Top Government Exams for Agriculture Graduates, Eligibility & Selection Process

Top Government Exams for Agriculture Graduates: Agriculture is a crucial sector in India which contribute to the economic growth of the country and offers a rewarding career to aspirants.

This sector involves the cultivation of crops, food processing, horticulture and production of essential products. Due to recent advancements in Agriculture, the demand for professionals is continuously rising in this sector. 

After completing graduation in Agriculture, individuals can explore a range of career opportunities in government as well as private sector jobs. Various government exams are conducted every year to recruit talented aspirants for a variety of roles such as Agricultural Officer, Farm Manager, Agriculture Extension Officer, etc.

These roles are filled in various central and state government departments to fulfill the manpower requirements ensuring smooth operation of the organization.

Here, we have discussed the top government exams for agriculture graduates to help candidates in making well-informed decisions by analyzing all the exams.

Also, Read: Scope of Agriculture In India

Top Government Exams for Agriculture Students

Government jobs are considered better career options due to their range of benefits, such as respectable pay, job security, diverse job profiles, and social respect. Candidates who aspire to secure a reputed government job after finishing graduation in agriculture can opt for various exams to meet their career aspirations.

The major government jobs for agriculture graduates include UPSC IFoS, IBPS SO, NABARD (Grade A), ICAR AIEEA, State Exams, etc. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in agriculture from any recognized institution or university may appear for these exams to secure a prestigious role within the government sector.

Top Government Job Exams for Agriculture Graduates

Agriculture is one of the fastest-growing sectors in India, offering numerous job opportunities to students. We have discussed the top examinations for agriculture graduates who are aiming to secure a government job:

Indian Forest Service Exam

The Indian Forest Service Exam (IFoS) is administered by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates for Officers roles in Forest Services. The exam offers a prestigious role to aspirants alongside IAS and IPS positions.

The exam comprises three phases, i.e., Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test, to assess the suitability of candidates for the available job roles. Candidates with a graduation in relevant fields are eligible to take this examination. Here's a detailed overview of the UPSC IFoS examination:

1. Eligibility Criteria - Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering or related fields from a recognized University.
2. Age Limit - 21 to 32 years.
3. Selection Process - The exam consists of Preliminary, Mains, and Personality Test stages.

1. Prelims Exam - The Prelims exam consists of two papers, General Studies (Paper I) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), with a total of 200 marks. The preliminary exam is qualifying in nature.
2. Mains Exam - The Mains exam will have two general papers (200 marks) and four optional papers (300 marks), which can be chosen from Agriculture, Forestry, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, and Engineering.
3. Interview - The Interview aims to assess the communication skills and professionals knowledge of candidates based on various aspects ensuring their suitability for the services. It is worth a total weightage of 300 marks.

IBPS AFO Exam

The Institute of Banking and Personal Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS AFO exam for recruiting candidates for the role of Agriculture Field Officer in various public sector banks. The exams involve three stages to ensure fair selection of aspirants. The exam is open for candidates who possess a bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related specializations.

• Eligibility Criteria - Candidates must have completed a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related fields from a recognized University or Institute.
• Age Limit - 20 to 30 years
• Selection Process - The exam consists of Prelims, Mains, and Interview phases as discussed below:

1. Prelims Exam - It consists of English Language and Reasoning Ability and General Awareness and covers 150 questions and with a total of 125 marks.
2. Mains Exam - It consists of 60 questions from concerned subjects to assess the professional knowledge of candidates. The exam includes 60 questions worth 60 marks.
3. Interview - This is the final stage of selection in which the personality and academic knowledge of candidates are evaluated.

Agriculture Research Services (ARS) Exam

The Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board (ASRB) hosts the Agriculture Research Service (ARS) exam for appointing suitable candidates for the Scientist position in Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The exam offers a successful career path to aspirants in the agricultural sector. 

• Eligibility - A Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university.
• Age Limit - The age limit of candidates should be between 21 to 35 years.
• Selection Process - The exam comprises three stages, i.e., Prelims, Mains and Interview follows a specific exam pattern.

National Eligibility Test (NET)

The National Eligibility Test (NET) is conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to recruit Assistant Professors and Junior Research Fellows (JRF) in various agricultural universities across the country. The exam is conducted twice a year, typically in June and December. It consists of Paper I and Paper II, with a total of 300 marks.

• Eligibility - Candidates must hold a Master's Degree in a relevant specialization with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognized university.
• Age Limit - The age limit of applicants should not exceed 30 years.
• Selection Process - The exam includes two papers i.e. Paper I (50 questions, 100 marks) and Paper II (100 questions, 200 marks).

NABARD Grade A & B Exams

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) hosts the recruitment examination for selecting Grade A (Assistant Manager) and Grade B (Managers) in various rural agriculture banks. Candidates holding bachelor's or postgraduate degrees in related fields are eligible to appear for the exam. Here's a concise overview of the exam:

• Eligibility - Applicants must have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in agriculture, horticulture, or veterinary sciences from a recognized university.
• Age Limit - The age limit of applicants should range between 21 and 30 years.
• Selection Process - The exam involves prelims, mains, and interview rounds.

FCI Exams

The Food Corporation of India conducts the recruitment drive for appointing Agricultural Officers, Technical Assistants, and other roles. The exam includes a written exam and a skill test to ensure fair selection criteria. Candidates can find a quick overview of the exam below:

• Eligibility - Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in the relevant fields.
• Age Limit - The age limit of candidates should be between 21 and 30 years.
• Selection Process - The exam consists of Phase I and Phase II followed by the Skill Test/Interview.

State Level Exams

Amongst the above discussed examinations, the state recruitment boards also conducts the examination for recruiting Agricultural graduates for different roles such as Food Safety Officer, Agriculture Extension Officer, Farm Manager, Horticulturist, etc.

Currently, MPPSC FSO, HPSC HDO, RPSC AAO, and other examinations are ongoing. To be eligible for state-level agriculture recruitment exams, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in Agriculture or related fields. These exams involve prelims, mains and interviews depending upon the posts.

Agriculture Graduate's Salary & Career Growth in India

Cracking the government exams offers a promising career path to agricultural graduates with significant career growth opportunities. The newly appointed candidates will have to complete the probation period of specific years. Candidates selected in agricultural sector roles are involved in administrative tasks, research, and other responsibilities assigned by authorities. 

The agricultural professionals in the government sector typically earn an average salary package of Rs. 3 LPA to 5 LPA. The salary includes a wide range of perks and allowances as per the rules. Based on their performance and departmental rules, they are considered for promotion to higher roles.