Be a part of the institution which the nation banks upon

That’s the headline of the ad from SBI for the recruitment of Probationary Officers (PO).  It is, indeed, something any career aspiring youngster must pay attention to.

Look at the big picture :
The Indian economy is on her way from being a USD 2.0 Trillion economy to a 5 trillion dollar economy over the coming decade. Financial inclusion of the bottom half of the soci-economic pyramid will be a critical enabler in this process. Banking, as an industry, is going to be a crucial enabler. This juggernaut is all set to roll out massively over the coming decade. All the crucial stake-holders or  enablers including the Govts, the central bank (RBI), the banking players (public sector as well as private) and even the banking consumers are thirsting for this expansion.

Needless to say, this is one of the greatest career enabling canvasses on the Indian landscape. Please do pay some close attention to some of the minute aspects of the SBI ad that has appeared this week. Some trends in the market also are worth paying attention to :

1. Banking Expansion and career Opportunities :
The banking sector has expanded, modernized, become more cutting edge and offers immense and wide career opportunities. Credit outreach, rural banking, treasury, personal banking, etc., have grown manifold over the past decade.  This is now poised for a deep geographical penetration into the countryside.  There is another wave of banking licenses that is underway that will further fuel the demand for young leaders in the banking sector.  This will grow similar to the MBA sector during the past decade.

2.  Career and compensation :
Banking specialization is likely to emerge as a strong competitor to the MBA option for young college graduate if it is not already one.  In my view, IAS, MBA and Banking would figure among the top three careers for students seeking a mainstream PG-level career option.

It is uncommon for me to find engineers with a year or two of work-experience shifting their career from IT to Banking.  Mind you,  I am here speaking about students working with top IT companies like Infy and TCS.   There are two strong reasons for this, in my view :

  • banking provides a deep and immensely fulfilling career with a potential to do a 360-degree leadership impact from finance, HR, marketing, outreach, IT, and so on.
  • the compensation in the banking sector is also better than any of the B-schools save a dozen.  As you browse the ad, you find that the compensation is as high as 8.55 Lakhs.  The salary is also due for revision!   I would not be surprised if it breaches the Rs 10 Lakh mark.  And remember, SBI is a market setter.

What should you focus on ? Graduation students can apply :
One remarkable departure the SBI has made is that the students in the final year or semester of graduation are now eligible to take the exam. This is a huge opportunity opening step for a student.

This is a great opportunity for the students and every effort must be made to make this count to earn a breakthrough into one of the most robust career options in India.

Where are you ?  Are you cued in  ?

All the best
GP

75 Comments

  3. Sir,
    I am a student of BBA final year from Amity Global Business School, Bubaneswar which is under AMITY UNIVERSITY, NOIDA. And I have a confusion about my degree that whether it is in distance or regular mode and with this degree am I eligible for Central Govt Jobs as well as getting admissions into govt. institutions like IIMs/FMS/IIFTs. I am confused and worried because today I saw in AGBS site and it is clearly mentioned that the degree they are offering is a fleximode degree, sir I have mentioned the link please have a look and guide me (agbs.in/GDBA_BBA_three_years.asp). But again I am doing regular classes under the infrastructure.
    Sir, please reply me asap I need your guidance.
    thanks

    • Dear Ajay,
      The best answer can be given by the Amity Global Business School itself to YOU. As per my understanding Fleximode and Recognized degree both are different things , one is talking about the mode of doing it and other is talking about the validity!!. To be eligible for the Government examinations you should have a recognised degree , I think you should clarify it from the School about it.
      Hope it serves the concern.
      Thanks
      TEAM CL

    • Hi Shubham,
      Thanks fopr sending in the query. In the SBI PO Pre examination the questions will be from the following sections
      1. Quant , 2. Reasoning and 3. English , there will be no General Awareness in the pre examination , it will be a part of the mains examination only.
      In English , there will be RC , Para jumbles , fill in the blanks , word meanings , find the grammatical error will be there.
      In quant there will a separate section mainly questions will be from Data Interpretation and other concepts of mathematics.
      In reasoning , questions will be of slightly higher level than that of normal PO level and will have, logical reasoning , coding decoding , Caselet based analytical reasoning , statement conclusion and statement course of action etc. based questions.
      You should get hold of the past years papers based book to get more clarity about this.
      Hope it serves your concern.
      Thanks
      TEAM CL

  5. Greetings Sir, i m giving sbi po this month . as far as pre exam is concerned, sir can u give some tips to study effectively ..and GA section is not included in pre, so is it okay to concentrate on it after pre, i mean for mains?

