NABARD 162 Development Assistant Recruitment 2026: Complete Guide -Golden Chance, Don’t Miss

NABARD 162 Development Assistant Recruitment 2026: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has released the official notification for the recruitment of Development Assistants and Development Assistants (Hindi) for the year 2026. This is a prestigious opportunity for graduates looking to build a career in India’s apex development bank.

NABARD 162 Development Assistant Recruitment 2026: Applications are invited from eligible Indian citizens between 17 January 2026 and 03 February 2026. Applications are invited from eligible Indian citizens for the post of Development
Assistant/ Development Assistant (Hindi) in National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

Candidates can apply only ONLINE on NABARD website www.nabard.org between 17 January 2026 and 03 February 2026. NABARD is an all India Apex Organization, wholly owned by Government of India and is equal opportunity employer.. NABARD Recruitment to the post of Development Assistant/Development Assistant (Hindi) in Group B – 2026

NABARD 162 Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 Overview Summary

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced recruitment for 162 Development Assistant positions (159 Development Assistant + 3 Development Assistant Hindi) across India. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about applying for these prestigious banking positions.

NABARD 162 Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 Vacancies Breakdown

Development Assistant – State-wise Distribution (159 Posts)

• NABARD has announced a total of 162 vacancies distributed state-wise.
• Candidates can apply for vacancies in one State only.
• Development Assistant: 159 Vacancies. Major regional openings include Maharashtra (48), Uttar Pradesh (11), and Madhya Pradesh (10).
• Development Assistant (Hindi): 3 Vacancies (Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu).

The 159 Development Assistant positions are distributed across 25 states/regions:

Additional Reservations:

• PWBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities): 7 posts (4% horizontal reservation)
• Ex-Servicemen (EXS): 16 posts (14.5% horizontal reservation)
• Disabled Ex-Servicemen (DISEXS): 7 posts (4.5% horizontal reservation)

Development Assistant (Hindi) – 3 Posts

Important Note: Candidates can apply for vacancies in ONE STATE ONLY and for ONLY ONE POST (either Development Assistant OR Development Assistant Hindi).

NABARD 162 Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit (as on 01 January 2026)

Age Range: Between 21 and 35 years. Candidates must be between 21 and 35 years of age. Specifically, those born between 02 January 1991 and 01 January 2005 (both days inclusive) are eligible.

• Born between: 02 January 1991 to 01 January 2005 (both days inclusive)

Age Relaxation

Note: No cumulative age relaxation is available except as mentioned above.

NABARD 162 Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 Educational Qualifications

For Development Assistant

1. Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized University with:
   • Minimum 50% marks in aggregate (General/EWS/OBC candidates)
   • Pass class for SC/ST/PWBD/Ex-Servicemen candidates
2. Knowledge of word processing on PC
3. Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in the official language of the state (read, write, speak, and understand)

For Development Assistant (Hindi)

1. Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University with:
   • Hindi and English as compulsory or elective subjects with minimum 50% marks, OR
   • Hindi and English as main subjects with minimum 50% marks
   • Pass class for SC/ST/PWBD/EXS candidates
2. Must be able to translate from English to Hindi and vice-versa
3. Knowledge of word processing on PC

NABARD 162 Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 Application Fee Details

Additional: 18% GST applicable on the above amounts

Payment Mode: Online only (Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI/Mobile Wallets)

Note: Application fee is non-refundable. NABARD staff candidates will be reimbursed upon verification.

NABARD 162 Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 Selection Process

The selection process consists of three stages:

The selection involves a three-stage process:

1. Phase I: Preliminary Examination (Online) – Qualifying in nature.

   • Subjects: English (40 marks), Numerical Ability (30 marks), Reasoning (30 marks).

2. Phase II: Main Examination (Online) – Final selection is based on these marks.

   • Includes Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness (with focus on Agriculture/Banking), Computer Knowledge, and a Descriptive English test.

