Important Pointer Related to Banking Exams
Candidate Eligibility
The eligibility of candidates appearing for these exams are almost the same. It is divided into three parts-
- Age
- Nationality
- Educational Qualification-
Age- the age limit varies from one exam to another. Though, they may be from 22 yrs to 35 yrs.
Nationality- all the banking exams in India are open only for candidates of Indian nationality.
Educational Qualification- most of the exams require graduation in any subject. They require a minimum of 60 % marks.
Banking Exam Pattern
Banking exams are conducted in both online and offline modes. The most common exam pattern is to have two different papers and a personal interview. At times, there are group discussions also. Since there are various banking exams, the pattern differs from one to another.
Top banking exams are conducted by IBPS, SBI, or RBI. Therefore, the exam patterns for these exams are decided by one of these conducting authorities.
There are more than 80 banking exams conducted every year for different posts for different banks. Many of them are already conducted and few are left. Here is a list of these exams.
Banking Exams Calendar – 2022
Many of these exams are postponed due to the Covid pandemic.
Why banking exams?
Banking is a very attractive field. They have offers of internal promotions and job security. Also, each bank provides some separate incentives to their employees.
India is growing and developing every year. With this comes financial development. This financial growth caused a lot of opportunities in the banking sector. Every year many banks recruit more and more employees. Lacs of candidates in total applies for these entrance exams in the banking sector. The sector offers various benefits to its employees.
Following are few other reasons why candidates choose to give banking exams and why should they opt for this field.
1. Open to all
These exams are open to everyone. Candidates of any educational background can apply. The entrance exams for most of the banks have more aptitude and knowledge-based syllabus. As long as candidates fulfill the basic qualification and age criteria, banking exams are accepted for all applications.
2. Salary/Package
Salary is also one of the main attractions. It is among all the high-paying jobs anywhere in the world. In a world that is continuously progressing, everyone wants to live a life of comfort. A good salary is something everyone looks for. Bankers are one of the best paid. Along with salaries, every bank offers different incentives based on the customer response and target achievements.
3. Career opportunities
Banking is no more just about counting money and collecting it. There are so many aspects to this. Candidates who are looking for challenging jobs to increase their skills also prefer the banking sector. After taking banking exams, candidates have an option to opt was investment banking or the future and security sector. People from banking backgrounds often shift to other industries too. This is because banking provides a good experience and exposure to different sectors.
4. Easier job locations
With different banks in every area, the job options have increased for the candidates living in smaller towns. Earlier, banks were part of cities. Small towns and smaller cities didn’t have this facility. With different rural and regional banks n different parts of countries, job options have increased. A good government job with a good salary in your home town is a very attractive option. That’s why many candidates opt for the banking sector and appear in exams.
5. No gender bias
The banking sector was one of the first to break gender bias. In many banks, there are women in the higher ranks and designation. Banking provides a safe work environment for women. It is one of the very few industries to accept women employees in its early days. Job opportunities for the candidates are growing with the development of the country. Therefore, this offers various career options for women employees.
6. Job security
Public sector banks offer job security. Government jobs are always an attraction in India. A job in a government bank is one of the most sought out jobs. These jobs have a long life. There are perks provided by the government to its employees. Employees also get benefits after retirement. When a candidate works in the right direction, there are many opportunities for success and internal promotions.
Banking exams provide many options and opportunities to the candidates who are long for a stable job with a good salary.
Types of banking exams
There are three types of banking exams –
These three bodies conduct all the exams for national public sector banks.
IBPS
IBPS is the Institute of banking personnel selection. The government of India established IBPS in 1975. It is an autonomous body and is responsible for the recruitment of banking personnel for most national public sector banks. When the banks were nationalized, there was no proper system of recruitment for the candidates. After a while, IBPS was established.
Now, IBPS helps in the recruitment of candidates in all the government banks except SBI. IBPS conducts exams for different posts and designations. The governing body of IBPS involves the nominees from RBI, ministry of finance of govt. of India, IIT Mumbai, and other esteemed financial institutions. Nominees from IIBF and the national institute of bank management are also part of the governing body.
