The NABARD Development Assistant exam syllabus 2026 is designed to test a candidate’s proficiency in core banking subjects and their specific knowledge of rural and agricultural issues. The selection process consists of two online phases: Preliminary and Main Examinations, followed by a Language Proficiency Test (LPT).
NABARD Development Assistant Syllabus 2026
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has initiated its 2026 recruitment drive for Development Assistants. This Group B position is one of the most sought-after entry-level roles in the banking and regulatory sectors, offering candidates the opportunity to contribute to India’s rural and agricultural growth. Recruitment officially begins with 162 total vacancies, and the registration window will open shortly on the official website.
| Organization | National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) |
| Post Name | Development Assistant & Development Assistant (Hindi) |
| Total Vacancies | 162 |
| Category | Group ‘B’ |
| Registration Dates | January 17, 2026, to February 3, 2026 |
| Minimum Education | Graduation (Bachelor’s Degree) |
| Age Limit | 21 to 35 Years (as of 01.01.2026) |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, and Language Proficiency Test (LPT) |
| Job Location | All India (Assigned by State/Regional Office) |
| Official Website | www.nabard.org |
NABARD Development Assistant Selection Process
The selection is a three-tiered journey designed to test speed, accuracy, and regional compatibility:
- Preliminary Examination: 100-mark objective test.
- Main Examination: 200-mark comprehensive test (Objective + Descriptive English).
- Language Proficiency Test (LPT): Verification of the candidate’s ability to read, write, and speak the regional language of the state they applied from.
Phase I: Preliminary Exam Pattern
The Preliminary exam is a screening test consisting of 100 objective-type questions.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 60 Minutes |
| Numerical Ability* | 30 | 30 | (Composite) |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
| *For Development Assistant (Hindi), Numerical Ability is replaced by Professional Knowledge (Hindi). | |||
Phase II: Main Exam Pattern
The Main exam determines the final merit and includes both objective and descriptive sections.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
| Reasoning | 30 | 30 | 90 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude* | 30 | 30 | (Composite |
| General Awareness (Focus on ARD/Banking) | 50 | 50 | for Objective) |
| Computer Knowledge | 40 | 40 | |
| English Language (Descriptive) | (Essay/Precis/Letter) | 50 | 30 Minutes |
| Total | 150 + Descriptive | 200 | 120 Minutes |
| *For Development Assistant (Hindi), Quantitative Aptitude is replaced by Professional Knowledge (Hindi). | |||
Detailed Subject-wise Syllabus
1. English Language
Objective: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Para Jumbles, and Fill in the Blanks.
Descriptive (Mains): Essay Writing (200 words), Precis Writing, and Formal/Informal Letter or Report Writing.
2. Reasoning Ability
Puzzles: Floor-based, Box-based, and Day/Month-based puzzles.
Seating Arrangement: Linear, Circular, and Square arrangements.
Logical Reasoning: Syllogism, Inequality, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, and Direction Sense.
3. Numerical Ability / Quantitative Aptitude
Calculation: Simplification, Approximation, Number Series, and Quadratic Equations.
Arithmetic: Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Time & Work, and Speed-Time-Distance.
Data Interpretation: Table Graphs, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, and Caselets.
4. General Awareness (Special Reference to ARD & Banking)
Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD): Soil types, Irrigation, Government schemes (PM-KISAN, MGNREGA), Rural banking institutions, and NABARD’s functions.
Banking Awareness: RBI functions, Monetary policy, Banking terms, and Financial Inclusion.
Current Affairs: National news, Awards, Appointments, and Sports (last 6 months).
5. Computer Knowledge
Fundamentals: Hardware, Software, History of Computers, and Networking.
Applications: MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Shortcuts.
Security: Viruses, Hacking basics, and Internet Fundamentals.
6. Professional Knowledge (Hindi)
Hindi Grammar, Synonyms/Antonyms, Vocabulary, Sentence Translation (English to Hindi & vice versa), and Hindi Phrases (Muhavare).
Language Proficiency Test (LPT)
Candidates who qualify for the Mains but did not study the local language in Class 10 or 12 must undergo an LPT. This test ensures you can read, write, and speak the regional language of the state you applied from. It is qualifying in nature, but failure results in disqualification.
