The banking exam is one of the most sought after competitive exams in India. Every year, hundreds of thousands of candidates appear for banking exams due to the following reasons: job security, better salary packages, growth in career and respectability in both government and private sector banks. A career in the banking field offers stability and balanced life to candidates.
Banking is an integral part of the Indian economy. It helps in managing financial activities, loans, investment, savings accounts and even digital payment systems as well as development of the economy. Many organizations such as the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), State Bank of India (SBI) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conduct annual banking exams for recruitment in different posts in the banking industry.
Aspirants may access banking examination updates like notifications, eligibility, syllabus, exam dates, admit card, results, answer key, cut-off, study material, and other information from Exam Updatess. We strive to ensure that all information provided by us is up-to-date and reliable for the benefit of our aspirants.
What is Banking Exam?
Banking Exams refer to examinations conducted to recruit people for jobs in Public Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Cooperative Banks, and other Financial Institutions in India. The Banking Exams are conducted to recruit candidates for various types of posts in the banking industry.
The important bodies which conduct banking examinations are:
- Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
- State Bank of India (SBI)
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
- Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
The main motive behind conducting examinations in the banking sector is that efficient candidates should be selected, who are capable enough to deal with banking processes, services to customers, financial management, loans, investments, and digital banking system.
There are plenty of career prospects in the banking sector, including promotion, pension scheme, medical facilities, job security, and professional development. Candidates from diverse educational fields can apply for different banking examinations.
Major Exams Conducted Under Banking Exam
IBPS PO (Probationary Officer)
IBPS PO is one of the most popular banking exams in India. It recruits Probationary Officers for public sector banks.
Eligibility: Graduation from a recognized university.
Age Limit: Usually 20 to 30 years.
Purpose: Recruitment of officers for banking operations and administration.
Selection Process: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview.
IBPS Clerk
IBPS Clerk recruits candidates for clerical positions in public sector banks.
Eligibility: Graduation from a recognized university.
Purpose: Customer handling, account management, and branch operations.
Selection Process: Preliminary Exam and Main Exam.
SBI PO
SBI PO is conducted by the State Bank of India for recruiting Probationary Officers.
Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline.
Purpose: Recruitment of officers for SBI branches across India.
Selection Process: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, Group Discussion, and Interview.
SBI Clerk
SBI Clerk recruits Junior Associates for clerical posts.
Eligibility: Graduation from a recognized university.
Purpose: Customer support and banking services.
Selection Process: Preliminary Exam and Main Exam.
RBI Grade B Officer
RBI Grade B is one of the most prestigious banking exams conducted by the Reserve Bank of India.
Eligibility: Graduation with minimum marks as specified in notification.
Purpose: Recruitment of officers for India’s central bank.
Selection Process: Phase 1, Phase 2, and Interview.
RBI Assistant
RBI Assistant recruits candidates for assistant-level positions in RBI offices.
Eligibility: Graduation with basic computer knowledge.
Selection Process: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Language Proficiency Test.
IBPS Specialist Officer (SO)
IBPS SO recruits specialists for departments such as:
- IT Officer
- Agriculture Field Officer
- Law Officer
- Marketing Officer
- HR Officer
Age Limit: Usually 20 to 30 years.
Eligibility: Specialized educational qualification related to the post.
NABARD Grade A
Post Name
Assistant Manager (Grade A)
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline
- Some posts require specialized qualifications
Age Limit
Usually 21 to 30 years
Job Role
- Rural banking operations
- Agriculture finance
- Development programs
- Policy implementation
NABARD Grade B
Post Name
Manager (Grade B)
Eligibility
- Graduation/Postgraduation with required marks
- Work experience may be required in some notifications
Age Limit
- Usually 25 to 32 years
Job Role
- Supervisory roles
- Rural policy implementation
- Financial regulation
- Banking management
SIDBI Grade A & B
SIDBI recruits officers for small industries and financial development operations.
SIDBI Grade A
Post Name
Assistant Manager (Grade A)
Eligibility
- Graduation/Postgraduation
- Professional qualifications may be preferred
Age Limit
- Usually 21 to 30 years
Selection Process
Interview
Online Written Examination
Job Role
- MSME financing support
- Loan management
- Business development
- Financial analysis
SIDBI Grade B
Post Name
Manager (Grade B)
Eligibility
- Graduation/Postgraduation
- Relevant work experience often preferred
Age Limit
- Usually 25 to 33 years
Selection Process
- Online Examination
- Interview
Job Role
- Managerial operations
- MSME policy support
- Financial supervision
- Credit analysis
Examination Process
Preliminary Examination
The preliminary examination is the first stage of selection in most banking exams. It usually contains objective questions from:
- English Language
- Reasoning Ability
- Quantitative Aptitude
The prelims exam is qualifying in nature.
Main Examination
Candidates who qualify prelims appear for the mains examination. The mains exam includes advanced-level questions from:
- Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
- General Awareness
- Banking Awareness
- English Language
- Computer Knowledge
Interview
Officer-level exams such as IBPS PO, SBI PO, and RBI Grade B include interviews. Candidates are assessed on:
- Communication Skills
- Banking Awareness
- Personality
- Confidence
- Current Affairs Knowledge
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
Age limits vary according to the exam:
- IBPS PO: 20–30 Years
- IBPS Clerk: 20–28 Years
- SBI PO: 21–30 Years
- RBI Grade B: 21–30 Years
Category Relaxation
Reserved category candidates receive age relaxation:
- OBC: 3 Years
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- PwBD: Additional relaxation as per rules
Other Requirements
- Basic computer knowledge
- Language proficiency
- Good communication skills