The exam pattern for the IBPS AFO (Agricultural Field Officer) exam consists of two main phases: the Preliminary Exam and the Mains Exam. Candidates must clear both stages to qualify for the final selection. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the exam pattern:
1. Preliminary Exam:
The preliminary exam is the first stage and is conducted online. It consists of three sections:
English Language: 50 questions, 25 marks
Reasoning Ability: 50 questions, 50 marks
Quantitative Aptitude: 50 questions, 50 marks
Total Questions: 150
Total Marks: 125
Duration: 2 hours
Each section is timed individually, and candidates must qualify in each section by securing minimum cut-off marks to proceed to the Mains exam. There is negative marking in the prelims, with 0.25 marks deducted for every wrong answer.
2. Mains Exam:
The Mains exam focuses on professional knowledge related to agriculture and the role of an Agricultural Field Officer. The exam pattern is as follows:
Professional Knowledge: 60 questions, 60 marks
Duration: 45 minutes
The Mains exam tests the candidates’ knowledge of agricultural science, horticulture, animal husbandry, soil science, and related topics. Like the preliminary exam, there is negative marking, with 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer.
3. Interview:
After clearing the Mains exam, shortlisted candidates are called for an interview, which carries 100 marks. The interview assesses the candidate’s overall suitability for the role and their knowledge of agricultural and banking sectors.
Final Selection:
The final merit list is based on the combined performance of the Mains exam and the interview, with a weightage of 80:20 respectively