The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Specialist Officer (Agriculture Field Officer – AFO) exam annually to recruit candidates for the Agriculture department in various Public Sector Banks. This role is crucial for supporting agricultural finance and rural banking.
If you’re preparing for the IBPS AFO 2025 exam, this guide will cover all the key highlights, including the exam pattern, eligibility, syllabus, and preparation tips.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Official Website | https://www.ibps.in/ |
| Name of the Post | Specialist Officer (Agriculture Field Officer) |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Stages of Exam | Three Stages: |
| – Phase 1: Preliminary Exam | |
| – Phase 2: Mains Exam | |
| – Phase 3: Interview | |
| Exam Duration and Maximum Marks | – Phase 1: 150 marks, 2 hours |
| – Phase 2: 60 marks, 45 minutes | |
| – Phase 3: 100 marks | |
| Online Registration Dates | August 01, 2024 to August 21, 2024 |
| Fee Payment Window | August 01, 2024 to August 21, 2024 |
| Download of Preliminary Call Letters | November 2024 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | November 09, 2024 |
| Preliminary Exam Results | December 03, 2024 to December 10, 2024 |
| Main Exam Date | December 14, 2024 (Tentative) |
Exam Stages and Pattern
Stage 1: Preliminary Exam Pattern
The preliminary exam consists of three sections:
| Section | Number 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 |
Note: There is negative marking of 0.25 for each incorrect answer.
Stage 2: Mains Exam Pattern
The mains exam is specific to the professional knowledge of agriculture.
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Knowledge | 60 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
The mains exam has no sectional timing, and candidates must score above the cut-off to qualify for the interview.
Stage 3: Interview
- The interview will be conducted by the participating banks and is worth 100 marks. Candidates must score at least 40% (35% for reserved categories) to qualify.
- The final selection is based on a combined score of the Mains (80% weightage) and Interview (20% weightage).
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have a 4-year bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or a related field such as:
- Agriculture
- Horticulture
- Animal Husbandry
- Dairy Science
- Forestry
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- Food Technology
- Agricultural Engineering
- Other allied subjects
Age Limit (as of August 01, 2024)
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
Age relaxations are applicable for reserved categories as per IBPS guidelines.
Nationality
Candidates must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who arrived before January 1, 1962, intending to settle in India.
Syllabus Overview
Here’s an overview of the syllabus for each section:
Preliminary Exam
- Reasoning: Puzzles, Syllogism, Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations, Input-Output, Inequalities, etc.
- English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection, Sentence Improvement, Para Jumbles.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Data Interpretation, Simplification, Quadratic Equations, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work.
Mains (Professional Knowledge)
Topics typically include:
- Basics of Agriculture
- Crop Production & Horticulture
- Soil and Water Conservation
- Agricultural Economics
- Animal Husbandry
- Farm Machinery
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- Government Schemes related to Agriculture
How to Apply for IBPS AFO 2025?
- Visit the Official Website: Go to IBPS Official Website.
- Register: Create an account using a valid email ID and phone number.
- Fill the Application Form: Enter your personal, educational, and professional details.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and any other required documents.
- Payment: Pay the application fee online.
- Submit: Verify all details before submitting the form.
Important Preparation Tips
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus:
- Familiarize yourself with the structure of the exam and key topics.
- Create a Study Schedule:
- Allocate time for each section, focusing on weaker areas.
- Practice Mock Tests:
- Attempt full-length mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Revise Regularly:
- Frequent revision helps retain important concepts.
- Focus on Agriculture Knowledge:
- As the mains exam is subject-specific, prioritize studying agricultural concepts.
- Stay Updated:
- Keep track of government schemes and policies related to agriculture.
Conclusion
The IBPS Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) Exam 2025 will be a golden opportunity for candidates passionate about agriculture and rural banking. By understanding the exam pattern, staying dedicated, and focusing on professional knowledge, you can increase your chances of securing this coveted position. Prepare well and stay updated for a successful banking career in agriculture!