3. Language Proficiency Test (LPT): Mandatory for those who did not study the state’s official language in 10th/12th standard. It is qualifying in nature.

Phase I: Preliminary Examination (Online)

For Development Assistant:

For Development Assistant (Hindi):

Phase II: Main Examination (Online)

For Development Assistant:

For Development Assistant (Hindi):

Phase III: Language Proficiency Test (LPT)

• Conducted after Main Examination
• Qualifying in nature (no marks, only pass/fail)
• Tests proficiency in the official language of the state
• Candidates who passed 10th/12th with the specified language are exempt
• Must qualify to get appointment – failure means disqualification

Important Selection Points

• Negative Marking: 1/4 mark deducted for each wrong answer
• Preliminary Exam: Only qualifying; marks not counted for final merit
• Final Merit: Based on Main Examination marks (Objective + Descriptive)
• Shortlisting Ratio: Maximum 1:25 for Main Exam
• Wait List: Up to 50% of vacancies (minimum 3 candidates)
• Validity: Panel valid for 1 year or until next recruitment

NABARD 162 Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 Salary and Benefits

Pay Structure

• Selected candidates will receive an attractive pay package with a starting basic pay of ₹23,100 per month.
• Initial Gross Emoluments: Approximately ₹46,500 per month.

Allowances

• Dearness Allowance (DA)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)
• Transport Allowance
• Knowledge Updation Allowance
• Furnishing Allowance

Perquisites and Benefits

Financial Benefits:

• Interest-free Festival Advance
• Concessional loans for Housing, Car, Education, Personal Computer
• Reimbursement of petrol for official use
• Briefcase allowance

Healthcare:

• Dispensary facility
• Medical expense reimbursement for OPD/hospitalization

Retirement Benefits:

• New Pension Scheme (NPS) – Defined Contribution
• Gratuity
• Group Term Insurance Plan

Other Benefits:

• NABARD residential accommodation (subject to availability)
• Leave Travel Concession (once in 2 years)
• Promotion prospects to higher grades
• Posting across India (transfer liability)

NABARD 162 Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 How to Apply Online

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Pre-Application Preparation

Before starting, ensure you have:

• Valid Email ID and Mobile Number (active till recruitment completion)
• Scanned Documents:
  • Recent passport-size photograph (4.5 cm × 3.5 cm)
  • Signature with black ink (NOT in capitals)
  • Left thumb impression (on white paper with black/blue ink)
  • Handwritten declaration in English
• Valid ID proof details
• Educational qualification documents
• Payment method (Debit/Credit Card/Net Banking)

Declaration Text: “I [Name], hereby declare that all the information submitted by me in the application form is correct, true and valid. I will present the supporting documents as and when required.”

Step 2: Online Registration

1. Visit www.nabard.org
2. Click on “Recruitment to the post of Development Assistant/Development Assistant (Hindi)-2026”
3. Click “New Registration”
4. Enter basic details (Name, Email, Mobile, Date of Birth)
5. Note down Provisional Registration Number and Password (sent via Email/SMS)

Step 3: Fill Application Form

1. Login using Registration Number and Password
2. Fill all mandatory fields carefully
3. Use “SAVE AND NEXT” to save progress
4. Upload photograph, signature, thumb impression, and declaration
5. Select exam center (within applied state only)
6. Preview entire application

Step 4: Payment

1. Click on “Payment” tab
2. Pay via Debit/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI
3. Wait for payment confirmation (do not refresh)
4. Download and print e-Receipt
5. Take printout of completed application form

Step 5: Download Call Letter

• Available on NABARD website before exam
• Notification sent via Email/SMS
• Required documents: Registration Number and Password/DOB

NABARD 162 Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 Key Dates

Note: NABARD reserves the right to change dates due to administrative reasons.

