The IBPS AFO Admit Card is a vital document for candidates appearing in the Agricultural Field Officer (AFO) exam, conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). This admit card acts as an official entry pass for the exam, providing crucial details like the exam date, time, venue, and candidate-specific information such as name, roll number, and photograph. Released online on the official IBPS website, candidates must download it by logging in with their registration number and password or date of birth.
- Overview: IBPS AFO Admit Card
- Eligibility Criteria: IBPS AFO Admit Card
- Subjects Covered
- Tips for Preparation
- FAQ’s
OVERVIEW: IBPS AFO Admit Card
The IBPS AFO Admit Card is an essential document for candidates preparing to appear in the Agricultural Field Officer (AFO) exam conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). This admit card acts as an official entry pass to the examination hall and contains important details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, photograph, exam date, time, and venue. It also includes instructions for the exam day. Candidates must download the admit card from the official IBPS website using their registration number and password or date of birth.
As the AFO exam is a competitive test for a coveted position within the banking sector, ensuring that you have the admit card ready and verified for accuracy is crucial. Candidates should carefully review all the details on the admit card, ensuring there are no errors. If any discrepancies are found, candidates should immediately contact IBPS for corrections. The admit card also contains key guidelines for exam day, including the list of mandatory documents to bring and exam center rules.
On the day of the exam, candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID (such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, or driving license) for verification purposes. Entry into the exam hall will not be permitted without these documents.
Additionally, candidates should follow the instructions mentioned on the admit card, such as reporting time and COVID-19 protocols, if applicable. The admit card is typically released 10 to 15 days prior to the exam, giving candidates ample time to download and prepare accordingly.
Exam Pattern
The IBPS AFO (Agricultural Field Officer) exam follows a three-stage selection process: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. Candidates must clear each stage to qualify for the next. Below is the detailed exam pattern:
1. Preliminary Exam
The Preliminary Exam consists of objective-type questions, divided into three sections. This stage tests a candidate’s general aptitude and language skills.
- English Language:
- Number of Questions: 50
- Marks: 25
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Reasoning Ability:
- Number of Questions: 50
- Marks: 50
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Quantitative Aptitude:
- Number of Questions: 50
- Marks: 50
- Duration: 40 minutes
Total Duration: 120 minutes
Total Marks: 125
Marking Scheme: Negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
2. Main Exam
The Main Exam focuses on professional knowledge specific to the Agricultural Field Officer role. This phase tests a candidate’s expertise in agriculture and related subjects.
- Professional Knowledge:
- Number of Questions: 60
- Marks: 60
- Duration: 45 minutes
This section assesses your understanding of agriculture, agronomy, soil science, horticulture, and allied subjects relevant to the AFO position.
3. Interview
Candidates who qualify for the Main Exam are shortlisted for the Interview round. This final stage tests the candidate’s professional knowledge, communication skills, and suitability for the AFO role.
- Weightage: Main Exam (80%) and Interview (20%)
Final Selection
The final selection is based on the cumulative scores of the Main Exam and the Interview. Successful candidates are then shortlisted for the Agricultural Field Officer position in participating banks.
Eligibility Criteria: IBPS AFO Exam
The eligibility criteria for the IBPS AFO (Agricultural Field Officer) exam encompass several factors, including age, educational qualifications, and nationality. Candidates must meet these criteria to apply for the AFO position. Here are the details:
1. Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
- Age Relaxation: Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government norms:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- Persons with Disabilities (PWD): 10 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 years
- Persons affected by the 1984 riots: 5 years
2. Educational Qualification
To be eligible for the Agricultural Field Officer (Scale-I) post, candidates must possess a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following fields:
- Agriculture
- Horticulture
- Animal Husbandry
- Veterinary Science
- Dairy Science
- Fishery Science
- Agricultural Engineering
- Forestry
- Food Science
- Agriculture Marketing & Cooperation
- Sericulture
Degrees in related fields are also accepted, provided they are recognized by the Indian government.
3. Nationality
Candidates must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam) with the intention of settling in India.
4. Experience
- No prior work experience is required for the IBPS AFO (Agricultural Field Officer) exam. It is an entry-level position for candidates who meet the age and educational qualifications.
Additional Criteria
- Candidates must meet the prescribed medical standards.
- Applicants must have a valid degree at the time of registration and must produce proof of the same during document verification.
Candidates who meet all the above criteria are eligible to apply for the IBPS AFO exam.
Subject Covered in paper
The IBPS AFO (Agricultural Field Officer) exam covers various subjects in both the Preliminary and Main Exam stages. The Preliminary Exam tests a candidate’s aptitude in general subjects, while the Main Exam focuses on the specific professional knowledge required for the Agricultural Field Officer role.
1. Preliminary Exam Subjects
The Preliminary Exam consists of three sections, each covering different subjects:
English Language:
- Grammar and Vocabulary
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Sentence Completion
- Para Jumbles
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Rearrangement and Fill in the Blanks
Reasoning Ability:
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Syllogisms
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Seating Arrangements (Circular and Linear)
- Puzzles
- Logical Sequence of Words
- Alphanumeric Series
Quantitative Aptitude:
- Number Series
- Simplification and Approximation
- Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Average, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, etc.)
