- Preliminary Exam Syllabus IBPS AFO Syllabus
- Main Exam IBPS AFO Syllabus
- Agronomy IBPS AFO Syllabus
- Horticulture IBPS AFO Syllabus
- Animal Husbandry IBPS AFO Syllabus
- Agricultural Economics IBPS AFO Syllabus
- Soil Science IBPS AFO Syllabus
- Agricultural Engineering IBPS AFO Syllabus
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Preliminary Exam Syllabus IBPS AFO Syllabus
| Section | Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, Word Meanings, Usage of Words, Idioms & Phrases |
| Grammar | Nouns, Pronouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs, Tenses, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Articles, Sentence Correction | |
| Comprehension | Reading Comprehension, Passage Interpretation, Questions Based on Passages | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Number Systems | Whole Numbers, Integers, Rational and Irrational Numbers, Real Numbers |
| Data Interpretation | Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Tabular Data, Caselets | |
| Simplification | Basic Arithmetic Operations, BODMAS Rule, Fractions, Decimals | |
| Reasoning Ability | Logical Reasoning | Analogies, Similarities and Differences, Spatial Visualization, Spatial Orientation, Problem Solving |
| Puzzles | Seating Arrangement, Blood Relations, Floor Puzzle, Scheduling | |
| Syllogisms | Statements and Conclusions, Logical Deduction, Argument Evaluation |
Main Exam IBPS AFO Syllabus
IBPS AFO Main exam focuses on testing candidates’ professional knowledge in the field of agriculture. Below is the detailed schedule of the main exam, highlighting the main topics and sub-topics.
Expert knowledge of agriculture
Agriculture
Agronomy is an important part of the AFO curriculum, covering the principles and practices of crop production and improvement. Applicants should focus on topics such as agricultural production techniques, seed technology, crop diseases, and weed management.
Gardening
Horticulture involves the scientific study of fruit, plant science, floriculture and the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants. Understanding the different aspects of crops is also essential.
breed
This section covers topics related to dairy science, poultry science, animal
nutrition, animal production and animal health. Applicants must be familiar with the principles of husbandry and maintaining healthy livestock.
Agricultural economy
Agricultural economics includes basic concepts of agricultural marketing, agricultural management, agricultural price policy and agricultural finance. Understanding agricultural economics and rural development is essential for this section.
Soil research
Soil science includes the study of soil fertility, chemistry, physics, microbiology and conservation. Candidates must understand the factors that affect soil quality and know how to manage soil for optimal agricultural production.
Agricultural engineering
Agricultural engineering focuses on agricultural machinery, agricultural energy, irrigation engineering, renewable energy and post-harvest technology. Knowledge of modern agricultural equipment and techniques is essential for this section.
Postharvest technology
Post-harvest technology includes methods and techniques used in preservation, processing, quality control, packaging and value addition of agricultural products. Candidates must understand how to maintain quality and extend the shelf life of harvested crops.
Agronomy IBPS AFO Syllabus
Agronomy is a core component of the IBPS AFO program, which emphasizes principles and practices that improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. This field includes many different aspects of crop production, soil management and weed control. Candidates preparing for the IBPS AFO exam must fully understand the basic concepts of agronomy to excel in the exam.
Agronomic principles
Agronomic principles provide the foundation for efficient and sustainable
agricultural practices. These principles guide farmers and agronomists in optimizing crop production while protecting soil health and ecosystem balance.
Soil Management: Effective soil management is essential to maintain soil fertility and structure. Practices such as crop rotation, cover crops and adding organic matter will improve soil organic matter. Soil testing and inspection help identify nutrient deficiencies and guide fertilization plans. Erosion control measures are also essential elements of soil management.
Crop rotation: Crop rotation is the alternating of different crops in the same field in consecutive seasons. This helps break pest cycles, improve soil structure and improve nutrient cycling. Rotating legumes with grains naturally replenishes nitrogen in the soil and promotes biodiversity.
Sustainable practices: Sustainable agricultural practices aim to minimize environmental impact while ensuring long-term productivity. Conservation tillage reduces soil erosion and maintains soil moisture. Organic farming uses natural inputs such as compost and biological pest control. Integrated pest management (IPM) and precision agriculture will optimize resource use and reduce waste.
Agricultural production
Crop production includes the entire process from selecting suitable plant varieties to harvesting and post-harvest management.
Plant selection: Choosing the right plant variety is essential to achieve
optimal yields. Factors such as climate, soil type, water availability and market demand influence crop selection.
Planting techniques: Proper planting techniques ensure successful planting.
This includes seeding distance, depth and timing. Techniques such as no-till, transplanting and precision planting ensure uniform stands and reduce seed waste.
Irrigation and nutrient management: Effective irrigation management provides plants with adequate water throughout their growth cycle. Balanced nutritional management ensures plants receive the macro and micronutrients needed for healthy growth.
Weed management
Weed management is essential to control unwanted plants that compete with crops for resources. Weed Identification: Recognizing different weed species and understanding their growth habits is essential to selecting appropriate control methods.
Mechanical and Chemical Control: Mechanical control involves the physical removal of weeds through tillage, mowing and manual weeding. Herbicides are used for chemical weed control, with integrated weed management (IWM) combining chemical, mechanical and cultural measures for sustainable weed control.
By mastering these agronomic principles and practices, candidates can effectively manage agricultural production systems, ensuring high yields and sustainable practices.
Horticulture IBPS AFO Syllabus
Horticulture is an essential component of the IBPS AFO program, which includes the growing, production and management of fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants. This is an important area that candidates must master as it has a direct impact on food security, economic development and environmental sustainability.
Fruit and vegetable production
Fruit and vegetable production involves growing a variety of crops that are essential for human nutrition and economic livelihoods.
Fruit production: This region includes the cultivation of different fruit crops including tropical, subtropical, temperate and arid fruits. Key topics include breeding techniques, growing methods, pest and disease management, irrigation practices and harvesting methods. Understanding the specific requirements of different fruit crops and implementing best practices will ensure high yield and quality.
Vegetable production: Vegetable production involves growing various types of vegetables, such as leafy vegetables, root vegetables, legumes, and cucurbits. Topics include soil preparation, seed selection, planting techniques, nutrient management, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting. Efficient vegetable production techniques help maximize yields while maintaining sustainability.
Flower growing profession
Floriculture is the practice of growing flowers and ornamental plants for decorative purposes, both commercial and personal.
Floriculture: This involves growing a variety of flowers including annuals, perennials and bulbs. Key aspects include appropriate variety selection, soil preparation, planting, fertilization, pest control and post-harvest handling. Understanding the market demand for different types of flowers and growing them accordingly can lead to successful floriculture projects.
Bonsai: Bonsai growing focuses on growing trees for landscaping, interior design and aesthetic purposes. This includes shrubs, trees, vines and leafy plants. Topics include breeding techniques, growing requirements, care practices, and pest control. Ornamental plants improve the visual appeal of spaces and contribute to improved environmental health.
Post-harvest management
Post-harvest management is important to maintain quality and extend the shelf life of horticultural products. Proper post-harvest practices help reduce losses and increase the market value of the product.
Handling and storage: Effective post-harvest handling includes proper sorting, grading and packaging of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Understanding specific storage requirements, such as temperature and humidity control, will help maintain the quality and freshness of horticultural products.
Shipping: Efficient shipping methods ensure products reach the market in optimal conditions. This includes the use of refrigerated media, minimizing handling damage and reducing transit times.
Processing and value addition: Post-harvest processing includes techniques such as canning, freezing, drying and juicing. Value addition involves converting raw products into products with higher market value, such as jams, sauces and decorative flower arrangements.
Animal Husbandry IBPS AFO Syllabus
Livestock is an important aspect of the IBPS AFO program, which includes the care, breeding and management of livestock. It plays an important role in agriculture by providing essential resources such as meat, milk and eggs. Understanding the principles and practices of animal husbandry is essential for candidates preparing for the IBPS AFO exam.
Products for animals
Livestock production involves the breeding and management of farm animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. This field focuses on optimizing animal health, productivity and profitability.
Livestock: Effective animal husbandry practices are necessary to improve livestock quality and productivity. This involves understanding genetics, selecting high quality animals for breeding and using techniques such as artificial insemination. Breeding programs aim to improve traits such as growth rate, milk yield, disease resistance and overall vigor.
Nutrition: Good nutrition is essential for animals to be healthy and ensure high productivity. This involves formulating balanced diets that meet the nutritional needs of different animal species at different stages of growth and production. Knowledge of feed types, nutritional composition and feeding strategies is necessary for effective livestock management.
Poultry management
Poultry management focuses on the efficient production of poultry products, including meat and eggs. It covers many different aspects of raising and caring for chickens, turkeys, ducks and other poultry.
Livestock and hatchery
management: Successful poultry farming starts with good husbandry practices. This involves selecting high quality breeders, managing matings and ensuring good hatchery conditions. Techniques such as controlled breeding and genetic selection are used to improve production characteristics.
