How to become a Probationary Officer

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If you are the type of person who can multitask, if you are good with numbers, and if sitting in a room and crunching numbers makes you the most productive in the room, then you are a good candidate to become a probationary bank officer.

Read the blog to learn how to become a probationary officer, the exam process, the best banks to work for, and much more.

Who is a Probationary Officer

A probationary officer is a person employed to oversee all aspects of banking for a business or bank involved in the banking industry. They are entry-level professionals who advance to assistant managers within two years of finishing their training. 

They are responsible for accounting, marketing, billing, and finance. One of their primary responsibilities is managing consumer transactions. Businesses employ them with a background in accounting and finance.

Learn more: How To Become An Investment Banker – Detailed Guide

How to become a Probationary Officer [Step by Step Guide]

Step 1: Stream Selection

After 10th grade, you can undertake any stream of your choice to pursue a career in banking, as the minimum qualification required is graduation. However, if you want to be the ideal manager, with a thorough understanding of the subjects involved, you can choose to study Commerce or Accountancy after 10th grade, which will provide you with knowledge in banking subjects and make your future preparation easier.

Step 2: Educational Qualification

You can study for any undergraduate degree of your choice and earn good grades in it as graduation is the only requirement to work as a probationary officer for a bank. However, you can also pursue a B.Com with a focus on banking and finance, which will enable you to progress your career through positions with commercial banks or the government.

(I) How to become a Probationary Officer after 10th

A diploma candidate is ineligible to apply for a bank PO. You must have graduated from an accredited college in order to be eligible for the same. A 60% graduation grade is preferred because some banks consider it an eligibility requirement. You can pursue your 12th in commerce after 10th grade to gain additional knowledge of the courses you want to follow as a career.

(II) How to become a Probationary Officer after 12th

If you have a graduate or postgraduate degree in any field and a minimum GPA of 50%, you may apply for a probationary officer position. 

  • Undergraduate courses you can pursue to become a Probationary Officer 
COURSEDURATION
BA in Banking and Finance3 years
BA in International finance and planning3 years
BBA(Hons) Finance and Banking3 years
BCom (Banking)3 years
BSc in Banking and Finance3 years
BSc(Hons) in Economics3 years
Bachelors of Business (Banking)3 years
  • Top Undergraduate Colleges with Banking Courses
COLLEGELOCATION
Symbiosis College of Arts and CommercePune
Nehru Arts and Science CollegeCoimbatore
St. Xaviers CollegeMumbai
HR College of Commerce and EconomicsMumbai
Ramanujan CollegeNew Delhi
Parul UniversityVadodra
Hinduja CollegeMumbai
Narsee Monee College of Commerce and EconomicsMumbai
Jai Hind CollegeMumbai

Also read: SAT Exam Sample Papers & Practice Papers

To hire probationary officers in banks, a variety of exams are conducted. The most important thing to remember is that each bank has its unique set of papers and selection criteria. The State Bank of India conducts a separate exam for the employment of Probationary Officers (PO), and IBPS runs a common written exam for the hiring of Probationary Officers (PO) in other public sector banks (PSU). 

Some of the most significant exams are listed below:

  • SBI PO
  • IBPS PO
  • RBI Grade B exam
  • NABARD

The recruitment process typically consists of three parts. Preliminary examinations and main exams, the first two phases, are written tests. The interview process is the third step. For the interview phase, candidates who advance from the first two stages are eligible. A merit list is created depending on the candidate’s performance after being selected in these three rounds. 

The Bank PO exam’s syllabus aims to evaluate both the candidate’s general awareness and ability. The preliminary exam is broken into three sections: verbal ability, reasoning, and quantitative aptitude.

  • Prelims Exam Pattern
SubjectNumber of QuestionsDuration
English Language30 20 Minutes
Quantitative Aptitude3520 Minutes
Reasoning Ability3520 Minutes
Total1001 Hour

The main paper is divided into five sections: verbal ability, quantitative aptitude, computer knowledge, and general awareness. Again, the pattern varies from bank to bank.

  • Mains Exam pattern
SubjectNumber of QuestionsMarksDuration
Objective Test
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude456060 Minutes
Data Analysis & Interpretation356045 Minutes
General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness404035 Minutes
English Language354040 Minutes
Subjective/ Descriptive Test
English Language (Letter Writing & Essay)25030 Minutes
Total1572503.5 Hours

To be eligible for the exam, you need to fulfill the below-given criteria:

  •  The age requirement for candidates seeking the Bank PO test is 21 to 30 years old. Candidates from the SC and ST groups are allowed a 5-year age reduction. Age relaxation of three years is offered to candidates who fall under the OBC categories. 5-year age relaxation is also granted to candidates who possess the Jammu and Kashmir quota and ex-servicemen.
  • Aside from this, the candidate’s minimum educational need is a degree from a recognized university.

