The IBPS AFO (Agricultural Field Officer) exam is a gateway for individuals aspiring to work in the agricultural sector through various public sector banks. Conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), this exam is highly sought after for those with a background in agriculture, horticulture, or related fields. The application process is conducted online, allowing eligible candidates to register conveniently from anywhere. To apply, candidates must fulfill specific eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and age limits. Successfully filling the online form is the first step toward securing a role as an Agricultural Field Officer, a position that plays a crucial role in promoting agricultural development through banking services. With thorough preparation and timely submission of the application, candidates can aim to achieve success in this competitive exam.
- Overview: IBPS PO Reserve List 2023
- Download : Download IBPS PO Reserve List 2023
- Eligibility Criteria: IBPS PO Reserve Exam
- Subjects Covered in IBPS PO Reserve Exam
- Tips for Preparation
- FAQ’s
OVERVIEW: IBPS PO Reserve List 2023
The IBPS RRB Vacancy 2023 is a significant opportunity for candidates aiming to secure positions in regional rural banks across the country. This year, the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has announced a detailed list of state-wise vacancies for various roles such as Officer Scale I, II, III, and Office Assistant (Multipurpose). The state-wise distribution of vacancies allows candidates to apply based on the available positions in their respective states, giving them a focused approach towards securing employment in their preferred region.
Each state has a unique number of vacancies for these positions, reflecting the specific needs of its rural banking network. For candidates, this means there’s a wide range of opportunities to compete for, depending on their location and qualifications. The regional distribution ensures that every state gets the required workforce, strengthening the overall rural banking structure.
Understanding the state-wise breakdown of vacancies is crucial for applicants, as it helps them strategize their preparation and improve their chances of selection. Additionally, the state-specific approach offers a fair opportunity for candidates from different regions to secure a banking job close to home. Candidates are advised to stay updated with the latest information on IBPS RRB 2023 vacancies and prepare according to the specific demands of the state they are applying for. This method ensures a more targeted and effective application process, improving the prospects for success.
Exam Pattern
1. Preliminary Examination (Officer Scale I & Office Assistant)
- Sections:
- Reasoning Ability: 40 questions, 40 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 40 questions, 40 marks
- Total: 80 questions, 80 marks
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
- Purpose: Qualifying in nature; marks are not considered for the final merit list.
2. Main Examination (Officer Scale I & Office Assistant)
- Sections:
- Reasoning: 40 questions, 50 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude (or Numerical Ability for Office Assistant): 40 questions, 50 marks
- General Awareness: 40 questions, 40 marks
- English or Hindi Language: 40 questions, 40 marks
- Computer Knowledge: 40 questions, 20 marks
- Total: 200 questions, 200 marks
- Duration: 2 hours
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
- Purpose: Main exam marks are considered for the final merit list along with interview scores (for officers).
3. Single Level Examination (Officer Scale II & III)
For Specialist Officers (Scale II):
- Professional Knowledge: 40 questions, 40 marks
- Other Sections: Similar to Scale I (Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, etc.)
For Generalist Officers (Scale III):
- Reasoning, Financial Awareness, and other key sections with higher difficulty level.
4. Interview (Officer Scale I, II, and III)
- Total Marks: 100 marks
- Qualifying Marks: 40% for General category, 35% for reserved categories
- Weightage: Combined with Main Exam scores (80:20 ratio)
Eligibility Criteria: IBPS PO Reserve List 2023
The eligibility criteria for the IBPS RRB 2023 recruitment for the positions of Officer (Scale I, II, and III) and Office Assistant (Multipurpose) include several parameters such as nationality, age, educational qualifications, and proficiency in the local language. Candidates must meet these criteria to be eligible to apply.
1. Nationality
Candidates must be one of the following:
- A citizen of India.
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan.
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India.
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
2. Age Limit
- Officer Scale I (Assistant Manager): 18 to 30 years.
- Officer Scale II (Manager): 21 to 32 years.
- Officer Scale III (Senior Manager): 21 to 40 years.
- Office Assistant (Multipurpose): 18 to 28 years.
Age Relaxation (as per government rules):
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PWD: 10 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 years for Scale I; Office Assistants have special relaxation based on years of service.
3. Educational Qualification
Officer Scale I (Assistant Manager): Bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Preference given to candidates with degrees in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Science, Agricultural Engineering, Pisciculture, Agricultural Marketing and Cooperation, Information Technology, Management, Law, Economics, or Accountancy.
Officer Scale II (Manager):
- General Banking Officer: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks. Experience of two years in a banking or financial institution.
- Specialist Officer: Degree in relevant field (e.g., IT, Law, Agriculture, etc.) with one to two years of experience.
Officer Scale III (Senior Manager): Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks and five years of experience in a bank or financial institution.
Office Assistant (Multipurpose): Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
4. Local Language Proficiency
Candidates must be proficient in the local language of the RRB they are applying for. This includes being able to read, write, and speak the language. The local language requirement varies from state to state and is essential for both Office Assistant and Officer posts.
5. Computer Knowledge
Basic computer knowledge is desirable for Officer and Office Assistant positions.
Subject Covered in paper
The IBPS RRB 2023 Exam covers various subjects designed to assess a candidate’s reasoning, quantitative, language, general awareness, and computer knowledge. The subjects vary slightly between the Preliminary and Main Examinations, as well as depending on the position applied for (Officer Scale I, II, III, or Office Assistant). Here are the main subjects covered in the exams:
1. Preliminary Examination (Officer Scale I & Office Assistant)
- Reasoning Ability
- Analytical and logical reasoning questions such as puzzles, seating arrangements, coding-decoding, blood relations, inequalities, syllogisms, etc.
