NABARD Development Assistant 2026 Notification Apply Now

Published On: January 21, 2026

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The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has officially released the Development Assistant & Development Assistant (Hindi) Recruitment 2026 Notification. This recruitment offers a great opportunity for graduates who are looking for a stable Central Government job with an attractive salary and growth opportunities.

NABARD Development Assistant Vacancy Details 2026

Development Assistant-159
Development Assistant (Hindi)-03
Total 162

Category-wise Reservation

UR-78
SC-21
ST-17
OBC-26
EWS-17
PwBD-As per Govt rules
Ex-Servicemen-As per Govt rules

NABARD Development Assistant Age Limit 2026 Detailed Information

Minimum and Maximum Age Limit: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has clearly defined the age limit criteria for the Development Assistant Recruitment 2026. As per the official notification, the minimum age required to apply for the post is 21 years, while the maximum age limit is 35 years. Candidates must ensure that they fall within this age range as on 01 January 2026. Applicants born not earlier than 02 January 1991 and not later than 01 January 2005 are eligible to apply. Any candidate falling outside this range will not be considered under any circumstances.

Importance of Age Eligibility: Age eligibility plays a crucial role in NABARD recruitment as it ensures fair competition among candidates of similar age groups. NABARD strictly verifies age details at the document verification stage, and any mismatch found in date of birth will lead to rejection of candidature. Therefore, candidates must carefully check their date of birth mentioned in the SSC certificate or equivalent before applying. Even a small discrepancy may result in disqualification, irrespective of performance in the examination. NABARD Development Assistant

Age Relaxation for SC and ST Candidates: Candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories are eligible for age relaxation of 5 years over the upper age limit. This means SC/ST candidates can apply up to 40 years of age. This relaxation is provided as per Government of India rules to ensure equal opportunity and representation. However, candidates must possess a valid caste certificate issued by a competent authority to claim this benefit during document verification.

Age Relaxation for OBC Candidates: Applicants belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non Creamy Layer) are eligible for an age relaxation of 3 years. Therefore, the upper age limit for OBC candidates becomes 38 years. It is mandatory that the OBC certificate should be issued on or after 01 April 2025 and must clearly mention the non-creamy layer status. OBC candidates falling under creamy layer will not be eligible for age relaxation.

Age Relaxation for PwBD Candidates: Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are given special age relaxation benefits. The age relaxation is 10 years for General, 13 years for OBC, and 15 years for SC/ST candidates. This relaxation is provided in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Candidates must possess a valid disability certificate issued by a recognized medical authority to avail of this relaxation during the recruitment process.

Age Relaxation for Ex-Servicemen: Ex-Servicemen candidates are eligible for age relaxation equivalent to the number of years served in the Armed Forces plus an additional 3 years, subject to a maximum age limit of 50 years. This relaxation is applicable only to those who have completed or are due to complete their service on or before the specified cut-off date. Proper service records and discharge certificates must be submitted at the time of verification.

Age Relaxation for Widows and Divorced Women: Widows, divorced women, and women judicially separated from their husbands (not remarried) belonging to SC/ST categories are eligible for an age relaxation of 5 years. This provision is introduced to support women candidates facing social or financial challenges. However, relevant legal documents must be produced as proof to claim this age relaxation benefit during the recruitment process.

No Cumulative Age Relaxation Allowed: It is important for candidates to note that age relaxation cannot be combined under multiple categories. If a candidate belongs to more than one reserved category, only one relaxation benefit will be applicable, whichever is higher. NABARD strictly follows this rule, and any attempt to claim multiple age relaxations will lead to rejection of the application at a later stage.

Age Calculation Method: The age of the candidate is calculated strictly as on 01 January 2026. The date of birth mentioned in the matriculation or secondary school certificate will be considered final. No changes or corrections will be allowed once the application is submitted. Candidates are advised to carefully verify their date of birth before submitting the online application to avoid future complications.

Final Note on Age Eligibility: Meeting the age limit criteria is mandatory for participating in the NABARD Development Assistant Recruitment 2026. Candidates who do not satisfy the age conditions, even if they qualify in the examination, will be disqualified during document verification. Therefore, applicants should carefully read the age-related instructions, check eligibility, and apply only if they fully satisfy the prescribed age requirements mentioned in the official notification.

