The NABARD Development Assistant (DA) Prelims 2026 examination is scheduled to be held on 21st February 2026. With the exam date approaching, aspirants should now shift their focus from learning new concepts to strategic revision and exam-oriented practice. Practising the right kind of questions at this stage can significantly improve accuracy, speed, and confidence on the actual exam day.
Expected Questions for NABARD DA 2026 Prelims – Practice Now
To help aspirants prepare effectively, we have shared sample practice questions below that are expected for NABARD DA 2026 Prelims. These questions are assumptive in nature, prepared strictly on the basis of:
Note: These are expected/practice questions meant for preparation purposes only and do not claim to be actual NABARD exam questions.
Directions (1–8):
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.
Passage:
Financial inclusion has emerged as a key priority for policymakers in developing economies. It aims to ensure that individuals and businesses have access to useful and affordable financial products and services delivered in a responsible and sustainable manner. Institutions like NABARD play a significant role in promoting inclusive growth by supporting rural credit, agricultural development, and microfinance initiatives. However, challenges such as lack of financial literacy, inadequate infrastructure, and limited digital access continue to hinder progress. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts from financial institutions, government agencies, and local communities.
Q1. According to the passage, financial inclusion primarily aims to
(a) increase profits of banks
(b) provide free financial services
(c) ensure access to affordable financial products
(d) eliminate rural poverty completely
(e) regulate financial institutions
Answer: (c)
Q2. Which institution is mentioned as playing a significant role in rural development?
(a) RBI
(b) World Bank
(c) IMF
(d) NABARD
(e) SEBI
Answer: (d)
Q3. Which of the following is mentioned as a challenge to financial inclusion?
(I) Lack of financial literacy
(II) Inadequate infrastructure
(III) Excessive regulation
(a) Only (I)
(b) Only (II)
(c) Both (I) and (II)
(d) Only (III)
(e) All (I), (II) and (III)
Answer: (c)
Q4. The passage suggests that improving financial inclusion requires
(a) foreign investment
(b) privatization of banks
(c) coordinated efforts from multiple stakeholders
(d) reduction in interest rates
(e) elimination of digital platforms
Answer: (c)
Q5. Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?
(a) Critical
(b) Analytical
(c) Emotional
(d) Argumentative
(e) Satirical
Answer: (b)
Q6. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
(a) Financial inclusion has already been fully achieved
(b) Digital access alone can solve all challenges
(c) Rural development is dependent only on agriculture
(d) Financial literacy is essential for inclusive growth
(e) Government agencies are solely responsible
Answer: (d)
Q7. Choose the word MOST SIMILAR in meaning to “hinder” as used in the passage.
(a) Promote
(b) Accelerate
(c) Obstruct
(d) Encourage
(e) Assist
Answer: (c)
Q8. Choose the word MOST OPPOSITE in meaning to “affordable” as used in the passage.
(a) Reasonable
(b) Accessible
(c) Economical
(d) Expensive
(e) Available
Answer: (d)
Directions (9–13):
In the question given below, a sentence is given in which a part is printed in bold. The part may or may not be grammatically correct. Choose the option which can replace the bold part to make the sentence grammatically correct. If the sentence is correct, choose option (e), “No replacement required”.
Q9. The committee have approved the proposal after detailed discussion.
(a) has approved
(b) had approve
(c) have approve
(d) has approve
(e) No replacement required
Answer: (a)
Q10. The scheme aims to improving credit availability for farmers.
(a) improving
(b) for improving
(c) to improve
(d) to improved
(e) No replacement required
Answer: (c)
Q11. The officials were instructed maintaining strict discipline during inspection.
(a) to maintain strict discipline
(b) maintained strict discipline
(c) maintaining strictly disciplined
(d) to maintaining strict discipline
(e) No replacement required
Answer: (a)
Q12. She insisted on complete the work before the deadline.
(a) on completing the work
(b) to complete the work
(c) on completed the work
(d) to completing the work
(e) No replacement required
Answer: (a)
Q13. The decision was taken keeping public interest in mind.
(a) kept public interest in mind
(b) to keep public interest in mind
(c) keep public interest in mind
(d) keeping in mind public interest
(e) No replacement required
Answer: (e)
Directions (14–18):
Read each sentence to find out if there is any error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. If there is no error, choose (e).
Q14. The number of applicants (A) / have increased (B) / significantly (C) / this year (D).
