The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has just opened its Development Assistant (Grade‑B) recruitment drive for 162 vacancies across the country. The online application window is razor‑thin – it started on 17 January 2026 and will close sharply on 3 February 2026. Candidates meeting the age and educational criteria can secure a coveted position in one of India’s premier rural‑development institutions. Below is a complete, up‑to‑date guide covering eligibility, fees, important dates, and the step‑by‑step application process, plus direct links for quick access.
Recruitment Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Department/Board | National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) |
| Post Name | Development Assistant – Grade B |
| Exam Name | NABARD Development Assistant Grade‑B Exam |
| Total Vacancy | 162 posts |
| Category | New Recruitment |
| Application Mode | Online (through NABARD’s official portal) |
| Official Website | https://www.nabard.org |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 17 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply / Fee Payment | 03 February 2026 |
| Phase‑I Written Exam | 21 February 2026 |
| Phase‑II Written Exam | 12 April 2026 |
| Document Verification | To be announced |
| Medical Examination | To be announced |
All dates are as per the official notification (Advt. No. 08/DA/2025‑26). Candidates must adhere strictly to the deadlines.
Application Fee Details
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 550 |
| SC / ST / PH | ₹ 150 |
| Payment Mode | Debit Card, Credit Card, Net‑Banking, UPI (no offline challan) |
Vacancy & Eligibility Criteria
- Age Limit (as on 01 January 2026) – Minimum 21 years, Maximum 35 years. Age relaxation applies as per NABARD’s recruitment rules for reserved categories.
- Educational Qualification – Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) from a recognized university or institute.
| Post Name | Total Posts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Development Assistant – Grade B | 162 | Graduate (any stream) |
Note: Candidates are urged to read the official notification carefully for any additional eligibility nuances (e.g., work‑experience preferences, domicile requirements).
How to Apply Online?
Follow these six concise steps to submit your application without a hitch:
- Open the official portal – Go to https://www.nabard.org and click on the “Recruitment” tab.
- Locate the notification – Find the link titled “NABARD Development Assistant Grade‑B Recruitment 2026 (Advt. No. 08/DA/2025‑26)” and open it.
- Start the application – Click the “Apply Online” button. You will be redirected to a secure registration page.
- Register & fill details – Provide your basic information (name, DOB, contact, etc.), upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and academic certificates in the prescribed format (JPEG/PNG, ≤ 200 KB).
- Pay the examination fee – Choose a payment mode (Debit/Credit Card, Net‑Banking, UPI) and complete the transaction. A payment receipt will be generated automatically.
- Submit & print – Review all entries, submit the form, and download the application confirmation PDF. Print a hard copy for future reference; it contains your Application ID required for later stages.
Pro tip: Keep a backup of all uploaded documents and the payment receipt on your phone or cloud storage. Any mismatch can lead to disqualification during document verification.
Important Links
| Link Name | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Apply Here – NABARD DA‑B 2026 |
| Download Notification (PDF) | NOTIFICATION |
| Vacancy Details (State/Category Wise) | Download PDF |
| Official Website | Visit Here |
| Join WhatsApp Group | Join Now |
| Join Telegram Channel | Join Now |
Conclusion
NABARD’s Development Assistant (Grade‑B) recruitment offers a fast‑track entry into a respected financial institution serving India’s rural heartland. With 162 vacancies, a clear eligibility roadmap, and a tight application window, eligible aspirants must act now. Verify every detail against the official notification, complete the online form before 3 Feb 2026, and keep all receipts safe for the upcoming examinations.
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for NABARD Development Assistant Grade‑B Recruitment 2026?
Ans: The online application must be submitted by 03 February 2026 (fee payment deadline is the same day).
Q2. How many vacancies are released in this recruitment?
Ans: NABARD has announced 162 Development Assistant (Grade‑B) positions.
Q3. What is the official website for this recruitment?
Ans: Candidates can apply through the official NABARD portal: https://www.nabard.org.
