NABARD Development Assistant Syllabus 2026, Exam Pattern Details

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) conducts the NABARD Development Assistant Exam to recruit candidates for clerical-level posts. Understanding the NABARD Development Assistant Syllabus and exam pattern is important for banking aspirants aiming to crack this exam. In this article, we will provide a breakdown of the overall syllabus, including the subject-wise list of important topics, selection process, exam pattern insights, preparation tips, and more.

NABARD Development Assistant Syllabus 2026

A total of 162 vacancies have been released under the NABARD Development Assistant 2026 recruitment. The syllabus covers various subjects, such as English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and a descriptive paper for English in the Mains examination stage of the selection process.

NABARD Development Assistant Selection Process 2026

The NABARD Development Assistant recruitment process consists of three stages. Each stage is qualifying in nature. The final selection is based on the marks scored in the Mains examination. The three-staged selection process is as follows:

• Preliminary Examination
• Main Examination
• Language Proficiency Test (LPT)

NABARD Development Assistant Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

As mentioned above, the NABARD DA exam has 2 exam stages, Prelims and Mains, and both are computer-based online tests. The Prelims are only objective type, whereas the Mains is both objective and descriptive type. Check the stage-wise exam structure below.

NABARD Development Assistant Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The prelims exam consists of three sections comprising 100 questions; each question carries 1 mark. The time duration is 60 minutes, with a negative marking of -0.25 applicable for each incorrect attempt.

NABARD Development Assistant Notification 2026 Out for 162 Vacancies

NABARD Development Assistant Mains Exam Pattern 2026

The Mains examination comprises 200 questions in total for 200 marks, including the objective and descriptive papers. The objective section is of 150 marks in total, divided into 4 sections, and 50 marks forthe  English descriptive. There exists a negative marking of -0.25 for each incorrect attempt.

NABARD DA Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Breakdown

Below, you can find the subject-wise breakdown of all the important topics that are part of the NABARD Development Assistant Syllabus. Candidates can go through this list and start preparing for the exam based on subjects as per their strengths and weaknesses.

English Language Syllabus

This section tests comprehension, grammar, and practical usage of English.

• Reading Comprehension (factual, inference-based, vocabulary-based questions)
• Cloze Test (grammar- and context-based)
• Error Spotting (sentence-level grammatical errors)
• Sentence Improvement and Correction
• Fill in the Blanks (single and double blanks)
• Para Jumbles (sentence rearrangement)
• Para Completion
• Vocabulary Usage
• Synonyms and Antonyms
• Word Usage in Context
• Idioms and Phrases
• Active and Passive Voice
• Direct and Indirect Speech

Reasoning Ability Syllabus

This section focuses on logical thinking, pattern recognition, and analytical ability.

• Seating Arrangement (Linear and Circular)
• Puzzles (Floor-based, Box-based, Day and Month-based)
• Syllogism
• Inequality
• Coding–Decoding
• Letter Coding
• Number Coding
• Mixed Coding
• Blood Relations
• Direction Sense Test
• Order and Ranking
• Alphanumeric Series
• Logical Reasoning
• Data Sufficiency
• Input–Output
• Statement and Assumptions
• Statement and Conclusions

Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

This section evaluates numerical ability, calculation speed, and problem-solving skills.

• Simplification and Approximation
• Number Series
• Quadratic Equations
• Data Interpretation (Table-based, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselet DI)
• Percentage
• Ratio and Proportion
• Average
• Profit and Loss
• Simple Interest and Compound Interest
• Time and Work
• Work and Wages
• Time, Speed, and Distance
• Mixture and Alligation
• Mensuration (2D and basic 3D)
• Probability
• Permutation and Combination

General Awareness Syllabus

This section is very important for the Mains exam and can often be the deciding factor. It requires consistent efforts, regular practice, and revisions. 

Current Affairs

• National Current Affairs
• International Current Affairs
• Banking and Financial News
• Economic Developments
• Important Days and Events
• Awards and Honours
• Appointments and Resignations

Banking and Financial Awareness

• Indian Banking System
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Functions
• Monetary Policy
• Financial Institutions
• Types of Accounts
• Capital Market Basics

NABARD & Rural Development

• Role and Functions of NABARD
• NABARD Schemes and Initiatives
• Agriculture Credit System
• Rural Development Programmes
• Self Help Groups (SHGs)
• Microfinance Institutions
• Priority Sector Lending

Static General Knowledge

• Indian Economy Basics
• Agriculture in India
• Government Schemes
• Budget and Economic Survey (overview)

NABARD Development Assistant Syllabus 2026 for Computer Knowledge

This part is an easy section of the exam that can help boost the overall score.

• Basics of Computers
• Hardware and Software
• Operating Systems (Windows basics)
• MS Office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint)
• Internet Fundamentals
• Networking Basics
• Computer Security
• Shortcut Keys
• Basics of Cyber Awareness

NABARD Development Assistant Language Proficiency Test (LPT)

Candidates must go through a Language Proficiency Test in the local language of the State/UT applied for. This is a mandatory test, but only qualifying in Nature, meaning that a candidate might face rejection if he or she does not qualify LPT even if Mains is cleared.

NABARD Development Assistant 2026 Preparation Tips

As said before, one of the starting points of any preparation strategy is to thoroughly understand the NABARD Development Assistant Syllabus 2026 and its exam pattern. This gives you an idea of what to look out for when going through the detailed syllabus and solving questions for practice.

The General Awareness section plays an important role in the Mains examination, which is the mains stage for the final selection. It requires a strong base, and candidates need to cover at least 6 months of current affairs before the date of the exam. Keep these points in mind when preparing for the NABARD Development Assistant Exam 2026:

• Understand the exam pattern and complete syllabus first.
• Focus on speed and accuracy in Prelims.
• Strengthen arithmetic basics and puzzles, as they are high-scoring.
• Read daily to improve English and current affairs.
• Practice descriptive writing for the Mains exam.
• Revise banking, rural development, and computer basics regularly.
• Attempt mock tests and analyze errors consistently.