100+ Free Concours INP-HB Ingénieur des Techniques (ITA) Practice Questions

Prepare for the Concours d'Entrée au Cycle Ingénieur des Techniques Agricoles (ITA) — École Supérieure d'Agronomie (ESA / INP-HB) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Concours INP-HB Ingénieur des Techniques (ITA) Exam

24,000 FCFA

Official ITA application fee payable via TrésorPay/TrésorMoney

INP-HB École Supérieure d'Agronomie

25 years

Maximum candidate age on 31 December for ITA concours

INP-HB Bureau Central des Concours

3 years

Duration of the Ingénieur des Techniques Agricoles (ITA) cycle post-Bac+1

INP-HB ESA Official

Free 100-question English MCQ study bank for the INP-HB Ingénieur des Techniques Agricoles (ITA) entrance concours. Official exam: French competitive written papers in biology, geology, maths, physics-chemistry, French, and English; selective ranking admission. Not an official-format simulation.

Sample Concours INP-HB Ingénieur des Techniques (ITA) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Concours INP-HB Ingénieur des Techniques (ITA) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which enzyme catalyzes the primary carbon fixation reaction in the Calvin-Benson cycle of C3 plants during the dark phase of photosynthesis?

A.Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO)

B.Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEP carboxylase)

C.ATP synthase (F₀F₁ complex)

D.Pyruvate kinase

Explanation: RuBisCO (Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) catalyzes the fixation of atmospheric CO₂ onto ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) to yield two molecules of 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA) in C3 photosynthesis. In C4 plants, initial CO₂ capture is catalyzed by PEP carboxylase.

2In plant vascular physiology, what physical mechanism explains the ascent of sap through the xylem from roots to leaves over heights exceeding tens of meters?

A.Cohesion-Tension theory driven by leaf transpiration and water hydrogen bonding

B.Active metabolic pumping by xylem vessel elements

C.Positive root pressure operating continuously throughout the day

D.Phloem osmotic push generated by sucrose loading at source tissues

Explanation: The Cohesion-Tension theory (Dixon and Joly) states that water evaporation from leaf stomata (transpiration) generates a negative hydrostatic pressure (tension / negative water potential) in the xylem conduits. Because water molecules exhibit high cohesive tensile strength via hydrogen bonding and adhere to hydrophilic tracheid walls, a continuous water column is pulled upward from the soil.

3Which plant hormone is synthesized primarily in the root apical meristem and travels acropetally via the xylem to promote lateral bud outgrowth and delay leaf senescence?

A.Cytokinins

B.Auxins (IAA)

C.Abscisic acid (ABA)

D.Ethylene

Explanation: Cytokinins (such as zeatin) are synthesized primarily in root tips and transported upward through the xylem stream. They stimulate cell division (cytokinesis), induce lateral shoot branch development (antagonizing auxin-mediated apical dominance), and retard chlorophyll degradation (leaf senescence).

4In Mendelian genetics, a cross between two heterozygous pea plants (AaBb × AaBb) with independent assortment of alleles produces an F2 phenotypic ratio of:

A.9 : 3 : 3 : 1

B.3 : 1

C.1 : 2 : 1

D.9 : 7

Explanation: According to Mendel's Second Law (Law of Independent Assortment), a dihybrid cross of two doubly heterozygous individuals (AaBb × AaBb) where genes are on different chromosomes produces four distinct phenotypic classes in the classic 9 (dominant for both) : 3 (dominant for A, recessive for b) : 3 (recessive for a, dominant for B) : 1 (recessive for both) ratio.

5What is the primary anatomical and biochemical adaptation of C4 plants (e.g., maize, sugarcane) that virtually eliminates photorespiration in hot, dry environments?

A.Kranz anatomy separating initial CO₂ fixation in mesophyll cells from RuBisCO decarboxylation in bundle-sheath cells

B.Opening stomata strictly at night and storing malate in large central vacuoles

C.Using nitrogenase to directly fix atmospheric N₂ into organic amino acids

D.Synthesizing cuticular wax layers that prevent all oxygen gas diffusion into the leaf

Explanation: C4 plants exhibit Kranz (wreath-like) anatomy, structurally and biochemically partitioning photosynthesis: in outer mesophyll cells, PEP carboxylase (which has no affinity for O₂) fixes CO₂ into 4-carbon oxaloacetate/malate. Malate is transferred to inner bundle-sheath cells, where decarboxylation concentrates CO₂ around RuBisCO, outcompeting O₂ and suppressing photorespiration.

