A new opportunity has been announced for young candidates interested in working with India’s rural development sector. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has opened applications for the Young Professional Programme 2025–26. This engagement is offered on a contract basis and applications are accepted only through online mode on the official website nabard.org.
Interested candidates should complete the application process within the given timeline, as no offline forms will be accepted.
What Is the NABARD Young Professional Programme?
The Young Professional Programme is designed for candidates who want practical exposure while working with NABARD. The initial contract period is one year. Based on performance and organisational needs, the contract may be extended further, up to a maximum of three years.
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of ₹70,000 during the contract period.
Vacancy Details and Age Limit
For the 2025–26 cycle, NABARD has announced 44 vacancies across different locations in India.
The age requirements are:
- Minimum age: 21 years
- Maximum age: 30 years
Only candidates whose educational results were declared on or before 1 November 2025 will be considered eligible. Detailed qualification requirements for each discipline are available on the official website.
Selection Process for Young Professional Programme
The selection will be carried out in two stages.
Stage 1: Application Screening
Applications will be reviewed by a committee. Shortlisting will be based on:
- Academic record
- Relevant work experience
- Overall profile
- Statement of intent
Stage 2: Interview and Presentation
Shortlisted candidates will appear before the Young Professional Selection Committee. This stage includes a presentation followed by an interview.
Before final engagement, selected candidates must complete a medical fitness check through doctors appointed by NABARD.
How to Apply for NABARD Young Professional 2025–26
Candidates can submit their application by following these steps:
- Visit the official website nabard.org
- Open the link related to Young Professional Programme 2025–26
- Read all eligibility conditions and instructions carefully
- Fill in academic, personal, and professional details in the online form
- Select preferred location and discipline
- Upload required documents as instructed
- Pay the application fee through online mode
- Submit the form and download a copy for reference
Applications submitted through any other method will not be accepted.
Important Dates to Remember
Here are the key dates related to the application process:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of online application | 26 December 2025 |
| Last date to apply | 12 January 2026 |
| Last date to edit application | 12 January 2026 |
| Last date to print application | 27 January 2026 |
| Online fee payment period | 26 December 2025 to 12 January 2026 |
Candidates are advised to complete all steps well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Conclusion
The NABARD Young Professional Programme 2025–26 is a useful opportunity for young candidates looking to gain experience with a national-level financial institution. With 44 vacancies, a fixed monthly stipend, and a clear selection process, interested applicants should review the eligibility conditions carefully and apply online before 12 January 2026 through the official NABARD website.
