Nilanjan
Are you looking for a government job in the banking sector? Do you have a passion for agriculture and rural development? If yes, then you should not miss this opportunity to apply for the IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023.
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has released the official notification for the recruitment of Agriculture Field Officers (AFO) under the Specialist Officers (SO) category. A total of 500 vacancies have been announced for this post across various participating banks.
The online application process for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023 has started from 1st August 2023 and will end on 28th August 2023. Candidates who are interested and eligible can apply online through the official website of IBPS or by clicking on the link given below in this article.
In this blog post, we will provide you with all the important details about the IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023, such as eligibility criteria, selection process, exam pattern, syllabus, application fee, and more. We will also share some tips and tricks on how to prepare for the IBPS AFO Exam 2023 and how to crack it with flying colors.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
The application window is open until the 28th of August 2023. Buckle up and explore the details below to set sail towards your dream career.
IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023: A Gateway to 500 Vacancies
The bells of opportunity are ringing! The coveted IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023 has ushered in 500 vacancies for the Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) post. The clock is ticking, and the application portal is live, awaiting enthusiastic candidates like you. The final stop to hop on board is the 28th of August 2023. To take the plunge, simply follow the link shared below and kick-start your journey towards becoming an IBPS AFO.
IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023 Overview
The IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023 brings forth an array of opportunities. Let’s delve into the key details with a comprehensive overview:
| Aspect | Detail |
| Name of Recruitment | IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023 |
| Exam Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Category | Govt Jobs 2023 |
| Post | Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) |
| Vacancy | 500 |
| Notification Date | 31st July 2023 |
| Apply Online Start Date | 01st August 2023 |
| Apply Online Last Date | 28th August 2023 (Revised Date) |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
What is IBPS AFO?
IBPS AFO stands for IBPS Agriculture Field Officer. It is one of the posts under the Specialist Officers (SO) category of IBPS. The role of an IBPS AFO is to promote bank products and services in rural areas, especially among farmers and agricultural enterprises. They also provide technical advice and guidance to farmers on various aspects of agriculture, such as crop selection, soil testing, irrigation, pest control, etc.
An IBPS AFO works in close coordination with other bank officials, such as branch managers, credit officers, recovery officers, etc. They also liaise with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders involved in rural development.
An IBPS AFO is a challenging and rewarding career option for those who have a keen interest in agriculture and rural development. It also offers a handsome salary package, along with various perks and benefits, such as allowances, medical facilities, pension schemes, etc.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023?
Before applying for the IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by IBPS. The eligibility criteria include age limit, educational qualification, nationality, etc. Here are the details of the eligibility criteria for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023:
Age Limit
As per the IBPS AFO Notification 2023, the minimum age limit for applying for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023 is 20 years and the maximum age limit is 30 years as on 1st August 2023. This means that you must have been born not earlier than 2nd August 1993 and not later than 1st August 2003.
However, there are certain relaxations in the upper age limit for candidates belonging to reserved categories, such as SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Ex-Servicemen/EWS/etc. The details of the age relaxation are given below:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- PwD: 10 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 years
- Persons affected by 1984 riots: 5 years
- Persons ordinarily domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir during 01.01.1980 to 31.12.1989: 5 years
Educational Qualification
As per the IBPS AFO Notification 2023, the educational qualification required for applying for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023 is a four-year degree (graduation) in any of the following disciplines:
- Agriculture
- Horticulture
- Animal Husbandry
- Veterinary Science
- Dairy Science
- Fishery Science
- Pisciculture
- Agri. Marketing & Cooperation
- Co-operation & Banking
- Agro-Forestry
- Forestry
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- Food Science
- Agriculture Business Management
- Food Technology
- Dairy Technology
- Agricultural Engineering
- Sericulture
The candidates must have obtained their degree from a recognized university or institution as on 28th August 2023. The candidates who are in their final year or semester of their degree can also apply provisionally subject to producing proof of passing their degree before or at the time of interview.
Nationality
As per the IBPS AFO Notification 2023, only Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal or Bhutan or Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1st January 1962 or persons of Indian origin who have migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India are eligible to apply for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023.
The candidates belonging to the latter categories must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. Such candidates will be required to produce their certificate of eligibility at the time of interview or joining.
What is the Selection Process for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023?
The selection process for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023 consists of three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. The candidates have to qualify in each stage to be eligible for the next stage. The details of the selection process are given below:
Preliminary Exam
The preliminary exam is the first stage of the selection process. It is an online objective test that consists of two sections: English Language and Reasoning. The total marks for the preliminary exam are 100 and the duration is 60 minutes. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. The candidates have to score minimum qualifying marks in each section and in aggregate to be shortlisted for the main exam. The marks obtained in the preliminary exam will not be considered for the final merit list.
