Banking Exams
Banking Exams
- Bank PO Exam
- Bank Clerical Grade
- Reserve Bank of India
BANK PO EXAM PATTERN
Selection Process of Probationary Officer The selection is being made on the basis of performance in written test and interview, sometimes there is also provision for Group Discussions as a part of selection process.
The pattern of written test is more or less similar in all public sector banks. The written test is taken in two forms which are objective & descriptive:
Objective Tests (Duration 135 minutes)
The candidates shall be required to qualify in each objective test as per the cut-off marks determined by individual banks. For wrong answers there is provision for the negative marking which is normally 1/4th i.e. one marks will be deducted for four wrong answers.
Descriptive Tests (Duration 45 minutes) It will consist of 4 questions out of which the candidates are required to attempt 3 questions only. The test will be of 60 marks (i.e. 20 marks for each question). The test will be only qualifying and the marks obtained therein shall not be reckoned for preparing the merit list. The candidates shall have the option to answer the descriptive test either in English or Hindi.
Interview Selected candidates will be called for Personal Interview by the respective Bank.
State Bank Group: However for State Bank Group the pattern of Probationary Examination is little bit different which is as under:
Selection Process: Tier I (Preliminary Examination)
Objective Tests (Duration 120 minutes)
Candidates have to appear in objective type examination conducted by the bank which will consist of:
This will be an Objective and Descriptive type examination. The objective type examination of 2 hours duration will consist of:
Selected candidates from Tier I and II are called for Personal Interview and Group Discussion conducted by the respective Bank.
NOTE:
This is the broad pattern of Bank PO Exams, however now-a-days each bank is coming up with slight difference in the pattern of exam, so keep an eye on that. We will inform you the exact pattern for coming exams on an ongoing basis. Visit our website continuously.
The pattern of written test is more or less similar in all public sector banks. The written test is taken in two forms which are objective & descriptive:
Objective Tests (Duration 135 minutes)
| S.No | Name of test | Number of questions | Medium of exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Test of General Awareness | 50 | English and Hindi |
| 2 | Test of English | 50 | English |
| 3 | Test of Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | English and Hindi |
| 4 | Test of Reasoning | 75 | English and Hindi |
Descriptive Tests (Duration 45 minutes) It will consist of 4 questions out of which the candidates are required to attempt 3 questions only. The test will be of 60 marks (i.e. 20 marks for each question). The test will be only qualifying and the marks obtained therein shall not be reckoned for preparing the merit list. The candidates shall have the option to answer the descriptive test either in English or Hindi.
Interview Selected candidates will be called for Personal Interview by the respective Bank.
State Bank Group: However for State Bank Group the pattern of Probationary Examination is little bit different which is as under:
Selection Process: Tier I (Preliminary Examination)
Objective Tests (Duration 120 minutes)
Candidates have to appear in objective type examination conducted by the bank which will consist of:
- Reasoning Ability Test
- Quantitative Aptitude
- General Awareness/Computer Knowledge
- English Language
This will be an Objective and Descriptive type examination. The objective type examination of 2 hours duration will consist of:
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Marketing Knowledge
- Test of English Language
- The Descriptive type examination will be a test of English knowledge that has to be done in 1 hour.
Selected candidates from Tier I and II are called for Personal Interview and Group Discussion conducted by the respective Bank.
NOTE:
This is the broad pattern of Bank PO Exams, however now-a-days each bank is coming up with slight difference in the pattern of exam, so keep an eye on that. We will inform you the exact pattern for coming exams on an ongoing basis. Visit our website continuously.
IBPS Clerical Cadre Exam Pattern Details
The Banking Service Recruitment Boards recruits for the following posts in the nationalized banks (including State Bank of India) in their respective regions.
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) will be conducts Common Written Examination (CWE) 2 times in a year for Clerical Cadre posts. The Common Written Examination consists of objective types questions, total no. of questions is 250, total marks 250 and total time duration of 150 minutes. There will be Negative Marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in the objective type exam. IBPS CWE Scorecards will be sent to the qualified candidates by Speed Post/Register Post. IBPS CWE Scorecard has validity of 1 year from the date of issue of the scorecard.