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Basic mathematics questions including topics like simplification, number series, data interpretation, percentage, profit & loss, time and work, speed and distance, etc.
2. Main Examination (Officer Scale I & Office Assistant)
Reasoning
- Advanced puzzles, seating arrangements, logical reasoning, input-output, coding-decoding, blood relations, etc.
Quantitative Aptitude (for Officer Scale I) or Numerical Ability (for Office Assistant)
- Higher-level data interpretation, probability, permutation & combination, series, simplification, and arithmetic topics like ratios, percentages, averages, etc.
General Awareness
- Focus on current affairs (especially related to the banking and financial sectors), important government schemes, national and international events, banking and economic terminologies, and static general knowledge.
English Language
- Questions on reading comprehension, grammar (sentence correction, error spotting), vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, fill in the blanks), and para jumbles.
OR
Hindi Language
- Hindi grammar, comprehension, vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms), and sentence rearrangement.
Computer Knowledge
- Basic knowledge of computers, including hardware and software, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), internet and network security, operating systems, and other IT-related topics.
3. Single Level Examination (Officer Scale II & III)
Reasoning
- Advanced logical reasoning, including seating arrangements, puzzles, series, input-output, etc.
Quantitative Aptitude (or Data Interpretation and Analysis)
- Advanced data interpretation, problem-solving, and higher-level arithmetic calculations.
General Awareness (with a focus on the Economy)
- In-depth knowledge of the banking and financial sector, economic developments, current events, and government schemes.
English or Hindi Language
- Comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and para jumbles.
Professional Knowledge (for Specialist Officers – Scale II)
- Questions related to the specific domain such as IT, Law, Agriculture, Treasury, Marketing, or Chartered Accountancy, depending on the specialization.
Financial Awareness (for Officer Scale II and III)
- Banking, finance, and economic-related concepts, including terms, latest developments, policies, and regulatory frameworks.
4. Descriptive Paper (Officer Scale I)
- English Language (Descriptive)
- Essay and letter writing on topics related to socio-economic, banking, and financial sectors.
Key Focus Areas
Candidates are required to focus on a wide range of subjects, especially those related to reasoning, quantitative skills, language proficiency, and general awareness with a strong emphasis on current affairs in the banking and financial sectors.
Benefits of IBPS PO Reserve List
The IBPS RRB 2023 recruitment process offers numerous benefits to candidates who successfully secure positions as Officers (Scale I, II, and III) and Office Assistants in Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). Here are some of the key benefits associated with participating in this recruitment drive:
1. Secure and Reputable Job
- Job Security: Working in a government-backed financial institution like an RRB provides long-term job stability, which is a significant advantage in today’s competitive job market.
- Reputation: Securing a position through IBPS is highly regarded in the banking sector and offers candidates a respectable career path in the public sector.
2. Attractive Salary Packages
- Competitive Pay: Officers and Office Assistants in RRBs enjoy attractive salary packages, including basic pay, allowances, and perks, which are competitive with other public sector banks.
- Increments and Benefits: Salary increments, bonuses, and other benefits like leave travel allowance (LTA), medical coverage, and housing rent allowances make the compensation packages highly rewarding.
3. Career Growth Opportunities
- Promotion and Growth: IBPS RRB offers excellent career progression opportunities. With experience and good performance, employees can climb the ladder from entry-level positions to senior management roles.
- Learning and Development: The role in RRBs allows employees to gain valuable experience in various aspects of banking, finance, and rural development, offering a broad scope of personal and professional development.
4. Work-Life Balance
- Rural Posting: Most positions in RRBs are located in rural or semi-urban areas, which can offer a more relaxed and less hectic work environment compared to urban postings in larger banks.
- Flexible Working Conditions: RRB employees often enjoy better work-life balance compared to their counterparts in private sector banks, making it easier to maintain personal and professional equilibrium.
5. Social Impact
- Community Contribution: Working in an RRB allows employees to make a direct impact on rural and semi-urban economies, helping improve financial inclusion and economic development in underserved regions.
- Personal Fulfillment: Serving rural communities and being a part of government schemes to uplift these areas can provide a strong sense of fulfillment and purpose.
6. Access to Government Schemes
- Loans and Advances: Employees in RRBs often receive special benefits in the form of low-interest loans for housing, vehicles, and education, adding to the financial advantages of the job.
- Pension and Retirement Benefits: Being a public sector employee, individuals are entitled to pension schemes and retirement benefits, ensuring financial security post-retirement.
These benefits make the IBPS RRB recruitment highly attractive for candidates looking for a secure, fulfilling, and well-compensated career in the banking sector.
FAQ's
Yes, candidates are expected to have proficiency in the local language of the state/region where they are applying. This includes reading, writing, and speaking the language
If you are placed on the reserve list, you will be considered for allotment to participating banks if additional vacancies arise due to non-joining, resignation of selected candidates, or other reasons.
Yes, being on the IBPS PO Reserve List does not prevent you from applying to other exams. It serves as a backup option in case you are selected for any future openings.
No, the reserve list is generally created once after the final selection process and is not updated. However, candidates on the list may be selected as vacancies arise during the year.
