Planning to pursue banking courses after 12th and build your career in the banking sector? If yes, then you have arrived on the right page!
Can you imagine a world without banks? Imagine if there were no banks, what would you do with your savings, where would you go for financial requirements?
Well, banks play an important role not only in the financial system but also the economy. Since banks are known to be one of the key components of the financial system, banks distribute funds from savers to the borrowers in an effective and efficient manner. Besides, they provide people with various specialized financial services. Thus, their major contribution is in reducing the cost of obtaining information about the opportunities related to savings, as well as borrowing. Most importantly, these financial services provided by the banks help in making the overall economy more efficient.
Career in Banking Sector
Firstly, banking is one of the sectors that never goes out of employment opportunities. For this reason, there is always a constant need of hiring candidates who have knowledge of all the financial processes. Hence, pursuing banking courses after 12th and graduation has always been a popular choice. Thus, if you are one of those aspiring candidates who wishes to pursue a career in banking, then this blog is for you. In this, we have covered all the necessary pointers that will help you build your career in the banking domain. Read on further to learn more!
In earlier times, banking services were only limited to cash withdrawals, protection of deposits, and offering loans. But, with the advancements in technology, banking services have augmented and provided us with easy-to-use services like online fund transfers, quick loans, instant SMS and email services, insurance plans, online bill payments, ATM services, and many more that make lives hassle-free.
What is a career in banking all about?
With the rapid advancements in banking services, the job roles in this sector have also increased drastically. Well, you may be already familiar with the customer service representatives and tellers. But apart from these, there are many other key areas in which employees work. For example, Accounting / Bank Administration, Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, Human Resources. In addition, there are other fields such as Compliance, Operations, Technology, Information Systems, Security, Marketing, Public Relations, Investment Banking, and many others in which people work,
As a banker, you would have to take up different responsibilities like lending, protecting, and investing money. You will be responsible for consulting clients on efficient investment decisions. So how will you do that? Well, there are a variety of opportunities through which you can broaden your knowledge and skills at a bank. The profession offers a huge number of possibilities, rapid career growth, good pay, and other added benefits.
How to pursue banking as a career? Can you pursue banking courses after 12th?
While usually, people from commerce backgrounds pursue banking courses, do you know that no matter what educational background, interests, and talents you have, there is a career in banking for you? Banking is a diverse field that deals with fund management. So, when it comes at how to pursue a career in banking, there are various routes to it and these routes include:
- You cannot pursue banking right after completing class 12th. You need to complete an undergraduate degree to meet the eligibility criteria.
- Choosing the right degree is very important. You need to complete your graduation in Commerce (preferably)/ Humanities/ Science.
What are the various banking related courses/degree after 12th?
When it comes to the options of degree and banking courses after 12th, there are a number of options available at Bachelor’s and Master’s Level. Some of these degrees and banking related courses after 12th include:
Bachelor’s Level Degrees for Banking:
- BBA in Banking/Accounting
- Bachelor’s in Banking and Finance
- Bachelor’s in Finance and Accounting
- BFM (Bachelor’s in Financial Markets)
- Bachelor’s in Statistics
- Bachelor’s in Analytical Finance
Master’s Level Degrees for Banking:
- MFM (Master’s in Financial Mathematics)
- Master’s in Banking and Finance
- MEMF (Master’s in Monetary and Financial Economics)
- MFA (Master’s in Finance/ Accounting)
There are various kinds of Diploma and Certification banking courses that you may pursue after your undergraduate degree. Some Post Graduate Diplomas offered for banking include:
- Banking and Financial Services
- Banking Management
- Retail Banking
- PGDM in Banking Operations
- PGDM in Banking
What are some of the certifications and professional courses you can pursue related to banking?
You can also pursue various courses and certifications after 12th related to Management and Accounting like Chartered Accountancy, Chartered Institute of Management Accounting, Chartered Financial Analyst, Company Secretary, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, and Financial Risk Management. You can take various Banking Entrance Exams such as IBPS- Probationary Officer (PO)/ Specialist Officers (SO)/Clerk, SBI- PO/Specialist Officer/Clerk, RBI- Specialist Officer and other bank exams.
Recommended Read: 8 Easy Steps to Choose Your Career After Board Exams
What is the skill set needed for working in the banking sector?
In addition to successfully completing the banking courses after 12th, there is a huge amount of information related to the financial services you will be dealing with on a regular basis. Below are some of the skills you might require while working in the banking sector.
- People Management skills
- Perseverance
- Effective Communication Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Critical Thinking Skills
What are the different types of banking exams?
Some of the different job roles and positions you can aim to work in within the banking sector include:
Specialist Officer
Specialist Officer is one of the most advisable and worthy career options for the young generation who wish to pursue their career in the same field of their specialization like – HR Manager, or IT officer. Their responsibility is to handle the functioning of their departments efficiently. The exams and eligibility to become a bank SO vary from post to post.
Probationary Officer
The selected IBPS PO candidate is appointed as an Assistant Manager and holds that designation throughout his/her probation period. Their main roles and responsibilities consist of managing the marketing activities, general banking, supervising the investment decisions and budget allocation, cash management, overseeing the deposits and billing, loan processing, etc.
Regional Rural Bank Exam
In order to increase the employment values of RRB Bank, IBPS has started a new recruitment process. In this new process, candidates who wish to pursue bank jobs in their home states can apply for the RRB Exam. Thus, if you are one of those aspiring candidates looking for an opportunity to work at RRB, then it is the time to turn your dream into reality!
Clerk
A bank clerk is a person who deals directly with all the customers and maintains their accounts. Besides, they attend to the various requirements of the customers such as the passing of cheques, withdrawal slips, etc in the bank.
