A Comprehensive Guide to NABARD Grade A 2022 Preparation Strategy

NABARD, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, is a specialized financial institution that supports the rural economy. Preparing for the NABARD Grade A examination can seem daunting, especially for applicants with no background in agriculture or rural development. However, with a smart and structured approach, you can significantly improve your chances of success.

Understanding NABARD and the Examination Pattern

NABARD, despite its specialized role, follows a similar format to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Grade B examination. The key misconceptions about the examination, such as rural postings and the unique pattern, can be easily dispelled by understanding its structural similarities.

The syllabus for NABARD Grade A is broadly divided into two phases: Phase 1 and Phase 2. Phase 1 includes a merit and non-merit section, while Phase 2 includes English Language proficiency and general awareness questions.

Phase 1 Strategy

Phase 1 takes place in a single day and comprises a total of 120 minutes. It includes eight sections, divided into merit and non-merit categories. The merit sections are General Awareness, English, Social issues (ESI), and Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD). The non-merit sections are Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Computer Knowledge, and Decision Making.

Merit Sections: Focus on scoring well in these sections as they carry more weightage and are essential for qualifying the exam. Non-Merit Sections: While considered the qualifying sections, they require equal attention to avoid failing sections and missing out on the overall cut-off.

The following are the recommended strategies for preparing for Phase 1:

Sources for ESI and GA

Utilize online resources like Edutap, which offers comprehensive marathon sessions that are freely available on YouTube and on coaching websites like ixambee and Edutap Mocks. These resources cover the ESI and GA syllabus comprehensively, preparing you for the exam.

ARD Preparation

For ARD, refer to resources like the Clarity4sure ARD PDFs. These cover almost all the keywords mentioned in the syllabus. If you encounter any gaps, use Google to fill in the knowledge gaps.

Non-Merit Sections

The non-merit sections, including Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, and Computer Knowledge, are relatively easier. For Computer Knowledge, if you have a background, you can skip extensive preparation. However, if there are gaps, refer to Edutap or any good compilation.

Time Management

Allocate a total of 80 minutes for the merit sections and 40 minutes for non-merit sections. Start with the merit sections and then move to non-merit sections. This approach ensures you secure a higher score, as the merit sections carry more weightage.

Phase 2 Strategy

Phase 2 consists of two papers: an English Language paper and a General Awareness (GA) and Social Issues (ESI) paper.

English Language Paper

This paper tests your language proficiency and includes both objective and descriptive questions. The objective questions are worth 50 marks, while the descriptive questions are worth 100 marks. Your strategy should focus on:

Objective Section: Attempt 2-mark questions first, followed by 1-mark questions. Descriptive Section: Practice in a time-bound manner using your self-made notes and the resources mentioned.

GA and ESI Paper

For the ESI and ARD sections, start by attempting the 2-mark questions, followed by the 1-mark questions. For the descriptive section, ensure you follow a structured approach:

15-Marker Questions: Attempt these first. 10-Marker Questions: Attempt these last.

Time management is crucial in Phase 2. Allocate 30-35 minutes for the essay, 25-30 minutes for letter writing, and 20-25 minutes for the Précis. For the ESI/ARD sections, give 25 minutes to the 15-mark question and 20 minutes to the 10-mark question.

Sources for Phase 2

For Phase 2, you can rely on self-made notes, Edutap marathon sessions, and the Clarity4sure ARD PDFs. These resources will be instrumental in your preparation.

Conclusion

Preparation for NABARD Grade A requires a systematic approach. By breaking down the syllabus into manageable sections and utilizing the right resources, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Remember to stay calm and focused during the exam, and use your time effectively to maximize your scores.

BEST OF LUCK!!!!