Life After Clearing IBPS AFO Exam, Check Job Benefits
Riya Sharma11 Sept, 2025
Life After Clearing IBPS AFO Exam: Passing the IBPS AFO exam provides access to a fulfilling career as an Agricultural Field Officer in banks. It provides opportunities to be employed in rural development, agricultural finance, and farmer support, with attractive salary packages and career growth opportunities in the banking industry.
IBPS AFO Exam overview
The IBPS AFO (Agriculture Field Officer) Examination is a country-wide recruitment exam organized by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to recruit candidates for the position of Agriculture Field Officer in different public sector banks. The examination is organized at three levels: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview.
The Prelims is an online objective test on Reasoning, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude with 150 questions to be completed within 120 minutes with negative marking for incorrect answers. Candidates qualifying appear in the Mains that deals with professional knowledge in agriculture with 60 questions within 45 minutes. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview.
Check: IBPS AFO Exam Pattern
Training and Onboarding After Clearing IBPS AFO Exam
Following the successful completion of all stages of the IBPS Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) selection process- Prelims, Mains, and the candidates go through a formal onboarding process controlled by the participating banks.
1. Provisional Allotment and Offer Letter
After the release of the final merit list, the candidates are allotted to banks provisionally as per their order of preference and merit. The official offer or appointment letter is sent by the respective bank to the chosen candidate's registered email id and correspondence address. The letter contains information regarding joining formalities, documents to be submitted, reporting date, and location.
2. Document Verification and Medical Examination
The candidates need to report to the specified branch or office for verification of documents. They need to produce original certificates, mark sheets, identity proof, and other documents as mentioned in the offer letter. A medical fitness test may also be asked for by some banks before the final appointment confirmation.
3. Induction Training
Upon verification of documents, fresh appointed AFOs normally follow through on an induction or orientation training course. The course usually lasts around 10–15 days and takes place at the bank training centers, zonal offices, or head offices.Throughout this phase, candidates are familiarized with the bank's policies, procedures, core banking operations, and their respective roles as Agriculture Field Officers. Customer service, loan processing, agricultural finance products, and rural outreach activities are also included in the training.
4. Probation Period
After the induction training, AFOs are put on probation-typically for a duration decided by the bank (usually one to two years). While on probation, their performance is closely observed, and they are required to acquire hands-on experience in banking and agricultural finance functions.
5. Posting and On-the-Job Training
Having undergone the induction, AFOs are then assigned to their respective branches, which are mostly rural or semi-urban. There, they continue on-the-job training and are guided by senior staff while managing actual world tasks like disbursal of loans, contacting farmers, and selling bank agricultural products.
Roles and Responsibilities of an IBPS AFO
The IBPS Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) is instrumental in filling the gap between rural agricultural areas and financial institutions.
- AFOs proactively promote and inform farmers and rural communities regarding agricultural loan schemes, government subsidies, and other banking products.
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They are tasked with assessing loan applications, checking eligibility, and ensuring documentation before approving and disbursing agricultural loans and allied services like ATM cards.
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AFOs carry out field inspections to review the use of loans, review the progress of financed farming operations, and periodically report to their branch.
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They monitor loan repayment, trace defaulting borrowers, and deal with non-performing assets by taking up cases of non-repayment or crop loss.
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AFOs enable farmers to receive government schemes, subsidies, and insurance, particularly in times of adversity such as crop losses or natural calamities.
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They partner with NABARD, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), and local government institutions for efficient fund delivery and rural development program implementation.
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AFOs advise farmers on crop management, sustainable methods, and the utilization of advanced agriculture techniques, facilitating effective use of funds and resources.
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They have regular interaction with top bank officials and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with RBI directions and priority sector lending targets.
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Establishing close rapport with farmers and local communities is crucial for lead generation.
Also, check: IBPS AFO Selection Process
Perks and Benefits After Clearing IBPS AFO Exam
IBPS Agriculture Field Officers (AFOs) have a satisfying career with a good salary, several allowances, and full benefits. The job provides financial security, job security, and scope for professional development, making it a desirable option for agriculture graduates looking for a secure government job in the banking industry.
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Perks and Benefits After Clearing IBPS AFO Exam |
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Basic Salary |
₹48,480 per month (initial), up to ₹85,920 as per pay scale |
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Dearness Allowance (DA) |
36% of basic pay |
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House Rent Allowance (HRA) |
7% to 9% of basic pay (location-based) |
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Special Allowance |
7.75% of basic plus DA |
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Conveyance Allowance |
Provided as per bank norms |
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City Compensatory Allowance |
0% to 4% (location-based) |
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Lease Allowance |
Offered by some banks as an alternative to HRA |
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Medical Benefits |
Medical coverage for self and family |
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Leave Travel Allowance |
Reimbursement for travel during leave |
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Provident Fund |
Contributions made by the bank towards the employee’s PF |
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Holiday Homes |
Access to the bank’s holiday homes and guest houses |
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In-hand Salary |
Typically ranges between ₹55,000 and ₹60,000 per month (including allowances and benefits) |
A Day of Life After Clearing IBPS AFO Exam
An IBPS Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) has a mixed and dynamic working day, partly involving office tasks and on-site visits. AFOs try to mobilize agricultural loans, provide banking services to farmers, conduct on-ground inspections, and work with local organizations to promote rural development and financial inclusion.
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A Day of Life After Clearing the IBPS AFO Exam |
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Morning |
Review daily assignments, check emails, and plan field visits for the day |
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Late Morning |
Visit villages and farms to meet farmers, promote agricultural loan schemes, and explain banking services |
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Midday |
Conduct field inspections to verify loan utilization and monitor agricultural projects |
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Afternoon |
Return to the branch, process loan applications, verify documents, and update records |
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Late Afternoon |
Coordinate with local authorities, NABARD, and RRBs for scheme implementation and fund distribution |
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Evening |
Prepare reports, follow up on loan recoveries, and provide advisory support to farmers |
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Throughout Day |
Respond to farmer queries, handle risk assessment, and support government scheme enrollments |
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