PSU banks to re-introduce common entrance exam for officers and employees

The system of common entrance tests for officers and employees is likely to be re-introduced. State-owned banks are thinking on this move as it will help lenders in standardizing recruitment process and fill up vacancies faster.

"We are working together with the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) to have a common exam for the entry level officers and clerks," Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) Director M Balachandran told PTI.

The institute is promoted by PSU banks and the Reserve Bank, provides assistance to the financial sector in activities of employee selection, promotion and placement.

Previously region-wise selection of entry level bank officers was done through Banking Services Recruitment Board (BSRB), but few years ago after computerization requirements of banks came down, thus it was discontinued.

Earlier in 1978, BSRBs were established which had a uniform standard and eligibility criterion for recruitment of personnel’s including clerks.

According to Indian Bank Chairman and Managing Director T M Bhasin, "IBA and IBPS are working on some half yearly exam system to create a talent pool for the sector."

This will enable in standardization of educational qualification and examination system and they will form a panel. He said, for the recruitment of officers there will be an all India panel and for workmen a state level panel.

Bhasin said IBA has circulated the scheme to the banks and asked for their suggestions and added, individual banks can recruit senior or specialized officers.

A senior bank official pointed out due to branch expansion by various lenders, business growth and aggressive marketing, large number of employment opportunities have come up.

Currently there are 27 public sector banks including six associate banks of State Bank of India (SBI).

But the State Bank of India and its associates conduct their own exam and have different service conditions and benefits from other public sector banks.

SBI is planning to hire about 27,000 people this year to fill vacancies across different divisions.

"This year we have plans to recruit 20,000-22,000 people in the clerical posts and 5,500 people at the probationary officer level," SBI Deputy Managing Director and Group Executive Anup Banerji had said a few months ago.

Banerji told SBI is planning to enhance its n rural operations for this it will be deploying 2,000 probationary officers in rural areas.