Written Examination Structure
Group Discussion and Interview: Qualified candidates in written examination will be called for group discussion and interview depending upon the vacancies in each category.
- Clerk
- Typist (English)
- Steno (English)
- Agricultural Clerks
- Steno (Hindi)
- Typist (English and Hindi)
- Steno (English and Hindi)
- Clerk-cum-Cashier
- Clerk-cum-Godown Keeper
- Data Entry Operators
- Telephone Operators
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) will be conducts Common Written Examination (CWE) 2 times in a year for Clerical Cadre posts. The Common Written Examination consists of objective types questions, total no. of questions is 250, total marks 250 and total time duration of 150 minutes. There will be Negative Marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in the objective type exam. IBPS CWE Scorecards will be sent to the qualified candidates by Speed Post/Register Post. IBPS CWE Scorecard has validity of 1 year from the date of issue of the scorecard.
Written Examination Structure
| Serial no | Name of Tests (Objective) | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Test of Reasoning | 50 | 50 | |
| 2 | Test of English Language | 50 | 50 | |
| 3 | Test of Numerical Ability | 50 | 50 | |
| 4 | Test of General Awareness with special reference to Banking Industry | 50 | 50 | |
| 5 | Test of Computer Knowledge | 50 | 50 | |
| Total | 250 | 250 | 150 Minutes |
IBPS Clerical Cadre Selection Procedure
A Common Written Examination (CWE) will be conducted by the institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) for selection of Clerical Cadre vacancies in the 19 Public Sector Banks. It is a sole opportunity for candidate’s career in 19 Public Sector Banks through a Single Common Written Examination. The Common Written Examination (CWE) for Clerical Cadre posts will be conducted twice in a year by Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). Common Examination for recruitment of Clerks has been accepted by each of the 19 participating Public Sector Banks and the Managing Committee of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) with the consent of the Government of India.A Common Written Examination (CWE) will be conducted by the institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) for selection of Clerical Cadre vacancies in the 19 Public Sector Banks. It is a sole opportunity for candidate’s career in 19 Public Sector Banks through a Single Common Written Examination. The Common Written Examination (CWE) for Clerical Cadre posts will be conducted twice in a year by Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). Common Examination for recruitment of Clerks has been accepted by each of the 19 participating Public Sector Banks and the Managing Committee of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) with the consent of the Government of India.
1. Qualified candidates have to apply through online application mode from the IBPS website.
2. Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) will conduct this exam 2 times in a year for Clerical Cadre posts only. Total no. of questions is 250, total marks 250 and total time duration of 150 minutes for objective types questions. There will be Negative Marking of 0.25 marks for each for wrong answer in the objective type exam.
3. The candidates those who scored minimum marks in the test and who qualify in the written test, they are considered for the vacancies of the participating banks, the cut-off will be decided based on the average 1/4 Standard Deviation for general candidates and 3/4 Standard Deviation for reserved category candidates.
4. After Common Written Examination, the IBPS will be given a scorecard for qualifying candidates in CWE, Which will be valid for one year from the date of issue of the scorecards.
5. Each participating Public Sector Bank is independent to issue a separate recruitment notification. Each bank will be able to shortlist candidates individually and carry out their own selection process such as group discussion and/or interviews etc. for final selections.
6. Based on scorecard the eligible candidates may apply for particular Bank advertisement and attend for interview with in one year issued of the scorecard.
1. Qualified candidates have to apply through online application mode from the IBPS website.
2. Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) will conduct this exam 2 times in a year for Clerical Cadre posts only. Total no. of questions is 250, total marks 250 and total time duration of 150 minutes for objective types questions. There will be Negative Marking of 0.25 marks for each for wrong answer in the objective type exam.
3. The candidates those who scored minimum marks in the test and who qualify in the written test, they are considered for the vacancies of the participating banks, the cut-off will be decided based on the average 1/4 Standard Deviation for general candidates and 3/4 Standard Deviation for reserved category candidates.
4. After Common Written Examination, the IBPS will be given a scorecard for qualifying candidates in CWE, Which will be valid for one year from the date of issue of the scorecards.
5. Each participating Public Sector Bank is independent to issue a separate recruitment notification. Each bank will be able to shortlist candidates individually and carry out their own selection process such as group discussion and/or interviews etc. for final selections.
