Banks are considered as the backbone of a country’s economy. It’s more correct for a developing country like India. Indian Banking system is very strong among the developing country Banks in India are not only strong but are also growing fast.
Manpower Requirements
Public sector banks in India employ more than 7 lakh people at present. Out of these a large number of people will be retiring in next 5-6 years. To fill this gap and to take up the growing business, the Banks are on a recruiting process as can be seen in media and from vacancy announcements.
Earlier recruitments in public sector banks were made through Banking Service Recruitment Boards. Each board was taking care of manpower requirements of 3-5 banks in a certain geographical area. Now the boards have been eliminated and each public sector bank may announce its own recruitment process for the number of people required from time to time. Thus more such advertisements are seen these days. Another change is seen in lateral hiring by these banks. Earlier officers were recruited only in Junior Management Grade. Now public sector banks are offering direct employment in middle and senior management cadres as well. Thus for both freshers and experienced people career opportunities are available in public sector banks. To meet their manpower requirements these banks are presently recruiting in large numbers both in clerical and officer cadre.
Eligibility for Clerks
The minimum age for applying for the position of a clerk in Nationalized or private sector banks is 18 years. The maximum age limit is 28 years. There is no regularity with regard to educational qualification for eligibility. This becomes clear from the recently advertised positions of clerks in different banks. In one bank graduates with minimum 40% marks are considered eligible while another bank is accepting candidates with 60% marks in aggregate in 12th standard. Those having a university degree (in any class) could also apply. This bank has put another condition of having secured minimum 60% marks in mathematics at SSC/10th standard. As most of the recruitments in clerical cadre in public sector banks are made state-wise, the candidate applying for the post in a particular State is expected to be capable in the language of the State. Proficiency means knowing to read, write, speak and understand the language.
Examination Pattern for Clerks
Eligible candidates are asked to appear in a written examination. This written examination is objective in nature consisting of four papers viz
- Test of reasoning ability and numerical aptitude
- Test of clerical aptitude
- Test of English language
- Test of General awareness
The structure of written examination may differ from bank to bank. To qualify in the written test the candidate should pass in each of the objective test separately with required minimum qualifying marks. It is also necessary that the candidate obtains a certain percentage of marks to be eligible for moving to next stage of selection.
From those who get the qualifying marks as above, the bank calls a fixed number of people to appear in the interview process. The number of people called for interview is in a certain proportion of available vacancies. This interview is a simple process in which question about candidates’ academic and cultural background, career goals etc. are asked. Effort is also made to know about his aptitude for the job and customer orientation etc. Most of the people applying for a clerk’s position in the bank are fresh from college. They should be ready to answer questions about their choice of subjects, streams etc. From people who are employed or have work experience, questions may be asked about the job or assignments they have been handling. In case of interview also minimum qualifying marks are prescribed.
The final merit list is drawn by adding up marks obtained by the candidate in the written test and interview.
Career Prospects
Finally, selected candidates can look forward to a fruitful career in the bank, they join. All public sector banks provide training to new employees for equipping them to take up their assignments. Induction training that happens immediately or soon after joining is the first training programme they attend.
