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 RRB Assistant Admit Card
- Eligibility Criteria: IBPS RRB Assistant paper
- Subjects Covered in IBPS RRB assistant Paper
- Benefits of IBPS RRB Assistant Paper
- FAQ’s on 10th Science Paper
OVERVIEW: IBPS RRB Assistant Admit Card
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 RRB Office Assistant (Multipurpose) exam covers a range of subjects designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude, reasoning, and general awareness. The exam is conducted in two phases: Preliminary and Main.
Preliminary Examination:
The preliminary exam consists of two key sections:
- Reasoning Ability: This section tests logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Topics include puzzles, seating arrangements, coding-decoding, syllogism, and blood relations.
- Numerical Ability: It assesses basic mathematical skills and includes questions on number series, simplification, data interpretation, percentages, profit and loss, time and work, and speed, distance, and time.
The preliminary exam consists of 80 questions, equally divided between these two sections, with a total duration of 45 minutes.
Main Examination:
The main exam covers the following subjects:
- Reasoning Ability: Similar to the prelims, but more advanced questions.
- Numerical Ability: Focuses on data interpretation, arithmetic problems, and more complex calculations.
- General Awareness: Includes questions on current affairs, banking awareness, and important national and international events.
- English/Hindi Language: Candidates can choose between English and Hindi. The section tests comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.
- Computer Knowledge: This section evaluates basic computer literacy, including knowledge of software, hardware, internet, and MS Office.
The main exam consists of 200 questions with a total duration of 2 hours.
These subjects are designed to evaluate a candidate’s overall capability to handle office tasks effectively in a rural banking environment.
Benefits of IBPS RRB Assistant Exam
The benefits of working as an IBPS RRB Office Assistant (Multipurpose) are diverse, providing both personal and professional advantages. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits:
1. Job Security
One of the biggest advantages is the job security that comes with a government position. Unlike private sector jobs, the role of an RRB Office Assistant offers stability and protection from economic fluctuations, ensuring long-term employment.
2. Attractive Salary and Perks
Office Assistants in RRBs enjoy a competitive salary package. In addition to the basic pay, they receive allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Medical Allowance, and Travel Allowance. These perks improve the overall financial benefits of the job and help employees maintain a good standard of living.
3. Work-Life Balance
The job typically has fixed working hours, which helps in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who value time with family or personal activities outside of work. Additionally, the workload is generally moderate, reducing the stress levels associated with high-pressure jobs.
4. Career Growth
There are ample opportunities for promotion within the RRB system. With regular internal exams and experience, employees can progress to higher posts such as Officer Scale-I, II, or III, leading to enhanced responsibilities and better pay.
5. Serving Rural Communities
Office Assistants in RRBs contribute directly to the economic and social development of rural areas. They help in providing essential banking services to underserved populations, which can be personally rewarding and fulfilling.
These benefits make the role of an IBPS RRB Office Assistant a desirable and stable career choice.
FAQ's
The exam has two phases:
- Preliminary Exam: Includes 80 questions divided equally between Reasoning Ability and Numerical Ability, with a duration of 45 minutes.
- Main Exam: Includes 200 questions covering Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, General Awareness, English/Hindi Language, and Computer Knowledge, with a duration of 2 hours.
The exam is conducted online. Candidates need to appear for the Preliminary exam first. Those who qualify will be eligible to take the Main exam. The final selection is based on the performance in the Main exam
The syllabus includes:
- Reasoning Ability: Puzzles, seating arrangements, coding-decoding, etc.
- Numerical Ability: Arithmetic problems, number series, data interpretation, etc.
- General Awareness: Current affairs, banking awareness, general knowledge.
- Language: Comprehension, grammar, vocabulary.
- Computer Knowledge: Basic knowledge of computers, MS Office, internet, etc.
Yes, there is negative marking. For each incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are deducted from the total score.