NABARD Development Assistant Qualification & Eligibility Details 2026

Basic Educational Requirement: For the NABARD Development Assistant Recruitment 2026, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institution. The degree should be awarded by a university established under an Act of Central or State Legislature or recognized by the UGC. This educational qualification ensures that applicants have basic academic knowledge and analytical skills necessary to perform clerical and administrative duties efficiently in NABARD offices across India.

Minimum Marks Requirement: Candidates applying for the Development Assistant post must have secured at least 50% marks in their graduation. However, candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen categories are given relaxation and only need to pass their graduation degree. The percentage of marks is calculated based on the aggregate marks obtained in all semesters or years of the degree program.

Qualification for Development Assistant (Hindi): For the Development Assistant (Hindi) post, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree with Hindi and English as compulsory or elective subjects. Alternatively, candidates who have completed graduation in Hindi or English medium with both languages as subjects are also eligible. The candidate must have strong translation skills from Hindi to English and vice versa, as this role involves official language work.

Computer Knowledge Requirement: Basic knowledge of computer operations and word processing is mandatory for all candidates. Applicants must be familiar with typing, document creation, formatting, and basic computer handling. NABARD expects candidates to perform digital office work, data entry, and official documentation efficiently. Although no separate certificate is mandatory, candidates should be capable of handling computer-based tasks independently.

Recognition of Educational Institutions: The educational qualification must be obtained from a university or institution recognized by the Government of India or UGC. Degrees obtained from private or unrecognized institutions will not be accepted. Candidates must ensure that their university is valid at the time of course completion. Distance education degrees are acceptable only if the institution is approved by UGC or AICTE.

CGPA to Percentage Conversion Rules: Many universities award grades instead of marks. In such cases, NABARD follows a standard conversion method. If the university provides a conversion formula, it will be accepted. If not, NABARD will calculate percentage based on its predefined formula. For example, 6.75 CGPA equals 60%, 6.25 equals 55%, and 5.75 equals 50%. The final percentage is calculated considering all considering semesters.

Aggregate Marks Calculation: The aggregate percentage will be calculated based on total marks obtained in all semesters combined, not on individual year performance. Marks obtained in optional, additional, or honors subjects are also included. Fractional percentages are ignored, meaning 49.99% will be treated as below 50%, and such candidates will not be eligible unless they belong to a reserved category.

Eligibility for Ex-Servicemen: Ex-Servicemen candidates must either be a graduate or have passed matriculation with at least 15 years of defense service. This special provision ensures that experienced defense personnel get fair opportunities in civilian government jobs. Valid service certificates and discharge documents are mandatory during verification to claim eligibility under this category.

Language Proficiency Requirement: Candidates applying for any state must be proficient in the official language of that state. They should be able to read, write, and speak the local language fluently. Those who have studied the language in Class 10 or 12 are exempted from the Language Proficiency Test. Others must clear the LPT conducted by NABARD to be considered for final selection.

Final Eligibility Confirmation: All eligibility conditions including education, language proficiency, and computer knowledge must be fulfilled on or before 01 January 2026. Candidates failing to meet any eligibility requirement at the time of document verification will be disqualified, even if they clear the examination. Therefore, applicants are advised to carefully read the qualification criteria and apply only if they fully satisfy all eligibility conditions mentioned in the official notification.

NABARD Development Assistant Application Fee Details 2026

Overview of Application Fee: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has prescribed a fixed application fee for candidates applying for the Development Assistant and Development Assistant (Hindi) posts. The application fee must be paid only through online mode, and no offline payment method is accepted. The fee structure is designed according to government norms and varies based on the candidate’s category. Candidates must ensure timely payment, as applications without fee payment will be rejected automatically.

Application Fee for General Category: Candidates belonging to the General, OBC, and EWS categories are required to pay an application fee of ₹550. This amount includes the examination fee and intimation charges. The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, even if the candidate fails to appear for the examination or is disqualified at a later stage. Therefore, applicants are advised to verify eligibility before proceeding with payment.

Fee for SC, ST, and PwBD Candidates: Applicants belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories are required to pay only ₹100 as intimation charges. These candidates are exempted from paying the full application fee as per Government of India reservation rules. However, the intimation charge is compulsory and must be paid online to complete the application process successfully. NABARD Development Assistant

Application Fee for NABARD Staff: Employees currently working in NABARD who fulfill the eligibility conditions are also required to pay the application fee at the time of submitting the online application. However, the fee paid by NABARD staff will be refunded after selection, provided they meet all eligibility conditions. The refund will be processed after verification of documents and successful appointment.