When IBPS conducts exams, candidates have the option to choose the bank they want to apply to. The exams for PO, SO and other positions like office assistants are conducted together. Sometimes, for banks like the Bank of Baroda, exams are conducted separately. Yet, the exam conducting body is IBPS. Following is the description of various posts and designations for which IBPS conducts exams.
IBPS PO/MT
This is for the recruitment of probationary officers and management trainees in various public sector banks.
IBPS SO
This exam recruits specialist officers or Scale 1 officers.
IBPS Clerk
This is for a clerk position in national public sector banks.
IBPS RRB Officer Scale I
This exam recruits candidates for regional rural banks. The position s of officer scale I. this position is equivalent to the probationary officer in national banks.
IBPS RRB Office Assistant
The office assistant position in regional rural banks is similar to the clerk post in the national govt. banks.
IBPS RRB Officer Scale-II and Scale III
This exam recruits for the positions of officer Scale II and Scale III for regional rural banks.
IBPS also provide their services to the private sector, foreign banks, and rural banks too. Other financial institutes such as co-operative banks and insurance companies also ask for IBPS’s help. Private and state-owned companies also take the services of IBPS. They provide the following services to various financial institutions-
- They provide help and consultation for recruitment processes. Some of them are conducting exams and interviews.
- IBPS also provides assessment centers. These help organizations in assessing the capabilities of the candidates.
- They help companies and financial institutes organize activities. Such as group discussions, exercises, and interviews to assess the participants.
- It also helps training senior staff with interviewing skills and observing skills.
- Different workshops for officials
Banks that participate with IBPS in conducting various exams are-
- Bank of Baroda
- Indian Overseas Bank
- Bank of India
- Punjab National Bank
- Bank of Maharashtra
- Punjab and Sind Bank
- Canara Bank
- UCO Bank
- Central Bank of India
- Union Bank of India
- Indian Bank
All the above-mentioned banks participate in IBPS PO exams.
IBPS conducts most of its exams in two phases- preliminary and mains. Most of the banking exams of IBPS also have interviews.
SBI
State bank of India conducts all its exams. All the banking exams for different positions and designations for SBI are conducted by SBI itself.
SBI is the largest Indian multinational bank. It ranks number 43 in the list of the world’s largest banks. It is a national public sector bank and holds 23% of the market share. SBI was established as Bank of Calcutta in1806. Therefore it is the oldest bank in the Indian sub-continent. Over the year, various banks merged into it. Thus, SBI became the largest bank in the country. Almost every city or town has one branch of the bank. It is extremely widespread and has a great network of customers. There are varieties of schemes run by the bank. These schemes are especially helpful in rural and semi-urban areas.
Due to the widespread presence of the bank, SBI is the most known bank in the country. Every year, lacs of candidates apply for various positions and posts.
State Bank of India has more than 10 foreign subsidiaries. some of them are-
- Australia SBI
- Nigeria SBI
- China SBI
It also has non-banking subsidiaries such as –
- SBI capital market
- SBI Life insurance company limited.
The current governing body of SBI has Mr. Dinesh Kumar Khara as the Chairman of the board. SBI has 4 managing directors and 8 directors. It is a government-owned co-operation. The SBI headquarters is in Mumbai.
SBI EXAMS
SBI has a huge presence in India and the Indian sub-continent. It is a big institution. Therefore, SBI conducts all its exams. They also have their training centers. It has 6 Apex Training Institutes and 51 State bank institutes of learning and development spread all across the country. These apex training centers provide special training in leadership, human resources, marketing, etc.
SBI conducts banking exams for various posts like clerks, PO, MT, SO, and circle officers. Out of these, exams for PO, SO, and clerks are conducted once every year. State Bank of India has a separate examination system. Their pay scale is also better than IBPS banks.