Housing and environment: Providing a suitable environment for poultry is essential for their health and productivity. This includes designing homes properly with adequate ventilation, temperature control and space. Implementing biosecurity measures helps prevent disease outbreaks and ensures a clean living environment.
Dairy science
Dairy science focuses on the production, management and processing of milk and dairy products. This involves understanding the principles of dairy farming and implementing best practices to ensure high quality milk production.
Milking technique: Effective milking practices are essential to maintain udder health and maximize milk production. This includes proper milking procedures, hygiene, and efficient use of milking machines. Knowledge of manual and mechanical milking is important for dairy producers.
Milk production and quality: Ensuring high milk quality involves managing factors such as animal health, nutrition and milking hygiene. It is essential to regularly monitor the composition and quality of milk. Practices such as proper storage and refrigeration will help maintain milk quality.
Agricultural Economics IBPS AFO Syllabus
Agricultural economics is the core area of the IBPS AFO program, focusing on the economic aspects of agricultural production, management and marketing. It plays a vital role in ensuring the profitability and sustainability of agricultural businesses.
Agricultural management
Agricultural management includes the effective operation and organization of agricultural activities to maximize productivity and profits. Key aspects include:
Crop planning and production: Effective farm management begins with strategic crop planning and production schedules. Farmers analyze factors such as soil quality, climatic conditions and market demand to make informed decisions about crop selection, planting time and agricultural practices.
Resource allocation: Agricultural managers optimally allocate resources such as land, labor, capital and equipment to achieve production goals while minimizing costs. Techniques such as budgeting, cost-benefit analysis, and risk management are essential to making sound resource allocation decisions.
Technology integration: The adoption of modern agricultural technologies and practices, such as precision agriculture, mechanization and the use of biotechnology, will improve farm productivity and efficiency. Farm managers evaluate technology investments based on potential profits and long-term benefits.
Agricultural marketing
Agricultural marketing includes the processes of promoting, selling and distributing agricultural products to consumers and businesses. It plays a vital role in connecting farmers to markets and ensuring economic viability. Key aspects include:
Market Analysis: Farmers and marketers analyze market trends, consumer preferences, and price fluctuations to make informed decisions about production levels, pricing strategies, and timing of entry market.
Supply chain management: Effective supply chain management ensures timely delivery of agricultural products from farm to consumer. It involves optimized logistics, transportation, storage and distribution networks to minimize losses and maximize product quality.
Marketing channels: Farmers choose marketing channels such as direct sales, wholesale, retail and online platforms based on product type, market demand and profit margin. Understanding market channels helps farmers reach their target consumers efficiently and competitively.
Agricultural Finance
Agricultural finance focuses on managing financial resources in agricultural enterprises to support production, expansion and sustainable development. Key aspects include:
Credit and finance: Farmers and agricultural enterprises receive loans, credit lines and financial investments to finance their operations, purchase inputs and develop infrastructure. Understanding interest rates, repayment terms and managing financial risks are essential to borrowing and investing responsibly.
Insurance and risk management: Agricultural insurance protects farmers against losses due to natural disasters, market fluctuations and other risks. Risk management strategies include crop diversification, hedging price fluctuations, and using insurance products tailored to agricultural risks.
Soil Science IBPS AFO Syllabus
Soil science is a fundamental discipline within agriculture that focuses on the study of soil as a natural resource critical for plant growth, environmental sustainability, and ecosystem health. It covers various aspects of soil properties, fertility management, and conservation practices essential for sustainable agriculture.
Soil Properties
Understanding soil properties is crucial for effective agricultural management and soil utilization. Key aspects include:
Texture and Structure: Soil texture refers to the proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles. Soil structure refers to how these particles are arranged into aggregates or clumps. These properties affect water retention, aeration and root penetration.
Soil pH and Acidity: Soil pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. This affects the ability to supply nutrients to plants and the activity of microorganisms. Proper pH management is essential for optimal plant growth and nutrient uptake.
Organic matter content: Soil organic matter improves soil structure, water holding capacity and nutrient availability. This is important for soil fertility and resilience to environmental stressors.
Nutrient content: Soils vary in nutrient content, including essential elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients. Understanding soil nutrient levels helps with fertilization and managing nutrient deficiencies.
Managing soil fertility
Soil fertility management includes activities aimed at maintaining or improving soil fertility to maintain sustainable agricultural productivity. Key aspects include:
Fertilizer: Fertilize to add necessary nutrients to the soil. This includes synthetic fertilizers and organic amendments such as compost and manure.
