The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is gearing up to release the official notification for the Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) 2025 recruitment. If you’re aiming to join the banking sector as a specialist officer in agriculture, it’s important to be well-prepared for the three-stage selection process: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Here’s a complete breakdown of the IBPS AFO 2025 exam pattern, detailed syllabus, and some useful preparation tips.
Prelims
The Preliminary Exam is the first hurdle and tests candidates on reasoning, English, and quantitative aptitude. It’s important to manage time well and avoid negative marking pitfalls.
IBPS AFO Prelims Exam Pattern
| S.No | Subject | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| 2 | English Language | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 150 | 150 | 120 minutes |
There’s a penalty of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
Mains
The Main Exam cuts into your professional agricultural knowledge. It is crucial to score well here, as it plays a significant role in the final selection.
IBPS AFO Mains Exam Pattern
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Knowledge | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes | Online |
The Mains exam also carries a 0.25 mark negative marking per wrong answer.
Prelims Syllabus
- Seating Arrangement
- Puzzles
- Inequalities
- Syllogism
- Input-Output
- Data Sufficiency
- Blood Relations
- Order and Ranking
- Alphanumeric Series
- Direction Sense
- Verbal Reasoning
English
- Cloze Test
- Reading Comprehension
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Correction
- Sentence Improvement
- Para Jumbles
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para Completion
Quantitative Aptitude
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation
- Simplification/Approximation
- Quadratic Equation
- Data Sufficiency
- Mensuration
- Average
- Profit and Loss
- Ratio and Proportion
- Work and Time
- Time and Distance
- Probability
- SI & CI
- Permutation and Combination
Mains Syllabus
- Agriculture in India
- Types of Cultivation
- Major Crops
- Irrigation
- GM Crops
- Animal Husbandry
Horticulture
- Commercial and Amateur Horticulture
- Fruits and Vegetables
Seed Science
- Seed Tests
- Basics of Seeds
Agricultural Finance
- Kisan Credit Card
- Crop Loans
- Mechanisation
- Term Loans
- Lead Bank Scheme
- Insurance Schemes
- Financing Tractors & Harvesters
Cultivation and Harvesting
- Techniques
- Post-harvest Technology
Agricultural Practices
- Soil Preparation
- Sowing
- Irrigation
- Harvesting
- Storage
Soil Science
- Types of Soil
- Green Manure
- Fertilizer Use
Agriculture Economics
- Cost, Inputs, and Output Analysis
Irrigation Methods
- Lift, Drip, Sprinkler
Self Help Groups
- Role in Rural Development
- SHG Structure and Functions
Government Schemes
- PMEGP
- SGSY
- MWS
- STEP-UP
- PMRY
- UCDN
- UPPS
Miscellaneous Topics
- Plant Pathology
- Entomology
- Animal Rearing
- Dairy Technology
- Farm Machinery
- Agricultural Current Affairs
Preparation Tips
- Go Through Previous Year Papers: Understand the level and type of questions asked in the exam.
- Stick to the Syllabus: Don’t waste time on topics not listed. Stay focused.
- Choose the Right Books and Materials: Refer to authentic resources only.
- Take Mock Tests Regularly: Build speed, accuracy, and time management skills.
- Conceptual Clarity is Crucial: Know core topics before moving to advanced ones.
- Make a Revision Plan: Regular revision avoids last-minute cramming and boosts memory retention.
FAQs
How many stages are there in IBPS AFO?
There are three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
Is there negative marking in IBPS AFO?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.
What is the duration of the Prelims exam?
The total duration is 120 minutes.
What does the Mains exam focus on?
It tests your professional agriculture knowledge.
Where can I apply for IBPS AFO 2025?
The official notification will be released on ibps.in.
