NABARD SO Notification 2025-26 Out, Download PDF

The NABARD Specialist Officer recruitment notification on a contractual basis was released on 19th December 2025, and the online application process has already started. NABARD, an all-India apex organization fully owned by the Government of India, is an equal opportunity employer. This recruitment is for 17 vacancies across various departments, including RMD, RMSMED, DOR, DDMABI, DIT, and DEAR, at NABARD’s Head Office in Mumbai.

Candidates interested to apply online must be an Indian citizen with the required qualifications and experience can apply only online between 19th December to 2nd January 2026. In this blog, we have provided all the details related to the NABARD Grade A recruitment, such as the application dates, eligibility criteria, selection posts, and more.

When will the NABARD SO notification has been released?

The NABARD Specialist Officer (SO) notification was released on 19th December 2025 for the recruitment of 17 Specialists across various departments on a contractual basis. The initial contract term for the selected specialists is 2 years from the date of appointment, which can be extended annually for up to 3 more years, subject to review, but the total duration will not exceed 5 years. The Bank or the specialist can terminate the contract by giving a one-month notice.

Download the NABARD SO notification PDF

The NABARD SO notification PDF has been released, and candidates interested in applying for the specialist officer post must go through the detailed notification PDF carefully, as NABARD will consider the information provided in the online application, along with the applicable fee, for shortlisting and will verify eligibility at the stage of the interview or joining. If any information is found to be false or if a candidate does not meet the eligibility requirements, their candidature will be cancelled, and they will not be allowed to appear for the interview or join the post.

Download the NABARD SO Notification PDF

What is the term of service under the NABARD SO recruitment on a contractual basis?

The term of service for specialists recruited under the NABARD SO contractual recruitment is initially 2 years from the date of appointment. This term can be extended for up to 3 additional years, subject to annual review, but the total engagement cannot exceed 5 years. The Bank may terminate the contract at any time, usually with one month’s notice, and similarly, a specialist can also end the contract by giving a one-month notice.

If the notice period is not served, the specialist must pay an amount equivalent to the pay for that period. Additionally, NABARD reserves the right to modify the recruitment terms or suspend the engagement without providing a reason. This arrangement can be thought of as a “2+3” model a guaranteed two-year term with the possibility of yearly extensions up to three more years, depending on performance and requirements.

The important dates related to the NABARD SO recruitment are the application start date, the last date to apply online, the eligibility criteria reference date, and the fee payment window. The online application process begins on 19 December 2025 and the last date to submit the online application is on 2nd January 2026, while the eligibility of candidates, including educational qualifications and experience, is considered as of 01 December 2025. NABARD may revise these dates if necessary, and any updates or corrigenda will be published only on the Bank’s official website.

How many vacancies has been released for the NABARD SO post?

A total of 17 vacancies have been released for the NABARD Specialist Officer (SO) positions on a contractual basis at the Head Office in Mumbai. These vacancies are spread across various departments, including RMD, RMSMED, DOR, DDMABI, DIT, and DEAR, with the majority of positions reserved under the Unreserved (UR) category. Each role requires specialized skills and experience, ranging from risk management and data analytics to IT and financial analysis.

How to fill the online application form for the post of NABARD SO?

The NABARD Specialist Officer (SO) application process is completely online and must be completed between 19th December 2025 and 2nd January 2026. Candidates should follow these steps carefully to ensure successful submission:

• Registration: Visit the NABARD website (nabard.org), go to “Career Notices,” and click “APPLY HERE.” Select “Click here for New Registration” and enter your name, contact details, and email ID.
• Credentials: A Provisional Registration Number and Password will be generated and sent via email and SMS.
• Data Entry: Fill the application form using the “SAVE AND NEXT” feature to complete it in multiple sessions if needed. Once Complete Registration is clicked, no modifications are allowed.
• Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of the required documents (photograph, signature, left thumb impression, handwritten declaration, and CV/resume) following the Bank’s size and format requirements.
• Final Preview: Use the Preview Tab to verify all details and clarity of uploaded images before final submission.

NABARD SO online application form link

The NABARD SO notification has been released, and the application window is now active. The direct link to apply for the NABARD SO is provided below.

Apply Online for the NABARD SO

What is the application fee for NABARD SO?