Mode of Payment: The application fee must be paid only through online mode using Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, UPI, or Mobile Wallets. Cash payment, demand draft, or offline payment modes are strictly not accepted. Candidates are advised to ensure stable internet connectivity during payment to avoid transaction failure or double deduction. NABARD Development Assistant

GST and Additional Charges: The application fee mentioned in the notification is exclusive of GST. Applicable GST and bank transaction charges will be added during online payment. These additional charges are to be borne by the candidate. NABARD will not be responsible for any extra amount charged by banks or payment gateways during the transaction process. NABARD Development Assistant

Non-Refundable Nature of Fee: Once the application fee is paid, it cannot be refunded or transferred under any circumstances. Even if the candidate submits multiple applications or enters incorrect details, the fee will not be returned. Therefore, candidates are strongly advised to check all details carefully before proceeding with final submission and payment. NABARD Development Assistant

Payment Confirmation and Receipt: After successful payment, an e-receipt will be generated automatically. Candidates must download and save the payment receipt and application form for future reference. In case the e-receipt is not generated, it indicates payment failure, and the candidate must re-login and complete the payment process again. NABARD Development Assistant

Failed or Pending Transactions: If the payment fails due to technical reasons, candidates should not panic. They can log in again using their registration number and password to retry the payment. However, candidates should avoid multiple transactions at the same time to prevent double deduction. In case of double payment, the excess amount will be refunded by the bank as per banking rules.

Important Instructions Regarding Fee Payment: Candidates must ensure that the application fee is paid before the last date of submission, as incomplete applications will be rejected automatically. NABARD will not entertain any requests regarding late fee payment or fee refund. Therefore, applicants are advised to complete the payment process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

NABARD Development Assistant Important Dates 2026

Event	Date
Notification Release Date	17 January 2026
Online Application Start Date	17 January 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	03 February 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment	03 February 2026
Preliminary Examination Date	21 February 2026
Main Examination Date	12 April 2026
Admit Card Release	Before Exam
Language Proficiency Test (LPT)	After Main Exam
Final Result Declaration	To be Notified

NABARD Development Assistant Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026

Overview of NABARD Development Assistant Examination: The NABARD Development Assistant recruitment process is designed to evaluate a candidate’s academic knowledge, logical reasoning, numerical ability, language skills, and awareness of banking and rural development. The selection process consists of multiple stages including Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Language Proficiency Test. The preliminary exam is only qualifying in nature, while the main examination determines the final merit list. Candidates must prepare thoroughly for all stages to secure selection in this competitive examination.

Preliminary Examination Structure: The preliminary examination is the first stage of the selection process and acts as a screening test. It consists of objective-type questions aimed at testing the candidate’s basic aptitude and understanding. The exam includes questions from English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. Although the marks obtained in this stage are not counted for final selection, qualifying this stage is mandatory to move forward to the main examination. NABARD Development Assistant

English Language Syllabus: The English Language section evaluates a candidate’s understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and reading ability. Questions are generally asked from reading comprehension, error detection, sentence improvement, fill in the blanks, cloze test, and vocabulary-based topics such as synonyms and antonyms. This section checks the candidate’s ability to understand official communication and draft simple content accurately, which is essential for a clerical-level banking job.

Numerical Ability Syllabus: The Numerical Ability section focuses on testing mathematical skills and calculation accuracy. Questions are asked from topics such as simplification, percentage, profit and loss, time and work, time and distance, ratio and proportion, averages, number series, and data interpretation. Candidates are expected to have strong calculation speed and clarity of basic arithmetic concepts to perform well in this section. NABARD Development Assistant

Reasoning Ability Syllabus: The Reasoning Ability section tests logical thinking and analytical skills. It includes questions from seating arrangement, puzzles, syllogism, coding-decoding, inequality, direction sense, blood relations, and input-output problems. This section is designed to check how efficiently a candidate can analyze information and solve problems within a limited time frame, which is a key requirement in banking operations.

