The IBPS SO AFO Interview Questions 2025 are created to evaluate candidates who cleared the prelims and mains examinations conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). The interview is the final and most crucial stage of the recruitment process for the Agricultural Field Officer post, and it plays a key role in deciding a candidate’s selection. The interview round mainly assesses aspirants' understanding of agriculture-related concepts, awareness of current issues in the farming sector, practical knowledge that can be applied in field situations, communication skills, and their overall suitability for working as an AFO in a bank. Since AFOs directly deal with farmers, agricultural schemes, credit facilities, and field verification, the interview panel expects candidates to have clarity on fundamental agricultural subjects as well as banking-related aspects. The interview carries 100 marks with 20% weightage in the final merit list, making it essential to prepare effectively. In this blog, you will find important and expected interview questions with detailed answers in the IBPS SO AFO Interview Questions 2025.

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IBPS SO AFO Interview Questions 2025

Here, we provided some important and expected interview QA questions for the IBPS SO AFO Interview Questions 2025. 

1. Tell us about yourself and your background in agriculture.

I come from an agricultural background where I have been exposed to farming practices from an early age. I completed my graduation in Agriculture (B.Sc. Agri) with coursework in agronomy, soil science, horticulture, and plant breeding. My interest has always been in understanding practical challenges faced by farmers and applying scientific solutions to improve productivity. I want to serve in the banking sector as an AFO to bridge the gap between farmers and government/banking schemes.

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2. Why do you want to join the banking sector as an Agricultural Field Officer?

I want to work as an AFO because it combines agricultural knowledge with financial services. Farmers often lack awareness about credit facilities, subsidies, and schemes, and I want to help them access these benefits. Through this role, I can guide farmers on KCC loans, agri–allied activities, crop loans, and farm mechanisation, making a real impact at the grassroots level. The stability and growth opportunities in banking also motivate me.

3. What is the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and its benefits?

The KCC scheme provides short-term credit to farmers for crops, allied activities, and consumption needs. It offers flexible repayment, low-interest rates, and insurance coverage. It reduces dependence on informal moneylenders and provides timely credit for all agricultural operations. KCC also includes RuPay card facilities for easy withdrawals and purchases. Interest subvention and prompt repayment incentives help farmers reduce costs.

4. What do you understand by Priority Sector Lending (PSL)?

Priority Sector Lending refers to mandatory lending by banks to sectors that are crucial for economic growth, like agriculture, MSME, education, housing, and weaker sections. For agriculture, banks must ensure a specific percentage of credit goes to farm and allied activities. It ensures credit availability to vulnerable and essential sectors. PSL improves rural development, income generation, and financial inclusion.

5. What is the difference between Short-term and Long-term agricultural loans?

Short-term loans are given for seasonal operations such as seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, labour, and irrigation expenses—usually repayable within 12 months. Long-term loans are used for capital investments like tractors, dairy units, tube wells, drip irrigation, and orchard establishment, repayable over 5–15 years. Short-term loans improve working capital while long-term loans build farm assets.

6. Explain the role of NABARD in Indian agriculture.

NABARD provides refinance support to banks for agricultural lending, promotes rural development, supervises cooperative banks and RRBs, and implements schemes like RIDF. It ensures credit availability for irrigation, land development, rural infrastructure, FPOs, and agribusiness. NABARD also conducts training and capacity-building programs for farmers and bank staff to improve credit delivery and efficiency.

7. What is PMFBY, and what crops does it cover?

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana provides crop insurance against natural calamities, pests, and diseases. It covers food crops, oilseeds, and commercial crops. Farmers pay a minimal premium (2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, 5% for commercial/horticulture), and the remaining cost is subsidised. It supports farmers by stabilising income and encouraging the modernisation of agriculture.

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FAQs

Q: What is the main focus of the IBPS SO AFO Interview 2025?

The IBPS SO AFO interview primarily evaluates a candidate’s agricultural knowledge, practical understanding of farming practices, communication skills, awareness of government schemes, and overall suitability for the Agricultural Field Officer role.

Q: What is the weightage of the interview in the final selection for IBPS SO AFO?

The interview carries 100 marks, and its weightage in the final merit list is 20%, while the mains exam carries 80% weightage.

Q: What type of questions are asked in the IBPS SO AFO Interview?

Candidates can expect questions from agronomy, soil science, horticulture, agri–economics, recent government schemes, rural banking, and also situational or HR-based questions to assess personality and decision-making.

Q: Is agricultural field experience required for the IBPS SO AFO interview?

Experience is not mandatory, but having practical knowledge, internship experience, or exposure to farming activities can boost confidence and help answer application-based questions effectively.

Q: How should candidates prepare for the IBPS SO AFO Interview Questions 2025?

Candidates should revise core agriculture subjects, stay updated on recent schemes (PMFBY, PM-KISAN, Soil Health Card, RKVY, etc.), practice mock interviews, improve communication skills, and prepare HR questions like strengths, weaknesses, and self-introduction.