6. Based on scorecard the eligible candidates may apply for particular Bank advertisement and attend for interview with in one year issued of the scorecard.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality/Citizenship: A Citizen of India. Age limit: The minimum age limit is 18 years and maximum 28 years of age to general candidates. Educational qualification: Educational qualification: (1) Pass with 60% marks in 10th Class. For SC-ST-OBC-PWD-EXSM candidates are just passed. (OR)
(2) Pass with 50% marks in Intermediate (10+2), For SC-ST-OBC-PWD-EXSM candidates are just passed. (OR)
(3) Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or any equivalent.
(2) Pass with 50% marks in Intermediate (10+2), For SC-ST-OBC-PWD-EXSM candidates are just passed. (OR)
(3) Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or any equivalent.
Reserve Bank Grade 'A'/'B' Officer's Examination - Introduction
Banking has become one of the most challenging sectors in the country. It is a well-paid, secure and satisfying career prospect. Openings are available in banks at various levels, from Bank Clerical to Probationary Officers (PO). Often it is perceived as a career option for commerce/economics students, but in reality, a majority of bank officers are from different streams of education. Bright graduates from any subject can get entry in the Public Sector Banks through an All India Examination conducted by them. The exam is a stepping-stone for a career in the Banking Industry.
The Indian banking can be broadly categorized into Nationalized (government owned), Private banks and Specialized banking institutions. The Reserve Bank of India www.rbi.org.in acts a centralized monitoring body in the Indian financial sector.
The Reserve Bank of India was established on April 1, 1935, as the Central Bank of the country, in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 with its Central Office at Mumbai. RBI is governed by the Central Board, which is appointed/nominated by the Government of India for a period of four years and there are four Local Boards one each for the four regions of the country in Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and New Delhi. The function of Central Board is to look after general superintendence and direction of the Bank's affairs, and the Local Boards is to advise the Central Board on local matters and to represent territorial and economic interests of local cooperative and indigenous banks.
The Recruitment to Reserve Bank Officers 'Grade 'A'/'B' exam is conducted by Reserve Bank of India Service Board, Mumbai.
The Indian banking can be broadly categorized into Nationalized (government owned), Private banks and Specialized banking institutions. The Reserve Bank of India www.rbi.org.in acts a centralized monitoring body in the Indian financial sector.
The Reserve Bank of India was established on April 1, 1935, as the Central Bank of the country, in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 with its Central Office at Mumbai. RBI is governed by the Central Board, which is appointed/nominated by the Government of India for a period of four years and there are four Local Boards one each for the four regions of the country in Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and New Delhi. The function of Central Board is to look after general superintendence and direction of the Bank's affairs, and the Local Boards is to advise the Central Board on local matters and to represent territorial and economic interests of local cooperative and indigenous banks.
The Recruitment to Reserve Bank Officers 'Grade 'A'/'B' exam is conducted by Reserve Bank of India Service Board, Mumbai.
ELIGIBILTY CONDITIONS
Educational Qualifications: i)A First Class Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 60% marks or an equivalent grade OR
ii) A Second Class Master's Degree with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade OR
iii) A Doctorate Degree with 50% marks in Master's Degree or equivalent grade OR
iv) Chartered/Cost Accountant/Company Secretary (ACS) with a Bachelor's Degree OR
v) A Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM only. SC/ST/PH candidates having second class with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent grade in Bachelor's Degree examination OR having a Post-graduate Degree or equivalent recognized qualification, are also eligible to apply.
Age: Between 21 and 30 years
For candidates possessing M.Phil./Ph.D. qualification, upper age limit will be 31 and 33 years respectively. For candidates having experience as an officer in Commercial Bank/Financial Institution in Public Sector, upper age limit is relaxed to the extent of number of years of such experience subject to a maximum of three years. For such candidates, upper age limit should not exceed 33 years including experience. For experience, probationary period will not be reckoned.
