NABARD Young Professional Program 2025-26: A Gateway to a Career in Rural Development
India's apex development bank invites applications for its prestigious Young Professionals program on a contractual basis. Apply online from December 26, 2025, to January 12, 2026.
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), an all-India apex organization fully owned by the Government of India, has released its much-awaited notification (Advertisement No. 07) for the engagement of Young Professionals (YPs) for the 2025-26 cycle. This program is a unique opportunity for young, dynamic, and qualified individuals to gain invaluable exposure to policy research, program evaluation, and strategic initiatives in the critical sectors of rural development and agricultural finance. The engagement is purely on a contractual basis, designed to nurture talent and provide a launchpad for a successful career in development banking and policy-making.
NABARD, as the country's leading development financial institution, plays a pivotal role in shaping the rural economy. The Young Professional Program is designed to bring fresh perspectives and specialized skills into the organization. YPs will get the chance to work at NABARD's Head Office in Mumbai as well as in various Regional Offices across the country, contributing to diverse fields such as Climate Action, Data Science, Finance, Information Technology, and more. The application process is entirely online through the official NABARD website, www.nabard.org, and will be open from December 26, 2025, to January 12, 2026. This article provides a comprehensive guide to all essential aspects of the program, including vacancies, eligibility, selection process, and remuneration.
Important Points
This is a contractual engagement with one of India's premier financial institutions, offering a chance to work on impactful projects across the country. Key dates and details are as follows:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) |
| Program Name | NABARD Young Professional Program (On Contract) - 2025-26 |
| Job Type | Contractual (Full-time basis for 1 year, extendable up to 3 years) |
| Job Location | Mumbai (Head Office) and various other state capitals/cities in India |
| Online Application & Fee Payment Dates | From 26 December 2025 to 12 January 2026 |
Vacancy Details
NABARD has announced vacancies for Young Professionals across 14 different disciplines. Candidates are permitted to apply for **only one discipline/location**. The discipline-wise vacancies and their suggested places of posting are detailed below:
| Discipline | Total Vacancy | Location-wise Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Action & Sustainability | 3 | Head Office, Mumbai (1); Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow (1); Himachal Pradesh, Shimla (1) |
| Economics | 3 | Head Office, Mumbai (2); Jharkhand, Ranchi (1) |
| Data Science | 4 | Head Office, Mumbai (3); Uttarakhand, Dehradun (1) |
| Cyber Security | 1 | Head Office, Mumbai (1) |
| Academic Administration | 2 | Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow (1); Karnataka, Mangaluru (1) |
| Graphic Designing | 1 | Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow (1) |
| PR, Outreach and Documentation | 2 | Head Office, Mumbai (1); Assam, Guwahati (1) |
| Information Technology | 12 | Head Office, Mumbai (9); Assam, Guwahati (1); Mizoram, Aizawl (1); West Bengal, Kolkata (1) |
| Geoinformatics | 1 | Himachal Pradesh, Shimla (1) |
| Development Management | 3 | Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow (1); New Delhi (2) |
| Project Monitoring | 4 | Head Office, Mumbai (1); Tamil Nadu, Chennai (2); Haryana, Chandigarh (1) |
| Finance | 6 | Head Office, Mumbai (6) |
| UI/UX Designing | 1 | Head Office, Mumbai (1) |
| Software Testing | 1 | Head Office, Mumbai (1) |
| Total Vacancies (Approx.) | 43+ |
Remuneration and Application Fee
- Monthly Stipend: Young Professionals will be paid a consolidated monthly stipend of ₹70,000/- (all-inclusive). Applicable income tax will be deducted at the source.
- Application Fee: The Application Fee cum Intimation Charges (exclusive of GST) for the post is Rs. 150/-. The fee is non-refundable.
This program provides an excellent entry-point remuneration for young professionals looking to gain experience in the development sector.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the program, candidates must satisfy the eligibility criteria regarding educational qualification, work experience, age, and nationality as of November 1, 2025.
| Criteria | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification & Work Experience | Candidates must possess the required educational qualification and work experience for their chosen discipline as detailed in Annexure-I of the official notification. The final result of the required qualification must have been declared on or before 01-11-2025. A brief overview for some disciplines:
|
| Age & Nationality |
|
Selection Process
The selection will be a direct, two-step process aimed at identifying candidates with the right academic background, relevant experience, and aptitude for the role. There is no written examination.