6In the digestive system of ruminant livestock (cattle, sheep, goats), in which stomach compartment does anaerobic microbial fermentation of plant structural cellulose and hemicellulose into volatile fatty acids (VFAs) predominantly take place?

A.Rumen and Reticulum

B.Abomasum

C.Omasum

D.Caecum

Explanation: The reticulorumen (rumen and reticulum) constitutes a large anaerobic fermentation vat housing symbiotic bacteria, protozoa, and anaerobic fungi. These microorganisms secrete cellulases and hemicellulases to ferment structural plant carbohydrates into volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate, butyrate), which are absorbed across the rumen wall as the animal's main energy source.

7During aerobic cellular respiration, where are the protein complexes of the electron transport chain (respiratory chain) located in eukaryotic cells?

A.Inner mitochondrial membrane (cristae)

B.Mitochondrial matrix

C.Outer mitochondrial membrane

D.Cytosolic ribosome complexes

Explanation: The electron transport chain complexes (Complexes I, II, III, IV) and ATP synthase are embedded within the folded inner mitochondrial membrane (cristae). They pump protons from the matrix into the intermembrane space, establishing an electrochemical proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis via chemiosmosis.

8What symptom in agricultural crops is characteristically caused by a severe deficiency of magnesium (Mg²⁺), a central coordinating atom in the chlorophyll molecule?

A.Interveinal chlorosis on older, lower leaves

B.Necrosis of apical shoot buds and root tips

C.Purpling or bronze coloration of stems due to anthocyanin accumulation

D.Failure of floral development and seed setting

Explanation: Magnesium is the central metal ion in the porphyrin ring of chlorophyll and is mobile within plant tissues. Under deficiency, the plant mobilizes Mg from mature lower leaves to support young growing shoots, producing distinct interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between green veins) on the oldest lower leaves first.

9What is the biological role of the nitrogenase enzyme complex found in symbiotic Rhizobium bacteria inside legume root nodules?

A.Reducing atmospheric dinitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃) under anaerobic/microaerophilic conditions

B.Oxidizing ammonium (NH₄⁺) into nitrite (NO₂⁻) during soil nitrification

C.Converting nitrate (NO₃⁻) into dinitrogen gas (N₂) during denitrification

D.Synthesizing urea from carbon dioxide and ammonia in the liver

Explanation: Nitrogenase is an oxygen-sensitive metalloenzyme (molybdenum-iron protein complex) that catalyzes biological nitrogen fixation: N₂ + 8H⁺ + 8e⁻ + 16 ATP → 2 NH₃ + H₂ + 16 ADP + 16 P_i. Inside legume nodules, leghemoglobin buffers oxygen concentration to protect nitrogenase while providing sufficient O₂ for bacterial respiration.

10In cell biology, which organelle is responsible for post-translational modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum?

A.Golgi apparatus (Dictyosome)

B.Peroxisome

C.Lysosome

D.Nucleolus

Explanation: The Golgi apparatus (composed of stacked cisternae called dictyosomes in plant cells) receives newly synthesized proteins from the rough ER, adds glycosylation modifications, sorts them, and packages them into transport vesicles targeted for the plasma membrane, vacuole, or extracellular secretion.

About the Concours INP-HB Ingénieur des Techniques (ITA) Exam

The Concours d'Entrée au Cycle des Ingénieurs des Techniques Agricoles (ITA) at the École Supérieure d'Agronomie (ESA) of the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB) in Yamoussoukro is Côte d'Ivoire's specialized engineering entrance competition for agricultural sciences. Designed for students who have completed Bac+1 in science (L1 CBG/SN, TSA, or CPGE BCPST-1), this three-year program trains agricultural technical engineers who lead crop production, animal husbandry, agro-industrial processing, pedology, and rural development across West Africa. This practice bank offers 100 English-language MCQs testing cellular biology, plant physiology, tropical geology and soil science, calculus, organic chemistry, agricultural economics, and technical English. Its emphasis is deliberately weighted towards the life-science and Ivorian agronomy material that the ESA cycle builds on; the official paper hours are split more evenly (Mathématiques 3h and Physique-Chimie 3h against Biologie 2h and Géologie 2h), so candidates should pair this bank with dedicated CPGE BCPST-1 mathematics and physics-chemistry practice.

Assessment

Two-phase competitive selection: Phase 1: Academic file admissibility screening (Bac C/D and validated 1st year university L1 in CBG/SN, TSA 1st year, or CPGE BCPST 1st year); Phase 2: written competitive admission exams following the 1st-year CPGE BCPST syllabus: Mathématiques (3h), Physique-Chimie (3h), Biologie (2h), Géologie (2h), Français (2h), and Anglais (2h).

