How is NABARD Grade A different from NABARD Grade B?

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is one of the most prestigious institutions in India. It plays a very important role in the development of the rural and agricultural sectors of the country. We can even consider it as the backbone of rural banking. NABARD provides credit and financial support to farmers and rural businesses. With an aim of contributing to the economic growth of the nation, you can be a part of the NABARD. It’s not just about securing a government job; it’s a responsibility. Working at NABARD is considered a highly sought-after job, as it provides respect, stability, and great career growth. Many aspirants get confused between the two posts, Grade A and Grade B. Though both positions are very noble, there are some differences in terms of responsibilities, salary, and exam pattern. In this article, we’ll deeply understand how is NABARD Grade A different from NABARD Grade B. Read the full article to get a better understanding.

How is NABARD Grade A different from NABARD Grade B?

Any position at the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is considered prestigious. People often get confused about the two major posts: NABARD Grade A and NABARD Grade B. There are some key differences between these posts. They differ in terms of responsibilities, salary, and exam pattern. Let’s dive deeper into the differences.

Understanding NABARD Grade A and Grade B Roles

NABARD Grade A, which is an Assistant Manager, and NABARD Grade B, which is a manager; both of them are officer-level positions, but they obviously have different roles and responsibilities. Grade A (Assistant Manager) is an entry-level managerial position. They’ll be responsible for implementing policies, handling operations, and working under senior officials, whereas Grade B (Manager) is a post above Grade A. They have to make policies, supervise, and have decision-making responsibilities. Any person who’s looking to start their career should go for Grade A. But if you have experience and want a more authoritative role, Grade B is a better choice.

Exam Pattern: What’s Different?

Though the selection process of both the positions consists of the same three stages, which are the prelims (Phase 1), Mains (Phase 2), and Interview round, the difficulty level of the Grade B position is slightly higher than that of the Grade A. The number of papers also varies.

Exam Stages	NABARD Grade A Exam Pattern	NABARD Grade B Exam Pattern
Prelims	There is a single objective test with subjects like Quant, Reasoning, English, ESI, ARD, and General Awareness.	Similar to Grade A but slightly more challenging.
Mains	This is a mix of objective and descriptive paper. There are two papers – one on ESI & ARD (objective) and one on English Writing (descriptive).	This is a mix of objective and descriptive paper. There are three papers – ESI & ARD (Objective), English Writing (Descriptive), and an additional Paper III on Development Economics, Statistics, and Finance.
Interview	The interview round is of 50 marks.	The interview round is of 75 marks.

Note : Grade B has an extra paper in Mains and a higher weightage for interviews, making it more competitive.

Eligibility Criteria & Experience Requirements

The basic eligibility is the same for both positions, which is a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like Agriculture, Economics, Finance, or Management. However, Grade B requires prior experience. For Grade A, freshers can apply, while Grade B requires at least 2 years of work experience in finance, banking, or related fields. So if you are a fresher, then Grade A is the best starting point for you.

You might also be interested in NABARD Grade A Cut Off 2025

Salary & Career Growth

Salary is an important factor for many aspirants—as it should be! In the table below, you can find a basic comparison between the salaries of a NABARD Grade A officer and a NABARD Grade B officer.

Factor	NABARD Grade A	NABARD Grade B
Basic Pay	₹44,500	₹55,200
Gross Salary (Approx)	₹70,000 – ₹80,000	₹85,000 – ₹95,000
Career Growth	Can be promoted to Grade B	Higher chances of promotions

For obvious reasons, Grade B offers a higher salary and faster career growth, but it comes with higher responsibilities too, since it’s a higher position than Grade A Officer.

Final Thoughts

If you are a fresher and just want to build your career in rural banking, then NABARD Grade is the best choice. However, if you have relevant experience and aspire for a managerial role, NABARD Grade B is the better choice.

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