Syllabus
The syllabus for various exams of SBI has almost a similar syllabus. It includes
- English,
- Reasoning,
- Aptitude Test
- Basic Math or Numeracy
- Financial And Economic Studies
- Professional Knowledge Concern with the post.
Exam pattern
These exams are always conducted in Hindi and English. SBI offers various options for exam centers. All the details of the exam are posted on the SBI website. The exam information is updated regularly.
The pattern for the entire recruitment exam is almost similar. There is a preliminary exam and mains. In few exams, candidates also face a personal interview.
For few banking exams, candidates need to be fluent in the local language too. This is the language, they opt for. In case, they fail to clear the local language exam, they are disqualified.
RBI
It is the central bank of the country. It is also a regulatory body. RBI falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance. It manages the country’s main payment system. Its main is to work towards the country’s development.
Established in 1939, RBI became a nationalized body after independence.
The board of RBI has 12 directors, governors, and four deputy governors. The economic affairs secretary and the financial service secretary as representatives from the Ministry of Finance are also on the board. They also have representatives of boards of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
Reserve Bank of India has many divisions. Each of these divisions has its set of responsibilities. RBI provides financial direction to the country and consultation to the finance ministry.
RBI is a massive organization. Therefore, it holds its recruitment processes. it conducts different banking exams for different positions. All the details are given on the official website. Anyone who wants to make a career in RBI should check the latest updates on it.
Following are a few of the exams conducted by RBI –
RBI Grade B
Candidates, who appear for these exams, aim for officer posts in different departments. This is-
- Department of Statistics and Information management
- Department of Economic Policy and Research
- Direct Recruitment General Cadre
RBI Grade C
This exam recruits people to run the daily activities of the RBI. These responsibilities are properly described in the exam brochure.
RBI Assistant
These recruits people for assistant and clerk cadre. The job responsibilities are properly described in the exam brochure.
RBI Banking Exam syllabus
For all the banking exams in RBI, the syllabus is similar. The level of questions may differ based on the educational qualification of the candidates. The topics that candidates should study are –
- English
- Reasoning
- Basic Numeracy or Math
- Aptitude Test
- Quantitative reasoning
- Computer
- GK and Current Affairs.
- Finance and Economic Studies
Exam pattern
The exam pattern for all the exams in RBI involves 2 rounds. Those are a preliminary round and the main round. Candidates of some exams may face a personal interview too.
Language of the paper in Hindi and English. For every banking exam, make sure you fulfill the criteria.
Preparation Tips for Banking Exams
Preparation for any professional exam begins almost a year before the exam. Preparing once the application forms are released is not a good start.
Remember the following point for preparation –
Syllabus
The syllabus of most of the banking exams is similar. Following are the main subjects that candidates should study-
- Numeracy or Math
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- GK and Current Affairs
- English
- Computer Aptitude
- Computer Knowledge
Apart from these subjects, the other subjects that are asked are
- Economic and Financial Knowledge
- Basic Banking Knowledge
Being aware of the proper syllabus for an exam is helpful. But if you are planning to appear for different banking exams, you must study these topics properly. Many questions from these topics are asked. In the exam brochure, you can find various topics under these subjects. If there is no clear description given, you must prepare maximum topics.
Candidates should buy a good book. These books will help to understand the syllabus, question pattern, and marks distribution.
Banking Exam Suggested books
Various books are suggested for banking exams. Always study from a subject-specific book. These are better than the books with two or more subjects together. Subject-specific covers each topic completely. You will find different patterns of questions and examples. These books will also help in covering the syllabus. They also have a detailed explanation of the concept used to solve the question papers. There are many such books available on the market.
Sample papers
Solving sample papers or previous year’s papers helps in increasing speed. Use a watch to improve your accuracy and speed. This will boost your confidence. Solving question papers is a good way of covering the topic. It also helps in revision too.
Time table
If you are preparing for any banking exam, remember to first make a timetable. Divide the syllabus and make a timetable. Always follow it. Give yourself some time to relax too. Continuous study will not help. Making a timetable will help you finish your course in time. It will also give you enough time to revise.
