The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) holds the Specialist Officer (SO) Exam to recruit individuals for specialized roles such as IT Officer, HR Officer, Law Officer, Marketing Officer, Rajbhasha Adhikari, and, in our case, Agriculture Field Officer. These specialist officers are vital in ensuring the seamless operation of public sector banks, especially in the face of ever-evolving technological advancements.
Adequate preparation for the IBPS AFO Exam requires careful planning, a well-thought-out strategy, and the determination to succeed. With ixambee’s course plan, you can easily clear the exam with a few keen pointers for specific subjects. In this blog, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step roadmap to help you achieve your professional aspirations by clearing the IBPS SO AFO Exam on your very first attempt.
To start this journey, it’s crucial to gain a deep understanding of the exam pattern, allowing you to tailor your preparation to meet the specific requirements of the IBPS SO AFO Exam. This examination consists of three distinct stages: the preliminary exam, the mains exam, and the interview. Success in these phases is essential, as only those who pass all three are eligible for selection as a specialized officer in one of the esteemed public sector banks. In this blog, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step roadmap to help you achieve your professional aspirations by clearing the IBPS SO AFO Exam on your very first attempt.
IBPS AFO Eligibility Criteria 2023
To be eligible for the IBPS AFO post, prospective candidates must meet specific criteria. They should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or related fields, such as Horticulture or Animal Husbandry, from a recognized university or institution. Additionally, candidates with a postgraduate degree in the same disciplines are also eligible. It’s important to note that there are age limits for this examination. Generally, candidates must be between 20 and 30 years of age, although age relaxations apply to candidates belonging to reserved categories. You can find more details about the categorized age limits for the IBPS AFO Eligibility Criteria on ixambee’s page. Meeting these eligibility requirements is the first step in embarking on your journey to becoming an IBPS Agriculture Field Officer. Take a look at some of the criteria we have mentioned below.
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and related disciplines from a recognized university or institution. Postgraduate degrees in these disciplines are also acceptable. |
| Age Limit | Minimum age: 20 years, Maximum age: 30 years (Age relaxations apply for candidates from reserved categories). |
IBPS AFO Exam Pattern
Preparing for the IBPS AFO 2023 exam is crucial, and understanding the exam pattern is a vital step in your preparation. The exam for the post of Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) will be conducted online and will consist of three phases: Prelims, Mains, and an Interview. It’s essential to note that there is a negative marking of 1/4th of the marks allotted to each question, but no marks will be deducted for unanswered questions.
The first phase of the IBPS SO AFO selection process is the Preliminary exam. This online objective test will include three sections: English Language, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. Both the Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude sections will be available in both English and Hindi to cater to candidates’ language preferences. The Mains are conducted after the preliminary exams are cleared. Candidates are tested on their professional knowledge only, and like the prelims, it is also a bilingual exam with a 45-minute exam for 60 marks instead of 50. For a more detailed understanding of the IBPS AFO exam pattern, please refer to the table below:
| Exam Name | Medium of Exam | Maximum Marks | No of Questions | Duration |
| English Language | English | 25 | 50 | 40 Minutes |
| Reasoning | English & Hindi | 50 | 50 | 40 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | English & Hindi | 50 | 50 | 40 Minutes |
| Professional Knowledge | English & Hindi | 60 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| Total | 125+60 | 150+60 | 120 +45 minutes | |
This table provides a clear breakdown of the sections, their language options, allocated marks, and the negative marking scheme in the IBPS AFO Preliminary and Main exams. Understanding this pattern is an essential step toward successful exam preparation. Candidates should note that the Professional Knowledge Test will be conducted once the candidate clears the preliminary exams.