Time Limit

Online pre-registration and physical file submission, followed by written testing over two consecutive days (Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August in the 2026 session): Français 2h and Anglais 2h and Physique-Chimie 3h on day one, then Mathématiques 3h, Géologie 2h and Biologie 2h on day two — 14 hours of examination in total.

Passing Score

Rank-ordered competitive quota admission (concours direct). Final placement depends strictly on cumulative written examination score and ranking within available ESA intake seats.

Exam Fee

24,000 FCFA (20,000 FCFA registration + 3,000 FCFA dossier + 1,000 FCFA photo via TrésorPay) (Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB) — École Supérieure d'Agronomie (ESA) / Bureau Central des Concours)

Concours INP-HB Ingénieur des Techniques (ITA) Exam Content Outline

Study emphasis ~30%

Biology & Plant/Animal Physiology

Cell structure, metabolic pathways, C3/C4 photosynthesis, mineral nutrition, xylem/phloem transport, auxins, plant developmental stages, animal physiology, and genetics.

Study emphasis ~20%

Geology, Pedology & Earth Sciences

Mineralogy, magmatic/metamorphic/sedimentary rocks, tropical soil horizons (ferralsols, gleysols), cation exchange capacity (CEC), weathering, and hydrogeology.

Study emphasis ~15%

Mathematics & Quantitative Methods

Functions, derivatives, integration, first- and second-order ODEs, linear algebra, probability, and descriptive/inferential statistics.

Study emphasis ~15%

Physics & General/Organic Chemistry

Newtonian mechanics, wave phenomena, acid-base equilibrium, redox titrations, reaction kinetics, functional groups, and biomolecules (amino acids, lipids, sugars).

Study emphasis ~10%

Agricultural Economics & Ivorian Agronomy

Ivorian cash crop value chains (cocoa, cashew, rubber, oil palm), food crop farming systems, sustainable soil management, and West African agricultural policies.

Study emphasis ~10%

Scientific English in Agronomy

Technical terminology in agricultural engineering, reading comprehension of research summaries, discourse transitions, and grammatical accuracy.

How to Pass the Concours INP-HB Ingénieur des Techniques (ITA) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Rank-ordered competitive quota admission (concours direct). Final placement depends strictly on cumulative written examination score and ranking within available ESA intake seats.
Assessment: Two-phase competitive selection: Phase 1: Academic file admissibility screening (Bac C/D and validated 1st year university L1 in CBG/SN, TSA 1st year, or CPGE BCPST 1st year); Phase 2: written competitive admission exams following the 1st-year CPGE BCPST syllabus: Mathématiques (3h), Physique-Chimie (3h), Biologie (2h), Géologie (2h), Français (2h), and Anglais (2h).
Time limit: Online pre-registration and physical file submission, followed by written testing over two consecutive days (Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August in the 2026 session): Français 2h and Anglais 2h and Physique-Chimie 3h on day one, then Mathématiques 3h, Géologie 2h and Biologie 2h on day two — 14 hours of examination in total.
Exam fee: 24,000 FCFA (20,000 FCFA registration + 3,000 FCFA dossier + 1,000 FCFA photo via TrésorPay)

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Concours INP-HB Ingénieur des Techniques (ITA) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master plant physiology thoroughly: detail the light-dependent and light-independent reactions of photosynthesis, transpiration mechanisms, and hormonal regulation of plant growth.

2Review tropical pedology and geology: understand soil profile horizons, ferrallitization, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and soil pH buffering.

3Practice multi-step chemistry and mathematics problems: buffer solutions, redox titrations, exponential decay, and ordinary differential equations.

4Familiarize yourself with Côte d'Ivoire's key agricultural sectors: production dynamics, pest challenges (e.g., cocoa swollen shoot virus), and sustainable agronomic practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the INP-HB ITA entrance examination multiple-choice?

No. The official competition consists of rigorous open-ended written subject tests in French (Biology, Geology, Maths, Physics-Chemistry, French, English). This bank is an English MCQ study adaptation.

What are the eligibility requirements for the INP-HB ITA concours?

Candidates must hold a Baccalauréat C or D, be aged 25 or younger on 31 December, and have completed and validated the first year of university in CBG/SN, 1st year of TSA (Agronomy), or 1st year of CPGE BCPST.

What is the fee for the INP-HB ITA competition?

The official fee is 24,000 FCFA (20,000 FCFA droit d'inscription, 3,000 FCFA dossier fee, and 1,000 FCFA photo fee) payable via TrésorPay/TrésorMoney.