The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has published the IBPS AFO Syllabus 2026 for the Agriculture Field Officer (Scale I) examination. This recruitment process aims to select eligible candidates for Scale I positions across participating public sector banks. To secure a post, applicants must successfully clear three stages: Prelims, Mains, and a final Interview. All official updates can be found on the IBPS portal at https://www.ibps.in.
The Prelims phase tests candidates on Reasoning, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude. For the Mains, the exam evaluates Professional Knowledge in agriculture and allied sectors. The tables and breakdown below provide the exact exam pattern and topics required for both stages.
Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Post Name | Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) Scale I |
| Selection Stages | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Exam Mode | Online (Objective) |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks |
| Official Website | https://www.ibps.in |
Selection Process
- Prelims Examination
- Mains Examination
- Interview
IBPS AFO Exam Pattern 2026
Prelims Exam Pattern
| Sections | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| English Language | 50 | 25 | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 150 | 125 | 120 minutes |
Mains Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Knowledge | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
Important Exam Rules: * Negative Marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer in both Prelims and Mains. * Mains Duration: Candidates are given a strict 45-minute limit to complete the Professional Knowledge section.
IBPS AFO Prelims Syllabus 2026
Reasoning
- Coding-Decoding
- Input-Output
- Alphanumeric Series
- Seating Arrangement
- Puzzles
- Inequalities
- Blood Relations
- Syllogism
- Order and Ranking
- Data Sufficiency
- Distance and Direction
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Improvements
- Para Jumbling
- Error Detection
- Fill in the Blanks
- Parts of Speech
- Prepositions
- Voices
- Modes of Narration
- Cloze Test
- One Word Substitution
Quantitative Aptitude
- Number System
- Simplification
- Averages
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentages
- Profit and Loss
- Time and Work
- Speed and Distance
- Simple Interest & Compound Interest
- Data Interpretation
- Quadratic Equations
- Data Sufficiency
- Discounts
- Partnership
- Mixtures
- Probability
- Permutation and Combination
- Mensuration
IBPS AFO Mains Syllabus 2026 – Professional Knowledge
Agriculture in India
- Types of Cultivation
- Major Crops of India
- Irrigation in India
- Agriculture-based Research Institutes in India
- Animal Husbandry in India
- Genetically Modified Crops
Agricultural Practices
- Soil Preparation
- Sowing
- Manuring
- Irrigation
- Weeding
- Harvesting
- Storage
Agronomy
- Basics of Crop Production
- Types of Cultivation (Rabi, Kharif, Zaid)
- Major Crops of India
- Cropping Patterns
- Soil Fertility and Management
- Irrigation Methods (Drip, Sprinkler, Flood)
- Organic Farming
- Agro-Climatic Zones
Soil Science
- Types of Soils and Properties
- Fertility of Soil
- Tillage
- Nutrient Deficiencies
- Fertilizer and Fertilizer Consumption
- Soil-related Facts
- Green Manure
Horticulture
- Fruits and Vegetables Cultivation
- Amateur Horticulture
- Commercial Horticulture
- Greenhouse Technology
Agriculture Finance
- Agricultural Loans
- Crop Loan and Kisan Credit Card
- Land Development
- Minor Irrigation
- Farm Mechanisation
- Finance to Horticulture
- Land Purchase
- Lead Bank Scheme
- Agriculture Advances
- Advance Against Warehouse Receipts
- Produce Marketing Scheme
- Crop Insurance Scheme
- Rashtriya Krishi Bima Yojana
- Financing of Combine Harvesters
- Financing of Tractors
- Advance against Gold/Silver Ornaments
- River Lift Irrigation Schemes
- Forums for Coordination
- Service Area Approach
- State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC)
- Preparation of Credit Plan
Agriculture Economics
- Basics of Agricultural Economics
- Agriculture Cost and Scheme
Cultivation and Harvesting
- Cultivation Techniques and Practices
- Harvesting Techniques and Practices
- Post-Harvest Technology
Irrigation Methods
- Lift Irrigation
- Drip Irrigation
- Sprinkler Irrigation
Government Schemes
- Community Structures
- Urban Programme for Poverty Reduction amongst SCs and STs (UPPS)
- Million Wells Scheme (MWS)
- Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY)
- Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana
- Urban Self-Employment Programme (USEP)
- Urban Women Self-Help Programme
- Urban Wage Employment Programme (UWEP)
- Urban Community Development Network (UCDN)
- Skill Training For Employment Promotion Amongst Urban Poor (STEP-UP)
- Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
- Prime Minister’s Rozgar Yojana (PMRY)
- Scheme of Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers (SLRS)
- Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS)
Seed Technology
- Basics of Seed Science
- Different Seed Tests
- Selection of Seeds
Agriculture Current Affairs
- Major Agriculture Schemes/Projects
- Budget and Financial Measures
- Science and Technology
- Recent Advancements
- Sustainability and Climate Initiatives
Miscellaneous
- Agricultural Technologies
- Plant Pathology
- Entomology
- Rearing of Animals
- Dairy Science
- Different Diseases in Plants
- Different Insurance Schemes regarding Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry and Technology
Preparation Strategy
Because the Mains stage focuses exclusively on Professional Knowledge and plays a pivotal role in the final selection, dedicate 60-70% of your study time here. Build a solid grasp of Agronomy, Soil Science, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry. Incorporate previous year’s question papers and full-length mock exams into your routine. Stay continuously updated on agriculture current affairs, significant budget allocations, and government initiatives like PM-KISAN or NABARD projects. For the Prelims, focus entirely on improving your speed and accuracy in Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Where can I download the official syllabus PDF for the IBPS AFO exam? Ans. You can download the complete syllabus PDF directly from the official IBPS website (ibps.in) under their latest AFO recruitment notifications. We’ve also included a quick link in the Important Links section above.
Q2. What specific subjects do I need to study? Ans. The Prelims focus on Reasoning, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude. For the Mains, you’ll dive deep into Professional Knowledge, which covers everything from Agronomy and Soil Science to Agricultural Finance and Current Affairs.
Q3. How does the IBPS AFO selection process work? Ans. The recruitment is broken down into three stages. First, you’ll take the preliminary exam. If you clear that, you’ll move on to the Mains. Finally, candidates who pass the Mains are called in for an interview.
Q4. What is the total marks breakdown for the preliminary exam? Ans. The Prelims carry a total of 125 marks across 150 questions. Keep in mind that Reasoning and Quant are worth 50 marks each, while the English section is worth 25 marks.
Q5. Will I lose marks for wrong answers? Ans. Yes. There’s a penalty for guessing—a negative marking of 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer you select in both Prelims and Mains.
Q6. How long does the Mains exam take? Ans. You’ll have exactly 45 minutes to complete the Mains exam, which consists of 60 questions entirely focused on Professional Knowledge.
Q7. Which topics are most important for the Professional Knowledge section? Ans. You should definitely prioritize Agronomy, Soil Science, Horticulture, Agricultural Finance, and core Agricultural Practices in India. Staying updated on recent government farming schemes and agricultural current affairs is also highly recommended.
