IBPS AFO Syllabus 2026
The IBPS AFO (Agriculture Field Officer) exam's syllabus for 2026 has been released, comprising intricate topics for both Prelims (covering Reasoning, English, and Quantitative Aptitude) and Mains (focused on Professional Knowledge in Agriculture). This structured framework outlines the essential components of the exam, providing candidates with clarity on what to expect.
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the AFO exam to recruit individuals for Scale I roles in public sector banks. The selection process includes three key stages: Prelims, Mains, and an Interview.
Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Post Name | Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) Scale I |
| Selection Stages | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Exam Mode | Online (Objective) |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks |
IBPS AFO Exam Pattern 2026
Prelims Exam Pattern
| Sections | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| English Language | 50 | 25 | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 150 | 125 | 120 minutes |
Mains Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Knowledge (Agriculture) | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
IBPS AFO Prelims Syllabus 2026
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Reasoning | Coding-Decoding, Input and Output, Alphanumeric Series, Arrangement of Seats, Puzzles, Inequalities, Blood Relations, Syllogism, Ranking and Order, Data Sufficiency, Direction and Distance, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| English Language | Reading Comprehension, Improving Sentences, Para Jumbles, Detection of Errors, Filling in the Blanks, Types of Speech, Prepositions, Voices, Narrative Modes, Cloze Test, Single Word Substitution |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Numerical System, Simplification, Average Values, Ratios and Proportions, Percentage Calculations, Profit and Loss, Time Management and Work, Speed and Distance, Simple Interest and Compound Interest, Data Interpretation, Quadratic Equations, Data Sufficiency, Discounts, Partnerships, Mixtures, Probability, Permutations and Combinations, Mensuration |
IBPS AFO Mains Syllabus 2026 - Professional Knowledge
| Section | Detailed Topics |
|---|---|
| Agriculture in India | Types of Cultivation, Major Crops in India, Irrigation Practices in India, Research Institutes for Agriculture within India, Animal Husbandry practices in India, Genetically Modified Crop Varieties |
| Agricultural Practices | Soil Preparation, Sowing, Manuring, Irrigation, Weeding, Harvesting, Storage |
| Agronomy | Fundamentals of Crop Production, Different Types of Cultivation (Rabi, Kharif, Zaid), Key Crops of India, Cropping Patterns, Management of Soil Fertility, Irrigation Techniques (Drip, Sprinkler, Flood), Organic Agriculture, Agro-Climatic Zones |
| Soil Science | Types of Soils and Their Properties, Fertility of Soil, Tillage Practices, Nutrient Deficiencies, Fertilizer Usage, Soil Facts, Green Manure |
| Horticulture | Cultivation of Fruits and Vegetables, Amateur Horticulture, Commercial Horticulture, Greenhouse Technology |
| Agriculture Finance | Agricultural Loans, Crop Loans, Kisan Credit Card, Land Development, Minor Irrigation, Farm Mechanization, Finance in Horticulture, Acquiring Land, Lead Bank Scheme, Agricultural Advances, Crop Insurance Program, Financing for Combine Harvesters, Credit Plan Preparation |
| Agriculture Economics | Basics of Agricultural Economics, Agriculture Costs and Schemes |
| Cultivation and Harvesting | Practices and Techniques in Cultivation, Methods in Harvesting, Technology After Harvesting |
| Irrigation Methods | Lift Irrigation, Drip Irrigation, Sprinkler Irrigation |
| Government Schemes | Various schemes including PM-KISAN, UPPS, and others aimed at the reduction of poverty and generation of employment among urban populations |
| Seed Technology | Essentials of Seed Science, Various Seed Tests, Seed Selection |
| Agriculture Current Affairs | Major Agriculture Programs, Budgetary and Financial Measures, Recent Developments, Sustainability, Climate Initiatives |
| Miscellaneous | Agricultural Technologies, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Dairy Science, Plant Diseases, Agriculture-related Insurance Schemes |
How to Prepare for IBPS AFO 2026
To maximize success in the IBPS AFO exam, allocate 60-70% of your preparation time to the Professional Knowledge section in the Mains exam, as it plays a crucial role in determining the final selection. Build solid foundational knowledge in Agronomy, Soil Science, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry. Engage with previous exam papers and take regular mock tests to improve your readiness. Stay informed about current affairs related to agriculture, government schemes (such as PM-KISAN and NABARD initiatives), and key budget highlights.
For the Prelims, focus on enhancing your speed and accuracy in Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning. Utilize reputable study materials such as R.K. Sharma for Agriculture and R.S. Aggarwal for Quant and Reasoning topics. Consistent revision and sectional practice tests are vital for achieving success in the exam.
IBPS AFO Syllabus 2026 - FAQ's
What is the syllabus for IBPS AFO Prelims 2026?
The syllabus for IBPS AFO Prelims 2026 encompasses Reasoning Ability, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude. Notable subjects include puzzles, seating arrangements, reading comprehension, cloze tests, data interpretation, and arithmetic problems.
What subjects are asked in IBPS AFO Mains Exam?
IBPS AFO Mains Exam emphasizes Professional Knowledge in Agriculture, which includes topics like Agronomy, Soil Science, Horticulture, Agricultural Finance, Irrigation, Seed Science, Government Initiatives, and Current Events.
Is there negative marking in IBPS AFO Exam?
Yes, the exam applies a negative marking penalty of 0.25 marks for incorrect answers in both Prelims and Mains.
How many questions are there in IBPS AFO Prelims?
IBPS AFO Prelims consists of 150 questions totaling 125 marks, divided into three sections, each section allowing for 40 minutes of response time.
What is the exam duration for IBPS AFO Mains?
The duration for the IBPS AFO Mains exam is set at 45 minutes for the 60 questions focused on Professional Knowledge in Agriculture.