IBPS AFO Syllabus
Exam preparation for the IBPS AFO begins with a solid grasp of the syllabus. To kickstart your preparation for the IBPS AFO 2023 exam, it’s crucial to acquaint yourself with the IBPS AFO syllabus 2023. The Preliminary exam will encompass questions from Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and English Language (QRE), so understanding what each subject entails is paramount. In the Mains, your expertise in your specialized subject will be tested. For the main exams, you must be well aware of the field you have applied for. In this case, the post of AFO. Let’s delve into the detailed syllabus below to ensure you’re well-equipped for the challenge ahead.
| Subjects | Topics to Learn |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Time and Work, Mensuration, Average, Average, Mixture and Allegations, Permutation and Combination, Probability, Data Interpretation, Ratio and proportion, Simplification, Percentages, Set Theory, Approximation, Surds and indices, Percentage, Profit and loss, Simple and compound interest, Partnership, Ages, Quadratic Equations, Number Series |
| Reasoning | Puzzles; Seating Arrangement – Circular, Square, and Linear, Data Sufficiency; Directions and Distance, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Inequality, Syllogism, Machine Input Output, Verbal Reasoning, Ordering and Ranking, Arrangement and Pattern, Scheduling, Distance and Direction; Ranking |
| English Language | Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Passage Making, Error Spotting, Jumble Words, Sentence Framing, Fill in the Blanks |
| Professional Knowledge (Agriculture) | Introduction to Agriculture & Crop, Soil & Fertility, Manures & Fertilizers, Cropping Scheme, Irrigation, Rural Credit, Vegetable and fruit Science, Weeds, Surveying, Animal Husbandry, Dairy, Botany, Agriculture Engineering, Latest Developments, Recent Discoveries, Latest Bt Crops and Related Research |
Preparations Strategies to Take you Through the IBPS AFO Exam 2023
Now that you’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of the IBPS AFO exam, it’s time to kickstart your preparation. To maximize your available time and aim for a successful first attempt at the IBPS AFO Exam, consider these effective strategies:
- Utilize Effective Time Management: Managing your time wisely is essential during your IBPS AFO 2023 exam preparation. Create a daily and weekly schedule to allocate specific time slots for each subject and topic. This structured approach will help you set achievable goals and maintain a consistent study routine. Ensure that you balance revising what you’ve learned and tackling new material to reinforce your understanding.
- Practice with Mock Tests: Mock tests are valuable tools to gauge your progress and get accustomed to the exam format. Set aside regular periods for taking full-length practice exams and section-wise quizzes through the IBPS AFP mock tests. Analyze your performance, identify weak areas, and work on improving them. This practice not only enhances your time management skills but also familiarizes you with the actual exam conditions.
- Seek Peer Support and Discussion: Engage with fellow aspirants or join study groups to discuss and exchange ideas on exam-related topics. Collaborative learning can offer fresh perspectives and insights. Moreover, explaining concepts to others can reinforce your understanding. ixambee’s Online Course and other social media groups and forums related to IBPS AFO can also be useful for sharing experiences and gaining insights from a wider community of candidates.
- Stay Updated and Adapt: The IBPS AFO exam pattern and syllabus may change yearly. Stay updated with the latest exam notifications, pattern revisions, and any modifications in the syllabus. Be ready to adapt your study plan accordingly. Regularly check the official IBPS website and other reliable sources for updates, and ensure your preparation aligns with the most current requirements.
- Embrace Self-Education: There’s no need to rely solely on formal coaching for the moderately challenging IBPS SO Exam. Self-study offers the advantage of approaching the material and the final exam with a fresh, individual perspective. It allows you to avoid conforming to preconceived notions from coaching centers and can be a highly effective preparation method.
- Craft a Study Schedule: When preparing independently, a well-structured study plan becomes even more crucial. Create a detailed schedule where you allocate specific time slots to cover various topics each day. This will help you set and achieve realistic goals, minimize confusion, and maintain a logical flow while studying for the preliminary and main examinations.
- Consult Reliable Study Materials: Countless books claim to aid in competitive exam preparation like the IBPS SO. However, be cautious of books by lesser-known authors and publishers, which may contain inaccurate information. Always opt for authorized exam preparation books from reputable sources to ensure the quality and accuracy of the content.
- Explore Online Tutorials: Even while preparing independently, you may encounter doubts or problems that require expert assistance. Online tutorials from ixambee are rather invaluable at such times. Choose a tutorial carefully, preferably based on recommendations from others who have successfully used them, and stick to one. Consistency in your approach is key, as every teacher has a distinct problem-solving method.
- Reverse the Exam Strategy: Reversing your approach to the exam can yield significant benefits. Begin by tackling the questions towards the end of a section. These questions are often simpler, and you’re more likely to answer them correctly with a fresh mind. Success in these initial questions will boost your confidence for the more challenging ones later on. For instance, if a section has 50 questions, start from question 30 and work your way backward to 1.
