Job Description
Overview
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has officially released the examination schedule for the Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) position under the CRP SPL-XVI recruitment cycle. This role is critical for the banking sector's agricultural credit operations, ensuring that financial support reaches the farming community effectively. The recruitment process is conducted at a national level to identify qualified professionals capable of managing agricultural portfolios within public sector banks.
Key Responsibilities
- Evaluating agricultural loan applications to determine creditworthiness and project viability.
- Conducting field visits to verify the authenticity of agricultural activities and assets.
- Monitoring the utilization of disbursed funds to ensure they are used for intended farming purposes.
- Providing technical guidance to farmers regarding modern agricultural practices and financial literacy.
- Maintaining accurate records of loan accounts and ensuring timely recovery of agricultural advances.
- Liaising with local agricultural departments and stakeholders to facilitate smooth credit delivery.
Why Apply
Joining as an Agriculture Field Officer offers a stable career path within the public banking sector with significant opportunities for professional development. Employees benefit from competitive pay structures, comprehensive allowances, and the chance to contribute directly to the nation's rural economy.
Important Dates
- Application Period: 1 July to 21 July 2026
- Prelims Exam: 29 August 2026
- Mains Exam: 1 November 2026
Quick Facts
- Post: Agriculture Field Officer (Scale-I)
- Organization: IBPS
- Exam Level: National
- Category: Bank Jobs
IBPS AFO Exam Date 2026 Overview
Registration Date
01 Jul 2026 –
21 Jul 2026
Exam Date
29 Aug 2026
Salary
Scale-I
Vacancies
various
Eligibility
Degree in Agriculture or related fields
Application Link
Vacancy Details
- Agriculture Field Officer (Scale-I): Various posts
How to Apply
- Visit the official IBPS portal at www.ibps.in.
- Navigate to the CRP Specialist Officers (CRP SPL-XVI) section.
- Complete the registration process using a valid email and mobile number.
- Log in to fill out the detailed application form with personal and academic information.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required certificates.
- Proceed to the payment gateway to pay the application fee.
- Review all details carefully before submitting the final application.
- Download and print the confirmation page for your records.
Cutoff Marks
Cutoff marks are determined by IBPS based on the difficulty level of the exam and the number of candidates appearing.
Application Fee
General, OBC, and EWS candidates: ₹850. SC, ST, and PwBD candidates: ₹175. Payment must be made through the online portal using credit cards, debit cards, internet banking, or other specified digital payment methods.
Age Limit
20-30 years (Relaxation applicable as per government rules)
Selection Process
The selection process for the IBPS AFO position consists of three distinct stages. First, candidates must qualify in the Preliminary Examination, which serves as a screening test. Those who clear the Prelims are eligible to appear for the Main Examination, which focuses on professional knowledge related to agriculture. Finally, candidates who successfully pass the Mains are invited for a personal interview. The final merit list is prepared based on the combined performance in the Main Examination and the interview process.
Exam Pattern
The Preliminary Examination consists of objective-type questions covering English Language, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. The Main Examination is specifically designed to test professional knowledge in the field of agriculture. Each stage has a specific qualifying cutoff, and negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers in the objective tests.
Latest Current Affairs (Key Points)
This section covers potential developments in India's National Affairs around August 2026.Topics include government initiatives for rural development, progress on national infrastructure projects, and...
Discussion on the United Nations Security Council's response to an escalating regional conflict.Report on a significant bilateral trade agreement signed between major nations.Coverage of an internatio...
Organization
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is a key recruitment body that conducts various examinations for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Public Sector Banks. These include positions such as Assistants, Clerks, Probationary Officers (PO)/Management Trainees (MT), and Specialist Officers. For the 2026-27 banking calendar, IBPS will oversee the recruitment of over 20,000 vacancies.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IBPS AFO Preliminary Examination is officially scheduled to be held on 29 August 2026. Candidates are advised to keep checking the official website for any updates regarding the exam city intimation or admit card release.
The Main Examination for the Agriculture Field Officer position is scheduled for 1 November 2026. This stage focuses on professional knowledge and is a crucial part of the selection process.
The application fee is ₹850 for General, OBC, and EWS category candidates. For candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwBD categories, the fee is ₹175. Payments can be made online through the official portal.
Candidates must hold a four-year degree (graduation) in Agriculture or allied fields such as Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Science, Dairy Science, Fishery Science, or Agricultural Engineering from a recognized university.
The age limit for the Agriculture Field Officer post is generally 20 to 30 years. Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories like SC, ST, and OBC as per the government norms specified in the official notification.
You can apply by visiting the official IBPS website at www.ibps.in. Follow the registration link for CRP Specialist Officers, fill in your details, upload the required documents, and complete the fee payment online.
The selection process involves three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and a Personal Interview. Candidates must qualify in each stage to proceed to the final provisional allotment.
The official notification can be downloaded directly from the IBPS official website (www.ibps.in). Always refer to the PDF on the official site for the most accurate and legally binding information regarding the recruitment.