Nutrient cycling: managing nutrient cycling in soil ecosystems. Techniques include crop rotation, cover crops, and recycling of crop residue to naturally improve soil fertility.
Soil testing and inspection: Perform a soil test to evaluate nutrient levels and pH. Soil analysis guides fertilization practices and ensures balanced nutrient management. Integrated Nutrient Management: Integrates multiple nutrient sources and management practices to optimize nutrient use efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
Protect land
Soil conservation aims to prevent soil erosion, degradation and loss of fertility. Key conservation measures include:
Contour farming: Planting crops on land slopes to reduce water runoff and soil erosion.
Earthworks: Construct terraces or terraces on slopes to create flat planting areas and reduce erosion.
Cover crops: Plant cover crops during fallow periods to protect soil from erosion, improve soil structure and add organic matter.
Conservation tillage: Minimize soil disturbance during planting and farming to reduce erosion and preserve soil structure.
Windbreaks and buffer strips: Plant trees, shrubs or grass strips along field edges to reduce wind erosion and filter runoff.
Agricultural Engineering IBPS AFO Syllabus
Agricultural Engineering is the core subject of the AFO program at IBPS, focusing on the application of engineering principles and technology to agricultural practices. It plays a vital role in improving farm efficiency, productivity and sustainability.
Agricultural machinery and energy
Agricultural machinery and energy management involves the use of various equipment and technologies to mechanize agricultural tasks and optimize production. Key aspects include:
Types of agricultural machinery: Agricultural machinery includes tractors, plows, seeders, harvesters and sprayers. These machines automate tasks such as planting, maintenance, harvesting and pest control, reducing labor requirements and improving efficiency.
Selection and maintenance: Farmers choose the right machine based on farm size, crop type and operational needs. Regular maintenance and proper storage will prolong machine life and ensure reliable performance during critical periods.
agricultural season.
Energy sources: Agricultural operations require reliable energy sources, including diesel, gasoline, electricity and alternative fuels. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are increasingly being integrated to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and minimize environmental impact.
Irrigation and drainage techniques
Irrigation and drainage techniques focus on effectively managing water resources to optimize crop growth and yield. Key aspects include:
Types of irrigation systems: Irrigation systems include surface irrigation (trench, flood), sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation. Each system delivers water to plants efficiently based on soil type, crop water needs and climatic conditions.
Water management: Effective water management involves planning irrigation to meet crop needs while minimizing water loss through evaporation, runoff and infiltration. Techniques such as soil moisture sensors and automatic irrigation
systems that help improve water use efficiency.
Drainage: Proper drainage prevents waterlogging and soil salinization, ensuring optimal root growth and nutrient absorption. Techniques include surface drainage (ditches, banks) and subsurface drainage (tile drains, water pipes) adapted to local soil and landscape conditions.
Recycled energy
Integrating renewable energy in agriculture aims to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and promote sustainability. Key aspects include:
Solar power: Solar panels provide clean, renewable energy for agricultural operations, including irrigation pumps, lighting and electrical equipment. Solar energy helps reduce operating costs and dependence on traditional energy sources.
Wind energy: Wind turbines produce electricity from wind energy, thereby contributing to energy production on farms and diversifying energy sources. Rural wind farms exploit wind resources for community and agricultural purposes.
Bioenergy: Biomass and biogas technology converts organic waste into a renewable energy source. Biomass heating systems and biogas digesters use agricultural waste, plant waste and animal waste to produce heat and electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is agricultural engineering?
Agricultural engineering applies engineering principles and technology to agricultural practices. It involves designing, developing, and implementing machinery, irrigation systems, and renewable energy solutions to improve efficiency and sustainability in farming.
2. Why is farm machinery important in agriculture?
Farm machinery automates tasks such as planting, cultivation, harvesting, and pest control, reducing labor requirements and improving efficiency. It enables farmers to achieve higher productivity and precision in agricultural operations.
3. How does drainage engineering benefit agriculture?
Drainage engineering prevents waterlogging, soil erosion, and salinity buildup, ensuring optimal root growth and nutrient uptake for crops. Proper drainage systems enhance soil health and productivity in agricultural fields.
4. What role does renewable energy play in agriculture?
Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and bioenergy reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower operating costs, and mitigate environmental impacts. They provide sustainable energy solutions for powering irrigation pumps, farm machinery, and facilities.
5. How can agricultural engineers contribute to sustainable farming practices?
Agricultural engineers design and implement technologies that promote sustainable farming practices, including efficient irrigation systems, renewable energy integration, soil conservation techniques, and precision agriculture methods. They aim to minimize environmental impact while maximizing productivity and profitability.
