The IBPS Specialist Officer Agricultural Field Officer (AFO) exam is a golden opportunity for graduates in agriculture and allied disciplines to join leading public sector banks. For 2025, the exam and its selection process are set to be as competitive and rewarding as ever. This in-depth guide covers the eligibility, exam pattern and syllabus, effective preparation tips, salary details, job responsibilities, career growth trajectory, and frequently asked questions—all updated for IBPS SO AFO 2025.
What is the IBPS SO AFO Role?
The Agricultural Field Officer is a specialist cadre post in public sector banks, serving as a critical bridge between the banking sector and the rural/agricultural community. AFOs facilitate farmers’ access to credit, promote government schemes, organize rural outreach, and ensure effective deployment of banking services in agriculture.
Eligibility Criteria for IBPS SO AFO 2025
Candidates must satisfy the following criteria as of the notification date:
| Criteria | Details |
| Education | 4 year Degree (graduation) in Agriculture/ Horticulture/Animal Husbandry/ Veterinary Science/ Dairy Science/ Fishery Science/ Pisciculture/ Agri. Marketing & Cooperation/ Co-operation & Banking/ Agro Forestry/ Forestry/ Agricultural Biotechnology/ B.Tech Biotechnology/ Food Science/ Agriculture Business Management/ Food Technology/ Dairy Technology/ Agricultural Engineering/ Sericulture/ Fisheries Engineering |
| Age Limit | 20–30 years (as on July 21, 2025) |
| Age Relaxation | OBC – 3 years; SC/ST – 5 years; PwBD – 10 years; other categories as per IBPS |
| Nationality | Indian Citizen or as prescribed (Nepal/Bhutan citizens, certain refugees) |
IBPS SO AFO 2025 Exam Pattern
The exam follows a three-tier selection process: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
1. Prelims Exam
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration (minutes) |
| Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 40 |
| English Language | 50 | 25 | 40 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 40 |
| Total | 150 | 125 | 120 |
- Negative marking: 0.25 mark of the marks assigned to that question for each incorrect answer.
- Qualifying: Cut-off in each section as well as overall.
2. Mains Exam
| Exam Component | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration (minutes) |
| Professional Knowledge | 60 | 60 | 45 |
- Based entirely on agriculture and allied professional knowledge relevant to AFO.
3. Interview
| Stage | Weightage |
| Mains | 80% |
| Interview | 20% |
- Conducted by participating banks; marks are combined with Mains for final selection.
IBPS SO AFO 2025 Syllabus
Prelims Syllabus
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Spotting Errors
- Para Jumbles
- Fill in the Blanks
Reasoning
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangement
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Syllogism
- Direction Sense
- Inequalities
Quantitative Aptitude
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation
- Simplification/Approximation
- Miscellaneous Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, Time & Work, SI/CI, etc.)
Mains (Professional Knowledge) Syllabus
- Basics of Agriculture (History, Importance, Types)
- Agronomy, Soil Science, and Soil Conservation
- Plant Nutrition, Genetics, and Breeding
- Irrigation and Drainage
- Plant Protection, Agroforestry, and Horticulture
- Animal Husbandry, Poultry, Dairy Science
- Seed Science and Technology
- Agricultural Economics & Crop Marketing
- Government Schemes and Rural Welfare Programs
Preparation Tips for IBPS SO AFO 2025
- Know the Syllabus: Refer to official IBPS notification for detailed syllabus.
- Standard Textbooks: Revise concepts from B.Sc. Agriculture and other core degree books.
- Daily GK & Current Affairs: Stay updated on agricultural news, government schemes, and policies.
- Regular Mock Tests: Attempt sectional and full-length mock tests to analyze speed, accuracy, and readiness.
- Previous Year Papers: Solve previous IBPS SO AFO papers for real-exam insights.
- Short Notes: Create summary notes for revision, especially for factual content.
IBPS SO AFO Salary & Perks (2025)
The job offers an attractive salary plus various allowances. Approximate 2025 figures are:
| Component | Amount (INR) |
| Pay Scale | 48480 – 2000/7 – 62480 – 2340/2 – 67160 – 2680/7 – 85920 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ~40% of Basic Pay (varies with inflation) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 7%–9% of Basic (location dependent) |
| Special Allowance | 7.75% of Basic |
| City Compensatory Allowance | 3%–4% of Basic |
| Gross Salary | ₹78,000+ |
| Take-home Salary | ₹70,000–₹72,000 after deductions |
| Other Benefits | Medical, LTC, Pension, Gratuity, etc. |
Figures are estimates and may vary by bank/location.
IBPS SO AFO: Job Profile 2025
Major Responsibilities:
- Loan Disbursal: Promote, scrutinize, and monitor agricultural loans for farmers.
- Rural Outreach: Organize campaigns for Kisan Credit Card, government subsidies, and awareness programs.
- Field Visits: Assess crop conditions, proper use of loans, and bank schemes’ impact.
- Liaison: Work with government agencies, agribusinesses, and self-help groups.
- Recovery: Ensure timely loan recoveries through engagement and follow-ups.
- Reporting: Regularly update managers on rural sector developments and challenges.
Career Growth & Promotion Path
The AFO role offers clear advancement, allowing you to grow with experience and performance:
| Level | Designation | Years of Service (approx.) |
| Entry Level | Scale I – AFO | 0–3 |
| First Promotion | Scale II – Manager | 3–4 |
| Middle Management | Scale III – Senior Manager | 6–10 |
| Higher Roles | Chief Manager/AGM & above | 10+ |
Banks also encourage pursuing certifications, leadership roles, and even foreign postings for top performers.
FAQs: IBPS SO AFO 2025
Q1: Is the IBPS SO AFO post permanent?
Yes, it is a permanent post in public sector banks.
Q2: Can engineering graduates apply for AFO?
No, only those with prescribed four-year agriculture or allied degrees are eligible.
Q3: When will IBPS SO AFO 2025 notification be released?
Typically, notifications are out July–August. Always check the official IBPS website for updates.
Q4: Is there sectional cut-off in Prelims?
Yes, you must clear both sectional and overall cut-offs to qualify for Mains.
Q5: Does work experience matter?
No prior experience is required—fresh graduates can apply.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
IBPS SO AFO 2025 is your gateway to a stable, respected, and impactful banking career—especially if you’re passionate about rural development and agriculture. Start your prep early, focus on fundamentals, and take advantage of targeted mock tests.
Good luck—your dream job as an Agricultural Field Officer awaits!
Also Read:
| IBPS SO Cut-Offs | IBPS SO Vacancies |
| IBPS SO Hand Written Declaration 2025 | IBPS SO Exam Day Guidelines 2025 |
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