Selection to the posts is done through Written Examinations (WE) and Interview. Written exam will be held in two phases as under:
Phase I (Objective Type Test): This Paper is of 3 hours duration for 200 marks. The Paper consists tests of i) General Awareness ii) English Language iii) Quantitative Aptitude and iv) Reasoning. Phase II (Descriptive Type Test): The Phase II Examination will be conducted only for those candidates who are successful in Phase I (Objective Type Test). The date and time-tablewill be intimated to the candidates concerned. The Examination will consist of three Descriptive Type papers -
Paper I – English
Paper II - Economic and Social Issues and
Paper III - Finance and Management.
Each of these papers is of 3 hours duration carrying 100 marks.
Phase I (except the test of English) and Papers II and III of Phase II will be set bilingually in Hindi and English. Phase I is Objective Type and only marking the correct choice is required. However, Papers II and III of Phase II can be answered either in Hindi or English at the candidate's option. A candidate has to qualify in each of the Descriptive Papers separately. Candidates will be short-listed for interview based on the aggregate marks obtained only in Phase II - Papers I, II and III. The minimum cut off marks for being short-listed will be decided by the Board in relation to the number of vacancies. Candidates may answer the Interview either in Hindi or English at their option. Final selection will be based on the performance of the candidate in Phase II of the Written exam and Interview.
Candidates belonging to General Category, who had already appeared four times for Written Exam for post in the past, are not eligible to apply. No such restriction to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PH.
ii) A Second Class Master's Degree with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade OR
iii) A Doctorate Degree with 50% marks in Master's Degree or equivalent grade OR
iv) Chartered/Cost Accountant/Company Secretary (ACS) with a Bachelor's Degree OR
v) A Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM only. SC/ST/PH candidates having second class with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent grade in Bachelor's Degree examination OR having a Post-graduate Degree or equivalent recognized qualification, are also eligible to apply.
Age: Between 21 and 30 years
For candidates possessing M.Phil./Ph.D. qualification, upper age limit will be 31 and 33 years respectively. For candidates having experience as an officer in Commercial Bank/Financial Institution in Public Sector, upper age limit is relaxed to the extent of number of years of such experience subject to a maximum of three years. For such candidates, upper age limit should not exceed 33 years including experience. For experience, probationary period will not be reckoned.
Selection to the posts is done through Written Examinations (WE) and Interview. Written exam will be held in two phases as under:
Phase I (Objective Type Test): This Paper is of 3 hours duration for 200 marks. The Paper consists tests of i) General Awareness ii) English Language iii) Quantitative Aptitude and iv) Reasoning. Phase II (Descriptive Type Test): The Phase II Examination will be conducted only for those candidates who are successful in Phase I (Objective Type Test). The date and time-tablewill be intimated to the candidates concerned. The Examination will consist of three Descriptive Type papers -
Paper I – English
Paper II - Economic and Social Issues and
Paper III - Finance and Management.
Each of these papers is of 3 hours duration carrying 100 marks.
Phase I (except the test of English) and Papers II and III of Phase II will be set bilingually in Hindi and English. Phase I is Objective Type and only marking the correct choice is required. However, Papers II and III of Phase II can be answered either in Hindi or English at the candidate's option. A candidate has to qualify in each of the Descriptive Papers separately. Candidates will be short-listed for interview based on the aggregate marks obtained only in Phase II - Papers I, II and III. The minimum cut off marks for being short-listed will be decided by the Board in relation to the number of vacancies. Candidates may answer the Interview either in Hindi or English at their option. Final selection will be based on the performance of the candidate in Phase II of the Written exam and Interview.
Candidates belonging to General Category, who had already appeared four times for Written Exam for post in the past, are not eligible to apply. No such restriction to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PH.
SYLLABUS
Paper I - English: Essay, Précis writing, Comprehension, Business/Office Correspondence.
Paper II - Economic and Social Issues: Growth and Development - Measurement of growth : National Income and per capita income - Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation in India - Sustainable Development and Environmental issues.Economic Reforms in India - Industrial and Labour Policy - Monetary and Fiscal Policy - Privatisation - Role of Economic Planning. Globalization - Opening up of the Indian Economy -Balance of Payments, Export- Import Policy - International Economic Institutions - IMF and World Bank - WTO -Regional Economic Co-operation. Social Structure in India - Multiculturalism - Demographic Trends - Urbanisation and Migration - Gender Issues - Social Justice : Positive Discrimination in favour of the under privileged - Social Movements - Indian Political System - Human Development - Social Sectors in India, Health and Education.