NABARD 162 Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

Key Features

Objective Tests:

• All questions carry equal marks
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deduction per wrong answer
• Available in English and Hindi (except English Language test)
• Conducted online at designated centers

Descriptive Test:

• Essay writing
• Precis writing
• Report/Letter writing
• Only in English language test
• 30 minutes duration, 50 marks

Scoring and Normalization

• Scores calculated after penalty for wrong answers
• Equated scores used if multiple sessions held
• Cutoffs applied on:
  • Individual test scores
  • Total aggregate score
• Final merit based on Main Exam performance only

NABARD 162 Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply for multiple states?

• Answer: No, you can apply for vacancies in ONE STATE ONLY.

2. Can I apply for both Development Assistant and Development Assistant (Hindi)?

• Answer: No, you can apply for ONLY ONE POST.

3. Is there negative marking in the exam?

• Answer: Yes, 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in objective tests.

4. What is the validity of the merit list?

• Answer: 1 year from approval date or until next recruitment, whichever is earlier.

5. Do I need to qualify Language Proficiency Test?

• Answer: Yes, unless you studied the specified language in 10th/12th standard. Failure means disqualification.

6. Is preliminary exam marks counted in final merit?

• Answer: No, only Main Examination marks (Objective + Descriptive) count for final selection.

7. What documents should OBC candidates submit?

• Answer: OBC certificate with non-creamy layer clause issued on or after 01 April 2025.

8. What is the last date to apply?

• Answer: 03 February 2026 (11:59 PM)

9. Can I edit application after submission?

• Answer: No changes possible after clicking “FINAL SUBMIT”.

10. How will I get exam call letter?

• Answer: Download from NABARD website using Registration Number and Password. Email/SMS notification sent.

11. What if I don’t have left thumb?

• Answer: You may use right thumb for application and biometric verification.

12. Is application fee refundable?

• Answer: No, application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.

13. Can I use scribe in the examination?

• Answer: Yes, if you have 40%+ disability or writing limitation with proper certification.

14. What is the probation period?

• Answer: Details will be provided in appointment letter (typically 1-2 years in banking).

15. Where can I get exam syllabus?

• Answer: Check NABARD website for detailed syllabus and previous year papers.

NABARD 162 Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 Preparation Tips

For Preliminary Examination

English Language:

• Focus on grammar, vocabulary, comprehension
• Practice error detection, sentence improvement
• Time management is crucial (40 questions in 20 minutes)

Numerical Ability/Professional Knowledge:

• Master basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry
• Practice speed calculation
• Solve previous year papers

Reasoning:

• Practice puzzles, seating arrangements
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Syllogism, coding-decoding

For Main Examination

General Awareness:

• Focus on agriculture, rural development, banking
• Current affairs related to rural India
• Government schemes (NABARD, RBI, Agriculture Ministry)
• Rural banking concepts

Computer Knowledge:

• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Internet and Email
• Computer fundamentals
• Banking software basics

Descriptive English:

• Practice essay writing (250-300 words)
• Precis writing techniques
• Formal letter/report writing
• Read newspapers daily

Time Management Strategy

• Preliminary: 60 minutes for 100 questions = 36 seconds per question
• Main: 135 minutes for 153 questions + descriptive = manage wisely
• Attempt easy questions first
• Don’t waste time on difficult questions
• Leave time for descriptive section

NABARD 162 Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF Download

Before applying, candidates should read all the instructions carefully and ensure that they fulfil all the eligibility criteria for the post. NABARD would admit candidates on the basis of the information furnished in the ONLINE application along with applicable requisite
fee and shall verify their eligibility before joining.

If, at any stage, it is found that any information furnished in the ONLINE application is false/ incorrect or if according to the Bank, the candidate does not satisfy the eligibility criteria for the post, his/her candidature will be cancelled, and he/she will not be allowed to appear for the examination / joining. Candidates are requested to apply only ONLINE through Bank’s website www.nabard.org. No other mode of submission of application will be accepted by NABARD

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