- Application Screening: All applications received will be placed before a Screening Committee. Candidates will be screened and shortlisted for the interview based on a matrix of identified indicators. These indicators include academic performance, relevance of work experience, overall profile of the candidate, and the statement of intent provided in the application.
- Interview: The shortlisted applications will be placed before the Young Professional Selection Committee (YPSC). The final selection will be based on the combined marks obtained in a Presentation and Interview conducted by the YPSC. Candidates will be interviewed at the respective NABARD Regional Offices for which the vacancies have been announced. Travel expenses (2AC rail fare) may be reimbursed for attending the interview.
- Medical Fitness: Appointment of selected applicants is subject to their being declared medically fit by a Medical Officer approved by the Bank.
Exam Pattern
There is no written examination for the NABARD Young Professional Program. The selection is based on shortlisting of applications followed by an interview and presentation. Therefore, candidates do not need to prepare for a specific exam pattern or syllabus. The focus of preparation should be on the interview and the presentation topic (which may be given on the spot or in advance).
PET
There is no Physical Efficiency Test (PET) or Physical Standard Test (PST) required for any of these posts. These are professional, office-based roles.
How to Prepare
Since the selection hinges on the application and interview, your preparation should be focused and strategic.
- Craft an Excellent Application: Your application is your first impression.
- Resume/CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date, professional, and highlights your achievements, especially those relevant to the discipline you are applying for.
- Statement of Intent: This is a critical component. Write a compelling statement that clearly articulates your motivation for joining the program, your understanding of rural development, and how your skills can contribute to NABARD's objectives.
- Prepare for the Interview and Presentation:
- Domain Knowledge: Thoroughly revise the core concepts of your graduation/post-graduation discipline. Be prepared for in-depth technical questions.
- About NABARD: Research NABARD's functions, recent schemes, flagship programs (e.g., RIDF, SHG-BLP), and its role in the rural economy.
- Current Affairs: Stay updated with current events, especially related to agriculture, rural development, banking, and the Indian economy.
- Presentation Skills: Practice your presentation skills. Be prepared to speak on a topic related to your domain or a current issue in rural development. Structure your presentation logically and communicate your ideas clearly.
Best Books for Preparation
While there's no written test, staying informed and knowledgeable is key for the interview. Here are some recommended resources:
|
How to Apply
Candidates can apply online only from December 26, 2025, to January 12, 2026. The application process involves registration, fee payment, and document upload.
- Visit the NABARD website www.nabard.org and navigate to "Career Notices". Click on the option "APPLY ONLINE" for the Young Professional Program.
- Choose the tab "Click here for New Registration" and enter your Name, Contact details, and Email ID. A Provisional Registration Number and Password will be generated.
- Log in and carefully fill the online application form. Save your data using the "SAVE AND NEXT" tab if you cannot complete the form in one go.
- Upload your scanned photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and a handwritten declaration as per the specified guidelines.
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 150/- (plus GST) through the online payment gateway.
- Verify all details in the preview before clicking on 'COMPLETE REGISTRATION'. Once submitted, no changes can be made. Take a printout of the e-receipt and the final application form.
Documents Needed to Apply
Before applying online, candidates should scan and keep ready the following documents as per the specifications given in the advertisement:
- Photograph (4.5cm × 3.5cm)
- Signature (with black ink)
- Left thumb impression (on white paper with black or blue ink)
- A handwritten declaration in English only: "I, _______ (Name of the candidate), hereby declare that all the information submitted by me in the application form is correct, true and valid. I will present the supporting documents as and when required."
- Latest C.V./Resume in .pdf format (up to 500 KB).
Important Links
| Link Type | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Download from Official Website |
| Candidate Grievance Portal | https://cgrs.ibps.in/ |
FAQs
- Question 1: Is this a permanent government job?
No, this is a contractual engagement for an initial period of one year, which can be extended up to a maximum of three years based on performance and organizational requirements.
- Question 2: Is there a written exam for this recruitment?
No, the selection is based on screening of applications followed by an interview and presentation. There is no written test.
- Question 3: Can I apply for more than one discipline?
No, a candidate is permitted to apply for only one discipline/location. Multiple applications will lead to the cancellation of candidature.
- Question 4: What is the monthly salary for a Young Professional?
The Young Professional will be paid a consolidated monthly stipend of ₹70,000/- (all-inclusive).
