Practicing previous year question papers and analyzing the latest exam pattern is essential for NABARD DA preparation. Based on the Prelims exam conducted on February 21, 2026, here is a detailed analysis and practice resources [citation:8].
NABARD DA Prelims 2026 Exam Analysis (February 21, 2026 - Shift 1)
The overall difficulty level was Easy to Moderate, with Quantitative Aptitude being slightly on the tougher side. English and Reasoning were manageable for well-prepared candidates [citation:8].
Section-Wise Difficulty Level
| Section | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| English Language | Easy to Moderate |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Moderate |
| Reasoning Ability | Easy to Moderate |
| Overall | Easy to Moderate |
Section-Wise Topics Covered in 2026 Prelims
Reasoning Ability Topics [citation:8]
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangement: Box-based puzzle (7 boxes) - 4-5 questions; Linear Seating Arrangement (8 persons) - 5 questions
- Inequality: Non-comma based - 4 questions
- Direction & Distance: 3 questions
- Coding-Decoding: 5 questions
- Alphabetical Series: 5 questions
- Pair Formation: 1 question
- Number (Descending): 1 question
- Word-based Question: 1 question
Quantitative Aptitude Topics [citation:8]
- Simplification/Approximation: 12 questions
- Missing Number Series: 4-5 questions
- Data Interpretation: Table-based DI - 5 questions
- Arithmetic: SI & CI, Profit & Loss, Mensuration, etc. - 10 questions
English Language Topics [citation:8]
- Reading Comprehension: Fishing-based passage - 8-9 questions
- Spotting Errors: 5 questions
- Para Jumble: Story-based - 5 questions
- Cloze Test: 5-6 questions
- Phrase Rearrangement: 5 questions
- Double Fillers: 5 questions
- Word Swap: 5 questions
- Sentence Arrangement: 5 questions
Practice Resources for NABARD DA
Section-Wise Practice Sets
- English Language: Practice sets for Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Para Jumbles, Fillers, and Vocabulary
- Quantitative Aptitude: Practice sets for Simplification, Number Series, Data Interpretation, and Arithmetic topics
- Reasoning Ability: Practice sets for Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Inequality, Coding-Decoding, and Blood Relations
- General Awareness: Practice sets covering banking awareness, agriculture, rural development, NABARD schemes, and current affairs
- Computer Knowledge: Practice sets for computer fundamentals, MS Office, internet, and networking
- Descriptive English: Practice topics for Essay, Précis, and Letter/Report Writing
Sample Questions Based on 2026 Pattern
Reasoning Sample Questions
- In a code language, if 'BANK' is written as 'CBOL', how will 'LOAN' be written? (Coding-Decoding)
- Seven boxes are arranged one above another. Box A is three boxes above Box C... (Box Puzzle)
- Statements: A > B ≥ C, D < E = C. Conclusion: I. A > D, II. B > E? (Inequality)
Quantitative Aptitude Sample Questions
- What approximate value should come in place of question mark: 124.89 × 25.12 + 325.98 = ? (Simplification)
- Find the missing number in series: 5, 7, 11, 19, 35, ? (Number Series)
- A sum of money becomes ₹3,000 in 2 years and ₹3,600 in 4 years at simple interest. Find the principal. (Arithmetic)
English Sample Questions
- Read the passage and answer questions (Reading Comprehension)
- Choose the correctly spelt word (Vocabulary)
- Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph (Para Jumble)
General Awareness Sample Questions
- What is the full form of NABARD? (NABARD-related)
- Which scheme provides overdraft facility to PMJDY account holders? (Government schemes)
- Who is the current Governor of RBI? (Banking appointments)
How to Use Previous Papers Effectively
- Analyze topic-wise weightage from the 2026 exam analysis
- Practice similar questions from each topic
- Take full-length mocks simulating actual exam conditions
- Analyze mistakes and focus on weak areas
- Practice descriptive writing regularly [citation:6]