The banking scenario in India has grown substantially in the fast few years. It is essentially an inseparable part of the nation’s economic backbone. Unsurprisingly, the growth in the banking sector isn’t restricted to financial terms only; it has also proven to be a potential career prospect for many aspiring candidates.
Current Trends
Since the inception of Banking Regulation Act in 1949, a proper banking system was designed for the nation. All the banks used be private but in 1969, 14 major banks were nationalized and brought under the ownership of the Indian government. As of today, there are 27 public sector banks with a differentiation stating 19 banks as nationalized and 8 banks as subsidiaries of the State bank Group.
The last decades witnesses a radical transformation in the sector, especially in terms of modernization. Newer technologies replaced the conventional system of book-keeping and sorts. A predominant driving factor behind this was the stiff competition, although it is noteworthy that they follow the mandatory guidelines issued by the Reserve bank of India and Ministry of Finance.
According to statistical reports, more than 7 lakh people are employed by public sector banks. A huge chunk is due for retirement in the next 5-7 years and this will widen the gap. Such vacancies are constantly filled by the banks on a regular basis, by conducting tests.
Positions
The fundamental positions available via exams/entrances are as follows:
- Clerk – This particular entrance is specifically meant for recruiting the front office staff. They can be placed in any counter such as savings, deposit, loans, credit, cards, payment etc. They provide platform for an interaction between the bank and the customer.
- Officer – Officers cadre include the likes of probationary officer, specialists, marketing etc. An individual who joined as a clerk gets promoted eventually to such positions but there are direct entry through entrance exams also. A graduate degree is required to get into such positions. While commerce graduates may find things on their favor, candidates from other backgrounds may take some time to get accustomed with the financial terminologies.
- Higher Scale – Apart from the entry level posts, there are recruitments taking place for management levels as well. They look at the qualification and experience of an eligible candidate in such circumstances.
Tests & Career Advancement
Bank exams have definitive syllabus based on the job grade for which the entrance is being conducted. Some of the generic sections in question papers include the following:
- General Awareness
- Reasoning Ability
- Numerical Ability
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
- Clerical Aptitude
- Verbal Reasoning
Some banks may integrate a descriptive question also. The progression of post in banks is steady and depends on factors such as stability, performance score etc.
Pay Grades
Most public sector banks share the same salary/wage structure. However, SBI is known for their differential approach. The generalized basic pay scales start with the following:
- Clerks: 4410/- INR
- Junior Management Grade Scale – I: 10,000/- INR
- Middle Management Grade Scale – II: 13,820/- INR
- Middle Management Grade Scale – III: 18,240/- INR
- Senior Management Grade Scale – IV: 20,480/- INR
- Top Executive Grade Scale – VI: 26,620/- INR