Paper III - Finance and Management: Finance :The Union Budget - Direct and Indirect taxes; Non-tax sources of revenue; Outlays; New Measures; Financial Sector Reforms; Capital Market, Money Market and Foreign Exchange Market; Stock Exchanges and their Regulation; Capital Market Intermediaries and their Regulation; Role of SEBI; Functions of the Money Market; Growth and Operation of the Money Market; The Foreign Exchange Market; From FERA to FEMA; Exchange Rate Management; Exchange Risk Management; Role of Banks and Financial Institutions in Economic Development; Regulation of Banks and Financial Institutions; Disinvestment in Public Sector Units.
Management : Management: its nature and scope; The Management Processes; Planning, Organisation, Staffing, Directing and Controlling; The Role of a Manager in an Organisation. Leadership: The Tasks of a Leader; Leadership Styles; Leadership Theories; A successful Leader versus an effective Leader. Human Resource Development: Concept of HRD; Goals of HRD; Performance appraisal - Potential appraisal and development -Feedback and Performance Counselling - Career Planning - Training and Development - Rewards - Employee Welfare. Motivation, Morale and Incentives: Theories of Motivation; How Managers Motivate; Concept of Morale; Factors determining Morale; Role of Incentives in Building up Morale. Communication: Steps in the Communication Process; Communication Channels; Oral versus Written Communication; Verbal versus non-verbal Communication; upward, downward and lateral Communication; Barriers to Communication, Role of Information Technology. Corporate Governance: Factors affecting Corporate Governance; Mechanisms of Corporate Governance.
The above syllabus is only indicative and not exhaustive. The questions in Papers II and III will be basic in nature.
Paper II - Economic and Social Issues: Growth and Development - Measurement of growth : National Income and per capita income - Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation in India - Sustainable Development and Environmental issues.Economic Reforms in India - Industrial and Labour Policy - Monetary and Fiscal Policy - Privatisation - Role of Economic Planning. Globalization - Opening up of the Indian Economy -Balance of Payments, Export- Import Policy - International Economic Institutions - IMF and World Bank - WTO -Regional Economic Co-operation. Social Structure in India - Multiculturalism - Demographic Trends - Urbanisation and Migration - Gender Issues - Social Justice : Positive Discrimination in favour of the under privileged - Social Movements - Indian Political System - Human Development - Social Sectors in India, Health and Education.
Paper III - Finance and Management: Finance :The Union Budget - Direct and Indirect taxes; Non-tax sources of revenue; Outlays; New Measures; Financial Sector Reforms; Capital Market, Money Market and Foreign Exchange Market; Stock Exchanges and their Regulation; Capital Market Intermediaries and their Regulation; Role of SEBI; Functions of the Money Market; Growth and Operation of the Money Market; The Foreign Exchange Market; From FERA to FEMA; Exchange Rate Management; Exchange Risk Management; Role of Banks and Financial Institutions in Economic Development; Regulation of Banks and Financial Institutions; Disinvestment in Public Sector Units.
Management : Management: its nature and scope; The Management Processes; Planning, Organisation, Staffing, Directing and Controlling; The Role of a Manager in an Organisation. Leadership: The Tasks of a Leader; Leadership Styles; Leadership Theories; A successful Leader versus an effective Leader. Human Resource Development: Concept of HRD; Goals of HRD; Performance appraisal - Potential appraisal and development -Feedback and Performance Counselling - Career Planning - Training and Development - Rewards - Employee Welfare. Motivation, Morale and Incentives: Theories of Motivation; How Managers Motivate; Concept of Morale; Factors determining Morale; Role of Incentives in Building up Morale. Communication: Steps in the Communication Process; Communication Channels; Oral versus Written Communication; Verbal versus non-verbal Communication; upward, downward and lateral Communication; Barriers to Communication, Role of Information Technology. Corporate Governance: Factors affecting Corporate Governance; Mechanisms of Corporate Governance.
The above syllabus is only indicative and not exhaustive. The questions in Papers II and III will be basic in nature.
