1. Introduction To IBPS SO AFO:

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Specialist Officer (SO) Agricultural Field Officer (AFO) examination to recruit professionals in the agricultural sector. The IBPS SO AFO exam provides a great opportunity for individuals passionate about agriculture to join the banking sector. By understanding the eligibility criteria, and exam pattern, and following effective preparation strategies, candidates can increase their chances of success in this competitive examination. Remember to stay focused, stay dedicated, and give your best efforts to achieve your goal of becoming an IBPS SO AFO officer.

2. IBPS SO AFO Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the IBPS SO AFO exam, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

The candidate must be either a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962. Age Limit: The candidate’s age should be between 20 and 30 years and the candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, agricultural engineering, or any other related field.

3. IBPS SO AFO Exam Pattern:

The IBPS SO AFO exam consists of three stages: the preliminary exam, the main exam, and the interview. Preliminary Exam consists of multiple-choice questions. The main exam is also MCQ-based and focuses on Professional Knowledge in the agricultural field and Interviews.

4. IBPS SO AFO Blueprint

IACE is one of the top institutions for the IBPS SO AFO 2023. For the vacancy of 500 positions for Agriculture Field Officers (Scale-1) posted by the Institute of Banking Personnel, we have provided the question paper weightage from 2014 -2023 aspirants can check the below table and analyze the subjects and questions. The IACE academy can guide aspirants. IACE has a strong history of achievement in the banking industry. 

S.NO SUBJECTS 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 TOTAL %
1 Agronomy & Crop Science 7 9 8 5 13 12 12 6 13 11 96 17.14%
2 Soil Management 8 5 6 8 8 10 12 8 7 18 90 16.07%
3 Horticulture 6 6 7 11 10 6 4 9 6 0 65 11.61%
4 Agriculture Current Affairs 4 4 3 4 12 5 6 4 2 5 49 8.75%
5 Animal Husbandry & Dairy 5 5 8 12 1 7 0 4 4 1 47 8.39%
6 Agriculture Engineering 4 5 1 1 5 5 3 2 8 2 36 6.43%
7 Entomology 3 5 8 8 2 0 0 6 1 2 35 6.25%
8 Genetics & Plant Breeding, Seed 6 7 6 5 1 1 1 2 1 1 31 5.54%
9 Agricultural Economics 2 2 2 1 4 3 3 5 2 4 28 5.00%
10 Pathology 7 4 3 3 2 1 1 1 2 1 25 4.46%
11 Agronomy 4 4 2 1 1 5 3 1 1 1 23 4.11%
12 Poultry Related 1 2 2 0 1 3 2 1 2 2 16 2.86%
13 Fishery 1 2 1 1 0 2 1 1 1 1 11 1.96%
14 Miscellaneous 2 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 8 1.43%
TOTAL 60 60 60 60 60 60 50 50 50 50 560 100%

5. Tips to succesed in AFO Exam

A thorough study is necessary for the IBPS SO AFO (Specialised Officer Agriculture Field Officer) test because it is quite competitive. Here are some study ideas to ensure your exam success:

  • Know the exam pattern: Get familiar with the IBPS SO AFO exam pattern.
  •  Develop a study plan covering all topics and sections of the exam.
  • Understand the exam’s difficulty level and the type of questions by referring to textbooks, online resources, and previous years’ question papers.
  • Focus on Professional Knowledge: The Professional Knowledge section is key to the IBPS SO AFO exam.

6. FAQ's

1. What is the eligibility for IBPS AFO?

 Ans: In order to be eligible for the IBPS SO, a candidate must hold a four-year degree in horticulture, animal husbandry, agriculture, veterinary science, fishery science, dairy science, pisciculture, cooperation and banking, or agriculture.

2. What function does AFO serve in the IBPS?

 Ans:  The duty of an IBPS AFO is to inform and educate farmers about the bank’s financial services and products. In addition to lending money to farmers and keeping them informed about bank schemes, they also assess agricultural loan applications and help make funds available in rural areas.

3. What is the IBPS AFO officer's salary?

Ans:  In addition to benefits and allowances, the IBPS SO wage structure offers a base wage. The pay scale for IBPS AFO Officer Scale I is Rs. 23700-980/7-30560-1145/2-32850-1310/7-42020, with Rs. 23700 serving as the Basic Salary.

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