Recommended Read: A career in Fintech: A blend of Finance and Technology
What are the top banking exams?
In India, the most commonly known exams are conducted by two famous recruitment bodies like the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) and State Bank of India (SBI).
IBPS conducts exams for 11 public sector banks (Union, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, etc) and a few public sector insurance companies that need the manpower the application process for which starts in the month of August every year.
IBPS-SO Exam
Generally, the preliminary exam is conducted around the last week of December. Before applying, you need to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria to appear for this exam. The age limit for Bank SO is 30 years.
- IBPS – SO Prelims Exam Pattern- The pattern of the paper varies according to the post you are applying for.
For the post of Law Officer and Rajbhasha Adhikari:
Section |
No. Of Questions | Marks Allotted | Duration |
Reasoning Ability |
50 |
50 |
40 min |
English Language |
50 |
25 |
40 min |
General Awareness (Banking Industry) |
50 |
50 |
40 min |
For the Post of IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer and Marketing Officer:
Section |
No. Of Questions | Marks Allotted | Duration |
Reasoning Ability |
50 |
50 | 40 min |
English Language |
50 |
25 |
40 min |
Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 |
40 min |
- The IBPS – SO Mains Exam Pattern also varies according to the posts. It usually consists of professional knowledge questions both objective and descriptive.
After that, the candidates who qualify for the mains exam are called for the interview.
Mains exam pattern
For the Post of Law Officer, IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer and Marketing Officer:
Section | No. of Questions | Maximum marks | Medium of the exam | Duration |
Professional Knowledge | 60 | 60 | English and Hindi | 45 minutes |
For the Post of Rajbhasha Adhikari:
Section |
No. of Questions |
Maximum marks |
Medium of the exam |
Duration |
Professional Knowledge (objective) |
45 |
60 | English and Hindi |
30 minutes |
Professional Knowledge (Descriptive) |
2 |
60 | English and Hindi |
30 minutes |
Exam Pattern for IBPS-PO Exam
Levels |
Number of Questions |
Total Marks |
Duration |
Preliminary |
100 | 100 |
1 hour |
Mains |
157 | 225 |
3 hours 30 min |
- IBPS – PO Preliminary Exam Pattern
Section | No. Of Questions | Marks Allotted | Duration |
English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
2. The IBPS – PO Mains Exam Pattern
Section | No. Of Questions | Marks Allotted | Time Allotted |
Reasoning and Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 min |
English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 min |
Data Analysis and Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 min |
General Economy/ Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 min |
English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) | 2 | 25 | 30 min |
Further, candidates who qualify for the mains exam are called for the interview round.
IBPS – Clerk Exam
Levels | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
Preliminary | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
Mains | 190 | 200 | 2 hr 40 min |
Exam Pattern for IBPS – Clerk (Prelims)
Section | No. Of Questions | Marks Allotted | Time Allotted |
English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
IBPS – Clerk Mains Exam Pattern
Section | No. Of Questions | Marks Allotted | Time Allotted |
Reasoning and Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 min |
English Language | 40 | 40 | 35 min |
Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 min |
General / Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 min |
State Bank of India Bank Exams
State Bank of India (SBI) is one of the oldest financial institutions in India. Also, it is the largest banking recruitment body. Therefore, it conducts its examinations every year for various cadres like SBI PO, SBI SO, SBI Clerk, etc for its branches worldwide.
- SBI PO Exam – State Bank of India conducts this examination in two phases for the recruitment of Probationary Officers.
Exam Pattern for SBI PO
Levels | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
Preliminary | 100 | 100 | 1 hr |
Mains | 155 | 200 | 3 hr |
A. SBI PO Preliminary Exam Pattern
Section | No. Of Questions | Marks Allotted | Duration |
English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
B. SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern
Section | No. Of Questions | Marks Allotted | Duration |
Reasoning and Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 min |
Data Analysis and Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 min |
General Economy/ Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 min |
English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 min |
Group Discussion and Interview: After clearing the prelims and mains examinations, the candidate moves onto the group discussion and personal interview rounds. Further, based on the scores and vacancies,the final cut-off is declared.
- SBI Clerk Exam: SBI conducts this examination for clerical posts. Candidates need to qualify both the SBI Clerk Prelims and Mains exams to be eligible for this position.
A. SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam Pattern
Section | No. Of Questions | Marks Allotted | Duration |
English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
B. SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern:
Section | No. Of Questions | Marks Allotted | Duration |
General English | 40 | 40 | 35 min |
Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 min |
Reasoning and Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 min |
General/ Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 min |
How to prepare for banking exams?
Generally, banking exams look tough to crack. But, studying the right banking courses after 12th and having an effective preparation strategy helps. Therefore, we have compiled a few tips that can help ace your banking exams:
- Conceptual Clarity is a must
- Consistency is the key, keep practicing the practice papers to measure your success rate.
- General Knowledge is a critical element.
- Read- Revise- Repeat
Final Words
A career in the banking sector is always open to everyone. If you have the zeal to learn and enthusiasm to work, you can easily make your career in this domain by pursuing banking courses after 12th. However, there are certain examinations that you need to take and meet the eligibility criteria. But if you are an individual who is willing to accept the challenges, banks will always be interested in you. Choosing a banking job as a career option will enable you to grow and achieve your goals. . If you are looking for career guidance to build your career in the banking sector, then you can avail online career counseling from Mindler, and the nation’s leading career coaches will help you find the right career path.
Are you still confused regarding your decision to plan a career in this field; then you should join our ‘Virtual Internship Programs’ in ‘Investment Banking’ and get yourself upskilled and certified by Mindler and resolve all your doubts.