NABARD Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 162 Posts

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced a recruitment drive for 162 Development Assistant posts in 2026. This is a great opportunity for graduates looking to start a career in rural development and banking. NABARD plays a key role in supporting agriculture and rural areas in India. The recruitment process is simple and fully online.

As per official information, the online application starts on 17 January 2026 and ends on 3 February 2026. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply through the official NABARD website. This article provides all the important details about the recruitment process, eligibility, selection stages, and how to apply.

Overview of the Notification / jobs/results/">Result / Job

NABARD has released an official notification for the recruitment of Development Assistant and Development Assistant (Hindi) posts. A total of 162 vacancies are available across different states and union territories in India. Out of these, 159 posts are for Development Assistant and 3 posts are for Development Assistant (Hindi).

The recruitment is being conducted to fill positions in various regional offices of NABARD. Candidates will be selected based on their performance in online exams and a language proficiency test. The job offers a good salary and career growth opportunities in the banking sector.

Detail	Information
Organization	National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
Post Name	Development Assistant / Development Assistant (Hindi)
Total Vacancies	162 (159 Development Assistant + 3 Development Assistant Hindi)
Advertisement Number	08/DA/2025-26
Official Website	www.nabard.org

Important Dates & Timeline

Candidates must keep track of the important dates to avoid missing any deadlines. The online application process starts on 17 January 2026 and closes on 3 February 2026. The preliminary exam is tentatively scheduled for February 2026, but the exact date will be announced later on the official website.

Students are advised to check the official NABARD website regularly for updates on exam dates, admit card release, and other important announcements. Missing any deadline may result in the rejection of the application.

Event	Date
Online Application Start Date	17 January 2026
Online Application End Date	3 February 2026
Preliminary Exam (Tentative)	February 2026
Main Exam (Tentative)	To be announced
Language Proficiency Test (LPT)	To be announced

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by NABARD. The criteria include educational qualifications, age limit, and language proficiency. Only those who fulfill all the requirements will be considered for the selection process.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. The minimum marks required are 50% for general category candidates. However, SC, ST, PWBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates need only a pass class (no minimum percentage required).

Additionally, candidates must have basic computer knowledge. This means they should be familiar with using computers, the internet, and basic software like MS Office.

Age Limit

The minimum age to apply is 21 years, and the maximum age is 35 years as on 1 January 2026. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories as per government rules.

Category	Age Relaxation
SC/ST	5 years
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)	3 years
PWBD (General)	10 years
PWBD (OBC)	13 years
PWBD (SC/ST)	15 years
Ex-Servicemen	Actual period of service + 3 years

Language Proficiency

Candidates must be proficient in the official language of the state or union territory they are applying for. This means they should be able to read, write, and speak the local language fluently. The language proficiency test (LPT) will be conducted for candidates who qualify in the main exam.

Application / Checking Process (Step-by-Step)

Applying for the NABARD Development Assistant post is a simple online process. Candidates must follow the steps carefully to avoid mistakes. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying online:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to the official NABARD website: www.nabard.org. Look for the “Careers” or “Recruitment” section on the homepage.

Step 2: Read the Official Notification

Download and read the official notification PDF carefully. It contains all the important details about eligibility, vacancies, and the selection process. Make sure you meet all the requirements before applying.

Step 3: Register Online

Click on the “Apply Online” link. You will be redirected to the registration page. Fill in your basic details like name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number. A registration number and password will be sent to your email and mobile.

Step 4: Fill the Application Form

Log in using your registration number and password. Fill in the application form with your personal details, educational qualifications, and work experience (if any). Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required documents.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the application fee online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking. The fee details are as follows:

Category	Application Fee
General / OBC / EWS	Rs. 800
SC / ST / PWBD / Ex-Servicemen	Rs. 50

Step 6: Submit the Application

Review all the details carefully before submitting the form. Once submitted, you will not be able to make any changes. Take a printout of the application form and fee receipt for future reference.