- Skip Unfamiliar Questions: During the exam, if you encounter questions that seem unclear or challenging, don’t dwell on them for too long. It’s advisable to skip such questions and return to them later if time allows. Focusing on the questions you understand well first can help you accumulate more points and manage your time effectively.
Subject wise Preparation Tips for the IBPS AFO Exam 2023
Now that you have a keen idea of some common preparation tips for the IBPS AFO Exam take a look at a few subject wise preparation tips to help you clear the exam.
Quantitative Aptitude Tips for IBPS AFO Exam 2023
- Master Fundamental Concepts: Establish a strong foundation in mathematics. Focus on core concepts, such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. Understanding the basics is crucial as it forms the basis for more complex quantitative problems.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your quantitative aptitude. Solve a variety of problems covering different topics within quantitative aptitude. Gradually increase the complexity of questions to build your problem-solving skills. Practice with time-bound mock tests to enhance your speed and accuracy.
- Use Shortcuts and Tricks: Learn and employ time-saving shortcuts and tricks for calculations. Techniques like mental math, approximation, and quick estimation can help you solve problems more efficiently. Familiarize yourself with standard formulas and theorems relevant to quantitative aptitude to expedite your calculations.
Reasoning Tips for IBPS AFO Exam 2023
- Understand the Question Types: Reasoning encompasses various questions, including puzzles, syllogism, coding-decoding, and logical reasoning. Familiarize yourself with these question categories and understand the underlying patterns and logic associated with each.
- Practice Logical Deduction: Logical reasoning questions often require deductive reasoning skills. Practice solving puzzles and situations logically, making inferences based on the given information. Develop a systematic approach to break down complex problems into manageable steps.
- Time Management: Reasoning can be time-consuming if you get stuck on a single question. Set a time limit for each question and move on if you take too long. Return to challenging questions later if time allows. Effective time management ensures you cover the entire reasoning section within the allocated time.
English Language Tips for IBPS AFO Exam 2023
- Enhance Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary is vital for success in the English language section. Regularly read newspapers, books, and magazines to expand your word knowledge. Make a habit of learning new words and their usage in context.
- Practice Reading Comprehension: Reading comprehension passages are a significant part of the English section. Practice reading and understanding complex texts. Focus on identifying the main idea, key details, and the author’s tone. This will help you answer questions related to the passage more effectively.
- Grammar and Usage: Brush up on your grammar and punctuation rules. Common errors can be found in sentence correction and sentence improvement questions. Understanding grammatical rules and sentence structure will help you spot and rectify errors in English language questions.
Agriculture Tips for IBPS AFO Exam 2023
- Thoroughly Review Syllabus: Understand the specific topics within the agriculture section of the IBPS AFO exam. This includes agronomy, horticulture, plant breeding, animal husbandry, and related subjects. Ensure you are well-versed in each area.
- Stay Updated: Agriculture is a dynamic field, and the exam may include questions on recent developments and practices. Keep up to date with the latest trends and advancements in agriculture by reading agricultural journals, magazines, and online resources.
- Practical Knowledge: Agriculture questions may require practical knowledge and application. Ensure you have a good understanding of crop cultivation, animal husbandry practices, and agricultural economics. Solving case-based questions by applying your practical knowledge can be a valuable strategy in this section.
Summing Up
When it comes to cracking the IBPS AFO Exam 2023, it’s all about getting down to business with an intelligent approach. Understanding what the exam is all about, using self-study, and having cool strategies for each subject is the way to go. You’ve got to rock the Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English Language, and Agriculture. Stay updated with what’s fresh in the field and practice, practice, practice! Time management is your buddy, and there’s always room to learn more. So, gear up, and let’s kickstart your journey to becoming an Agriculture Field Officer!
To help you prepare 50% faster for competitive exams, ixamBee provides a free Mock Test Series and all the Current Affairs in English and Current Affairs in Hindi in the BeePedia capsules for GA Preparation. You can also get the latest updates for Bank PO, Bank Clerk, SSC, RBI Grade B, NABARD, and Other Government Jobs.
ALSO READ