    • Hi Sakshi,
      Thanks for sending in the query. Here are some tips to study effectively.
      1. Go through the past years papers to know the pattern of questions.
      2. Concentrate on your weak areas by practicing enough questions in that.
      3. In Quant focus on short cuts.
      4. Use your time judiciously , give more time to more weightage based sections.
      5. Be regular and practice one mock daily ( its a must if you have done the basics) spend more time in analysing the solutions of the mocks than in attempting them as it can give you lot of insight into your preparation and weaknesses. You can join CL Bank PO Test series to master this paper.
      6. Because GA section has only 25 questions out of 50 and that too in the mains section therefore, its o.k. if you study it later.
      Hope these tips will serve the intended purpose.
      Thanks
      TEAM CL

  6. Dear GP Sir,
    While SBI is an awesome company to work for and get rich experience instead of MBA from many low rung colleges, I have a deep passion to join RBI post my MBA. I am currently doing my MBA from IIM Indore (2nd year), so what are some good opportunities in RBI post MBA and how to apply?

    • Hi Tejas,
      Thanks for sending in the query.Kindly note that after doing MBA from IIM Indore , it is strongly recommended that you must check your motive of joining RBI and try for RBI only when you are keen on working in RBI then only you should go for it. Please note that RBI is surely an institution to be in if you are passionate about a career in Policy making and be part of the economic growth of the country. The way to enter into RBI is that you need to apply for RBI Grade ‘A’ and Grade ‘B’ examination, (whichever route you opt for, its dependent on you) that are held on the basis of requirement by the RBI. You can visit https://rbi.org.in/scripts/bs_viewcontent.aspx?Id=2685 for the grade B examination details of RBI. Hope it serves the purpose or else you can write back to me again.
      Thanks
      TEAM CL

    • Dear Atul,
      Thanks for sending in the query. You can use Hindi also provided you take permission. Generally in today’s scenario its recommended and preferred that you speak in English as it is the language of the day. Hope it addresses your concern.
      Thanks
      TEAM CL

  8. sir currently i’m in my third yr of btech..so technically i’m nt elliglible for sbi exam but still i have filled the form. can it be a problem for me if i give the exam nxt yr as i will be giving xam this tym

  9. Sir,

    I am preparing for CAT 15. I have just one issue which is hindering my progress: My calculation speed is too slow, and even for cracking the most simple DI cases, I take 10-12 minutes, which leads to a lot of frustration and a dip in the Section 1 score. Kindly suggest some way to improve calculation speed . I am willing to invest any amount of time before CAT to do so. I’m a graduating student so I still have a lot of free time at hand.

    • Aman, Mug up the following:
      1. tables upto 20 x 20
      2. reciprocals from 1/1 to 1/30 in percentage terms. For example 1/14 = 7.14%
      Start using Vedic Math techniques and try doing calculations orally to improve your calculation speed.
      Call me at 9811155160 any day in the evening in case you want to discuss this further.

  10. Dear Sir,
    I have eight years of experience in process design but i am not getting much interest in my present job. I am looking to change my sector. Hence i have planned to go for MBA, but my experience is 8 years whether i will able to get a opportunity for 2 year MBA in IIM. i am confused whether i should go for CAT or GMAT. Please suggest.
    I have already started my preparation for CAT and taken the test series of CL. I have also applied for SBI PO.
    My academic marks are 10th 75.25, 12th 75.7 and B. Tech 7.65 CGPA.

    Please suggest me what may be the best option for my career growth.

    regards,
    RKM

    • RKM, with a work experience of 8 years a 2 year MBA program is not recommended. Suggest that you prepare for GMAT and target the 1 year MBA program of ISB Hyderabad and top IIMs.

      • Dear Sir,
        Thank you very much for your reply.
        I am from Jamshedpur and i have contacted with CL, jamshedpur branch but they informed me that there is no such program available here for GMAT.

        Please advice me how can i take the preparation for GMAT. I have already taken the CAT test series from CL as the CAT & GMAT syllabus are almost same.

        Please also inform me if there is any reference book which i may follow.

        Thanks & regards,
        RKM

  11. GOOD EVENING
    Sir,
    I have low marks in ssc ,hsc and graduation , having no experience and gap after graduation(BBA) (means preparation time invest for banking exams) can effect my selection process in sbi po 2015 . If written exam cleared.
    Will this matter in interview . or your self presentation in interview matter the most in banking exams.
    Please sir help me in improving my self confidence .

