NABARD Development Assistant Exam Pattern 2026 | Prelims & Mains

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NABARD Development Assistant Exam Pattern 2026

The selection process for the NABARD Development Assistant 2026 recruitment comprises three stages:

• Preliminary Exam (Prelims) — Online, objective, qualifying
• Main Examination (Mains) — Online, objective + descriptive
• Language Proficiency Test (LPT) — Qualifying language test

Final Selection will be based on marks obtained in the Main Examination (subject to qualifying the LPT). Prelims marks are not counted in the final merit.

NABARD Development Assistant Preliminary Exam Pattern (Screening) 2026

• Mode of Examination – Computer Based Test
• Sections: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language.
• Language: English and Hindi
• Total Questions: 100
• Total Marks: 100
• Duration: 1 hour (60 minutes)
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.

NABARD Development Assistant Main Exam Pattern 2026

• Mode of Examination – Computer Based Test
• Sections: Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, along with a Descriptive English Language paper.
• Language: English and Hindi
• Total Questions: 153
• Total Marks: 200
• Duration: 135 min (2 hours 15 min)
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer (for objective only).

NABARD Development Assistant Language Proficiency Test (LPT) 2026

The Language Proficiency Test (LPT) is a qualifying stage in the selection process for the NABARD Development Assistant 2026 post. It is designed to check your ability to read, write, speak, and understand the official/regional language of the state/region you applied from.

• Purpose: To ensure candidates can handle basic communication and work-related tasks in the local language after appointment.
• Nature: It is qualifying only — marks are not added to final merit, but failing it leads to disqualification even if you scored high in mains.

NABARD Development Assistant Final Selection 2026

The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination (Phase-I) will not be added for preparing the final merit list for selection. Only the marks obtained in Main Examination (Phase-II), both in the Objective Test and the Descriptive Test, will be added for preparing the final merit list.

NABARD Development Assistant Exam Pattern 2026 : FAQs

1. How many stages are there in the NABARD Development Assistant selection process?
There are three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Language Proficiency Test (LPT).

2. Is the NABARD DA exam conducted online or offline?
The exam is conducted in online mode as a Computer-Based Test.

3. What is the nature of questions in the exam?
Most questions in Prelims and Mains are objective (multiple choice). The Mains exam also includes a descriptive English section.

4. How many sections are there in the Preliminary Exam?
The Prelims exam usually has three sections: English Language, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude.

5. What is the total duration of the Preliminary Exam?
The Prelims exam is generally conducted for 1 hour.

6. Is there sectional timing in the exam?
Yes, sectional timing is typically applied, meaning each section must be completed within a fixed time limit.

7. Is there negative marking in the NABARD DA exam?
Yes, 0.25 marks are usually deducted for each incorrect answer in objective tests.

8. What sections are included in the Main Exam?
Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and Descriptive English.

9. What is the format of the Descriptive English paper?
It generally includes essay writing and letter or report writing, and is typed on the computer.

10. What is the purpose of the Language Proficiency Test (LPT)?
It checks whether the candidate can read, write, and understand the local language of the state applied for. It is qualifying in nature.