What is IBPS? A Master Guide to Bank Jobs in India

Do you dream of a secure, well-paying, and respectable job in a Public Sector Bank? For millions of graduates in India, a career in banking is a top choice, and the key that unlocks the door to this profession is the IBPS exam.

But what exactly is IBPS? Which exams does it conduct, and for which posts? What are the eligibility criteria, the salary of a bank officer, and the step-by-step process to get selected?

Welcome to the ultimate master guide by Rojgar Point. This article is your one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) and its exams. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a final-year student, this guide will show you the path to your dream bank job. Let’s get started! 🏦

What is the Full Form of IBPS?

First, let’s understand the full form. IBPS stands for the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection.

IBPS is an autonomous body that was created to provide a fair and transparent recruitment process for Public Sector Banks (PSBs) in India. Before IBPS, each bank used to conduct its own separate recruitment exams, which was a cumbersome process for both banks and applicants.

In simple terms, IBPS is the central recruiting agency that conducts a series of Common Written Examinations (CWE) to select candidates for various posts in multiple Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks across the country.

Major Exams Conducted by IBPS

IBPS conducts some of the most competitive exams in the country. Here are the four major examinations you must know about:

1. IBPS PO (Probationary Officer): This is for the post of a Probationary Officer (Assistant Manager) in Public Sector Banks. It’s a highly sought-after graduate-level exam.
2. IBPS Clerk: This is for clerical cadre posts in Public Sector Banks.
3. IBPS SO (Specialist Officer): This is for recruiting officers with specialized qualifications, such as in IT, Law, Marketing, HR, and Agriculture.
4. IBPS RRB (Regional Rural Banks): This exam is for recruiting Officers (Scale I, II & III) and Office Assistants (Multipurpose) in Regional Rural Banks.

In-Depth Look at Major IBPS Exams and Posts

Let’s break down each exam to see what posts are offered and what the roles entail.

1. IBPS PO (Probationary Officer / Management Trainee)

• Role: This is an entry-level officer position. A PO undergoes a probation period where they are trained in all aspects of banking, including general banking, administration, and customer service. After probation, they are confirmed as an Assistant Manager.
• Career Path: PO -> Assistant Manager -> Branch Manager -> AGM -> GM.

2. IBPS Clerk

• Role: A bank clerk is the first point of contact for customers. They handle day-to-day banking operations like cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque clearance, and addressing customer queries.
• Career Path: Clerk -> Officer -> Senior Officer.

3. IBPS SO (Specialist Officer)

This exam is for candidates with specific professional degrees.

4. IBPS RRB (Regional Rural Banks)

This exam recruits for banks that primarily serve the rural population.

• Office Assistant (Multipurpose): Similar to a clerk in a commercial bank.
• Officer Scale I: Similar to a Probationary Officer.
• Officer Scale II & III: For experienced professionals.

IBPS Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

Eligibility for IBPS exams varies based on the post. Here is a general overview.

Age Relaxation: There is a relaxation in the upper age limit for reserved categories as per government norms (e.g., 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC).

IBPS Exam Pattern and Selection Process

The selection process for most IBPS exams involves two or three stages: Prelims, Mains, and an Interview.

IBPS PO Selection Process

1. Preliminary Exam (Qualifying): An online objective test of English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.
2. Main Exam: An online objective and descriptive test. Marks are considered for the final merit list.
3. Interview: A face-to-face interview to assess personality and communication skills.
4. Final Selection: Based on the combined scores of the Main Exam and the Interview.

IBPS Clerk Selection Process

1. Preliminary Exam (Qualifying): An online objective test.
2. Main Exam: An online objective test. Marks are considered for the final merit list.
3. No Interview: There is no interview for the clerical cadre.
4. Final Selection: Based on the marks obtained in the Main Exam.

IBPS Exam Pattern (Prelims for PO & Clerk)

IBPS Salary Structure: A Rewarding Career

A job in a Public Sector Bank comes with a handsome salary and numerous allowances and perks.

• The in-hand salary includes Basic Pay, Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Special Allowance, and other perks. It can vary based on the bank and the city of posting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the IBPS exam conducted every year?

Ans: Yes, IBPS conducts its major exams—PO, Clerk, SO, and RRB—annually. The exam calendar is usually released at the beginning of the year.

Q2: Can a final-year student apply for IBPS exams?

Ans: Yes, final-year students can apply provisionally. However, they must be able to produce their final degree certificate at the time of the interview or document verification.

Q3: What is the negative marking scheme in IBPS exams?

Ans: Yes, for every wrong answer in the objective tests (both Prelims and Mains), 1/4th or 0.25 of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.

Q4: How are banks allotted to the selected candidates?

Ans: During the application process, candidates are asked to give their preference for the participating banks. The final allotment is done based on the candidate’s rank in the merit list and their given preferences.

We hope this master guide from Rojgar Point has given you a complete and clear picture of what IBPS is and the massive career opportunities it offers. A banking career is not just a job; it’s a chance to be a part of India’s economic growth story.