    • Atul, your marks and gap years will be questioned in the interview but will not be a reason for rejection. Your performance in the interview along with your marks in the written test determine your selection.

  13. Dear Sir

    I have totally messed up with my career and I need guidance.
    I am 2010 passout with following acads: 10th : 92%;12th: 74% and BE: 72.6%
    Worked with TCS from Oct 2010 till July 2013 and resigned to prepare for CAT 2013 as i had scored 82%ile in CAT 2012 and 88% ile in XAT 2013.
    I scored 93.82%ile in CAT 2013 but due to complications at home I did not apply for any colleges.I did not get a call from the IIMs as I am from General Category
    I qualified for IBPS PO 3 and joined Bank of baroda in June 2014 but resigned in 6 months due to extremely insensitive work culture.
    Right now I am jobless and preparing for SBI but I want to give CAT 15.I am very low at confidence.
    I dont know if I can make it to a Good MBA college like IIMs or XLRI etc becuase I have career gap of 1 year after my 12th and then 1 year gap after TCS.

    If I get into an MBA will these gaps and resignation hamper my chances of getting a good campus placement.

    I am very confused and I am not able to find out a way out of this..

    Regards

    • Sandeep, the gaps in your academics and work experience will definitely be a topic of discussion in the interview but you will not be rejected because of this. The interview calls are based on your CAT/XAT scores (plus past academics in IIMs) and the gap years are not even considered.
      Campus placement is mostly a function of your performance in MBA and not your past academics or your gap years.
      Focus on your CAT preparation as CAT score of 99.5%ile can take care of all such issues.

      • Sir

        Can I make s start for my CAT prep from now onwards?
        I am very low at confidence.I dont know where to start from.
        I scored 93.82%ile in CAT 2013 with 89 %ile in QADI and more than 90%ile in VALR

        Regards

        • Sandeep, there is sufficient time for CAT’15 which is expected to be held in end November however this would need consistency of effort and you should spend about 3 hours on weekdays and 7-8 hours on holidays.
          Your 90%ile in both sections indicates that conceptually you should be sound and your focus should be on practice and testing. Hopefully you still have your CAT’13 material, start by revising the important concepts from all areas in the next 4 weeks. Once you revise a topic start practising MCQs of the topic so after the first couple of days you would be revising topics and practising MCQs simultaneously. You should also join Test Series and take Mock CATs as per the schedule.
          The recommended program for someone like you is Smart CAT Cracker Comprehensive, it includes Video lessons covering all areas with a focus on test taking, Test Gym for practice and Test Series for your testing requirements.
          In case you do not need support in terms of concepts then go for Test Series + Test Gym Adaptive.

  14. Hi Sir,

    I have scored 96.97 in my Feb CMAT and had calls from kjsomaiya and welingkar,Couldnt convert somaiya,glim takes feb cmat scores only for the next years admission process,would u suggest joining welingkar or wait till next year ,give CAT once more and appear for GLIM and other colleges ?

    • Sandeep, suggest that you go for a retake. With a 96.97%ile in CMAT you deserve a better college than Welingkar.

  15. Dear Sir, I am BE Mechanical 2014 passout with 80-80-60 acads. I am working as Maintenance Engineer in one of the local companies. Please guide me how to begin with my preparations for CAT 15/ SBI/ SSC. My working hours are 12-13 hrs including travelling and I don’t feel like doing anything after coming home.

  16. Dear Sir

    This year with very little preparation and guidance from this blog I was able to get a call from XLRI-HRM. But being more interested in Marketing/BM, I’ve decided to prepare with full effort and try for a better option next year.

    Being a working professional , classroom classes will be tough for me. Can you please suggest what all should I include in SCC pack- Videos/ TGA/TS ?

    Also is it advisable to join 2 test series for better preparation and results ?

    I don’t want to overdo do please suggest what will be the optimum preparation required for better results as compared to this time.

    Thank You

    • Yash, a cclass room program is also not recommended for a retake, especially if you are over 85%ile in CAT/XAT as your fundamentals are in place and you need to focus on practice and on test taking skills. The right program for you would be Smart CAT Cracker Comprehensive which includes the video sessions, Test Gym and Test Series.
      Usually one Test Series is sufficient but you can go for another one if you need more tests, in case you are looking at another test series you can consider IMS Test Series.

