With the release of the IBPS SO CRP SPL-XVI Notification 2026, the IBPS AFO syllabus has been updated in line with the revised exam pattern. The preliminary examination now includes a professional knowledge section, while the mains examination has been expanded to include four objective sections and a descriptive paper. Candidates should familiarize themselves with the latest syllabus to prepare effectively and prioritize the topics that carry the highest weightage in the selection process.
IBPS AFO Syllabus 2026
The IBPS AFO selection process consists of Prelims, Mains, and an interview. The revised IBPS AFO syllabus covers English language, reasoning ability, quantitative aptitude, professional knowledge, and a descriptive paper. While candidates must qualify each stage, the Professional Knowledge (Objective) score in the mains examination plays the most important role in the final merit. The overview below highlights the important details of the IBPS AFO syllabus and examination.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organisation | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Post | Agriculture Field Officer (Scale I) |
| Exam Name | IBPS SO (AFO) 2026 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 29th August 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | 1st November 2026 |
| Mode of Examination | Online (Prelims & Mains), Interview |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 mark deduction for every wrong answer in objective papers |
| Duration | Prelims: 80 MinutesMains: 155 Minutes |
| Selection Process | Prelims ā Mains ā Interview |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
Attempt Free IBPS AFO Mock Test
What is the syllabus for the IBPS AFO Preliminary Exam?
The revised IBPS AFO preliminary examination consists of four sections: English Language, Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and Professional Knowledge. Candidates must qualify each section by securing the minimum cut-off marks prescribed by IBPS. Since professional knowledge has been introduced in the preliminary stage, aspirants should begin preparing agriculture-related subjects from the start of their preparation.
IBPS AFO Prelims English Language Syllabus
The English Language section tests candidates' grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and language skills. Regular reading and practice of previous-year questions can help improve both speed and accuracy.
| Topics |
|---|
| Reading Comprehension |
| Cloze Test |
| Error Detection |
| Sentence Improvement |
| Fill in the Blanks |
| Para Jumbles |
| Sentence Rearrangement |
| Vocabulary |
| Synonyms & Antonyms |
| Idioms & Phrases |
| Grammar |
| Active & Passive Voice |
| Direct & Indirect Speech |
IBPS AFO Prelims Reasoning Ability Syllabus
The Reasoning Ability section evaluates logical thinking and analytical skills. Questions are generally based on puzzles, seating arrangements, logical reasoning, and other reasoning concepts commonly asked in banking examinations.
| Topics |
|---|
| Seating Arrangement |
| Puzzles |
| Coding-Decoding |
| Blood Relations |
| Syllogism |
| Inequalities |
| Direction Sense |
| Order & Ranking |
| Alphanumeric Series |
| Data Sufficiency |
| Input-Output |
| Logical Reasoning |
IBPS AFO Prelims Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
The Quantitative Aptitude section assesses numerical ability and problem-solving skills. Candidates should focus on arithmetic concepts along with regular practice of calculation-based questions.
| Topics |
|---|
| Simplification & Approximation |
| Number Series |
| Quadratic Equations |
| Data Interpretation |
| Percentage |
| Ratio & Proportion |
| Average |
| Profit & Loss |
| Time & Work |
| Time, Speed & Distance |
| Partnership |
| Simple & Compound Interest |
| Probability |
| Permutation & Combination |
IBPS AFO Prelims Professional Knowledge Syllabus
Professional knowledge has been added to the preliminary examination under the revised exam pattern. The section evaluates candidates' understanding of agriculture and allied subjects and carries the highest marks in the preliminary stage, making it an important area of preparation.
| Topics | Important Areas |
|---|
| Agriculture in India | Major Crops, Cropping Seasons, Farming Systems, Agricultural Research Institutes |
| Agronomy | Crop Production, Cropping Systems, Nutrient Management, Weed Management |
| Soil Science | Soil Types, Soil Fertility, Soil Conservation, Fertilizers |
| Horticulture | Fruits, Vegetables, Floriculture, Plantation Crops |
| Seed Technology | Seed Production, Certification, Testing, Storage |
| Irrigation | Drip, Sprinkler and Watershed Management |
| Plant Pathology | Plant Diseases and Disease Management |
| Entomology | Crop Pests and Pest Management |
| Agricultural Economics | Agricultural Marketing, MSP, Farm Management |
| Agricultural Finance | NABARD, Crop Loans, KCC, Crop Insurance |
| Animal Husbandry | Dairy, Poultry, Fisheries and Livestock |
| Government Schemes | PM-KISAN, PMFBY, PMKSY, e-NAM, Soil Health Card |
| Current Affairs | Agriculture-related National and International Developments |
Check the IBPS AFO Revised Exam Pattern
What topics are covered in the IBPS AFO Mains Exam?
