NABARD Development Assistant Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Nabard Development Assistant

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has released the official notification for the recruitment of Development Assistants and Development Assistant (Hindi) for the 2025-26 cycle. As an apex institution dedicated to agricultural and rural prosperity, NABARD offers a prestigious platform for Indian citizens to contribute to the nation’s grassroots development. With 162 total vacancies across various states, this recruitment drive is a golden opportunity for those seeking a stable and impactful career in the banking sector.

Candidates must be between 21 and 35 years of age and possess a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50% marks to be eligible. The selection process is rigorous, comprising a Preliminary and a Main examination, followed by a Language Proficiency Test (LPT). Successful candidates will enjoy a competitive starting gross salary of approximately ₹46,500 per month, along with numerous perquisites like residential accommodation and medical facilities.

NABARD Development Assistant: Overview Table

ParticularsDetails
OrganizationNational Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
Post NameDevelopment Assistant / Development Assistant (Hindi)
Total Vacancies159 (General) + 3 (Hindi) = 162 Total
Registration Dates17 January 2026 to 03 February 2026
Phase-I (Prelims) Date21 February 2026
Phase-II (Mains) Date12 April 2026
Salary (Gross)Approx. ₹46,500/- per month
Application Fee₹550 (Gen/OBC/EWS) / ₹100 (SC/ST/PWBD)

NABARD Development Assistant: Exam Pattern

The examination is conducted in two primary online phases. There is a negative marking of 1/4th (0.25) mark for every wrong answer in the objective tests.

1. Phase-I: Preliminary Examination (Objective)

The Preliminary exam is qualifying in nature and serves as a screening test for the Mains.

Test SubjectQuestionsMarksDuration
English Language404020 Minutes
Numerical Ability*303020 Minutes
Test of Reasoning303020 Minutes
Total10010060 Minutes
*For DA (Hindi), Numerical Ability is replaced by Professional Knowledge (Hindi/English).

 

2. Phase-II: Main Examination (Online)

The final merit list is prepared based only on the marks obtained in the Main Examination (Objective + Descriptive).

SubjectQuestionsMarksDuration
Reasoning303030 Minutes
Quantitative Aptitude303030 Minutes
General Awareness (Agri, Rural Dev, Banking)505025 Minutes
Computer Knowledge404020 Minutes
English Language (Descriptive)35030 Minutes
Total200200135 Minutes

NABARD Development Assistant: Syllabus 

Section

Key Topics & Sub-topics

Exam Phase

English Language

This section checks understanding, grammar, and English usage.

  • Reading Comprehension (factual, inference-based, vocabulary-based)

  • Cloze Test (grammar and context)

  • Error Spotting (grammatical errors in sentences)

  • Sentence Improvement and Correction

  • Fill in the Blanks (single and double)

  • Para Jumbles (sentence rearrangement)

  • Para Completion

  • Vocabulary Usage

  • Synonyms and Antonyms

  • Word Usage

  • Idioms and Phrases

  • Active and Passive Voice

  • Direct and Indirect Speech

Prelims & Mains

Numerical Ability / Quantitative Aptitude

This section assesses numerical ability and problem-solving.

  • Simplification and Approximation

  • Number Series

  • Quadratic Equations

  • Data Interpretation (Table, Bar, Line, Pie, Caselet)

  • Percentage

  • Ratio and Proportion

  • Average

  • Profit and Loss

  • Simple Interest and Compound Interest

  • Time and Work

  • Work and Wages

  • Time, Speed, and Distance

  • Mixture and Alligation

  • Mensuration (2D and basic 3D)

  • Probability

  • Permutation and Combination

Prelims & Mains

Test of Reasoning

This section focuses on logical thinking and analytical skills.

  • Seating Arrangement (Linear and Circular)

  • Puzzles (Floor-based, Box-based, Day and Month-based)

  • Syllogism

  • Inequality

  • Coding–Decoding (Letter, Number, Mixed)

  • Blood Relations

  • Direction Sense Test

  • Order and Ranking

  • Alphanumeric Series

  • Logical Reasoning

  • Data Sufficiency

  • Input–Output

  • Statement and Assumptions

  • Statement and Conclusions

Prelims & Mains

General Awareness

This section is vital for Mains and often decides final selection.

  • Current Affairs

  • National Current Affairs

  • International Current Affairs

  • Banking and Financial News

  • Economic Developments

  • Important Days and Events

  • Awards and Honours

  • Appointments and Resignations

  • Banking and Financial Awareness

  • Indian Banking System

  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Functions

  • Monetary Policy

  • Financial Institutions

  • Types of Accounts

  • Capital Market Basics

  • NABARD & Rural Development

  • Role and Functions of NABARD

  • NABARD Schemes and Initiatives

  • Agriculture Credit System

  • Rural Development Programmes

  • Self Help Groups (SHGs)

  • Microfinance Institutions

  • Priority Sector Lending

  • Static General Knowledge

  • Indian Economy Basics

  • Agriculture in India

  • Government Schemes

  • Budget and Economic Survey

Mains Only

Computer Knowledge

This section is generally easier and can improve scores.

  • Basics of Computers

  • Hardware and Software

  • Operating Systems (Windows basics)

  • MS Office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint)

  • Internet Fundamentals

  • Networking Basics

  • Computer Security

  • Shortcut Keys

  • Basics of Cyber Awareness

Mains Only

English (Descriptive)

Essay Writing, Precis Writing, and Report or Letter Writing

Mains Only

Professional Knowledge (Hindi)

For Hindi Post: Translation from English to Hindi and vice-versa, Hindi Grammar, Vocabulary,

Prelims & Mains

NABARD Development Assistant: Preparation Tips

Section-wise Strategy Table

SectionKey TopicsPreparation Strategy
English LanguageReading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Para JumblesRead daily editorials (e.g., The Hindu) to improve vocabulary. Practice descriptive writing (Essays/Precis) for Mains weekly.
Numerical Ability / QuantData Interpretation (DI), Simplification, Number Series, ArithmeticMemorize tables up to 30, squares, and cubes. Focus on DI as it is high-scoring. Use “Quicker Mathematics” for short tricks.
Reasoning AbilityPuzzles, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Blood RelationsSolve at least 2-3 puzzles daily. Start with easy linear arrangements before moving to complex floor/box puzzles.
General AwarenessAgriculture, Rural Development, Banking Awareness, Current AffairsFollow the last 6 months of current affairs. Focus on NABARD schemes, RBI policies, and the Union Budget.
Computer KnowledgeMS Office (Word, Excel, PPT), Internet, Hardware/SoftwareThis is the most scoring section. Focus on keyboard shortcuts and basic networking terms.

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