How to become a Probationary Officer Abroad

You can pursue banking studies at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels. Banking is usually provided as a BSc at the undergraduate level and can take three or four years to finish, depending on where you study.

Around the world, a lot of universities and colleges offer banking courses. With a global degree in banking, you can explore more rewarding job options and work with prominent financial and banking companies. 

  • Top Universities for an undergraduate degree in Banking:
  • Nottingham University Business School
  • Middlesex University
  • Cardiff University
  • London Metropolitan University
  • the University of Kent
  • Monash University
  • Bangor University
  • Swansea University 
  • EU Business School
  • University of Kent

Step 3: Certification Courses

Banking and finance diploma and certification programs are designed to provide students with the most up-to-date information and knowledge about the field’s emerging specializations. They also help banking executives and professionals gain expertise in their specific work profiles. A list of top certification programs is provided below:

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
  • Chartered Mutual Fund Counsellor (CMFC)
  • FRM
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)
  • Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
  • BAT Course

    Try Clever Harvey’s JuniorMBA Chief Financial Officer program and improve your personality to stand out in the skills you enjoy if you want to develop such extraordinary skills and stand out from the crowd.

Step 4: Job Prep required

To successfully clear the exam, you can follow the given tips:

  • Revise previous year’s questions
  • Build section-wise preparation tips
  • Attempt as many mocks as possible
  • Be clear with concepts
  • Join a reputed coaching class if required
  • Increase practice

Aside from that, you should keep up with gk in order to attempt as many questions as possible. It will also help you in interviews by keeping you up to date on current events.

Read more: How To Become A Chartered Financial Analyst – Detailed Guide

Skills required to become a Bank Probationary Officer

The following qualifications and abilities are needed to become an assistant bank manager:

  • The candidate should be capable of managing the workforce, thus they should possess great leadership and motivational skills. 
  • They should have in-depth knowledge of money, accounting, and economics. They should be aware of all financial rules and regulations of the government.
  • He or she should be able to address consumer inquiries and problems or put another way, they should have exceptional customer service abilities.
  • He or she must be able to uphold confidentiality and be truthful regarding the bank’s financial transactions.
  • He or she should have great communication skills, both vocally and in writing, as well as bargaining skills.

If you want to develop such extraordinary skills and stand out from the crowd, try Clever Harvey’s JuniorMBA program and improve your personality to stand out in the skills you enjoy.

Top recruiters of Probationary Offices in India

The following is a list of the major banks taking part in this process:

  • State Bank of India
  • Bank of Baroda
  • Bank of Maharashtra
  • ICICI Bank
  • Allahabad Bank
  • Punjab National bank
  • HDFC Bank
  • Syndicate Bank
  • Cooperative Bank

Top recruiters of Probationary officers abroad

  • JP Morgan Chase and Co
  • Bank of America Corp
  • Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
  • HSBC Holdings
  • Commonwealth Bank of Australia
  • Goldman Sachs Group
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Bank of New York Mellon
  • Nordea Bank

Salary of Bank Probationary Officer in different countries

An IBPS Probationary Officer will receive an initial in-hand salary package worth between Rs. 52,000 and Rs. 55,000, plus HRA, special allowances, dearness allowances, and other benefits. The IBPS PO Gross Salary is around Rs. 57,000, and the Net In Hand Salary is between Rs. 52,000 and 55,000 after deductions.

We hope you have a clear understanding of how to begin a career in banking and wish you the best of luck in your endeavor.

That’s all from us now folks. We hope to see you soon.

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FAQs about how to become a Probationary Officer

How much does a bank PO make?

The starting salary for IBPS PO is Rs 23700/-. Aside from that, there are allowances for medical expenses, house rent, travel, and so on. As an employee continues to work for the bank, several increments are added to their IBPS PO salary.

Can I become a bank teller after finishing my 12th grade?

You can apply if you have a 50% graduation or postgraduate degree in any field. You are also eligible if you have a 50% or higher in your final year of graduation or a cumulative 50% or higher in all years of graduation. If you are in your final year of graduation or post-graduation, you are eligible to apply.

Which bank pays the most for a PO?

Among India’s public banks, the State Bank of India has the highest salary range. The salary structure for SBI PO is as follows: The starting salary for an SBI PO is Rs. 27,620/- with four advance increments.

What is the best degree for a PO?

To be eligible for the bank PO exam, one must have a graduation degree from a recognized university. You can pursue a degree in any field of your choices, such as BA, B.Com, BBA, or B.Sc. You can apply for all bank exams after graduating.

What is the minimum age for a bank PO?

The IBPS PO exam has a minimum age limit of 20 years and a maximum age limit of 30 years. The upper age limit relaxation for reserved categories is as follows: 5 years for SC/ST candidates.

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