The revised IBPS AFO mains examination includes English Language, Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Professional Knowledge (Objective), and a descriptive paper. While the first three objective sections are qualifying in nature, the Professional Knowledge section determines the main's merit. Candidates should therefore prepare all sections while giving maximum attention to agriculture-related subjects.
IBPS AFO Mains English Language Syllabus (Qualifying)
The English Language section tests grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and written communication skills. Questions are generally of a moderate to high difficulty level.
| Topics |
|---|
| Reading Comprehension |
| Cloze Test |
| Error Detection |
| Sentence Improvement |
| Para Jumbles |
| Sentence Rearrangement |
| Vocabulary |
| Grammar |
| Idioms & Phrases |
| Active & Passive Voice |
| Direct & Indirect Speech |
IBPS AFO Mains Reasoning Ability Syllabus (Qualifying)
The Reasoning section assesses analytical ability and logical thinking through a variety of question types. Regular practice is essential to improve speed and accuracy.
| Topics |
|---|
| Seating Arrangement |
| Puzzles |
| Coding-Decoding |
| Blood Relations |
| Syllogism |
| Inequalities |
| Logical Reasoning |
| Data Sufficiency |
| Input-Output |
| Direction Sense |
| Order & Ranking |
IBPS AFO Mains Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus (Qualifying)
The Quantitative Aptitude section evaluates candidates' numerical aptitude through arithmetic, algebraic, and data interpretation questions. Strong conceptual understanding is essential for qualifying this section.
| Topics |
|---|
| Simplification & Approximation |
| Number Series |
| Quadratic Equations |
| Data Interpretation |
| Percentage |
| Ratio & Proportion |
| Average |
| Profit & Loss |
| Time & Work |
| Time, Speed & Distance |
| Simple & Compound Interest |
| Probability |
| Permutation & Combination |
IBPS AFO Mains Professional Knowledge Syllabus (Objective)
The Professional Knowledge section is the most important part of the mains examination because only its objective score is considered for preparing the mains merit list. Candidates should build strong conceptual knowledge across agriculture and allied disciplines while keeping themselves updated with the latest agricultural developments.
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
|---|
| Agriculture in India | Cropping Systems, Major Crops, Agricultural Universities, Research Institutes |
| Agronomy | Crop Production, Weed Management, Nutrient Management |
| Soil Science | Soil Fertility, Soil Chemistry, Fertilizers, Soil Conservation |
| Horticulture | Fruits, Vegetables, Plantation Crops, Floriculture |
| Seed Technology | Production, Processing, Testing and Storage |
| Irrigation & Water Management | Drip Irrigation, Sprinkler Irrigation, Watershed Management |
| Plant Pathology | Plant Diseases and Control Measures |
| Entomology | Crop Pests, IPM and Biological Control |
| Agricultural Economics | Farm Management, Agricultural Marketing, MSP |
| Agricultural Finance | NABARD, Crop Loans, Priority Sector Lending, Crop Insurance |
| Animal Husbandry | Dairy, Poultry, Fisheries and Livestock Management |
| Agricultural Engineering | Farm Machinery and Post-Harvest Technology |
| Government Schemes | PM-KISAN, PMFBY, PMKSY, e-NAM, Soil Health Card, RKVY |
| Current Affairs | Agriculture Budget, Government Policies and Recent Developments |
IBPS AFO Mains Descriptive Paper Syllabus (English)
The descriptive paper evaluates candidates' writing skills, grammar, vocabulary, and ability to present ideas clearly. Practising structured writing on banking, agriculture, and current affairs topics can help candidates score well.
| Topics |
|---|
| Essay Writing |
| Formal Letter Writing |
| Report Writing |
| Agriculture & Rural Development |
| Banking & Financial Inclusion |
| Government Schemes |
| Current Affairs |
| Rural Economy |