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) No error
Answer: (b)
Q15. Each of the farmers (A) / were provided (B) / financial assistance (C) / by the bank (D).
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) No error
Answer: (b)
Q16. The manager discussed (A) / about the proposal (B) / during the meeting (C) / yesterday (D).
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) No error
Answer: (b)
Q17. He did not (A) / knew the implications (B) / of the policy (C) / at that time (D).
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) No error
Answer: (b)
Q18. The quality of rural infrastructure (A) / were found (B) / to be satisfactory (C) / by experts (D).
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) No error
Answer: (b)
Directions (19–23):
Rearrange the following sentences to form a meaningful paragraph.
(A) Digital banking has transformed rural financial services.
(B) It has improved accessibility and efficiency.
(C) However, cybersecurity concerns have also increased.
(D) Regulators are focusing on strengthening safeguards.
(E) Public awareness plays a crucial role in safe adoption.
Q19. Which of the following will be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement?
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E
Answer: (a)
Q20. Which of the following will be the LAST sentence?
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E
Answer: (e)
Q21. Which of the following pairs appears in the same order?
(a) A–C
(b) B–D
(c) C–D
(d) D–B
(e) E–C
Answer: (c)
Q22. What is the correct sequence?
(a) A B C D E
(b) A C B D E
(c) B A C D E
(d) A B D C E
(e) A D B C E
Answer: (a)
Q23. Which is the FOURTH sentence in the correct sequence?
(a) B
(b) C
(c) D
(d) E
(e) A
Answer: (c)
Directions (24–28):
Choose the word MOST SIMILAR in meaning.
Q24. Enhance
(a) Reduce
(b) Improve
(c) Ignore
(d) Prevent
(e) Delay
Answer: (b)
Q25. Prudent
(a) Careless
(b) Wise
(c) Reckless
(d) Hasty
(e) Casual
Answer: (b)
Q26. Choose the word MOST OPPOSITE in meaning.
Scarce
(a) Rare
(b) Limited
(c) Abundant
(d) Inadequate
(e) Insufficient
Answer: (c)
Q27. Transparent
(a) Clear
(b) Obscure
(c) Visible
(d) Evident
(e) Open
Answer: (b)
Q28. Choose the correctly spelt word.
(a) Perseverence
(b) Perseverance
(c) Perseveranse
(d) Perseverencee
(e) All are correct
Answer: (b)
Directions (29–35):
In the following questions, a sentence is given with two blanks. Choose the option which can fill the blanks in the correct order.
Q29. The reforms aim to ______ growth and ______ employment.
(a) restrict, reduce
(b) stimulate, generate
(c) hinder, eliminate
(d) delay, suppress
(e) None of these
Answer: (b)
Q30. Transparency helps ______ trust and ______ credibility.
(a) weaken, destroy
(b) build, maintain
(c) avoid, question
(d) reduce, challenge
(e) None of these
Answer: (b)
Q31. The committee was formed to ______ grievances and ______ solutions.
(a) ignore, avoid
(b) address, propose
(c) create, reject
(d) dismiss, delay
(e) None of these
Answer: (b)
Q32. The economy showed signs of ______ after months of ______.
(a) inflation, stability
(b) recovery, slowdown
(c) decline, expansion
(d) boom, recession
(e) None of these
Answer: (b)
Q33. Authorities must ______ rules strictly to ______ misuse.
(a) relax, allow
(b) enforce, prevent
(c) frame, justify
(d) ignore, enable
(e) None of these
Answer: (b)
Q34. Technology has helped ______ efficiency and ______ costs.
(a) reduce, increase
(b) improve, lower
(c) hamper, raise
(d) control, escalate
(e) None of these
Answer: (b)
Q35. The scheme seeks to ______ inclusion and ______ inequality.
(a) promote, reduce
(b) limit, widen
(c) restrict, increase
(d) hamper, sustain
(e) None of these
Answer: (a)
Directions (36–40):
Choose the correct meaning of the phrase given in bold.
Q36. The meeting was called off due to unavoidable reasons.
(a) postponed indefinitely
(b) cancelled
(c) concluded
(d) rescheduled
(e) None of these
Answer: (b)
Q37. She was taken aback by the sudden announcement.
(a) annoyed
(b) surprised
(c) angered
(d) pleased
(e) None of these
Answer: (b)
Q38. The issue was brushed aside by the authorities.
(a) highlighted
(b) ignored
(c) resolved
(d) investigated
(e) None of these
Answer: (b)
Q39. The plan fell through due to lack of funds.
