National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced a recruitment drive for 162 Development Assistant and Development Assistant (Hindi) posts for 2026, with online applications open from 17 January 2026 to 03 February 2026 on its official website (www.nabard.org).

Eligibility requires a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks (pass class for SC/ST/PWBD/Ex-Servicemen), along with basic computer knowledge and language proficiency in the official language of the applied State, while the age limit is set at 21 to 35 years as on 01 January 2026.

The selection process includes a Preliminary Online Examination (scheduled for February 2026) followed by a Main Online Examination and a Language Proficiency Test (LPT), with the pay scale starting at approximately Rs. 46,500 per month (gross).

NABARD Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 Overview

NABARD Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details

Eligibility Criteria for NABARD Development Assistant Recruitment 2026

• Essential Qualifications:
  • For Development Assistant: Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline with minimum 50% marks in aggregate (pass class for SC/ST/PWBD/Ex-Servicemen) from a recognized University/Institution
  • For Development Assistant (Hindi): Bachelor’s Degree from recognized University in English/Hindi medium with Hindi and English as compulsory or elective subject with minimum 50% marks (pass class for SC/ST/PWBD/EXS) OR Bachelor’s Degree with Hindi and English as main subjects with minimum 50% marks
  • Knowledge of word processing on PC (for both posts)
  • Candidate must be able to translate from English to Hindi and vice-versa (for DA Hindi)
• Essential Qualifications for Ex-Servicemen:
  • Ex-servicemen (except dependents) should either be graduate from recognized University OR
  • Should have passed matriculation or equivalent exam of Armed Forces and rendered at least 15 years of defence service
• Language Proficiency:
  • Candidates applying for post in a particular State should be proficient in official language of the State (read, write, speak and understand)
  • Official language would be the main language declared in State gazette of concerned state
• Desirable:
  • Knowledge of computer applications and word processing
  • Proficiency in state’s official language

Salary/Stipend

• Pay Scale: Rs. 20,700(1)-1,200(3)-24,300-1,440(4)-30,060-1,920(6)-41,580-2,080(2)-45,740-2,370(3)-52,850-2,850(1)-55,700 (20 years)
• Starting Basic Pay: Rs. 23,100/- per month (including two advance increments)
• Initial Monthly Gross Emoluments: Approximately Rs. 46,500/-
• Allowances:
  • Dearness Allowance (DA)
  • House Rent Allowance (HRA)
  • City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)
  • Transport Allowance
  • Other allowances as admissible from time to time
• Perquisites:
  • NABARD residential accommodation (subject to availability)
  • Reimbursement of petrol for vehicle for official purpose
  • Brief Case allowance
  • Knowledge updation allowance
  • Allowance for furnishing of residence
  • Dispensary facility and medical reimbursement (OPD/Hospitalization)
  • Interest free Festival Advance
  • Leave Travel Concession (once in two years for self, spouse and eligible dependents)
  • Loans & Advances at concessional rates for Housing, Car, Education, Consumer Articles, Personal Computer
  • New Pension Scheme (NPS) with Defined Contribution
  • Gratuity and Group Term Insurance Plan
• Career Prospects: Reasonable prospects for promotion to higher grades

Age Limit (as on 01/01/2026)

• Minimum Age: 21 years (Born not earlier than 02/01/1991)
• Maximum Age: 35 years (Born not later than 01/01/2005)
• Age Relaxation:
  • Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe: 5 years (upto 40 years)
  • Other Backward Classes (OBC): 3 years (upto 38 years)
  • Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PWBD): 10 years for General (upto 45 years), 13 years for OBC (upto 48 years), 15 years for SC/ST (upto 50 years)
  • Ex-Servicemen: Service rendered in Armed Forces plus additional 3 years (subject to maximum 50 years)
  • Widows/Divorced Women/Women Judicially Separated (SC/ST): 5 years (upto 40 years)
• Note: No cumulative age relaxation will be available to any candidate, save as provided above

Application Fee

• Payment Mode: Online only (Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/IMPS/Mobile Wallets)
• Note: Application fee is non-refundable. Bank transaction charges to be borne by candidate. Applications without prescribed fee will be summarily rejected.

