The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has released the official notification for NABARD Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 under Advertisement No. 08/DA/2025-26. This recruitment drive aims to fill 162 vacancies for the posts of Development Assistant and Development Assistant (Hindi) across various states and union territories in India.
NABARD is an apex development financial institution wholly owned by the Government of India, playing a crucial role in rural development, agricultural finance, and credit planning. A career with NABARD offers long-term stability, excellent salary structure, multiple allowances, and strong promotion prospects.
Eligible candidates can submit their applications online only through the official NABARD website between 17 January 2026 and 03 February 2026.
NABARD Development Assistant 2026 – Key Highlights
- Recruiting Authority: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
- Post Name: Development Assistant / Development Assistant (Hindi)
- Advertisement Number: 08/DA/2025-26
- Total Vacancies: 162
- Mode of Application: Online
- Selection Process: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam & Language Proficiency Test
- Job Location: Across India (State-wise recruitment)
- Official Website: www.nabard.org
Important Dates – NABARD Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Begins | 17 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 03 February 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | 21 February 2026 |
| Main Examination | 12 April 2026 |
The above dates are tentative. NABARD reserves the right to modify them due to administrative exigencies.
NABARD Development Assistant Vacancy Details 2026
Total Vacancies: 162 Posts
Development Assistant – 159 Posts
Vacancies are distributed across various states including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Assam, Kerala, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, and others.
Development Assistant (Hindi) – 3 Posts
- Andhra Pradesh – 1
- Maharashtra (Head Office, Mumbai) – 1
- Tamil Nadu – 1
Important Notes:
- Candidates can apply for only one state.
- Candidates can apply for only one post (either Development Assistant or Development Assistant – Hindi).
- Vacancies include reservations for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PWBD, and Ex-Servicemen as per Government of India rules.
NABARD Development Assistant Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit (as on 01 January 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 35 years
Candidates must be born between 02 January 1991 and 01 January 2005 (both dates inclusive).
Age Relaxation
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 Years |
| PWBD | 10 Years (UR), 13 Years (OBC), 15 Years (SC/ST) |
| Ex-Servicemen | Service period + 3 years (Max 50 years) |
| Widows / Divorced Women (SC/ST) | 5 Years |
Educational Qualification (as on 01 January 2026)
For Development Assistant
- Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks
- Pass class is sufficient for SC/ST/PWBD/Ex-Servicemen
- Knowledge of word processing on PC
For Development Assistant (Hindi)
- Bachelor’s Degree with Hindi and English as compulsory or main subjects
- Minimum 50% marks (pass class for reserved categories)
- Ability to translate from English to Hindi and Hindi to English
- Knowledge of word processing on PC
Additional Requirement:
Candidates must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the official language of the state they are applying for.
NABARD Development Assistant Selection Process 2026
The recruitment process consists of three stages:
Phase I – Preliminary Examination (Online)
Development Assistant
- English Language – 40 Questions (40 Marks)
- Numerical Ability – 30 Questions (30 Marks)
- Reasoning Ability – 30 Questions (30 Marks)
- Total: 100 Marks | Duration: 60 Minutes
Development Assistant (Hindi)
- English Language – 40 Marks
- Professional Knowledge (Hindi/English) – 30 Marks
- Reasoning Ability – 30 Marks
The preliminary examination is qualifying in nature.
Phase II – Main Examination (Online)
Common Sections
- Reasoning Ability
- Quantitative Aptitude / Professional Knowledge
- General Awareness (with special reference to Agriculture, Rural Development & Banking)
- Computer Knowledge
- English Language (Descriptive – Essay, Precis, Letter/Report Writing)
Total Marks: 200
Marks Counted for Final Merit: Yes
Language Proficiency Test (LPT)
Candidates shortlisted after the Main Examination must qualify the Language Proficiency Test in the official language of the state applied for.
- Candidates who studied the state language in Class 10 or 12 are exempted.
- LPT is qualifying in nature.
- Failure to qualify LPT will result in disqualification.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| SC / ST / PWBD | ₹100 |
| All Other Candidates | ₹550 |
Application fee is non-refundable and must be paid online.
NABARD Development Assistant Salary Structure
- Starting Basic Pay: ₹23,100 per month
- Pay Scale: ₹20,700 – ₹55,700
- Approximate Gross Salary: ₹46,500 per month
Allowances & Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Medical Reimbursement
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- New Pension Scheme (NPS)
- Gratuity & Group Insurance
- Concessional Loans for Housing, Vehicle, Education & Personal Computer
- Promotional opportunities to higher grades
How to Apply Online for NABARD Development Assistant 2026
- Visit www.nabard.org
- Navigate to Careers → Recruitment Notices
- Click on “Recruitment to the post of Development Assistant / Development Assistant (Hindi) – 2026”
- Complete online registration
- Upload photograph, signature, thumb impression & handwritten declaration
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit and download the application form for future reference
| Apply Online | Click Here |
|---|---|
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Homepage | Click Here |
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Applications must be submitted online only
- Incomplete or incorrect forms will be rejected
- Keep your email ID and mobile number active
- Candidates must ensure eligibility before applying
- NABARD reserves the right to modify or cancel recruitment at any stage
Conclusion
The NABARD Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 presents a golden opportunity for graduates seeking a prestigious government banking job with excellent salary, job security, and nationwide exposure. With competitive selection standards and a transparent recruitment process, aspirants are advised to apply early and begin focused preparation for the upcoming examinations.