(a) succeeded
(b) collapsed
(c) expanded
(d) improved
(e) None of these
Answer: (b)
Q40. The new policy will bear fruit in the long run.
(a) fail
(b) produce results
(c) face criticism
(d) be delayed
(e) None of these
Answer: (b)
Directions (41–50):
What will come in the place of question mark (?) in the following number series?
Q41. 3, 9, 27, 81, ?, 729
(a) 162
(b) 216
(c) 243
(d) 324
(e) 486
Answer: (c)
Q42. 5, 11, 23, 47, ?, 191
(a) 71
(b) 83
(c) 95
(d) 99
(e) 107
Answer: (c)
Q43. 2, 6, 18, 54, ?, 486
(a) 108
(b) 162
(c) 216
(d) 324
(e) 432
Answer: (b)
Q44. 1, 4, 9, 16, ?, 36
(a) 20
(b) 24
(c) 25
(d) 30
(e) 32
Answer: (c)
Q45. 100, 95, 85, 70, ?, 10
(a) 55
(b) 50
(c) 45
(d) 40
(e) 35
Answer: (c)
Q46. 7, 14, 28, 56, ?, 224
(a) 84
(b) 98
(c) 112
(d) 126
(e) 140
Answer: (c)
Q47. 81, 27, 9, 3, ?, 1/3
(a) 1
(b) 1/9
(c) 1/27
(d) 3
(e) 1/81
Answer: (a)
Q48. 4, 9, 19, 39, ?, 159
(a) 59
(b) 69
(c) 79
(d) 89
(e) 99
Answer: (c)
Q49. 6, 15, 31, 63, ?, 255
(a) 95
(b) 111
(c) 127
(d) 135
(e) 143
Answer: (c)
Q50. 2, 5, 10, 17, ?, 37
(a) 24
(b) 25
(c) 26
(d) 27
(e) 28
Answer: (c)
Directions (51–55):
What will come in the place of question mark (?) in the following questions?
Q51. 20% of 250 + ? = 15% of 600
(a) 20
(b) 30
(c) 40
(d) 50
(e) 60
Answer: (c)
Q52. ? ÷ 4 × 6 + 30% of 200 = 180
(a) 40
(b) 50
(c) 60
(d) 80
(e) 100
Answer: (b)
Q53. ? + 750 − 425 = 1100
(a) 775
(b) 800
(c) 825
(d) 850
(e) 875
Answer: (b)
Q54. 480 ÷ ? + 20% of 200 = 100
(a) 6
(b) 8
(c) 10
(d) 12
(e) 16
Answer: (b)
Q55. ? × (40% of 250) = 1000
(a) 5
(b) 8
(c) 10
(d) 12
(e) 15
Answer: (b)
Directions (56–60):
A table is given below showing the number of loans sanctioned (in hundreds) by four branches in four months. Study the table carefully and answer the questions.
| Branch | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr |
| A | 120 | 140 | 160 | 180 |
| B | 100 | 120 | 140 | 160 |
| C | 150 | 170 | 190 | 210 |
| D | 90 | 110 | 130 | 150 |
Q56. What is the average number of loans sanctioned by Branch A?
(a) 145
(b) 150
(c) 155
(d) 160
(e) 165
Answer: (b)
Q57. Loans sanctioned by Branch B in Jan and Feb together are what percent less than loans sanctioned by Branch C in Feb and Mar together?
(a) 20%
(b) 25%
(c) 30%
(d) 33.33%
(e) 40%
Answer: (c)
Q58. What is the ratio of total loans sanctioned by Branch C to Branch D in all four months?
(a) 19:13
(b) 21:14
(c) 23:15
(d) 25:17
(e) 27:19
Answer: (c)
Q59. If each loan is worth ₹50,000, how much more amount was sanctioned by Branch A than Branch B in April?
(a) ₹5 lakh
(b) ₹7.5 lakh
(c) ₹10 lakh
(d) ₹12.5 lakh
(e) ₹15 lakh
Answer: (c)
Q60. Loans sanctioned by Branch D in March are what percent of loans sanctioned by Branch A in January?
(a) 90%
(b) 95%
(c) 100%
(d) 108.33%
(e) 120%
Answer: (d)
Directions (61–70):
Answer the following questions.
Q61. A and B together can complete a work in 20 days. B is 25% more efficient than A. In how many days can B alone complete the work?