Always keep some time to revise before the exam. Also, keep some time for sample papers. Keep one day of the week for clearing doubts. These exams may seem easy but they are difficult. Candidates should study the topics properly and practice questions regularly. A regular study pattern helps to clear the exam.
Exam Pattern
Always be aware of the exam pattern. Learn points like how many sections are there is a paper, weightage of each subject, total time limit, and language of the paper, etc. Though, sometimes, exam patterns change during the last few months. So keep yourself updated on all the latest information. Missing out on important details can cause problems. Learn all details and then appear for banking exams.
FAQs
Q. What subjects should I study for banking exams?
For any banking exam, the main subjects are-
- English
- Quantitative Ability
- Reasoning Ability
- Numeracy
- GK and Current Affairs
- Logic and Aptitude.
Apart from this, in some exams, economics and statistics. National and international banking rules are also included. The level of questions may differ based on different grades and posts. However, the basic subjects are these.
Q. How many types of banking exams are there in India?
In India, there are three types of banking exams. This division is based on the exam authority. These authorities are
IBPS conducts various exams for national public sector banks. All the government banks take part in IBPS exams. However, SBI and RBI conduct exams for their employees.
Q. How many times in a year, these banking exams take place?
Some of these exams are annual. That means the exam body conducts these exams once every year. Whereas few of these exams are vacancy-based. Therefore these are conducted only vacancy arrives.
Q. Why banking exams are so difficult?
Banking exams are not very difficult. But sometimes, candidates appear for these exams unprepared. They take these exams very lightly. This may due to the syllabus. Unprepared candidates always find banking exams difficult to crack. These are like every entrance exam. Good preparation and determination will help candidates secure good marks.
Q. Which bank offers the best salary for PO?
In the current state, SBI offers the best salary package for personnel at PO positions. It has a good incentive package and opportunities for future growth. Therefore, it is the most sought post in government banking.
Q. Does SBI have its training center?
Yes, SBI has its training centers. There are 6 Apex Training Institutes and 51 SBILD all over the country. These train recruits. Apex institutes are for the employees. Here they learn new technology and courses in human resources, marketing, etc.
Q. Which exam is considered the toughest?
RBI Grade B is considered one of the toughest banking exams. There is not a lot of study material available and the questions asked are also tough. The interview process is also a very crucial part of the selection. Limited seats and tough paper make it the most difficult exam to crack.
Q. Which is the biggest bank in the country?
SBI is the largest bank in India. It is the 43rd largest bank in the world. It also has many foreign subsidiaries.
Q. Does all banking exams have been interviewed?
No, not all banking exams have interviews. This depends upon the grade of the exam. Hence, candidates may or may not have to face an interview.
Q. Does IBPS conduct exams for private banks too?
Few private banks take the services of IBPS for recruitment. IBPS conducts banking exams for them. It may also train the senior staff of the bank in how to conduct interviews. For example, IBPS conducts PO exams for South Indian Bank. It is also one of the largest private banks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the banking industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. They offer many attractions such as a good salary and growth options. Therefore, these are the most sought-after jobs. Banking exams are the only way to be a part of the public banking sector. For the national public sector banks, all the banking exams are conducted by three main exam bodies.
IBPS includes almost all the major national public sector banks except SBI. SBI recruits its employees and trains them. It also has over 50 training institutes and 6 apex training institutes. It is also the largest bank in the country. Though, the central bank of the nation is RBI. Reserve Bank of India also hires its recruits. There are various banking exams throughout the year for candidates to participate in. the syllabus of all these exams and patterns is almost the same. Candidates should understand the syllabus and study properly. Then, they can surely crack the banking exams. Studying from good books is also important. They should also learn time management. Based on the syllabus, candidates don’t take these exams seriously. Banking exams offer many interesting career opportunities. They offer jobs with internal promotions and incentives for the employees.
