NABARD Grade A Prelims Exam – How to Tackle the Real Exam?

Being one of the most sought-after banking exams in India, NABARD Grade A is highly competitive. The NABARD Grade A Prelims Exam is the first step in clearing the exam and moving forward towards the job of your dreams. We have to admit, the actual exam is nothing like what you’ve practiced. There’s so much pressure; time constraints, performance pressure, and the weight of expectations can make it overwhelming. But you need not worry because we’ve got you covered. In this article we’ll see NABARD Grade A Prelims Exam – How to Tackle the Real Exam? We’ll share tips and tricks and whatnot. So stay connected and read till the end.

Understanding the NABARD Grade A Prelims Exam Pattern

Before jumping into strategies, let’s get a quick overview of the exam pattern so you know what to expect:

Section	Number of Questions	Marks
Reasoning	20	20
Quantitative Aptitude	20	20
English Language	30	30
General Awareness	20	20
Computer Knowledge	20	20
Economic & Social Issues (ESI)	40	40
Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD)	40	40
Total	190	200

The total time duration of the exam is 120 minutes, and for each wrong answer, 0.25 marks are deducted.

Now that we know the structure, let’s move to the real game plan!

How to Manage Time Effectively in the Exam?

Time management is one of the most crucial challenges in the NABARD Grade A Prelims Exam. You need to understand how much time each section requires, and that comes through practice. You should start with your strengths. Begin with the section that you are most confident about. This will not only boost your confidence but will also help you in saving time. Remember, no matter what, don’t get stuck. If a question is taking too long, move on. You can always come back to it, but once you’ve wasted time on it, there’s no coming back. You can also try following a time distribution strategy like : give 35-40 mins to Reasoning + Quant, then 20-25 mins to English, 15-20 mins to General Awareness + Computer Knowledge, and straight 35-40 mins to ESI + ARD. This will help you go strategically and will save you a lot of time.

Smart Strategies for Each Section

Every section has its tricks. Here’s how to tackle them smartly:

1. Reasoning Ability

• Focus on puzzles and seating arrangements, but don’t spend too much time on them.
  
• Practice syllogisms, blood relations, coding-decoding, and other easy-scoring topics.
  
• Accuracy is key—guesswork can cost you marks due to negative marking!
  

2. Quantitative Aptitude

• Prioritize simplification, approximation, and data interpretation (DI).
  
• Learn shortcut tricks for calculations to save time.
  
• If a question seems too complex, skip it and come back later if time allows.
  

3. English Language

• Start with error spotting, cloze tests, and fill in the blanks—they are quick to attempt.
  
• Read the passage carefully before answering reading comprehension (RC) questions.
  
• Focus on grammar basics—they can help eliminate wrong options.
  

4. General Awareness

• Stick to the last 6 months of current affairs, especially related to agriculture, economy, and rural development.
  
• Revise government schemes, banking updates, and economic reports (like the Economic Survey & Budget).
  
• Don’t overthink—if you don’t know an answer, move on!
  

5. Computer Knowledge

• Focus on basic computer concepts, MS Office, networking, and cybersecurity.
  
• Avoid guesswork if you are unsure of an answer.
  

6. Economic & Social Issues (ESI) & Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD)

• Most questions come from government schemes, reports, and current events related to the economy and rural sector.
  
• Use elimination techniques—if confused between options, eliminate the least likely ones.
  
• Keep facts and figures handy—they help in quick decision-making.
  

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

How to Stay Calm & Focused During the Exam?

Many students make rookie mistakes and loose marks, not because they don’t know the answer but because they panic. I understand that it’s difficult to stay calm in such a situation, but there are a few things you can do. Take deep breaths before the exam. This keeps you relaxed. You can use the first 2 minutes to just scan the paper and plan out everything. Keep an eye on the clock but don’t let it stress you out, and remember, don’t panic if a section is tough; just think everyone else is facing the same difficulty as you.

Last-Minute Tips to Boost Your Score

It is advised to not pick any new topics a day before the exam. Go through all the formulas and concepts you’ve already studied. Revision is equally important. Attempt mocks in exam-like conditions to get used to the pressure. Have a good sleep before the exam to keep your mind fresh. To stay focused, stay hydrated and eat light before the exam.

Final Thoughts

We can say that cracking the NABARD Grade A Prelims Exam is all about strategy, time management, and having a calm mindset. You just need to believe in yourself and yourself. You have worked hard enough and prepared very well. Just remember all the startegies you ‘ve planned to give the exam. You are on the right path to success. Keep Going!

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