The IBPS AFO (Agriculture Field Officer) Prelims 2020 exam is a crucial step for candidates aspiring to secure a position in the agricultural sector through banking. The preliminary exam is the first phase of the selection process, assessing candidates on their ability to solve questions related to reasoning, English language, and quantitative aptitude. It plays a pivotal role in shortlisting candidates for the next stages, namely the Mains exam and the interview round.
OVERVIEW: IBPS AFO Prelims 2020 Exam
The IBPS AFO (Agriculture Field Officer) Prelims 2020 exam is an essential gateway for candidates aspiring to enter the agricultural banking sector. Conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), this preliminary exam is the first step in a multi-tiered selection process, aimed at evaluating a candidate’s aptitude and readiness for the role of an Agriculture Field Officer. The prelims primarily focus on testing the candidate’s abilities in three key areas: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.
The IBPS AFO Prelims 2020 question paper comprises a total of 150 questions, divided equally across the three sections. Each section carries 50 questions, and candidates are allotted a composite time of two hours to attempt the paper. The exam is designed to assess the candidate’s speed, accuracy, and ability to perform under pressure. English Language tests comprehension and grammar, while Quantitative Aptitude challenges numerical problem-solving skills, and Reasoning Ability evaluates logical thinking.
In 2020, the difficulty level of the prelims was moderate, with a few sections offering slight variations in complexity compared to previous years. While the English Language section remained relatively straightforward, candidates faced more challenging questions in the Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning sections. Effective time management became a critical factor for success.
Clearing the IBPS AFO Prelims is a prerequisite to advancing to the Mains exam, which focuses on professional knowledge related to agriculture. The prelims act as a significant filter, helping to shortlist the most capable candidates for further rounds in the recruitment process.
Exam Pattern
The IBPS RRB Office Assistant exam pattern is designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude, reasoning, and general awareness required for clerical roles in Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). The exam is conducted in two stages: the Preliminary Exam and the Main Exam.
Preliminary Exam:
- Sections: There are two sections in the prelims—Reasoning Ability and Numerical Ability.
- Total Questions: 80 questions (40 in each section).
- Total Marks: 80 marks (40 marks per section).
- Time Duration: 45 minutes overall.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
- Qualifying Nature: Candidates must clear the sectional and overall cut-off to qualify for the Main Exam.
Main Exam:
- Sections: The main exam consists of five sections—Reasoning, Numerical Ability, General Awareness, English/Hindi Language, and Computer Knowledge.
- Total Questions: 200 questions.
- Total Marks: 200 marks.
- Time Duration: 2 hours.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
Candidates are required to score well across all sections to enhance their chances of final selection. Unlike the prelims, the marks scored in the main exam play a crucial role in the final merit list and appointment as an Office Assistant (Multipurpose) in RRBs.
Subject Covered in paper
The IBPS AFO Prelims 2020 question paper focuses on assessing candidates’ knowledge and aptitude in three key areas:
Reasoning Ability: This section tests the candidate’s logical thinking and problem-solving abilities. It covers topics like puzzles, seating arrangements, syllogisms, coding-decoding, inequality, blood relations, and data sufficiency. Questions are designed to evaluate both analytical and logical reasoning skills.
Quantitative Aptitude: This section evaluates mathematical proficiency and data interpretation skills. The topics include simplification, number series, data interpretation (graphs, tables, charts), arithmetic problems (profit & loss, time & work, speed & distance, percentages, ratios), and more. The aim is to test the candidates’ numerical and calculation skills.
English Language: This section tests language proficiency, including comprehension and grammar. Topics include reading comprehension, cloze tests, sentence rearrangement, error spotting, and fill-in-the-blanks. It assesses the candidate’s command of the English language, focusing on both vocabulary and grammar usage.
The IBPS AFO Prelims 2020 paper does not cover agricultural knowledge but serves as a qualifying round for the Mains exam, which focuses more on agricultural-related topics.
Benefits of IBPS AFO Prelims 2020 Exam
The benefits of taking the IBPS AFO Prelims 2020 exam are significant for candidates aspiring for a career as an Agricultural Field Officer (AFO) in public sector banks. Here are the key advantages:
Career Opportunities: Clearing the IBPS AFO exam provides an opportunity to work as a specialist officer in agriculture, a vital sector of the Indian economy. AFOs play a crucial role in supporting farmers by providing credit facilities, promoting government agricultural schemes, and improving rural banking services.
Job Security: A position as an AFO in a public sector bank offers stability and job security, along with a steady income, various allowances, and other benefits like health insurance, pension, and retirement benefits.
Growth Prospects: Working as an AFO offers a clear path for professional growth. With experience and good performance, candidates can move up the ladder to higher managerial roles within the banking sector.
Work-Life Balance: Jobs in public sector banks generally offer a good work-life balance, with regulated working hours, holidays, and leaves, allowing professionals to maintain a healthy personal life.
Contribution to Agriculture: As an AFO, candidates directly contribute to the development of the agricultural sector by facilitating financial services for farmers and small agricultural businesses, which can be highly rewarding both professionally and personally.
Prestige: The role of an AFO holds a significant amount of prestige, especially in rural areas, as they are seen as key figures in promoting agricultural development and farmer welfare.
Learning and Development: The role provides continuous learning opportunities in both banking and agricultural sectors, keeping professionals updated on government schemes, new technologies, and agricultural trends.
Overall, the IBPS AFO Prelims opens the door to a fulfilling and stable career in the banking sector, specifically tailored for individuals with a background in agriculture.
FAQ's
The qualifying score varies based on the category of the candidate (General, SC, ST, OBC, etc.), and the cutoff is decided by IBPS depending on the overall performance of candidates.
The recruitment process consists of three stages:
- Prelims Exam (qualifying)
- Mains Exam (agriculture-focused)
- Interview
The number of vacancies varies each year. In 2020, approximately 485 vacancies were announced for the post of Agricultural Field Officer.
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer
