Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has announced vacancies for the post of Agriculture Development Officer (ADO) in the Agriculture Department. If you are planning to appear for this exam, then knowing the syllabus and exam pattern is very important to achieve success.
In this blog, I have added everything you need to know along with the detailed syllabus, exam pattern, and smart study strategies so that you can prepare effectively and increase your chances of success in the APSC Agriculture Development Officer 2025 exam.
Table of Contents
Agricultural Development Officer Recruitment 2025 Overview
The Agriculture Department’s openings will need to be filled via the APSC Agricultural Development Officer (ADO) Recruitment 2025. Candidates have a great chance to help Assam agriculture development while establishing a secure and fulfilling career in this position.
| Exam Name | APSC Agricultural Development Officer (ADO) Recruitment 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) |
| Post Name | Agricultural Development Officer (ADO) |
| Number of Stages | 2 (Written Exam & Interview) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Eligibility Criteria | B.Sc. in Agriculture from a recognized university |
| Age Limit | 21-38 years (Relaxation for reserved categories as per government norms) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Syllabus Topics | General Studies, Agriculture |
| Marking Scheme | 1 mark per question, No negative marking |
| Selection Process | Written Exam → Interview |
| Job Location | Assam |
APSC Selection Process
1. Written Examination
- Objective-type test assessing knowledge of General Studies and Agriculture.
- 200 Marks (100 Marks for each section).
- Duration: 4 hours (2 hours for each section).
2. Interview
- Those candidates who pass the written test will be invited to an interview.
- The interview will evaluate your communication abilities, subject-matter expertise, and general fit for the position.
Exam Pattern for APSC Agricultural Development Officer (ADO) 2025
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| General Studies | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Agriculture | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 4 Hours |
- Each question carries 1 mark.
- No negative marking.
Syllabus with Marks Distribution
| Section | Topics | Marks |
| General Studies | Current Affairs, Indian Economy, Constitution of India, Geography, History, Science & Technology | 100 |
| Agriculture | Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry | 100 |
| Total | All Subjects | 200 |
Detailed Syllabus for Agricultural Development Officer Exam 2025
(i) Current Events of National, International & State (20 Marks)
- Major political developments in India and globally
- Government schemes and policies (central & state)
- Economic trends and financial updates
- Environmental issues and climate change
- Science and technological advancements
- Sports, awards, and recognitions
- Important summits, conferences, and international relations
(ii) Indian Economy – Five-Year Plans (10 Marks)
- Evolution and objectives of Five-Year Plans
- Planning Commission vs. NITI Aayog
- Key achievements and failures of Five-Year Plans
- Impact of Five-Year Plans on agriculture and industry
- Economic reforms and liberalization policies
(iii) Constitution of India (20 Marks)
- Preamble and key features of the Constitution
- Fundamental Rights and Duties
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Union and State Government structure
- Amendments and important constitutional provisions
- Judicial system and landmark judgments
(iv) World Geography including India & Assam (20 Marks)
- Physical geography: landforms, climate, vegetation
- Indian geography: rivers, mountains, natural resources
- Assam’s geography: topography, forests, agriculture
- Human geography: population, urbanization, migration
- Environmental concerns and disaster management
(v) Important History of the World including India & Assam (20 Marks)
- Ancient and medieval history of India
- Modern Indian history and freedom struggle
- World wars and their impact
- Assam’s history: Ahom dynasty, British rule, independence movement
- Socio-cultural developments and reforms
(vi) Role and Impact of Science and Technology in India (10 Marks)
- Space and defense technology (ISRO, DRDO)
- Information technology and digital India
- Biotechnology and healthcare advancements
- Renewable energy and sustainability initiatives
- Role of science in agriculture and rural development
Agriculture (Objective Type) (Based on B.Sc. Agriculture Standard/ICAR Standard of AAU, Jorhat)
1. Agronomy
- Principles of crop production
- Sustainable agriculture and organic farming
- Cropping systems and crop rotation
- Soil-water-plant relationships
- Weed management and herbicides
2. Soil Science
- Soil types and classification
- Soil fertility and nutrient management
- Soil erosion and conservation
- Soil microbiology and its agricultural significance
- Fertilizers and their application
3. Plant Pathology
- Common plant diseases and their control
- Integrated Disease Management (IDM)
- Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections in crops
- Seed-borne diseases and quarantine measures
4. Entomology
- Classification of insects and their role in agriculture
- Insect pests of major crops and their management
- Biological control and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Pesticides: Types, usage, and safety measures
5. Horticulture
- Principles of fruit and vegetable production
- Propagation methods: Grafting, budding, tissue culture
- Protected cultivation (Greenhouse and Polyhouse technology)
- Post-harvest technology and value addition
- Medicinal and aromatic plants
6. Animal Husbandry & Dairy Science
- Livestock breeds and their characteristics
- Dairy farming and milk production
- Poultry farming: Layers and broilers management
- Animal nutrition and feed formulation
- Common livestock diseases and prevention
7. Agricultural Economics & Extension
- Farm management and agricultural finance
- Agricultural marketing and price support policies
- Role of cooperatives in agriculture
- Rural development programs and extension services
Also Read:
Recommended Books and Resources for Preparation
| Subject | Recommended Books |
| General Studies | Lucent’s General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook |
| Indian Economy | Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh |
| Constitution & Polity | Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth |
| Geography | Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong |
| Agriculture | Fundamentals of Agriculture by Arun Katyayan |
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Preparation
Preparing for the Agriculture Block Development Officer (ABDO) exam requires a well-structured approach. While many candidates put in the effort, certain common mistakes can hinder their performance. To boost your chances of success, here are some key pitfalls to avoid:
1. Neglecting Current Affairs Related to Agriculture
Current affairs play a crucial role in the exam, especially topics related to agriculture policies, schemes, and rural development. Many aspirants focus only on static subjects and ignore recent government initiatives, climate-related policies, and new farming techniques. To stay updated, make it a habit to read newspapers, government reports, and agricultural magazines regularly.
2. Poor Time Management
Many candidates struggle with time management, spending too much time on General Studies and leaving little for core Agriculture subjects. To avoid this, practice previous years’ question papers and take timed mock tests. This will help improve speed and ensure balanced preparation for all sections.
3. Ignoring Agriculture and General Studies Balance
A common mistake is focusing only on either Agriculture subjects or General Studies, thinking one is more important than the other. In reality, both sections are equally crucial. Topics like soil science, crop production, irrigation, and agronomy need as much attention as history, polity, and economics. Ensure you allocate study time for both areas.
4. Skipping Regular Revision
Studying new topics is important, but without consistent revision, information can be forgotten over time. Make a habit of revisiting key concepts, important schemes, and formulas every week. Regular revision will help strengthen memory and boost confidence before the exam.
Important Links
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Download |
| Download Syllabus in PDF | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total number of vacancies for APSC ADO Recruitment 2025?
The exact number of vacancies will be mentioned in the official notification.
Is there negative marking in the APSC ADO written exam?
No, there is no negative marking.
How can I prepare effectively for the APSC ADO exam?
Follow a structured study plan, revise consistently, and take mock tests regularly.
What is the eligibility criteria for the APSC ADO post?
A candidate must have a B.Sc. in Agriculture from a recognized university.