Important Dates for NABARD Development Assistant Recruitment 2026

Selection Process for NABARD Development Assistant Recruitment 2026

• Stage-I: Preliminary Examination (Online) – Qualifying Nature
  • For Development Assistant:
    • Test of English Language: 40 Questions, 40 Marks, 20 Minutes
    • Test of Numerical Ability: 30 Questions, 30 Marks, 20 Minutes
    • Test of Reasoning: 30 Questions, 30 Marks, 20 Minutes
    • Total: 100 Questions, 100 Marks, 60 Minutes
  • For Development Assistant (Hindi):
    • Test of English Language: 40 Questions, 40 Marks, 20 Minutes
    • Test of Professional Knowledge (Hindi/English): 30 Questions, 30 Marks, 20 Minutes
    • Test of Reasoning: 30 Questions, 30 Marks, 20 Minutes
    • Total: 100 Questions, 100 Marks, 60 Minutes
  • Shortlisting ratio: Maximum 1:25 based on performance
• Stage-II: Main Examination (Online)
  • For Development Assistant:
    • Test of Reasoning: 30 Questions, 30 Marks, 30 Minutes
    • Quantitative Aptitude: 30 Questions, 30 Marks, 30 Minutes
    • General Awareness (Agriculture, Rural Development, Banking): 50 Questions, 50 Marks, 25 Minutes
    • Computer Knowledge: 40 Questions, 40 Marks, 20 Minutes
    • Test of English Language (Descriptive – Essay, Precis, Report/Letter): 3 Questions, 50 Marks, 30 Minutes
    • Total: 200 Marks, 135 Minutes
  • For Development Assistant (Hindi):
    • Test of Reasoning: 20 Questions, 20 Marks, 25 Minutes
    • Test of Professional Knowledge (Hindi/English): 50 Questions, 50 Marks, 35 Minutes
    • General Awareness (Agriculture, Rural Development, Banking): 40 Questions, 40 Marks, 25 Minutes
    • Computer Knowledge: 40 Questions, 40 Marks, 20 Minutes
    • Test of English Language (Descriptive): 3 Questions, 50 Marks, 30 Minutes
    • Total: 200 Marks, 135 Minutes
• Stage-III: Language Proficiency Test (LPT) – Qualifying Nature
  • Conducted after Main Examination at Regional Office
  • Test conducted in official language of concerned State
  • Candidates who passed 10th/12th with declared language as subject are exempted (need to submit proof)
  • Candidates not qualifying LPT will not be offered appointment
• Negative Marking:
  • 1/4th mark deducted for each wrong answer in objective tests (both phases)
• Final Merit List:
  • State-wise merit list based on Main Examination marks only (Preliminary marks not added)
  • Both Objective Test and Descriptive Test marks of Main Exam added for final merit
• Tie Resolution:
  • Higher educational qualification
  • If tie in qualification, higher marks in graduation
  • If tie in graduation marks, higher age preference
• Wait List:
  • Upto 50% of vacancies (State-category wise), minimum 3 candidates
  • Valid for one year from approval date or next recruitment declaration, whichever earlier
• Medium: Bilingual (English and Hindi) except English/Hindi language test
• Biometric Verification: Mandatory at all stages from Main Examination onwards
• Medical Fitness: Appointment subject to being declared medically fit as per Bank rules

General Information/Instructions

• NABARD is wholly owned by Government of India and is equal opportunity employer
• Candidates can apply only ONLINE through www.nabard.org
• Candidates can apply for vacancies in one State only
• Candidates can apply for only one post – either Development Assistant or Development Assistant (Hindi)
• Admission to examination purely provisional without verification of documents
• NABARD reserves right to increase/reduce vacancies or cancel recruitment process
• Valid personal email ID and mobile number mandatory (kept active till completion of recruitment)
• DigiLocker integration available for voluntary document upload
• Only one application per post – multiple applications will result in retention of last valid application only
• Biometric data (thumb impression) and photograph capture from Main Examination onwards
• Pre-recruitment training for SC/ST/OBC/PWBD candidates (free, online mode) – request in application
• Candidates reporting late after reporting time will not be permitted
• Photo Identity Proof mandatory (PAN/Passport/Driving License/Voter Card/Aadhar/Employee ID etc.)
• Ration Card and Learner’s Driving License NOT valid ID proof
• Female candidates who changed name after marriage must produce Gazette notification/marriage certificate/affidavit
• Government/PSU employees need NOC at interview, proper discharge certificate before appointment
• Calculators, mobile phones, bluetooth devices strictly prohibited in examination hall
• Candidates appear at own cost and risk
• Legal proceedings only in Mumbai courts
• NABARD may shift/cancel/add examination centers depending on response
• Choice of center once exercised is final – no change requests entertained
• Canvassing in any form will be disqualification
• Mark sheets not furnished – marks available on website after recruitment
• Question papers not disclosed to anybody
• OBC certificate valid for financial year 2025-26, issued on or after 01/04/2025
• EWS certificate valid for financial year 2025-26, issued on or after 01/04/2025
• SC/ST candidates from Maharashtra require validity certificate from Scrutiny Committee
• PWBD candidates with 40% or above disability eligible for reservation
• All notices/communications on website or by registered post/email deemed sufficient

How to Apply for NABARD Development Assistant Recruitment 2026?

• Step 1: Visit official website www.nabard.org
• Step 2: Click on “Recruitment to the post of Development Assistant / Development Assistant (Hindi)-2026” in advertisement page
• Step 3: Click “Click here for New Registration”
• Step 4: Enter basic details (Name, Contact, Email ID)
• Step 5: Note down Provisional Registration Number and Password (sent via Email/SMS)
• Step 6: Before filling application, scan and prepare:
  • Recent passport size photograph (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) – 200×230 pixels, 20-50 KB, JPG format
  • Signature with black ink (not capital letters) – 140×60 pixels, 10-20 KB
  • Left thumb impression on white paper with black/blue ink – 240×240 pixels, 20-50 KB
  • Handwritten declaration in English on white paper with black ink – 800×400 pixels, 50-100 KB
  • Text: “I…(Name), hereby declare that all information submitted by me in application form is correct, true and valid. 

NABARD Development Assistant 2026 Important Links