Welcome to the comprehensive job description for the NABARD Development Assistant 2026 recruitment! This detailed guide covers all aspects of the recruitment process, eligibility criteria, application procedure, and important information to help candidates prepare effectively for this esteemed opportunity.
NABARD Development Assistant Recruitment 2026 – Complete Job Overview
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced a recruitment drive to fill a total of 162 posts, including Development Assistant and Development Assistant (Hindi). This is a prestigious opportunity for candidates aspiring to work with a government-owned financial institution dedicated to rural development and agricultural financing across India. The recruitment cycle is scheduled for 2026, with application window open from 17 January 2026 to 03 February 2026.
Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) |
| Post Name | Development Assistant / Development Assistant (Hindi) |
| Total No. of Posts | 162 (159 for Development Assistant + 3 for Development Assistant (Hindi)) |
| Advertisement Number | 08/DA/2025-26 |
| Salary | Approximately Rs. 46,500 Per Month (starting gross) with Pay Scale Rs. 20,700 – 55,700 |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree with minimum 50% marks + Basic Computer Knowledge |
| Age Limit | 21 to 35 years as on 01/01/2026 |
| Application Start Date | 17 January 2026 |
| Application End Date | 3 February 2026 |
| Official Website | www.nabard.org |
Vacancy Details and Regional Distribution
Let’s take a look at the regional distribution of vacancies, which ensures opportunities are spread across various states and union territories, promoting balanced regional representation.
State-wise Vacancies
| State/Region | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Andaman and Nicobar | 1 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 7 |
| Assam | 5 |
| Bihar | 1 |
| Chhattisgarh | 5 |
| Goa | 1 |
| Gujarat | 9 |
| Haryana | 3 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 4 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 3 |
| Jharkhand | 1 |
| Karnataka | 7 |
| Kerala | 3 |
| Ladakh | 2 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 10 |
| Maharashtra (including HO Mumbai) | 48 |
| Manipur | 2 |
| Meghalaya | 1 |
| New Delhi | 3 |
| Odisha | 8 |
| Punjab | 2 |
| Rajasthan | 5 |
| Tamil Nadu | 9 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 11 |
| West Bengal | 8 |
| Total | 162 |
Reservation Breakdown
Reservations are allocated as per Government guidelines, with specific quotas for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PWBD, and Ex-Servicemen categories:
- UR (Unreserved): 78
- SC: 21
- ST: 17
- OBC: 26
- EWS: 17
- PWBD: 7
- Ex-Servicemen: 16
- Dis-Ex-Servicemen: 7
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet specific educational and language proficiency requirements to be eligible. Here’s a detailed view:
Educational Qualifications
For Development Assistant:
Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks (pass for SC/ST/ PWBD/Ex-Servicemen), from a recognized university or institute. The degree must be from a university incorporated by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature.
For Development Assistant (Hindi):
Bachelor’s Degree in English/Hindi medium with Hindi and English as compulsory or elective subjects, with at least 50% marks (pass for SC/ST/PWBD/Ex-Servicemen). Alternatively, a degree with Hindi and English main subjects with the same percentage criteria.
Knowledge of Computer Skills
Basic computer knowledge is essential, including word processing skills. Candidates should be able to translate from English to Hindi and vice-versa for the Hindi post.
Age Criteria
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 years (born on or after 02/01/1991) |
| Maximum Age | 35 years (born on or before 01/01/2005) |
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST: Up to 40 years
- OBC: Up to 38 years
- PWBD: Up to 45-50 years (based on category)
- Ex-Servicemen: Service rendered + 3 years (max 50 years)
- Widows/Divorced Women: Up to 40 years
Language Proficiency
The candidate must be proficient in the official language of the state in which they apply, including reading, writing, speaking, and understanding. The official language is specified in the State Gazette of the concerned state.
Desirable Skills
- Knowledge of computer applications and word processing.
- Proficiency in the official language of the region.
Selection Process
The selection involves multiple stages, designed to assess various competencies of the candidates:
Stage I: Preliminary Online Examination (Qualification Level)
| Post | Subjects & Details |
|---|---|
| Development Assistant & Hindi |
|
This is a qualifying stage with a shortlisting ratio of 1:25 based on performance.
Stage II: Main Online Examination
| Post | Subjects & Details |
|---|---|
| Development Assistant |
|
| Development Assistant (Hindi) |
|
Stage III: Language Proficiency Test (LPT)
This is a qualifying round conducted in the official language of the state. Candidates who pass the Main Examination and meet the proficiency criteria are eligible. Exemptions are available if the candidate has studied 10th/12th in the respective language.
Additional Details
- Negative marking: 1/4th mark deducted per wrong answer.
- Final merit list is based on the aggregate Main Examination marks.
- Tie-breaking criteria include educational qualifications and age.
Application Procedure
Follow these simple steps to submit your application:
- Visit the official NABARD website: www.nabard.org
- Navigate to the recruitment section and select the advertisement for Development Assistant 2026.
- Click on “New Registration” and fill in the required basic details.
- Note down the registration number and password.
- Prepare scanned copies of photograph, signature, thumb impression, and handwritten declaration as per specifications.
- Fill out the application form with accurate data, upload documents, and pay the fee online.
- Submit the form and keep a copy for future reference.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Release | 17/01/2026 |
| Online Application Start | 17/01/2026 |
| Online Application End | 03/02/2026 |
| Preliminary Exam | 21/02/2026 |
| Main Exam | 12/04/2026 |
| LPT (Language Test) | To be announced |
Salary and Benefits
The initial gross emolument is approximately Rs. 46,500 per month, including various allowances such as Dearness Allowance, HRA, CCA, and Transport Allowance. NABARD offers a competitive salary structure along with numerous perks including:
- Medical facilities and dispensary services
- Accommodation (subject to availability)
- Reimbursement of official travel and transport
- Leave Travel Concession
- Loan facilities at concessional rates
- Pension benefits under NPS
- Gratuity and insurance coverage
Career Growth and Promotions
NABARD provides reasonable prospects for career advancement through promotions to higher grades, along with increased salary and responsibility as you gain experience and seniority.
Additional Information and Tips
- All educational qualifications should be from recognized universities/institutes.
- Applicants must ensure the accuracy of all information provided.
- Prepare for the selection process by taking online mock tests and reading relevant syllabus topics.
- Keep all documents ready before starting your application.
- Regularly check the official website for updates or changes in examination schedules.
Official Resources
Prepare well, stay updated, and seize this excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career with NABARD! Best wishes for your success in the recruitment process.