Here is some cheer for job-aspirants in the New Year. Banks have started filling up vacancies, and there are some 4,500 probationary officer posts right now for the taking.

For the first time, the score secured by candidates in the common written examination for officers' jobs in 19 public sector banks, conducted by Institute of Banking Personnel Selection last year, will be used by banks.

As of now, Union Bank of India, Syndicate Bank and Corporation Bank have invited applications from candidates who successfully passed the common written examination.

More banks are likely to notify vacancies before end-March. That's happening as a number of senior bankers are set to retire following superannuation. “On an average, about 50 per cent of officers above AGM level are set to retire in 3-5 years in the banking sector, which calls for recruitment in a phased manner,” a top functionary of Indian Banks' Association told Business Line .

The candidates would be short-listed on the basis of their scores and will be called directly for an interview/personality test. Different banks have specified different cut-off marks as minimum qualification criteria.

Syndicate Bank, for instance, has specified that general candidates with a degree must get a total weighted score of 138 out of 250 marks. Corporation Bank has specified that general candidates must secure at least 151/250

CONCERNS

While the system of a common written exam has been welcomed by candidates, there are some concerns as well.

“Earlier, one had to pay a fee only once. Now, banks are again asking us to pay Rs 200 as fee. As we are paying a fee to take the common written exam, why should we pay fee again? Everybody may not be able to do this,'' Ms Swathi Rupa, an engineering graduate and an officer aspirant, told Business Line .

“The eligibility criteria for IBPS written exam and jobs in banks are different. This is causing trouble to many candidates,” Mr C. S. Vepa, Director, National School of Banking, a coaching institute for banks exams, said.

While any graduate is eligible to take the common exam, banks are asking for a minimum of 55 per cent marks in graduation.

“When banks tie up with IBPS for a common written test, the eligibility criteria should also be identical,” Mr M. N. Bharadwaj, an aspirant in Hyderabad said.

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