The NABARD exam takes place in three stages – stage 1 is the prelim round which takes place in MCQ style, stage 2 is the descriptive round and after getting selected in both exams, the candidate gets the opportunity to go through the interview round. The interview round questions can be divided into two types.
Nabard Grade A/B interview
Profile based questions:
Profile based questions are those questions that are asked to understand the candidate’s preferences, lifestyle, hobbies, etc. Some questions related to this type are given below:
- Introduce yourself
- How many languages do you know?
- Why do you want to work for NABARD?
- Wy do you want to join NABARD?
- What is your strength?
- What is your weakness?
- Why should we select you?
- Ten years down the line, where do you see yourself?
- Why do you choose banking as your career?
- What are your interests and hobbies?
These questions are the introductory questions which are asked at the beginning of the interview to help the candidate to be at ease with the interviewers. But these questions are very minimal and are asked to the candidate only to set the mood.
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Knowledge based questions
These questions are asked to test the knowledge of the candidate in various fields related to the workings of NABARD. These questions give an insight to the interviewers about the depth of knowledge possessed by the candidates and the amount of preparation done by them. Some of the questions asked can be as follows:
- What measures can be taken to reduce farmers’ distress?
- What measures can be taken for rural development?
- What is disinvestment?
- What is fiscal deficit?
- What is national income?
- What do you mean by National Rural Employment Guarantee Act?
- Which organization controls the monetary policy of our country?
- Which scheme is now merged with National Food for Work scheme?
- What do you know about FI, FII and FDI? What is the difference between FII and FDI?
- What are mutual funds?
- What s cheque?
- What is demand draft?
- Tell something about the history of NABARD.
- What is SENSEX and NIFTY?
- What is repo rate?
- What is the difference between cheque and demand draft?
- What is money laundering?
- What are the functions of NABARD?
- What is reverse repo rate?
- What is CRR rate?
As is evident from the questions above, some are basic economic terms while others are advanced concepts related to banking and agricultural sectors. A thorough preparation of both the basics as well as advanced knowledge of concepts is mandatory to answer these questions.
Personality Tips for Interview Round
As the saying goes, “The first impression is the best impression”. Apart from knowledge about the related subjects, a pleasing overall personality is required to make a good impression on the interviewers. The tips given below covers almost all the required aspects of a candidate’s personality:
- Respect Time: The first way to create a good impression is to be punctual. Arrive at the venue on time since it will also reduce unnecessary tension and reduce forgetfulness.
- Be on your Best Behavior: When answering questions, be polite even when you do not agree with what is said. Good manners help a long way as it gives an impression of being obedient and cultured.
- Maintain Posture: A good body language provides the right non-verbal signals. Good posture with a straight back is the norm for formal interviews which send out positive vibes.
- Maintain Dress Code: Dress formally and appropriately to be in your comfort zone. If possible, wear something in white as it is a neutral color that spreads positivity and peace.
- Accept Your Shortcomings: If you do not know an answer to any question posed, instead of making excuses, just accept that you do not know the answer. This shows that you can take responsibility for your shortcomings and work on them.
- Make your Introduction Detailed: Do not give clipped answers as it will put off the interviewer. Talk more especially when asked about your background, family, interests, etc. Talking more will give a hint of openness about yourself.
- Think Twice Before Answering: Be aware of the questions asked and make sure to give as correct answers as possible. Some questions might be twisted or confusing so it imperative that the candidate is as vigilant as possible while answering.
General Information
The weightage of the interview round is 40 marks for grade B officers. The total marks gained by the candidate will be an aggregate of the prelims, mains and the interview round. Sometimes, the interview will not be more than 15 to 20 minutes while sometimes it might drag to around half an hour.
Preparation Tips for Nabard grade A/B interviews
Preparation for profile-based questions:
Be prepared for questions about family background, residence and location, hobbies, interests, like and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, etc. Sometimes these questions might be intrusive, but they are asked only to know more about your self and you as a person.
Preparation for knowledge-based questions
Questions can be asked from the course you previously read, or the course you are currently in. Prepare you academic related subjects thoroughly as when they ask questions about your favourite subjects, you must be able to answer them. Questions can be anticipated with your academic history. If you are related to banking, questions can be asked in-depth about the latest trends in the field. If not, personal questions like, “why do you want a career in banking?” can be asked as it bridges the gap between your academics and the career you are choosing.
Conclusion
The preparation for prelims and mains is sufficient to be up to date with current trends. Questions asked in the interview round will mostly be problem solving questions or current affairs. Questions will be related to banking or agricultural fields as the bank mainly deals in those sectors. Preparing yourself with the tips and questions given in this article will help in preparation.