Written by Ritika Warjurkar, Mohitha Kanaparthi
The banking sector in India is highly competitive, with numerous exams that graduates aspire to crack. Among all the exams, bank exams are the most sought-after and popular ones. These exams are conducted by various banks in India, including the State Bank of India (SBI), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). The exams are designed to test the candidate’s banking, finance, and general awareness knowledge. Cracking these exams can open up a world of opportunities and lead to a successful career in the banking sector.
Let’s talk about these exams individually.
 IBPS – The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts annual Clerk and Probationary Officer (PO) exams to recruit candidates for public sector bank positions in India. Both exams follow a similar pattern, including preliminary and main phases, with interviews for PO roles. Eligibility criteria specify candidates must be aged 20 to 30 for PO positions and 20 to 28 for Clerk roles. The exams assess knowledge in English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and General Awareness. Successful candidates gain promising careers in banking, offering stability, growth prospects, and a chance to serve financial institutions. To apply, candidates must submit the exam fee online: Rs. 850 for general applicants and Rs. 175 for SC/ST/PWBD candidates. IBPS PO Prelims Exam is scheduled for September 23rd and 30th, 2023, with the admit card available from September 14th, 2023 on the official website.
SBI – State Bank of India is one of the leading recruiter of bankers all over India. It conducts its own set of exams. Like SBI Clerk, SBI PO, SBI SO. The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized College/University. The age limit is 21 to 30 years. It consists of three phases: preliminary exams, main exam and group discussion. The SBI Clerk junior associate candidate must have a bachelor’s degree and the age limit varies. There is a preliminary exam and a main exam including English, quantitative aptitude, reasoning and computer aptitude. SBI specialist officer includes various positions like IT officer, Law Officer, Marketing officer etc.
RBI – The age limit for this exam is 21 to 30. There are three phases in the selection process, phase 1 preliminary examination with sections of general knowledge, English, quantitative aptitude and reasoning. Phase 2 main exam, which includes Economics, Finance, Management and Social Issues. The third phase is an interview. For RBI assistants the age limit varies. Everything is the same except instead of the interview there is a Language Proficiency Test. Various such exams take place like RBI Grade C, D and E, RBI Grade F and G Officers, RBI Legal Officer, Manager, and Assistant Manager. Candidates need a law degree to become a legal officer and experience for manager and assistant manager posts. The selection process generally includes a written test.
IDBI bank – conducts exams for the recruitment of candidates at various levels. IDBI is a public sector bank and is known for offering opportunities to those seeking a career in the banking sector. IDBI Bank Assistant Manager (Grade A), candidates need to have a graduate degree with a specific minimum percentage mark. The selection process for Assistant Manager includes two phases: There is an online test including logical reasoning, data analysis and English. Personal Interview.
NABARD – conducts exams for the recruitment of candidates in various positions. Candidates need to have a graduate and a postgraduate degree. The age limit is typically between 21 and 30 years, with relaxations for reserved categories. The selection process for grade A officers includes three phases: prelims, main exam and interview.
