Demystifying the 5 well – known myths for Nabard Grade A exam

For Nabard Grade A | 31st August 2023 – 08 mins read

“It is not the potential of an individual, but his/her own limited self- belief and perception that come in the way of the realization of a dream of becoming something greater than their current self”

– Suraj Nikam

It is so often happens that in order to achieve something big in life, we require to change our outlook towards it and not the ideal itself.  

To take a leaf out of this, I recall numerous times when many of my students have come to me with all kinds of doubts and confusion regarding the NABARD Grade A exam.  

I know many of you must have begun your preparation for the same. However, with preparation for a competitive exam like NABARD Grade A comes along many myths that often leave candidates confused whether they are chosen the right path for themselves.  

And well, in the process of clearing doubts of many aspirants, I encounter many myths that often lead aspirants to wrong beliefs about this prestigious exam.  

Talking about a recent incident, I was interacting with one of my students wherein, he expressed his concern of whether he should continue his preparation despite knowing well that he is very much capable of clearing it.  

So, what exactly made him confused in terms of continuing his preparation for the exam? 

It was the myth that he might get posted in one of rural areas after getting selected as NABARD Grade A officer. This is one such example of a myth which has been associated with the exam.  

Therefore, in this blog, I will be demystifying 5 myths attributed with NABARD Grade A examination which can pose as a challenge for potential candidates in clearing it.

Myth 01: Rural posting after clearing the exam

There is a strong perception which prevails amongst aspirants that clearing the NABARD grade A exam will eventually get them posted in rural areas of the country.  

Let me debunk this myth by telling you that after clearing the NABARD Grade A exam, the posting of selected candidates happens in the head offices and regional offices which are situated in the country’s capital cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad.  

Therefore, working in an institution like NABARD should not be considered a rural job.  

It is only later in life that after getting some experience in the working field, you may get posted in district offices which will also prove beneficial for you in getting exposure of ground reality and actual implementation of the policies.

Myth 02: Difficulty level of the exam similar to RBI Grade B

Coming to the second myth that surrounds this exam is that difficulty level of NABARD Grade A is as high as the RBI Grade B examination.  

Compared to RBI GRADE B, the difficulty level of the exam ranges from easy to moderate. The nature of the questions asked is quite straightforward and simple.  

The questions that come from the topics like Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability English Comprehension or Economic and Social Issues (ESI) which are common in both the exams, one can easily analyze and observe the difficulty level of RBI Grade B exam to be higher than NABARD Grade A exam.

Myth 03: The ESI seems easy compared to the ARD subject

One of biggest and perhaps the most dangerous myth which is tagged along with the NABARD Grade A exam is that the candidates with agricultural background have an edge over other candidates who hail from non – agricultural background.  

In fact, there are plenty examples in the past of the toppers who with a different educational background like in science, engineering or humanities have managed to not just clear the exam but score exceptional marks in the final result.  

Along with this, there is another misconception which affirms the section of Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) to be tougher than Economic and Social Issues (ESI).  

Talking about these two subjects, ESI and ARD, while ARD is considered to be core subject of NABARD Grade A, however, the questions are mostly asked from the static part of the syllabus and are moderate in difficulty level.  

While, the ESI section is moderate to difficult as the questions are asked both from static and current part. Current portion for ESI comes in the form of PIB news and Government schemes which needs a minimum coverage of 6-8 months of current affairs.  

Therefore, do not devote your preparation time on this prevalent myth and allocate equal time to both the sections.

Myth 04: With no sectional cutoff, Time Management not a big deal!

Compared to RBI Grade B exam, there is no provision for sectional timing in both Phase I and Phase II of the NABARD Grade A examination.  

Therefore, the candidates often adopt a laid-back attitude during the preparation period. 

In addition to that, the aspirants commit the biggest mistake of not practicing the previous year questions and mock tests as much as possible.  

Allocate equal and proportionate time for all sections including Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Computer Knowledge and General Awareness apart from ESI and ARD.

Myth 05: Inability to create a significant impact on society

Talking about the present scenario across the globe regarding the food shortage and water scarcity, steps for ensuring effective implementation of proper system in agricultural field becomes an absolute necessity in the world today.  

As the global population has been increasing exponentially over the years, India along with other countries are taking measures to strengthen the agricultural sector.  

Therefore, agriculture and rural development becomes an important factor for ensuring overall development in India. Hence, it is one of best jobs for determined aspirants to impact and touch a thousand lives in the country.  

After selection, the candidates will be provided an opportunity to interact with farmers, Self- help groups, agricultural officers, researchers, agricultural ministries and international companies to improve and impact the rural and agricultural sector at the grassroot level.

Now that we have put these myths to rest, the aspirants must focus on a well-rounded preparation strategy for the NABARD Grade A exam.

Remember, cracking this exam presents itself a prestigious opportunity to not only work in one of the country’s reputed banks but to significantly contribute to the agriculture and rural development in India and thereby hold a chance to transform the lives of many.

With this, my dear friends, I hope the accurate information provided in the blog will guide you towards achieving success in the exam and turning your glorious dream into reality!