      • Dear Sir

        Thanks a lot for the suggestions. I will be joining SCC. There are couple of things more I want to discuss:
        1. TIME test series is regarded to be on a much tougher side as compared to IMS and actual CAT exam. Which among the two will compliment Career Launcher test series ?

        2. Can you please share your email id so that I can mail my queries during the preparation ?

        Thank You.

        • Yash, the TIME test series has always been much more difficult than CAT which leads to de-motivation and also does not allow a student to build speed. Also this makes waste time in practising very difficult and irrelevant questions. In CAT’14 only CL and IMS test series were close to CAT and TIME was way of the mark.
          My email id is gp@careerlauncher.com

  17. Sir,
    I am in Tcs. I am allocated to a project since approximately 4 months , but being honest I haven’t learnt much as not much work has been given. I just create documents and create some test case logs that’s it. I am worried since most of the B schools wont consider this as a work experience. Could you please tell me if such scenario continues till October what impact will it have on my selection?
    P.S I wont be released from domain or project since I m a fresher.

    • nikita, work experience marks are given based on the number of months of work experience. The quality of work experience is evaluated in the interview and can be taken care of. Suggest that you focus on your CAT preparation and let us discuss this after you are through with the MBA entrances.

  18. Dear Sir,
    I have been alloted UBI bank PO post. I would like to know what is the new salary structure after revision in dearness allowance. Also what inhand salary I can expect.

    I am unable to find the same in public forums and their website.

    • Dear pakshaal,
      Earlier it was 28.3k now after revision it should touch approx 34k. I hope it resolves your concern.
      Thanks TEAM CL

  19. Hi Sir,

    I started studying for cat on FEB 2014 and I scored 78.32 percentile last year. I’m 2013 passed out student and working in TCS. Daily I will be in office for minimum 13 hours ( from Mrg 6.30 to 8.30 in the evening). My project is like that. So I was not able to concentrate but took CL mocks alone last year. Now I’m planning to give another try on 2015. Meanwhile, I got selected in syndicate bank as probationary officer through IBPS. Please advise whether I can switch my career at this point of time. I have interest on management and I’m thinking of quitting TCS and going to take up syndicate bank. Will this management experience help me on IIM interview? (PS – I have 1 year 7 months exp on TCS)

    • Dinesh, PO in Syndicate Bank is a good option if you do not want to continue in TCS/IT, this experience will also be helpful in your MBA interviews. Joining Syndicate Bank and preparing for CAT’15 is a good option.

  20. Hi Sir,

    I have been working in Infosys since past eight months. I just found that CL Educate is hiring and hence I am appearing for AMCAT tomorrow. I wanted to know whether the last date to apply has got over. Also, is CL Educate looking for freshers or experienced because on one of the websites it was mentioned that walk-ins were on 24th,25th April. Really wish to switch from Infy to CL. Please let me know the status quo currently.

  21. Hi Sir,

    My Name is Jitesh Khubchandani and i want a suggestion from you. Sir i have a gap of 5 years after my 12th as i was doing my btech and i dropped it because i was so careless and i didnt studies at all that time resulting in a lot of backlogs. In 2011, i joined jamia hamdard for my bba and completed with 60%. My 10th percentage is 63.6 and 12th is 60.8. Currently i am working with snapdeal.com from past 5 months. I want to give cat 15. Would i be able to get the top colleges if i work really hard in cat or it would be impossible for me because of my 5 years gap. Please suggest sir

    • Jitesh, I have not come cross any case similar to yours. While a 5 year gap is difficult to explain you really do not have anything to lose and should try your best as a MBA from a good institute could help you cover up for your past mistakes and give a fresh start to your career. With your academics a call from top IIMs are not possible unless ou have almost a 100%ile in CAT but fortunately most of the other institutes have a low/no weight for past academics and are all possible for you.

      • Hi Sir,

        Thank you so much for your reply. Sir i have few more questions on it. Can i contact you directly in any manner so that i can get direct guidance from you. It would be really helpful for me sir.

  22. Sir I got admission in tapmi PGDM and an offer from state bank of Mysore for PO. I am 2014 engineering grad with no exp. what would u suggest? Join tapmi or go with the bank?

    • Confused guy, TAPMI is my preference as it will give you wider and better career opportunities. SBM PO will restrict you to Banking.