The application fee for NABARD SO positions consists of the application fee and intimation charges, exclusive of GST. Payment is integrated into the online application form and can be made via Debit/Credit Cards, Internet Banking, IMPS, or Mobile Wallets.

After successful payment, an e-Receipt is generated, which along with the application form, should be saved for future reference. If the e-Receipt is not generated, it indicates a failed payment, and the process must be repeated.

*Exclusive of GST

What is the eligibility criteria to appear for the NABARD SO posts?

The eligibility criteria for the NABARD Specialist Officer (SO) post ensure that candidates meet the right combination of age, education, nationality, and professional experience to handle specialized roles effectively. NABARD looks for candidates with strong academic backgrounds, relevant work experience, and sector-specific expertise. These criteria vary slightly across different posts based on responsibilities and seniority.

What is the age limit for NABARD SO posts?

The age limit for NABARD SO positions varies depending on the post, ranging generally from 23 to 62 years. For junior positions like Data Scientist, candidates must be at least 23 years old, while senior positions such as Additional Chief Risk Manager may have an upper age limit of 62 years.

What are the educational qualifications required for NABARD SO posts?

Candidates must possess relevant graduate or postgraduate degrees from recognized universities or institutions. Qualifications vary depending on the post: finance and risk roles require degrees in Economics, Finance, Statistics, or Commerce, often supplemented with MBA/PGDBA or professional certifications. Technical positions like Data Scientist or IT Project Manager require engineering or IT degrees, while some roles prefer certifications in AI, Data Science, Risk Management, or professional courses like CA/ICWA/CFA.

What is the nationality requirement for NABARD SO posts?

Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for NABARD SO positions. Candidates must provide proof of nationality during the application and verification process. Valid documents include a passport, Aadhaar card, or other government-issued identity proofs. This ensures compliance with government regulations and NABARD’s internal recruitment policies.

• Eligible: Only Indian citizens
• Proof Required: Passport, Aadhaar, or other government-issued ID
• Non-Indian citizens: Not eligible

What is the required work experience for NABARD SO posts?

Work experience requirements vary based on the post’s seniority and specialization. Most positions require 5–10 years of relevant experience, primarily in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector. Senior posts such as Additional Chief Risk Manager require a minimum of 10 years of experience, with at least 5 years in senior management. Experience in risk management, credit appraisal, operational risk, analytics, IT infrastructure, or rural development is essential depending on the role.

What is the selection process for the NABARD SO posts?

The selection process for the NABARD Specialist Officer (SO) posts is mainly interview-based and focuses on a candidate’s qualifications, relevant work experience, and suitability for the role. Candidates are first shortlisted based on the details provided in their online application, usually in a 1:3 ratio against the number of vacancies.

Shortlisted candidates are then called for an interview conducted by a Selection Committee, whose decision on qualifying standards and final selection is binding. Candidates working in government, PSU, banks, or financial institutions must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of the interview and a relieving letter before joining.

How much is the NABARD SO salary and allowances?

The NABARD Specialist Officer (SO) salary is offered as a consolidated, all-inclusive remuneration, which varies according to the post and level of responsibility. The monthly pay ranges from ₹1.50 lakh to ₹3.85 lakh, while the Data Scientist-cum-BI Developer role carries an annual package of ₹15–21 lakh.

This compensation is subject to Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) and may include a performance-based annual increment of up to 10%, at the Bank’s discretion. While specialists do not receive traditional benefits like PF, pension, or gratuity, they are entitled to leave up to 30 days per year, medical facilities at NABARD’s dispensary, and travelling and halting allowances for official tours.

What is the job profile for NABARD specialist officers across various departments?

NABARD Specialist Officers are engaged across risk management, analytics, rural development, finance, IT, and policy support functions. Their overall role is to provide domain-specific expertise to strengthen NABARD’s regulatory, supervisory, developmental, and operational capabilities. Depending on the post, Specialists handle policy formulation, risk assessment, data analysis, project monitoring, technology implementation, and stakeholder coordination, while ensuring compliance with RBI guidelines, BASEL norms, and NABARD’s developmental objectives.

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Priti Palit, is an accomplished edtech writer with 4+ years of experience in Regulatory Exams and other multiple government exams. With a passion for education and a keen eye for detail, she has contributed significantly to the field of online learning. Priti’s expertise and dedication continue to empower aspiring individuals in their pursuit of success in government examinations.