Probationary Officer Exams - Entry Point to Management Positions in the Banking Industry

A Probationary Officer or a PO exam is the first step of the ladder that leads you to managerial positions in the banking industry. A fresh graduate, with 60% in their undergraduate degree, is eligible for the exam and those who qualify usually report to senior and experience officers in the bank who act as their mentors and guides. They usually deploy probationary officers in different departments of the bank during the probation period to help them understand overall bank operations and gain exposure in all its working systems.

Normally, the probation period of those who qualify PO exam is two years, and banks have every right to terminate an employee they deem not fit for the position during the period. Generally, a newly appointed Probationary Officer earns around Rs 12,000 to Rs 20,000 per month on the pay scale of Rs 10,000 to 18,240. The age limit to appear for PO exams is 21 years to 30 years. However, there is a relaxation of three years for OBC candidates and five years for SC/ST candidates.

The PO exams are conducted in two phases:

• In the first phase, candidates take a three-hour written examination which has a total score of 250 marks. It can usually be divided into:
  
  • Two-hour objective type test with a maximum of 200 marks. It is further divided into four sections:  
    
    • Test of Data Analysis and Interpretation
      
    • Test of English Language (Grammar, Vocabulary, and Comprehension)
    • Test of General Awareness, Marketing, and Computers
    • Test of Reasoning (High Level)
  • One-hour descriptive type test with a maximum of 50 marks, which evaluates English Languages skills of the candidates, such as comprehension, short precise, letter writing, and essay.

The qualifying marks for candidates is 40% in each of the four sections of the objective test, overall aggregate of the objective test, and the descriptive test. The merit list is prepared on the aggregate marks of the candidate, based on their scores in objective and descriptive tests.

• In the second phase, students who qualify the written examinations appear for the Group Discussion and Interview, which are for 50 marks overall. The GD round has a maximum of 20 marks, while the Interview is allotted a maximum of 30 marks. Candidates have to secure a minimum of 40% in this round too.

The candidates are selected as Probationary Officers, depending on their performance in both the phases. Banks advertise their PO exams in all the leading newspapers, whenever they have vacancies. So, if you want to become banking professional, keep a tab on PO exams and launch your career in the right way.

Source: Shiksha Team

Date: 27th December, 2010

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