The NABARD Development Assistant (DA) 2026 exam date has been officially announced, giving aspirants a clear timeline for the upcoming recruitment process. The exam is conducted in multiple stages—Prelims, Mains, and Language Proficiency Test (LPT)—each scheduled separately by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development. In this blog, you’ll find the latest official exam dates, complete schedule, and important instructions every NABARD DA aspirant must know.

Download NABARD DA Notification 2026 PDF

NABARD DA Apply Online 2026 Link

Is the NABARD DA 2026 Exam Date Released?

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 – Latest Official Update

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development has released the NABARD Development Assistant (DA) 2026 notification, announcing 162 vacancies. The online application window is open from January 17 to February 3, 2026. The Prelims exam will be held on 21 February 2026, and the Mains exam is scheduled for 12 April 2026.

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NABARD DA Prelims Exam Date 2026 (Expected Timeline)

The NABARD DA 2026 Prelims exam is scheduled for 21 February 2026. This marks the first stage of the selection process.

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.

NABARD DA Language Proficiency Test 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.

NABARD DA 2026 Exam Schedule – Complete Timeline

Here is 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:

How to Check NABARD DA Exam Date on the Official Website

1. Visit the official website: Open your web browser and go to the official website (www.nabard.org or  https://www.nabard.org/EngDefault.aspx)

2. Go to the Careers section: On the homepage, navigate to the Careers section.

3. 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 & Download Process

• Admit card release timeline: The NABARD DA 2026 admit card for each stage (Prelims and Mains) is usually released a few weeks before the respective exam dates on the official website.

• Download process:

  1. Visit the official NABARD website and go to the Careers section.

  2. Click on the NABARD DA 2026 admit card link.

  3. Enter your registration number/roll number and date of birth/password as required.

  4. Submit the details to download and print your admit card.

Important Instructions Related to NABARD DA Exam Date

• 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.

• Exam dates (Prelims & Mains) may be changed due to administrative reasons, so candidates must regularly check the official website for updates and corrigenda.

• 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.

• 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.

FAQs on NABARD DA 2026 Exam Date

Q: When is the online application and fee payment window?

From 17 January 2026 to 03 February 2026.

Q: When will NABARD DA Prelims (Phase-I) be conducted?

21 February 2026 (online examination).

Q: When is the NABARD DA Mains (Phase-II) exam scheduled?

12 April 2026 (online examination).

Q: Can NABARD change these exam dates?

Yes. NABARD reserves the right to change dates due to administrative reasons.

Q: Where will admit cards, corrigendum, and updates be published?

Only on the official NABARD website, under 'Recruitment Notices'.

Q: How often should candidates check for updates?

Regularly, throughout the recruitment process.