Main Exam
The main exam is the second stage of the selection process. It is an online objective test that consists of one section: Professional Knowledge. The total marks for the main exam are 60 and the duration is 45 minutes. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. The candidates have to score minimum qualifying marks in the main exam to be shortlisted for the interview. The marks obtained in the main exam will be considered for the final merit list.
Interview
The interview is the third and final stage of the selection process. It is a face-to-face interaction with a panel of experts who will assess the candidates’ personality, communication skills, knowledge, and suitability for the post. The total marks for the interview are 100 and the minimum qualifying marks are 40% for general category candidates and 35% for reserved category candidates. The weightage of the main exam and interview marks for the final merit list is 80:20.
What is the Exam Pattern for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023?
The exam pattern for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023 is different for each stage of the selection process. The candidates should be aware of the exam pattern before appearing for the exam so that they can prepare accordingly. The details of the exam pattern are given below:
Preliminary Exam Pattern
The preliminary exam pattern for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023 is as follows:
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| English Language | 50 | 25 | 40 minutes |
| Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Main Exam Pattern
The main exam pattern for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023 is as follows:
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| Professional Knowledge | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
Interview Pattern
The interview pattern for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023 is as follows:
| Section | Maximum Marks | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
| Interview | 100 | General: 40%, Reserved: 35% |
What is the Syllabus for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023?
The syllabus for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023 covers all the topics that are asked in each stage of the selection process. The candidates should be well-versed with the syllabus before appearing for the exam so that they can cover all the important topics and concepts. The details of the syllabus are given below:
Preliminary Exam Syllabus
The preliminary exam syllabus for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023 covers two sections: English Language and Reasoning. The topics covered under each section are as follows:
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Fill in the Blanks
- Error Detection
- Sentence Improvement
- Para Jumbles
- Word Usage
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
Reasoning
- Syllogism
- Inequality
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Seating Arrangement
- Puzzles
- Alphanumeric Series
- Alphabet Test
- Order and Ranking
- Logical Reasoning
IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023 Application Steps
Step 1: Notification
Dive into the comprehensive IBPS AFO Notification 2023. Get acquainted with the intricate details of the recruitment process. To access the notification PDF, click the link below:
Download IBPS AFO Notification PDF 2023
Step 2: Vacancy Distribution
The 500 vacancies are distributed across categories. Take a glance at the category-wise distribution:
| Category | Vacancies |
| SC | 75 |
| ST | 37 |
| OBC | 135 |
| EWS | 50 |
| UR | 203 |
| Total | 500 |
Step 3: Important Dates to Remember
Mark your calendar with the essential dates for the Specialist Officers exam:
| Event | Date |
| Online Registration | 01st to 28th August 2023 |
| Payment of Application Fees/Intimation | 01st to 28th August 2023 |
| Download of Preliminary Exam Call Letters | December 2023 |
| Online Examination – Preliminary | December 2023 |
| Preliminary Exam Result | January 2024 |
| Main Exam Call Letter | January 2024 |
| Online Examination – Main | January 2024 |
| Main Exam Result | February 2024 |
| Interview Call Letters | Feb/March 2024 |
| Interview | Feb/March 2024 |
| Provisional Allotment | April 2024 |
Step 4: Application Online Link
Having grasped the nuances of the IBPS AFO 2023, it’s time to fill out the application form. The last date for application submission is the 28th of August 2023. Follow the link below to submit your application:
Step 5: Navigate the Application Process
Embark on the journey of application with these steps:
- Click on the provided application link.
- Opt for “CRP Specialist Officers.”
- Proceed to “Common Recruitment Process for Specialist Officers XIII.”
- A new window will appear. Click on “Apply online for Common Recruitment Process for Specialist Officers XIII.”
- New users must register on the website.
- Fill in the necessary details in the application form.
- Upload required documents in the specified format.
- Complete the payment for application fees and submit the form.
- Download a copy of the completed application form for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023
Q1: What is the age limit for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023? Minimum Age: 20 Years Maximum Age: 30 Years (as of 01 August 2023)
Q2: What is the educational qualification required for IBPS AFO 2023? Candidates must possess a 4-year Degree (graduation) in fields such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Science, and more.
Q3: What is the selection process for IBPS AFO 2023? The selection involves three stages: Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and Interview/Viva-voice.
Q4: What are the application fees for IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023? Application fees are as follows:
- SC/ST/PWBD: Rs.175/-
- All Other Categories: Rs.850 /-
The path to becoming an IBPS AFO beckons. With 500 vacancies awaiting your presence, the time is now to set sail towards a fulfilling career. Harness the power of strategic application and navigate the realm of IBPS AFO Recruitment 2023 with confidence. Your journey begins here, and success awaits at every milestone.