Selection Process / Evaluation Method

The selection process for the NABARD Development Assistant post consists of three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Language Proficiency Test (LPT). Candidates must qualify in each stage to move to the next one.

Preliminary Exam

The preliminary exam is the first stage of the selection process. It is an online objective test with multiple-choice questions. The exam consists of three sections: Reasoning, English Language, and Numerical Ability. The total duration of the exam is 60 minutes.

Section	Number of Questions	Marks
Reasoning	35	35
English Language	30	30
Numerical Ability	35	35
Total	100	100

Main Exam

Candidates who qualify in the preliminary exam will be called for the main exam. The main exam is also an online objective test but is more comprehensive. It consists of four sections: Reasoning, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. The total duration of the exam is 90 minutes.

Section	Number of Questions	Marks
Reasoning	40	40
English Language	40	40
Quantitative Aptitude	40	40
General Awareness	40	40
Total	160	200

Language Proficiency Test (LPT)

The final stage of the selection process is the Language Proficiency Test (LPT). This test is conducted to ensure that candidates are proficient in the official language of the state or union territory they have applied for. The LPT is qualifying in nature, and candidates must pass it to be considered for final selection.

Documents Required

Candidates must keep the following documents ready before applying for the NABARD Development Assistant post. These documents will be required during the application process and at later stages of selection.

For Online Application

• Scanned copy of passport-sized photograph (20 KB to 50 KB)
• Scanned copy of signature (10 KB to 20 KB)
• Valid email ID and mobile number
• Educational certificates (degree, mark sheets, etc.)
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• Ex-Servicemen certificate (if applicable)

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For Verification at Later Stages

• Printout of the application form
• Fee payment receipt
• Photo ID proof (Aadhar card, PAN card, voter ID, etc.)
• Original educational certificates
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer (if employed)

Salary / Benefits / Career Scope (if job-related)

The NABARD Development Assistant post offers a good salary and several benefits. The starting basic pay is Rs. 20,700 per month. The gross salary, including allowances, is approximately Rs. 46,500 per month. This may vary slightly depending on the location of posting.

Salary Structure

Component	Amount (Rs.)
Basic Pay	20,700
Dearness Allowance (DA)	Varies (as per government rules)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)	Varies (as per location)
Transport Allowance	Included in gross salary
Gross Salary (Approx.)	46,500

Benefits

• Job security in a government organization
• Opportunities for career growth and promotions
• Medical benefits for self and family
• Pension and retirement benefits
• Paid leave and holidays
• Work-life balance

Career Scope

NABARD is a prestigious organization that offers excellent career growth opportunities. As a Development Assistant, you will gain valuable experience in rural development, banking, and finance. With hard work and dedication, you can rise to higher positions within NABARD or other government banks.

Important Rules & Guidelines

Candidates must follow the rules and guidelines set by NABARD to avoid disqualification. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

General Rules

• Only one application per candidate is allowed. Multiple applications will be rejected.
• Candidates must provide accurate and truthful information. Any false information may lead to disqualification.
• The application fee is non-refundable.
• Candidates must keep their registration number and password safe for future use.
• Admit cards will be available for download from the official website. No hard copies will be sent by post.

Exam Guidelines

• Candidates must carry a valid photo ID proof and admit card to the exam center.
• Electronic devices like mobile phones, calculators, and smartwatches are not allowed in the exam hall.
• Candidates must follow the dress code specified by NABARD (if any).
• Latecomers will not be allowed to enter the exam hall.
• Candidates must follow all instructions given by the invigilators during the exam.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many candidates make mistakes while applying for government jobs, which can lead to rejection. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

During Application

• Not reading the official notification carefully.
• Providing incorrect personal or educational details.
• Uploading unclear or incorrect documents.
• Missing the application deadline.
• Not paying the application fee on time.

During Exam Preparation

• Not understanding the exam pattern and syllabus.
• Ignoring the importance of time management during the exam.
• Not practicing with mock tests and previous year papers.
• Focusing only on one section and neglecting others.
• Not revising important topics before the exam.