(a) 20
(b) 24
(c) 30
(d) 36
(e) 40
Answer: (b)
Q62. A sum becomes ₹6,240 after 3 years at simple interest at 8% per annum. What is the principal?
(a) ₹4,800
(b) ₹5,000
(c) ₹5,200
(d) ₹5,400
(e) ₹5,600
Answer: (b)
Q63. A and B invest in a business in the ratio 3:4. A withdraws after 6 months while B continues for 12 months. If total profit is ₹7,000, find B’s share.
(a) ₹3,000
(b) ₹3,500
(c) ₹4,000
(d) ₹4,200
(e) ₹4,500
Answer: (d)
Q64. A train running at 72 km/h crosses a pole in 15 seconds. Find the length of the train.
(a) 250 m
(b) 270 m
(c) 300 m
(d) 320 m
(e) 360 m
Answer: (c)
Q65. The speed of a boat in still water is 18 km/h and the speed of the stream is 3 km/h. How much time will it take to travel 60 km upstream?
(a) 4 hr
(b) 5 hr
(c) 6 hr
(d) 7.5 hr
(e) 10 hr
Answer: (d)
Q66. The ratio of milk to water in a mixture is 3:2. If 20 litres of water is added, the ratio becomes 3:4. Find the initial quantity of milk.
(a) 24 L
(b) 30 L
(c) 36 L
(d) 40 L
(e) 48 L
Answer: (b)
Q67. The average of five consecutive even numbers is 34. What is the smallest number?
(a) 26
(b) 28
(c) 30
(d) 32
(e) 34
Answer: (b)
Q68. A trader marks his goods 25% above cost price and allows a discount of 20%. What is his profit percent?
(a) 0%
(b) 2%
(c) 4%
(d) 5%
(e) 6.25%
Answer: (a)
Q69. The perimeter of a square is equal to the perimeter of a rectangle. If the side of the square is 20 cm and the length of the rectangle is 24 cm, find the breadth of the rectangle.
(a) 12 cm
(b) 14 cm
(c) 16 cm
(d) 18 cm
(e) 20 cm
Answer: (a)
Q70. Monthly income of A is 20% more than that of B. If both save 25% of their income and total savings is ₹9,000, what is the total monthly income of A and B together?
(a) ₹36,000
(b) ₹40,000
(c) ₹42,000
(d) ₹45,000
(e) ₹48,000
Answer: (b)
Directions (71–75):
In these questions, relationship between different elements is shown in the statements. The statements are followed by conclusions.
(a) If only conclusion I follows
(b) If only conclusion II follows
(c) If either conclusion I or II follows
(d) If neither conclusion I nor II follows
(e) If both conclusions I and II follow
Q71. Statements: A > B ≥ C = D Conclusions:
I. A > C
II. E ≥ B
Answer: (e)
Q72. Statements: M ≤ N = O > P ≥ Q
Conclusions:
I. O > Q
II. M
Answer: (a)
Q73. Statements: K > L ≥ M Conclusions:
I. K > M
II. L
Answer: (e)
Q74. Statements: R ≤ S Conclusions:
I. S II. R ≤ T
Answer: (e)
Q75. Statements: P = Q T
Conclusions:
I. Q II. T
Answer: (e)
Directions (76–80):
Study the following information carefully and answer the questions given below.
Eight persons A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H are sitting in a straight line facing north.
A sits third to the right of D.
B sits second to the left of A.
C sits at one of the ends.
Only one person sits between C and F.
E sits immediate right of F.
G sits third to the left of H.
Q76. Who sits at the extreme left end?
(a) A
(b) C
(c) D
(d) F
(e) H
Answer: (b)
Q77. How many persons sit between B and H?
(a) One
(b) Two
(c) Three
(d) Four
(e) Five
Answer: (c)
Q78. Who sits immediate right of D?
(a) B
(b) E
(c) F
(d) G
(e) A
Answer: (e)
Q79. Which of the following sits second to the left of E?
(a) C
(b) D
(c) G
(d) B
(e) A
Answer: (b)
Q80. Who sits third to the right of C?
(a) B
(b) D
(c) F
(d) E
(e) G
Answer: (c)
Directions (81–85):
In each of the following questions, four words are given. Three of them are alike in a certain way and one is different. Find the odd one out.
Q81.
(a) Wheat
(b) Rice
(c) Barley
(d) Cotton
(e) Maize
Answer: (d)
Q82.
(a) Square
(b) Rectangle
(c) Triangle
(d) Circle
(e) Cube
Answer: (e)
Q83.
