard.org.

How Many Regional Offices does NABARD have?

NABARD has 34 Regional Offices located across India.

Is NABARD a Regulator or Supervisor?

NABARD is both a regulator and a supervisor. It is the regulator of rural financial institutions and the supervisor of state cooperative banks and other state-level scheduled banks.

What is NABARD doing for the North East Region of India?

NABARD is the premier development bank of India and it plays a crucial role in the economic and social development of the North East Region of India. NABARD has been providing financial assistance to North Eastern states for agricultural, industrial, infrastructure development, etc. It has also been providing assistance to North Eastern states for promotion of micro-enterprises and other rural enterprises, financial inclusion, and development of agribusiness. NABARD has also been providing support to the North Eastern states in the areas of banking, insurance, capacity building, and development of agri-infrastructure.