The NABARD Development Assistant (DA) Prelims 2026 Shift 2 examination was conducted on 21st February 2026. Candidates who appeared in this shift can review the detailed analysis to know the overall difficulty level, section-wise question distribution, and expected good attempts. This analysis is based on feedback shared by examinees and provides a structured overview of the paper pattern and performance parameters.
The overall difficulty level of the Shift 2 paper was reported as easy to moderate. While most sections were manageable, some candidates indicated that Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability required careful time management. The exam maintained a balanced structure across all three sections.
Overview
The NABARD Development Assistant Prelims examination consists of three sections: Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and English Language. Each section carries equal importance in determining the overall score. According to candidates’ responses, the paper followed the expected pattern without significant deviation.
The key highlights of Shift 2 are summarized below:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NABARD Development Assistant (DA) Prelims 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development |
| Exam Date | 21st February 2026 |
| Shift | Shift 2 |
| Reporting Time | 10:30 AM |
| Exam Timing | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Mode | Online |
| Sections | Reasoning, Numerical Ability, English |
Difficulty
Based on student feedback, the overall level of the paper was easy to moderate. The English Language section was relatively scoring, while Numerical Ability required steady calculation speed. Reasoning Ability was moderate in terms of logical complexity but manageable within the time limit.
The section-wise difficulty level and good attempts are provided below:
| Section | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | Easy to Moderate | 22-26 |
| Numerical Ability | Easy to Moderate | 20-24 |
| English Language | Easy to Moderate | 31-34 |
| Overall | Easy to Moderate | 73-84 |
Candidates whose attempts fall within this range, with reasonable accuracy, may expect a competitive score.
English
The English Language section was reported to be straightforward. The Reading Comprehension passage was based on a medical theme and included eight questions. The passage was moderate in length and did not contain highly complex vocabulary.
The topic-wise distribution is outlined below:
- Reading Comprehension (Medical Theme) – 8 Questions
- Word Usage – 3 Questions
- Error Detection – 9 Questions
- Para Jumble – 5 Questions
- Sentence Rearrangement – 5 Questions
- Cloze Test (Politics/Political Parties) – 5 Questions
- Word Swap – 5 Questions
Grammar-based questions formed a significant portion of this section. Candidates with a strong understanding of sentence structure and basic grammar rules found it manageable.
Numerical
The Numerical Ability section was also rated easy to moderate. However, it required consistent calculation accuracy. Simplification and arithmetic questions dominated the section.
The topic-wise breakdown is as follows:
- Table DI (Shop and Selling Based) – 5 Questions
- Arithmetic (SI, CI, Mensuration, Percentage, Average) – 10 Questions
- Wrong Number Series – 1 Question
- Simplification – 10 Questions
- Missing Number Series – 4 Questions
Arithmetic questions were largely formula-based. Candidates who practiced standard topics such as percentage, simple interest, and averages reported fewer difficulties. Some questions were slightly time-consuming, which affected overall speed for a few candidates.
Reasoning
Reasoning Ability maintained an easy to moderate standard. The section included a mix of puzzles, logical reasoning, and alphabet-based questions.
The detailed distribution is provided below:
- Circular Seating Arrangement (8 People, Facing Inside) – 5 Questions
- Word Formation (THANKS GIVING) – 1 Question
- Blood Relation (4-5 Statements Based) – 5 Questions
- Inequality (Conclusion-Based) – 4 Questions
- Alpha Numeric Series – 7 Questions
- Pair Formation (INTRUDE) – 1 Question
- Alphabet Test (3-Digit Based, 5 Numbers) – 5 Questions
- Miscellaneous – 2 Questions
The circular seating arrangement puzzle was moderate in nature and required logical sequencing. Alpha numeric series questions were slightly time-consuming but not conceptually difficult.
Timing
The examination was conducted in multiple shifts to accommodate all registered candidates. The timing details are given below:
| Shift | Reporting Time | Exam Start Time | Exam End Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| 2 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
Shift 2 proceeded smoothly, and candidates did not report any major technical issues.
Performance
In summary, the NABARD DA Shift 2 Exam 2026 followed the expected pattern and maintained a balanced difficulty level. English Language emerged as the relatively scoring section, while Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability required disciplined time management.
Candidates with steady preparation and careful attempt selection are likely to have performed well. The overall good attempt range of 73-84, combined with accuracy, may serve as a reference point for evaluating performance.
FAQs
What was the overall difficulty level?
The overall level was Easy to Moderate.
What are the good attempts for Shift 2?
Around 73-84 attempts with accuracy.
Which section was most manageable?
English Language was relatively manageable.
Was Numerical Ability time-consuming?
Some questions required careful calculation.
When was the exam conducted?
It was held on 21st February 2026.
