Are you a graduate looking for a career that offers job security, a handsome salary, and immense social respect? A job in a bank is one of the most sought-after careers in India, and for good reason. It offers a stable and fast-growing professional life. The entry ticket to this prestigious world is a Bank Exam.
But what exactly is a bank exam? Which organizations conduct them? What is the difference between a PO and a Clerk? What are the eligibility criteria, the exam pattern, and the surefire strategy to crack these competitive tests?
Welcome to the ultimate master guide by Rojgar Point. This article is your A-to-Z blueprint for all major bank exams in India. We will cover every single detail you need to know to launch a successful career in the banking industry. Let’s start your journey! 🏦
What are Bank Exams?
Bank exams are competitive examinations conducted to recruit candidates for various posts in India’s banking sector. These exams are the primary route for entry into Public Sector Banks (PSBs), the State Bank of India (SBI), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
These exams are conducted by three main bodies:
- IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection): Conducts exams for most Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks.
- SBI (State Bank of India): Conducts its own recruitment exams for PO and Clerk posts.
- RBI (Reserve Bank of India): Conducts exams for officer (Grade B) and assistant posts in India’s central bank.
Major Bank Exams in India
There are several bank exams conducted throughout the year. Here are the most popular ones you should know about:
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Posts Offered |
| SBI PO | State Bank of India | Probationary Officer (Junior Management Grade Scale-I) |
| SBI Clerk | State Bank of India | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) |
| IBPS PO | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection | Probationary Officer in 11 Public Sector Banks |
| IBPS Clerk | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection | Clerical Cadre in 11 Public Sector Banks |
| IBPS RRB | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection | Officer Scale I & Office Assistant in Regional Rural Banks |
| RBI Grade B | Reserve Bank of India | Grade B Officer (A highly prestigious managerial post) |
| RBI Assistant | Reserve Bank of India | Assistant (Clerical level post in the RBI) |
Bank Posts: PO vs. Clerk
The two most common posts for which recruitment is done are Probationary Officer (PO) and Clerk. Understanding their roles is key.
Probationary Officer (PO)
- Role: This is an entry-level officer or managerial post. A PO undergoes a 1-2 year training period (probation) to learn all aspects of banking. After confirmation, they become an Assistant Manager.
- Responsibilities: Handling customer grievances, supervising clerical work, processing loans, and managing branch operations.
- Career Growth: This is a fast-track career path. A PO can rise to become a Branch Manager, AGM, and even the bank’s Chairman.
Clerk (Junior Associate / Office Assistant)
- Role: This is an entry-level clerical post. A clerk is the first point of contact for customers.
- Responsibilities: Handling cash deposits and withdrawals, clearing cheques, opening accounts, and addressing customer queries.
- Career Growth: A clerk can also grow in their career by clearing internal promotional exams to become an officer.
Bank Exam Eligibility Criteria (General)
While each exam has its own specific notification, the general eligibility criteria for PO and Clerk posts are quite standard.
| Criteria | Probationary Officer (PO) | Clerk |
| Nationality | Must be a citizen of India. | Must be a citizen of India. |
| Age Limit | 20 to 30 years (for IBPS & SBI PO) | 20 to 28 years (for IBPS & SBI Clerk) |
| Educational Qualification | A Bachelor’s Degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a recognized University. | A Bachelor’s Degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a recognized University. |
Age Relaxation
The upper age limit is relaxed for candidates from reserved categories as per government rules.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 10 years |
| Ex-Servemen | 5 years |
Bank Exam Pattern & Selection Process
Most bank exams for PO and Clerk posts follow a similar three-stage or two-stage process.
The Three Stages of a Bank PO Exam:
- Phase I: Preliminary Exam (Qualifying)
- Phase II: Main Exam (Marks are counted for merit)
- Phase III: Interview / Group Discussion
The Two Stages of a Bank Clerk Exam:
- Phase I: Preliminary Exam (Qualifying)
- Phase II: Main Exam (Marks are counted for final selection)
- Note: There is no interview for clerical posts.
Common Exam Pattern for Prelims (PO & Clerk)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
- Negative Marking: Yes, for every wrong answer, 1/4th (or 0.25) of the marks are deducted.
Bank Exam Salary Structure (PO vs. Clerk)
A career in banking is financially rewarding. The salary of an SBI employee is generally slightly higher than that of an IBPS employee.
Here is a comparative look at the approximate in-hand salary.
| Post | Basic Pay (Approx.) | Approx. In-Hand Salary (in a Metro City) |
| IBPS Clerk | ₹19,900 | ₹32,000 – ₹36,000 per month |
| SBI Clerk | ₹26,730 | ₹39,000 – ₹42,000 per month |
| IBPS PO | ₹36,000 | ₹58,000 – ₹64,000 per month |
| SBI PO | ₹56,480 | ₹80,000 – ₹85,000 per month |
The in-hand salary includes Basic Pay, Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Special Allowance, and other perks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can a final-year student apply for bank exams?
Ans: Yes, final-year students can apply for most bank exams (like IBPS PO and SBI PO) provisionally. However, they must be able to produce proof of passing their graduation before the date of the interview or document verification.
Q2: Is there a limit on the number of attempts for bank exams?
Ans: For IBPS exams, there is no limit on the number of attempts as long as you meet the age criteria. However, for SBI exams, there is a limit on the number of attempts for each category (e.g., 4 attempts for General/EWS candidates for SBI PO).
Q3: What is the difference between an SBI PO and an IBPS PO?
Ans: The main differences are the conducting body and the salary. SBI PO is for recruitment in the State Bank of India only and offers a higher salary and faster promotions. IBPS PO is for recruitment in 11 other Public Sector Banks. The exam pattern and syllabus are largely similar.
Q4: Is Maths compulsory in 12th or graduation to apply for bank exams?
Ans: No, Maths is not a compulsory subject. A graduate from any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science, etc.) is eligible to apply for generalist PO and Clerk posts.
We hope this master guide from Rojgar Point has given you complete clarity on what bank exams are and the fantastic career opportunities they offer. A job in a bank is a gateway to a secure and prosperous future. Start your preparation with full dedication and take the first step towards a bright career!
