The NABARD DA prelims exam date is 21 February 2026, whereas the mains exam date is 12 April 2026. The NABARD Development Assistant (DA) exam is a national-level competitive examination conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to recruit candidates for the Development Assistant post in its regional offices. The selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and a qualifying Language Proficiency Test. The NABARD Development Assistant post is a secure Group B role at an apex development bank, valued for job stability, a five-day workweek, and a healthy work-life balance. The role involves key administrative, operational, and rural development–related responsibilities, with scope for promotion to Grade A after 3–4 years.
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What is the NABARD DA Exam?
NABARD stands for National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, and DA refers to Development Assistant. NABARD conducts the exam to recruit Development Assistants for its Regional Offices through Prelims, Mains, and a Language Proficiency Test. DAs provide clerical and administrative support, assist in rural development initiatives, banking operations, and data management. It is a prestigious national-level exam conducted online across India.
NABARD DA Apply Online 2026 Link
Is the NABARD DA 2026 Exam Date Released?
Yes, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development has officially announced the NABARD DA 2026 exam date. Separate schedules have been released for the Prelims and Mains exams.
NABARD DA Eligibility Criteria
NABARD DA 2026 Exam Date – Official Schedule
The NABARD Development Assistant (DA) 2026 notification has been released by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, revealing 162 job openings. Candidates can apply for this recruitment from January 17 to February 3, 2026. The Preliminary exam is set to take place on February 21, 2026, while the Main exam is planned for April 12, 2026.
NABARD DA 2026 Important Dates – Complete Timeline
The official and expected NABARD DA 2026 exam schedule timeline based on the recruitment notification released by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development is mentioned in the table below.
| Event | Dates |
| Notification Release date | 17 January 2026 |
| Apply Online Start Date | 17 January 2026 |
| Apply Online Last Date | 3 February 2026 |
| NABARD DA Prelims Exam Date 2026 | 21 February 2026 |
| NABARD DA Mains Exam Date 2026 | 12 April 2026 |
| Language Proficiency Test | Will be announced after the Mains result |
NABARD DA 2026 Selection Process
The NABARD Development Assistant (DA) 2026 selection process has three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Language Proficiency Test (LPT). The Prelims is a qualifying, one-hour objective test with 100 questions and negative marking. The Mains includes objective and descriptive papers, and its score determines the final merit. Candidates who qualify for selection and have studied the declared language as a subject in Class 10 or 12 are exempted from the Language Proficiency Test (LPT). However, they must submit valid documentary proof, such as the Class 10 or 12 marksheet showing the specified language as a subject.
What is the NABARD DA Prelims Exam Date 2026?
The NABARD DA 2026 Prelims exam is scheduled for 21 February 2026. This marks the first stage of the selection process.
What is the NABARD DA Mains Exam Date 2026 (Stage-II Schedule)?
The NABARD DA 2026 Mains exam will be held on 12 April 2026, after the February Prelims.
What is the NABARD DA Language Proficiency Test (LPT) Schedule?
The NABARD DA Language Proficiency Test (LPT) is conducted after the declaration of the Mains exam result for candidates who have not studied the official language of the concerned state in Class 10 or 12; the exact schedule is announced later on the official website.
Important Instructions Related to NABARD DA Exam Date
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Candidates must apply only online through the official website of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development within the notified dates; no other mode of application is accepted.
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Exam dates (Prelims & Mains) may be changed due to administrative reasons, so candidates must regularly check the official website for updates and corrigenda.
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Admit cards (call letters) for each phase will be released online before the exam; entry to the exam centre is allowed only with a valid call letter and photo ID.
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Admission to the exam is purely provisional, and candidature can be cancelled at any stage if the eligibility details or information provided are found incorrect.
How to Check NABARD DA Exam Date on the Official Website?
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Visit the official website: Open your web browser and go to the official website (@nabard.org)
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Go to the Careers section: On the homepage, navigate to the Careers section.
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Open the NABARD DA notification: Click on the relevant NABARD Development Assistant (DA) 2026 notification link to check the officially announced exam dates for Prelims and Mains.
NABARD DA Admit Card Release Date and Download Process
FAQs
Q: When will the NABARD DA 2026 exam be conducted?
The NABARD Development Assistant (DA) 2026 Preliminary exam will be conducted on February 21, 2026. The Main examination (Phase II) is scheduled to be held on April 12, 2026.
Q: What is the NABARD DA 2026 prelims exam date?
The NABARD Development Assistant (DA) 2026 prelims exam is scheduled to be held on 21 February 2026.
Q: Is the NABARD DA exam conducted every year?
Yes, the NABARD Development Assistant (DA) exam is generally conducted every year.
Q: Will NABARD DA prelims and mains be held on the same day?
No, the NABARD Development Assistant (DA) Prelims and Mains exams are not held on the same day.
Q: Where can I check official NABARD DA exam dates?
Candidates can check the official NABARD DA exam dates on this page.