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts)
- Time, Speed, and Distance
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Probability and Permutations & Combinations
2. Main Exam Subjects
The Main Exam focuses on the Professional Knowledge required for the Agricultural Field Officer role. It tests a candidate’s understanding of agriculture and allied subjects. Key topics include:
Agriculture and Related Topics:
- Agronomy (Crop Production, Management Practices, Soil Fertility)
- Horticulture (Fruit and Vegetable Cultivation)
- Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science
- Soil and Water Conservation
- Irrigation Techniques
- Agricultural Engineering (Farm Machinery, Irrigation Equipment)
- Plant Breeding and Genetics
- Seed Science and Technology
- Agricultural Economics and Marketing
- Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Forestry and Agroforestry
Agricultural Practices:
- Sustainable Farming Practices
- Organic Farming
- Pest Management and Crop Protection
- Soil Health and Fertilizers
Rural Development and Schemes:
- Government Schemes related to Agriculture
- NABARD and other agricultural finance institutions
- Rural Development Programs
The Professional Knowledge section in the Main Exam is critical as it tests in-depth knowledge of agriculture and related fields, which are essential for the role of an Agricultural Field Officer in banks.
Preparaton Tips
Preparing for the IBPS AFO (Agricultural Field Officer) exam requires a strategic and well-structured approach. The exam is competitive, so thorough preparation is essential to perform well in both the Preliminary and Main Exams. Here are some effective tips to help you succeed:
1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
- Familiarize with the Pattern: Review the exam pattern, including the subjects covered in both the Preliminary and Main Exams.
- Study the Syllabus: Go through the syllabus in detail to ensure you cover all topics, particularly in the Professional Knowledge section for the Main Exam. Knowing what to study will save you time and focus your efforts.
2. Create a Study Plan
- Allocate Time for Each Subject: Make a detailed study plan, allotting specific time slots to each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Set Realistic Goals: Break down your preparation into weekly or monthly targets. Setting achievable goals will keep you motivated and ensure consistent progress.
3. Focus on Core Subjects
- Preliminary Exam: Concentrate on English, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude. Strengthen your basics and practice regularly to enhance speed and accuracy.
- Main Exam: Dedicate substantial time to agriculture-related subjects, such as agronomy, horticulture, animal husbandry, soil science, and agricultural engineering. Refer to standard textbooks for these subjects.
4. Use Quality Study Material
- Books and Guides: Invest in recommended books for each subject, particularly for professional knowledge topics. Books like “A Competitive Book of Agriculture” by Nem Raj Sunda or “Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) Professional Knowledge” by Jain Brothers are popular choices.
- Online Resources: Utilize online study materials, including articles, blogs, and government websites related to agriculture, to stay updated on the latest trends and information.
5. Practice with Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers
- Solve Previous Papers: Practice previous years’ question papers to get a feel for the exam format and difficulty level. This will also help you identify recurring questions and important topics.
- Take Mock Tests: Regularly attempt online mock tests to assess your performance. Mock tests will help improve time management, boost confidence, and identify areas that need improvement.
6. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
- Agricultural News: Stay updated on the latest developments in agriculture, government schemes, rural development programs, and policies related to farming.
- General Awareness: For the Preliminary Exam, stay informed about national and international news, particularly in the banking and finance sector, as some questions may test your general awareness.
7. Improve Time Management
- Timed Practice: While practicing questions, always set a timer to simulate exam conditions. This will help you manage your time effectively during the actual exam.
- Prioritize Sections: In the Preliminary Exam, balance your time between sections based on difficulty. In the Main Exam, focus on answering Professional Knowledge questions accurately.
8. Revise Regularly
- Make Notes: While studying, make short notes on important topics. These notes will be helpful for quick revision in the days leading up to the exam.
- Frequent Revision: Dedicate time for regular revision of key concepts, formulas, and important agricultural practices. Frequent revision ensures better retention.
9. Stay Healthy and Confident
- Maintain a Healthy Routine: Eat well, exercise regularly, and get sufficient sleep. A healthy lifestyle will help you stay focused and energized throughout your preparation.
- Stay Positive: Keep a positive attitude and maintain confidence in your preparation. Mental preparedness is just as important as academic readiness.
By following these preparation tips and maintaining discipline in your study routine, you can effectively prepare for the IBPS AFO exam and enhance your chances of success.
FAQ's
The IBPS AFO Admit Card is usually released 10 to 15 days before the examination date. Candidates can download it from the official IBPS website during that period.
To download the IBPS AFO Admit Card:
- Visit the official IBPS website.
- Click on the link for “IBPS AFO Admit Card.”
- Enter your registration number and password or date of birth.
- The admit card will appear on the screen. Download and print it for exam day.
T
he IBPS AFO Admit Card contains the following details:
- Candidate’s name
- Roll number
- Photograph and signature
- Exam date and time
- Exam venue and address
- Reporting time
- Important instructions for the exam day
Along with the IBPS AFO Admit Card, candidates must carry a valid photo ID (such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, or passport) and a passport-sized photograph, as per the instructions mentioned on the admit card.
