Targeting the NABARD Development Assistant 2026 Exam?
Success in the NABARD exam requires a strategic understanding of its unique selection process. Unlike standard banking exams, NABARD places a special emphasis on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Descriptive Writing.
The official notification (Advt No. 08/DA/2025-26) outlines a strict 3-stage recruitment cycle. This guide breaks down the official Exam Pattern, Topic-Wise Syllabus, and the crucial Language Proficiency Test (LPT) rules to help you prepare effectively.
Selection Process: The 3 Stages to Success
To secure one of the 162 vacancies, you must clear three distinct phases. Failing any stage will disqualify you from the recruitment process.
- Phase I: Preliminary Examination (Online)
- Nature: Screening Test Only.
- Impact: Marks obtained here are NOT added to the final merit list. However, you must clear the sectional and overall cut-offs to qualify for the next stage.
- Phase II: Main Examination (Online)
- Nature: Merit Determining.
- Impact: Your final selection depends entirely on the marks scored in this phase (Objective + Descriptive).
- Phase III: Language Proficiency Test (LPT)
- Nature: Qualifying.
- Impact: If you cannot read, write, and speak the official language of the state you applied for, you will be disqualified—even if you topped the Mains exam.
Phase I: Preliminary Exam Pattern
- Total Duration: 60 Minutes (Composite Time).
- Total Marks: 100.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.
| S.No. | Name of Test | No. of Questions | Max. Marks | Duration |
| 1 | English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| 2 | Numerical Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| TOTAL | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
Note: The test is bilingual (Hindi/English) except for the English Language section.
Phase II: Main Exam Pattern
This is the most critical stage. The exam is divided into an Objective Test (Multiple Choice) and a Descriptive Test (Typing on a computer).
For Development Assistant (General)
- Objective Duration: 90 Minutes.
- Descriptive Duration: 30 Minutes.
- Total Questions: 150 Objective + 3 Descriptive.
| S.No. | Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| A | Objective Test | |||
| 1 | Reasoning | 30 | 30 | 30 Mins |
| 2 | Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 30 Mins |
| 3 | General Awareness (Agriculture, Rural Dev & Banking) | 50 | 50 | 25 Mins |
| 4 | Computer Knowledge | 40 | 40 | 20 Mins |
| B | Descriptive Test | |||
| 5 | English Language (Essay, Précis, Report/Letter) | 3 | 50 | 30 Mins |
| TOTAL | 153 | 200 | 135 Mins |
For Development Assistant (Hindi)
The pattern differs slightly for the Hindi post, focusing on professional knowledge.
| S.No. | Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| 1 | Test of Reasoning | 20 | 20 | 25 Mins |
| 2 | Professional Knowledge (Hindi/English) | 50 | 50 | 35 Mins |
| 3 | General Awareness (Agri, Rural Dev & Banking) | 40 | 40 | 25 Mins |
| 4 | Computer Knowledge | 40 | 40 | 20 Mins |
| 5 | Descriptive English (Essay, Précis, Report/Letter) | 3 | 50 | 30 Mins |
| TOTAL | 153 | 200 | 135 Mins |
Detailed Syllabus Breakdown
While NABARD mentions broad subjects, success lies in mastering specific sub-topics. Based on the notification’s emphasis on “special reference to Agriculture,” here is the detailed syllabus:
1. General Awareness (High Priority)
- Focus Area: Agriculture, Rural Development, and Banking.
- Agriculture: Crops (Rabi/Kharif), Soil types, Irrigation methods, MSP (Minimum Support Price), Farming Systems.
- Rural Development: Govt Schemes (PM-KISAN, MGNREGA, PMFBY), SHGs (Self Help Groups), NRLM.
- Banking: RBI Policies, NABARD History & Functions, Priority Sector Lending (PSL), Financial Inclusion.
- Current Affairs: Last 6 months of National/International news.
2. English Language (Objective & Descriptive)
- Objective: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Para Jumbles, Fillers.
- Descriptive (Mains):
- Essay: Topics often relate to Social Issues, Economy, or Agriculture (e.g., “Role of Technology in Farming”).
- Précis Writing: Summary of a passage.
- Letter/Report: Formal letters to Bank Managers or Editors.
3. Numerical Ability / Quantitative Aptitude
- Data Interpretation (DI): Charts, Graphs, Caselets (Very Important for Mains).
- Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio, Time & Work, Speed & Distance, SI/CI.
- Speed Math: Simplification, Number Series, Quadratic Equations.
4. Reasoning Ability
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangement: Circular, Linear, Box-based, Floor-based.
- Logical Reasoning: Syllogism, Inequality, Blood Relations, Direction Sense.
- Mains Level: Input-Output, Data Sufficiency, Logical Reasoning (Statement-Assumption).
5. Computer Knowledge
- Basics: Hardware, Software, OS.
- Networking: Internet, Email, Protocols.
- MS Office: Shortcuts (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Security: Viruses, Hacking, Cyber Security terms.
Language Proficiency Test (LPT) Rules
Since vacancies are State-Wise, knowing the local language is mandatory.
- Exemption Rule: You do NOT need to take the LPT if you have passed 10th or 12th Standard with the specific state language as one of your subjects. You must produce the mark sheet as proof.
- The Test: If you are not exempt, you will undergo a test after the Mains result. It is Qualifying in nature.
- Risk: If you fail this test, your candidature is cancelled immediately, regardless of your Mains score.
Official Languages by State (Annexure I)
- Hindi: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, HP, Jharkhand, MP, Rajasthan, UP, New Delhi.
- Marathi: Maharashtra.
- Gujarati: Gujarat.
- Kannada: Karnataka.
- Tamil: Tamil Nadu.
- Bengali: West Bengal.
- Telugu: Andhra Pradesh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is there a Sectional Cut-off in the NABARD Development Assistant exam?
Ans: Yes, there are cut-offs for both individual tests (sectional) and the total score (aggregate) in Phase I and Phase II.
Q2: Is the Descriptive Test typed or handwritten?
Ans: The Descriptive Test (Essay, Letter, Précis) must be typed on a computer keyboard. It is conducted online immediately after the objective test.
Q3: Does the Prelims score count for the final merit list?
Ans: No. Phase I (Prelims) is only a screening test. Final selection is based only on Phase II (Mains) marks and biometric verification.
Q4: Can I apply for a state where I don’t know the language?
Ans: It is highly risky. If you cannot read, write, and speak the official language of that state and fail the LPT, you will be disqualified.