Main Examination Pattern: The main examination is the most important stage of the selection process as it determines the final merit list. It consists of sections such as Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and English Descriptive Paper. The difficulty level of the main exam is higher than the preliminary exam, and candidates must prepare in depth to score well.

General Awareness and Banking Knowledge: The General Awareness section focuses mainly on banking, finance, agriculture, and rural development. Topics include current affairs, NABARD-related schemes, RBI functions, government schemes, economic developments, and financial awareness. This section plays a crucial role in scoring high marks, especially for candidates who regularly follow news and banking updates.

Computer Knowledge and Descriptive English: The Computer Knowledge section tests basic understanding of computers, including MS Office, internet usage, operating systems, and cybersecurity awareness. The English Descriptive section includes essay writing, letter writing, and report writing. This section evaluates a candidate’s writing skills, clarity of expression, and grammatical accuracy, which are essential for official correspondence in NABARD. NABARD Development Assistant

Language Proficiency Test: After qualifying the main examination, candidates must appear for the Language Proficiency Test. This test ensures that the candidate can read, write, and speak the official language of the state applied for. Candidates who have studied the local language in Class 10 or 12 are usually exempted from this test. The Language Proficiency Test is qualifying in nature but mandatory for final selection.

Final Note on Syllabus Preparation: The NABARD Development Assistant syllabus is designed to assess overall suitability for clerical and administrative roles. Candidates should prepare with a balanced approach by focusing on conceptual clarity, regular practice, and revision of current affairs. Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly helps in creating an effective preparation strategy and improves the chances of success in the examination. NABARD Development Assistant

NABARD Development Assistant Selection Process 2026

Overview of Selection Process: The selection process for NABARD Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 is designed to evaluate candidates on their academic ability, reasoning skills, language proficiency, and overall suitability for the role. The recruitment process consists of three major stages, namely the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Language Proficiency Test. Candidates must clear each stage successfully to move to the next level. The final selection is strictly based on merit and performance in the main examination.

Preliminary Examination Stage: The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the selection process and serves as a screening test. This exam is conducted in online mode and includes sections such as English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. The main purpose of this stage is to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. Although the marks obtained in this stage are not considered for final merit, qualifying in the preliminary exam is mandatory to proceed further in the recruitment process.

Nature of Preliminary Examination: The preliminary exam is objective in nature and tests basic aptitude skills. Candidates must score minimum qualifying marks both section-wise and overall to be shortlisted. NABARD follows normalization methods if the exam is conducted in multiple shifts. Negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers, so candidates must attempt questions carefully. Only those candidates who clear the cut-off will be allowed to appear for the main examination.

Main Examination Stage: The Main Examination is the most important stage of the NABARD Development Assistant selection process. It consists of multiple sections including Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and English Descriptive Paper. The difficulty level of this stage is higher compared to the preliminary exam. Marks obtained in this examination play a crucial role in determining the final merit list.

Importance of Main Examination Marks: The final merit list is prepared solely on the basis of marks scored in the Main Examination. Performance in the preliminary exam is not considered while preparing the final result. Candidates must perform well in both objective and descriptive sections to secure a higher rank. NABARD follows strict evaluation standards to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process.

Language Proficiency Test (LPT): After qualifying the Main Examination, candidates are required to appear for the Language Proficiency Test. This test is conducted to check whether the candidate is proficient in the official language of the state for which they have applied. Candidates who have studied the concerned language in their 10th or 12th standard are generally exempted from this test. The Language Proficiency Test is qualifying in nature but compulsory for final appointment.

Document Verification Process: Candidates who clear the Language Proficiency Test are called for document verification. During this stage, candidates must produce original certificates related to age, educational qualification, caste, category, disability, and other eligibility conditions. Any discrepancy found in the documents may lead to cancellation of candidature, even if the candidate has cleared all examination stages.

Final Merit List and Appointment: The final selection list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination, subject to qualifying the Language Proficiency Test and document verification. State-wise and category-wise merit lists are prepared according to NABARD recruitment rules. Selected candidates are then issued appointment letters and posted in the respective NABARD offices as per the vacancy and preference.

Important Note on Selection Criteria: It is important for candidates to understand that clearing one stage does not guarantee final selection. Every stage of the recruitment process is mandatory, and failure in any stage will result in disqualification. NABARD reserves the right to modify the selection process if required. Candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly and stay updated with official notifications for smooth participation in the recruitment process.