The NABARD Grade A Phase II (Mains) Descriptive English examination was conducted on 25 January 2026. The paper tested candidates on analytical writing, policy awareness, comprehension skills, and formal communication, with a strong emphasis on agriculture, sustainability, and economic development.
Below is the ACTUAL question paper of NABARD Grade A Mains 2025 – Descriptive English, reproduced for the benefit of aspirants preparing for future NABARD, RBI, SEBI, and other regulatory examinations.
📘 NABARD Grade A Mains 2025 – Descriptive English Paper Overview
- Exam Date: 25 January 2026
- Paper: Descriptive English
- Total Marks: 100
- Mode: Online (Typing-based)
- Time Duration: 90 Minutes
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 40 |
| Precis Writing | 30 |
| Letter Writing | 30 |
📝 Essay Writing
(40 Marks | Suggested Word Limit: 500–520 words)
Instructions:
Attempt ONE of the following questions.
Your essay should be well-structured, analytical, and relevant to the Indian context, with a clear introduction, logical development of ideas, and a concise conclusion.
Maintain a formal, analytical, and policy-oriented tone.
Avoid generic narration; focus on Indian challenges, reforms, and solutions.
Stick strictly to the prescribed word limit.
Essay Questions Asked
Q1. Manufacturing and National Prosperity
Manufacturing is important for a nation’s prosperity.
Explain how India can bolster its manufacturing sector to achieve:
- Sustainable economic growth
- Employment generation
- Global competitiveness
Q2. Farm Subsidies in India
Farm subsidies play a significant role in India’s agricultural economy.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of farm subsidies in India, with suitable examples.
Q3. Agrivoltaics and Agriculture
Agrivoltaics is an emerging innovation that integrates solar energy generation with agricultural activities.
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of agrivoltaics for India, particularly in the context of:
- Farmers’ income
- Land use efficiency
- Sustainability
Q4. Role of Startups
Startups are increasingly being seen as drivers of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Discuss how startups can boost innovation and entrepreneurship in India, highlighting their role in:
- Economic development
- Social development
📝 Precis Writing
(30 Marks | Word Limit: 120 words + Suitable Title)
Instruction:
Write a precis of the given passage in 120 words and provide a suitable title.
Passage (As Given in the Exam)
Peru possesses one of the most diverse agricultural systems in Latin America due to its varied geography spanning coastal plains, Andean highlands, and the Amazon basin. Agriculture contributes significantly to rural employment and food security, while also supporting export earnings. Major crops grown in Peru include potatoes, maize, rice, quinoa, coffee, cocoa, sugarcane, and cotton. The country is one of the world’s leading producers of potatoes and quinoa, with thousands of native varieties cultivated by small farmers in the highlands. Along the arid coastal region, irrigation-based farming enables the large-scale production of export-oriented crops such as grapes, avocados, asparagus, blueberries, and citrus fruits. Livestock farming, including cattle, sheep, alpaca, and poultry, also plays an important role in rural livelihoods, particularly in mountainous regions.
Despite its agricultural diversity, Peru faces growing challenges due to climate change. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are disrupting traditional farming cycles. Glacial retreat in the Andes has reduced the availability of freshwater for irrigation, threatening both subsistence and commercial agriculture. Coastal areas are increasingly vulnerable to floods and droughts linked to El Niño events, which damage crops, degrade soil quality, and cause significant yield losses. In the highlands, frost, hailstorms, and shifting rainfall patterns affect staple crops such as potatoes and maize, undermining food security for smallholders.
Climate change also accelerates the spread of pests and plant diseases, increasing production costs and reducing farm incomes. Small and marginal farmers, who rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture, are the most affected due to limited access to technology, insurance, and climate-resilient inputs. Although Peru has initiated adaptation measures such as improved irrigation systems, climate-smart farming practices, and crop diversification, implementation remains uneven. Addressing climate risks through investment in resilient infrastructure, research, and farmer support is essential to sustain Peru’s agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. Strengthening early warning systems, expanding crop insurance coverage, promoting farmer education, and integrating indigenous knowledge with modern science can enhance resilience. Coordinated action between government agencies, local communities, and international partners will be critical to ensure that Peru’s agriculture adapts effectively while continuing to support economic stability and social well-being in the decades ahead for future generations globally.
✉️ Letter Writing
(30 Marks | Suggested Word Limit: 220 words)
Instructions:
Attempt ONE of the following questions.
Follow the standard formal letter format.
Maintain a polite, official, and solution-oriented tone.
Avoid informal language and unnecessary details.
Letter Questions Asked
Q1. Complaint Regarding Newspaper Delivery
You have subscribed to a daily newspaper, but you have not been receiving it on a regular basis.
Write a letter of complaint to the media company highlighting the issue and requesting prompt resolution.
Q2. Issues Faced by Factory Workers
You are aware of several problems being faced by workers in a factory, including issues related to working conditions and welfare.
Write a letter to the head of the factory describing the problems faced by the workers and suggesting suitable solutions.
Q3. Delay in Vendor Supply
You are working as an employee in the General Administration Department of a company.
An order placed with a vendor has not yet been delivered, causing operational inconvenience.
Write a formal letter to the vendor regarding the delay and requesting immediate action.
🎯 Why This Paper Is Important for Aspirants
The NABARD Grade A 2025 Descriptive English paper clearly indicates:
- Strong focus on agriculture, sustainability, and policy awareness
- Preference for balanced, analytical answers over generic narration
- Importance of structure, clarity, and word discipline
This actual paper serves as a benchmark for aspirants preparing for:
- NABARD Grade A
- RBI Grade A / B
- SEBI Grade A
- IRDAI Assistant Manager