- The IBPS Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) exam is conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to recruit candidates for agriculture-based roles in banks.
- The exam comprises three stages:
- Preliminary Exam
- Main Exam
- Interview
- To crack this competitive exam, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern.
IBPS AFO Exam Pattern
Preliminary Exam Pattern
The Prelims is the first stage, covering Reasoning, English, and Quantitative Aptitude:
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| English Language | 50 | 25 | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 150 | 125 | 120 minutes |
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer.
Main Exam Pattern
The Main Exam focuses on testing professional knowledge:
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Knowledge | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
Key Tip: Only candidates who clear the Preliminary Exam are eligible for the Main Exam.
Detailed Syllabus for IBPS AFO 2025
Preliminary Exam Syllabus
1. Reasoning
- Analogy: Finding relationships between pairs of words or figures.
- Blood Relations: Understanding family trees and relationships.
- Syllogism: Logical statements and conclusions.
- Coding-Decoding: Word and letter patterns.
- Seating Arrangements: Linear and circular arrangements.
- Puzzle Test: Multi-variable puzzles.
- Data Sufficiency: Questions requiring multiple data points.
- Logical Venn Diagrams: Diagram-based logical questions.
- Input-Output: Series of operations on numbers or words.
- Alphanumeric Series: Letter and number sequences.
2. English Language
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding passages and answering questions.
- Cloze Test: Fill-in-the-blanks based on context.
- Error Detection: Identifying grammatical errors in sentences.
- Sentence Rearrangement: Ordering jumbled sentences.
- Fill in the Blanks: Completing sentences with the correct word.
- Para Jumbles: Arranging sentences logically.
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, and idiomatic usage.
- Grammar Usage: Parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, tenses, etc.
3. Quantitative Aptitude
- Number Series: Identifying patterns in sequences.
- Simplification/Approximation: Solving basic arithmetic equations quickly.
- Data Interpretation: Graphs, tables, and pie charts.
- Quadratic Equations: Solving equations and inequalities.
- Ratio and Proportion: Relationships between numbers.
- Percentage: Calculation of percent increases or decreases.
- Profit and Loss: Business-related problems.
- Time and Work: Problems on efficiency and work completion.
- Speed, Time, and Distance: Travel-based problems.
- Mensuration: Area, perimeter, and volume calculations.
Main Exam Syllabus: Professional Knowledge
1. Agronomy
- Agro-Climatic Zones: Understanding climate zones and their crops.
- Cropping Patterns: Rabi, Kharif, and Zaid crops.
- Soil Fertility: Soil nutrition and its enhancement.
- Irrigation Methods: Drip, sprinkler, and flood irrigation.
- Organic Farming: Sustainable farming practices.
2. Soil Science
- Soil Properties: Physical and chemical properties.
- Soil Classification: Types of soils and their characteristics.
- Soil Fertility Management: Nutrient management.
- Soil Erosion and Conservation: Preventing soil degradation.
3. Horticulture
- Fruit and Vegetable Cultivation: Techniques for growing various crops.
- Greenhouse Technology: Controlled environment agriculture.
- Post-Harvest Management: Storage and transportation of crops.
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Uses and cultivation.
4. Animal Husbandry
- Livestock Breeds: Types and characteristics of breeds.
- Disease Management: Preventive and curative measures.
- Animal Nutrition: Balanced diets for livestock.
- Dairy Management: Milk production and processing.
5. Agricultural Engineering
- Farm Machinery: Equipment for plowing, sowing, harvesting, etc.
- Post-Harvest Technology: Preservation and processing of crops.
- Renewable Energy: Solar, wind, and biomass energy in farming.
- Soil and Water Engineering: Managing soil and water resources.
6. Current Affairs in Agriculture
- Recent Developments: Innovations in agriculture.
- Government Schemes: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), etc.
- International Organizations: FAO, ICAR, etc.
- Agricultural Economics: Supply, demand, and pricing of agricultural goods.
Preparation Tips for IBPS AFO 2025
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the weightage of each section.
- Focus on Agriculture: Give maximum attention to agricultural subjects.
- Mock Tests and Practice: Attempt mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
- Read Agricultural News: Stay updated on government schemes and policies.
- Revise Thoroughly: Go over critical concepts multiple times.
By following this detailed guide, you can streamline your preparation and increase your chances of cracking the IBPS AFO exam. Good luck!