(a) January
(b) March
(c) July
(d) October
(e) Sunday
Answer: (e)
Q84.
(a) Doctor
(b) Teacher
(c) Engineer
(d) Farmer
(e) Hospital
Answer: (e)
Q85.
(a) Ear
(b) Eye
(c) Nose
(d) Tongue
(e) Brain
Answer: (e)
Directions (86–90):
In each of the following questions, a word is given followed by four alternatives. Choose the alternative which is most similar in meaning to the given word.
Q86. Prudent
(a) Careless
(b) Wise
(c) Hasty
(d) Negligent
(e) Reckless
Answer: (b)
Q87. Abundant
(a) Scarce
(b) Limited
(c) Plentiful
(d) Rare
(e) Inadequate
Answer: (c)
Q88. Mitigate
(a) Intensify
(b) Reduce
(c) Delay
(d) Ignore
(e) Prevent
Answer: (b)
Q89. Opaque
(a) Clear
(b) Transparent
(c) Obscure
(d) Visible
(e) Evident
Answer: (c)
Q90. Vigilant
(a) Careless
(b) Alert
(c) Lazy
(d) Indifferent
(e) Unaware
Answer: (b)
Directions (91–95):
In each of the following questions, the given sentence has a blank. Choose the word which best fits the blank.
Q91. He was praised for his ______ approach towards problem solving.
(a) reckless
(b) cautious
(c) careless
(d) impulsive
(e) rigid
Answer: (b)
Q92. The committee reached a ______ decision after long deliberation.
(a) hasty
(b) premature
(c) unanimous
(d) partial
(e) biased
Answer: (c)
Q93. The villagers showed great ______ during the crisis.
(a) fear
(b) patience
(c) negligence
(d) anger
(e) confusion
Answer: (b)
Q94. The new policy is expected to ______ rural development.
(a) hinder
(b) promote
(c) delay
(d) ignore
(e) obstruct
Answer: (b)
Q95. The situation was handled with utmost ______.
(a) care
(b) haste
(c) fear
(d) negligence
(e) confusion
Answer: (a)
Directions (96–100):
In each of the following questions, a series is given. Choose the alternative which will replace the question mark (?).
Q96. AZ, BY, CX, DW, ?
(a) EV
(b) EU
(c) FV
(d) EW
(e) FU
Answer: (a)
Q97. 2A, 4C, 6E, 8G, ?
(a) 10H
(b) 10I
(c) 12I
(d) 12J
(e) 14K
Answer: (b)
Q98. ACE, BDF, CEG, DHJ, ?
(a) EIK
(b) EJL
(c) EHK
(d) FIK
(e) FIJ
Answer: (a)
Q99. ZY, XW, VU, TS, ?
(a) RQ
(b) PQ
(c) RS
(d) TU
(e) QP
Answer: (a)
Q100. A1, C4, F9, J16, ?
(a) O25
(b) N25
(c) O36
(d) P25
(e) N36
Answer: (b)
How to prepare in the Final Days for NABARD DA 2026 Prelims?
With limited time left before the exam, the key is smart preparation, not excessive study. Here’s how you should plan the final days:
1. Focus on Mock Tests
Attempt full-length NABARD DA Prelims mock tests regularly. Mock tests help you:
- Manage time effectively across English, Quant, and Reasoning
- Identify weak areas that still need improvement
- Build exam temperament and reduce anxiety
After each mock, analyse your performance thoroughly, especially incorrect and skipped questions.
2. Revise Previous Year Question Papers (PYPs)
Previous year papers are the most reliable source to understand:
- Repeated question patterns
- Frequently asked topics
- Difficulty level of each section
Make sure you revise NABARD DA PYPs section-wise and note down common question types.
3. Strengthen High-Scoring Topics
In the final days, focus more on:
- English: Reading Comprehension, Error Detection, Cloze Test, Sentence Improvement
- Quant: Number Series, Simplification, DI, Arithmetic (SI, CI, Time & Work)
- Reasoning: Inequality, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Series
- Avoid spending time on completely new or unfamiliar topics now.
4. Maintain Accuracy Over Attempts
In NABARD DA Prelims, accuracy matters more than blind attempts.
Practise questions in a timed environment and aim to reduce silly mistakes.
5. Revise Notes and Formulas
Keep your final revision light:
- Go through short notes
- Revise formulas, rules, and tricks
- Avoid last-minute overload
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