The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has officially launched the online application portal for its highly anticipated Young Professional Program for the 2025–26 cycle. This initiative aims to recruit dynamic individuals on a contractual basis, offering them a unique platform to engage in critical policy research, program evaluation, and strategic projects within the vital sectors of agriculture and rural development.
Key Details and Important Dates for Applicants
The application process is exclusively online and must be completed through the official NABARD website at nabard.org. The bank will not accept applications through any other mode. The registration window is now open and will remain active from December 26, 2025, to January 12, 2026. The final date for both application submission and fee payment is January 12, 2026.
Disciplines and Vacancy Distribution
NABARD has announced a total of 44 vacancies spread across a diverse range of modern and traditional disciplines. This reflects the institution's evolving focus areas. The openings are available in the following fields:
- Climate Action and Sustainability
- Economics
- Data Science
- Cyber Security
- Academic Administration
- Graphic Designing
- Public Relations, Outreach and Documentation
- Information Technology
- Geoinformatics
- Development Management
- Project Monitoring
- Finance
- User Interface and User Experience Designing
- Software Testing
Selected candidates will be posted at the NABARD Head Office in Mumbai or at various regional offices located in different states across India.
Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process
Prospective candidates must carefully review the eligibility conditions before applying. The applicant must be an Indian citizen aged between 21 and 30 years as of November 1, 2025. It is mandatory to possess the required educational qualifications and relevant work experience specific to the chosen discipline. Furthermore, the final results for the necessary qualification must have been declared on or before November 1, 2025. A candidate is permitted to apply for only one discipline and one preferred location.
The selection will be a two-stage rigorous process. Initially, applications will be screened based on academic records, professional experience, and the overall profile. Shortlisted candidates will then be called for an interview, which will include a presentation, conducted by a dedicated selection committee. These interviews will take place at the respective NABARD regional offices.
Program Duration, Stipend, and How to Apply
The engagement under the NABARD Young Professional Program is for a period of one year. However, based on organizational requirements and the individual's performance, this contract can be extended for up to a maximum of three years. For their contribution, selected professionals will receive a handsome monthly stipend of Rs. 70,000, which is inclusive of all components.
To apply online, candidates should follow these steps:
- Visit the official NABARD website: www.nabard.org.
- Navigate to the 'Careers' or 'Career Notices' section.
- Click on the notification link for the 'NABARD Young Professional Program 2025'.
- Select 'Apply Online' and proceed with 'New Registration'.
- Enter basic details to generate a registration number and password.
- Upload all required documents, including photograph, signature, thumb impression, a handwritten declaration, and resume.
- Pay the application fee through the provided online gateway.
- Submit the completed application form.
- Download and save copies of the application form and fee receipt for future reference.
All interested and eligible graduates are encouraged to seize this excellent opportunity to build a career with a premier national institution. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official NABARD website for any updates or modifications to the recruitment process.