During the Exam

• Not reading the questions carefully before answering.
• Spending too much time on difficult questions.
• Making guesses without eliminating wrong options.
• Not managing time properly between sections.
• Not following the instructions given in the exam.

Who Should Apply / Check This?

The NABARD Development Assistant recruitment is ideal for candidates who meet the following criteria:

Ideal Candidates

• Graduates in any discipline looking for a stable government job.
• Candidates interested in rural development and banking.
• Those who want to work in a prestigious organization like NABARD.
• Candidates with basic computer knowledge and language proficiency.
• Individuals seeking a good salary and career growth opportunities.

Who Should Not Apply

• Candidates who do not meet the eligibility criteria.
• Those who are not comfortable with online exams.
• Individuals who cannot fulfill the language proficiency requirement.
• Candidates looking for higher-level positions (this is an entry-level post).

How to Use the Official Website {official website}

The official NABARD website (www.nabard.org) is the primary source of information for this recruitment. Here is how to use it effectively:

Finding the Recruitment Section

• Visit the official website and look for the “Careers” or “Recruitment” tab on the homepage.
• Click on the link to find the latest recruitment notifications.
• Search for the “NABARD Development Assistant Recruitment 2026” notification.

Downloading the Notification

• Click on the notification link to open the PDF.
• Read the notification carefully to understand the eligibility, vacancies, and selection process.
• Save or print the notification for future reference.

Applying Online

• Click on the “Apply Online” link provided in the notification.
• Register by providing your basic details and creating a login ID and password.
• Fill in the application form, upload documents, and pay the fee.
• Submit the form and take a printout for your records.

Checking Updates

• Regularly visit the official website for updates on exam dates, admit cards, and results.
• Check your email and mobile for notifications from NABARD.
• Do not rely on unofficial sources for information.

Official Links & Verification

Always use the official links provided by NABARD for verification and application. Here are the important links:

Purpose	Link
Official Website	www.nabard.org
Notification PDF	Available on the official website (check “Careers” section)
Apply Online	Link available on the official website
Admit Card Download	Link will be provided on the official website
Result Declaration	Link will be provided on the official website

NABARD Development Assistant Recruitment 2026: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the recruitment for?
NABARD has announced a recruitment drive to fill 162 vacancies for the post of Development Assistant.

2. Where is the official notification?
The complete and official details are available in the official notification PDF. Candidates must refer to it on the NABARD website for all accurate information regarding eligibility, syllabus, and exam pattern.

3. What are the important dates for the application process?

• Online Application Start Date: 17th January 2026
• Online Application End Date: 3rd February 2026
  Candidates must apply within this window. No applications will be accepted after the closing date.

4. How can I apply for these posts?
Applications will be accepted only online.

• Visit the official NABARD website: https://www.nabard.org/
• Look for the career/recruitment section and find the link for “Recruitment for Development Assistant Posts”.
• Register, fill out the online application form, upload required documents (photograph, signature, etc.), and pay the application fee.

5. Is there an official website for all updates?
Yes. The only official website for this recruitment is nabard.org. All updates, notifications, and the application link will be hosted here. Beware of unofficial portals.

6. When will the online application link be active?
The online application link will become active and available on the website starting from 17th January 2026.

7. What should I do before the application starts?
You should:

• Carefully read the official notification PDF.
• Check your eligibility criteria (Educational Qualification, Age Limit, etc.).
• Keep scanned copies of your documents (photo, signature, certificates) ready as per the specifications mentioned in the notification.
• Have a valid email ID and mobile number for registration.

8. What happens if I miss the last date?
The deadline of 3rd February 2026 is final. Applications will not be accepted after this date under any circumstances. It is advisable not to wait until the last day to avoid technical issues or last-minute rush.

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. The details provided are based on the official notification released by NABARD. However, candidates are advised to verify all information from the official website before applying.

NABARD reserves the right to make changes to the recruitment process, eligibility criteria, or important dates. The organization is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this article. Candidates should rely only on the official notification for accurate information.

For the latest updates, always check the official NABARD website: www.nabard.org.