Career in Banking Sector in India

Indian banking system is very strong and is the backbone of India’s economy. Even during big global turmoil, Indian banks have stood strong and was the least affected. India’s banking sector is infact one of the fastest growing sectors and growth opportunities are unlimited. With new banks coming up, industry also needs a continuous supply of professional people.

Indian Banking Scenario

Banks in earlier times were all private and it was in 1969 that 14 private banks were nationalised bringing them under the purview of the government. Gradually more and more banks were brought under the gambit of the government. At present there are about 27 public sector banks and 19 nationalised banks. Over a past few years, all banks have witnessed a shift from traditional banking system to computerised banking system. However, all banks have to follow guidelines laid down by the Reserve Bank of India.

Public sector banks employ more than 7 lakh people. To cater to the manpower, each public sector bank announces its own recruitment process from time to time. The banks also employ middle and senior level managers through direct employment. So opportunities for both junior and senior level positions are available.

Opportunities in Banks

Clerical Staff

This is the face of any bank as most transactions are carried out by the clerical staff at various levels. They have direct interaction with the customers and cater to savings and current deposits, withdrawals, loans, credit cards, issuing of cheque books and payment.

Eligibility- Though the eligibility criteria is not uniform across bank, but the minimum qualification required is that of a graduation degree from a recognised university. Candidates who have passed Class 12 are also eligible to apply. Proficiency in the regional language is a must. Eligible candidates have to appear for a written test which consists of the following subjects:

Reasoning ability and numerical aptitude
Clerical Aptitude
English language
General awareness

To appear for the interview candidates should not only pass in the written tests but must also obtain minimum qualifying marks. Candidates are judged on their subject, current affairs, aptitude and career goals. The final merit list is only drawn after the interview.

Probationary Officers

Recruitment in officer cadre is done through direct advertisement in newspapers or through promotion of clerical staff. Many public sector banks recruit large number of people as most of them are short of officers.
Eligibility – Minimum age for applying in the officer cadre is 21 and one must be a graduate from a recognised university. Some banks take only graduates with first class of 60% marks. The probationary officers need to clear a written test followed by an interview.

The test for probationary officers consists of the following objective papers:

General Awareness
Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning
Verbal Reasoning
English

Foreign Banks also offer good opportunities to qualified professionals. If you have completed your MBA, CA or a degree in Finance from a reputed university with good marks, you can apply for a managerial job in the foreign banks.

Options in Banks have also widened and it includes marketing and sales too. Online banking executives are also in good demand in India.