Banking jobs in India continue to attract lakhs of aspirants every year due to job security, good salary, growth opportunities, and work-life balance. With digital banking and financial reforms on the rise, public sector banks, regulatory bodies, and financial institutions are conducting competitive exams for clerks, officers, and specialist posts. If you’re planning to enter the banking sector in 2025, here are the top banking exams you should keep an eye on.
Top Banking Exams in 2025
1. IBPS PO (Probationary Officer)
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the PO exam annually for 11+ public sector banks. It’s one of the most prestigious and competitive banking exams.
- Eligibility: Graduate in any discipline
- Age Limit: 20–30 years
- Selection Process: Prelims → Mains → Interview
- Career Path: PO → Manager → Senior Manager → AGM and beyond
🔗 Related Links: Official IBPS Website
2. IBPS Clerk
This exam is conducted for clerical positions in public sector banks. It’s ideal for freshers looking to enter the banking workforce with a stable role and regular working hours.
- Eligibility: Graduate
- Selection Process: Prelims → Mains
- Job Role: Customer service, account handling, data entry
🔗 Related Links: Official IBPS Website
3. SBI PO (State Bank of India Probationary Officer)
SBI PO is one of the most sought-after bank exams in India due to its high pay, challenging roles, and career advancement opportunities.
- Eligibility: Graduate
- Age Limit: 21–30 years
- Selection Process: Prelims → Mains → Group Exercise & Interview
- Perks: Higher salary, housing allowance, exposure to foreign banking
🔗 Related Links: SBI Careers Portal
4. SBI Clerk (Junior Associate)
This exam is for clerical roles in SBI branches across the country. The job offers stability, fixed hours, and local postings, making it popular among aspirants.
- Eligibility: Graduate
- Selection Process: Prelims → Mains (No Interview)
🔗 Related Links: SBI Careers Portal
5. RBI Grade B Officer
The Reserve Bank of India conducts this highly competitive exam for management-level officer roles. It offers a mix of central banking, policy making, and research-based responsibilities.
- Eligibility: Graduate with 60% marks
- Age Limit: 21–30 years
- Selection Process: Phase I → Phase II → Interview
- Why It’s Special: Among the most prestigious jobs in India’s financial ecosystem
🔗 Related Links: RBI Careers Page
6. RBI Assistant
This exam is for clerical-level roles in RBI. Though the role is support-based, it comes with the prestige of working in India’s central bank and good promotional scope.
- Eligibility: Graduate
- Selection Process: Prelims → Mains → Language Proficiency Test
🔗 Related Links: RBI Careers Page
7. IBPS RRB (Regional Rural Banks)—Officer Scale I, II, III & Office Assistant
Conducted for regional rural banks across India, these exams recruit for both clerical and officer posts. Good for candidates aiming to work in semi-urban or rural branches.
- Eligibility: Graduate
- Selection Process: Varies by role; typically includes Prelims, Mains, Interview
- Language Note: Proficiency in the local language is often required
🔗 Related Links: Official IBPS Website
8. NABARD Grade A and B
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development recruits for rural development and financial inclusion roles. It’s perfect for those interested in developmental banking.
- Eligibility: Graduate or Postgraduate (Agriculture, Economics, Finance preferred)
- Selection: Prelims → Mains → Interview
- Work Scope: Rural financing, infrastructure, and policy execution
🔗 Related Links: NABARD Recruitment
Expected Exam Calendar (Tentative)
| Exam | Notification | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBPS PO | July 2025 | Sep | Oct-Nov |
| SBI PO | April 2025 | June | July |
| RBI Grade B | May 2025 | June | July |
| IBPS Clerk | Aug 2025 | Sep | Oct |
| SBI Clerk | Dec 2024 | Jan | Feb 2025 |
| NABARD | Sept 2025 | Oct | Nov-Dec |
| RRB Exams | June 2025 | Aug | Sept-Oct |
Tips to Crack These Exams
- Start early: Many of these exams have overlapping patterns—begin with English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude basics.
- Practice mock tests: Time management is key. Use platforms like Oliveboard, Testbook, or Adda247.
- Read daily: Build general awareness with newspapers and apps like Inshorts or AffairsCloud.
- Stay consistent: Consistency over cramming ensures lasting success.