  23. Hi Sir,

    I am actually in a kind of mess and need your sincere advice. I have been working in an IT company since past 7 months and I am not enjoying it. I have been preparing for CAT 2015 . Also, I appeared for cat 2014 and converted calls of NMIMS,Mumbai and KJ Somaiya Mumbai, but didn’t take admission.
    But, Sir, recently I realized that I am not cut for corporate life and I don’t know why I have developed fascination for the Armed Forces and feel like joining it. I really wish to join either Army or Air Force. Please suggest me what to do as my 7 month work ex has made me realized that corporate job is nothing but a sham.

  24. Respected GP SIR,
    Sir I Have converted MIB delhi school of economics, I am 2014 pass out with no work ex,should I try for sbi po to get work ex and try for MBA after 2-3 years or should I join DSE now itself.
    CAT 14 -94.08
    GRADUATION-58.08

  25. Sir, I will be appearing for CAT2015 and I wish to know when should I start taking mock tests and what should be the time interval between 2 mock tests.
    Thanks in advance sir.

    • Komal, you can follow the schedule of the Mocks. To being with you can take one paper in two weeks and by September it should become 2 papers a week Every paper should be analysed in detail to ensure that you are able to carry forward its learning in the next paper. Please refer to the post Things you must-do after every mock you take to understand the process of analysing the Mocks.

  26. Hello SIR,You are doing great job.
    Right now i am in a lot confusion. I am sure you can make it
    Sir right now i am in cs final (professsional) and i appeared for cmat and i gonna make bk ahmedabad but it is advisable to go for sbi po ??? or focus on mba and complete cs (this june attempt)with it dont waste time in doing mba????
    and to make sbi po and invest this 2 year in probation in it
    I consider cs as extra qualification and is it good in sbi????
    Another point is that can you please flash light on transfer issues are there in sbi .AND in what may be salary of sbi po???
    Can i focus on sbi po first than think about complete cs??????????
    Thank you.

  27. GP Sir, I am selected in SDMIMD and at the same time got a gob in Canara Bank in clerical cadre. I’m 28 years old, belong to General Category, have 41 months work ex in IT (Infosys), left my job 1.5 years back as wanted to shift my career from technical domain due to the lack of scope in mainframe platform. I got married last year and my wife is working as an associate in an IT MNC. Considering my profile kindly guide me to chose the right path. Shall I take up the job and try for PO exams or I should go for MBA in SDMIMD. Really confused! Help me please sir!
    Thanks in advance.
    Regards,
    Sohan

  28. currently my current affair is not so good..how should i prepare from now to excel in gk section of sbi po recruitment exam?

    • Hi Nilesh, thanks for sending in the query. In order to excel in SBI PO GK section you need to do the following.
      1. Please read The Hindu & The Economic Times regularly . Please cover last 6 months of latest happenings prior to examination, as it is a must.
      2. If you are our student then you can also access (a) Gyan Dhara in your SIS ( It is a regular weekly current affairs quiz) and (b) GK Updates for Banking, which is basically a monthly current affairs update on GK of the month gone by.
      If you follow the above mentioned inputs then GK should not pose problems, YES, last but not the least, you need to be patient , persevere and practice in GK to really manage it. In case of any other query or concern please do write back to us.
      With Best TEAM CL

  29. HI sir,
    I am working at TCS Gurgaon since 7 months now. I will appear for CAT 2015. The thing is that I have zero technical knowledge. I cleared my engineering just like that and scored 71% marks.
    Basically, the. Issue I am facing is that I am unable to manage work with studies. I don’t wish to compromise on my preparations. My bosses call me on Saturday,but I don’t go since I prepare and hence my project lead is irritated of me. I am low on confidence as I don’t know much about technical thing. Somehow I managed for 7 months,but now I am getting frustrated as I am unable to focus on my studies. Hence,under these circumstances I am planning to resign in first week of June so that I serve notice period till July that will make my total work ex as 9 months. In that case will a 9 month work ex be considered sufficient in b schools provided I score well. Will resignation dent my chances to get admission in b schools like IIMs,MDI,SPJIMR,NMIMS,IIFT,XLRi etc.
    Following is my profile:
    10th-89
    12th-87.2
    B tech- 71.4
    Please give me your honest opinion ,sir. I am really frustrated. I dont feel like going to office as well
    P.S I appeared for CAT 13 and ,I had converted calls of FORE,Delhi. This is the time I actually want to brush up my concepts since 6 months are left for CAT now.
    Reply asap ..sir

    • Isha, for a B school a zero work experience is also acceptable so 9 months is not a problem. In the interview you will be questioned on the reasons for leaving your job but it can be handled and hence if you are unable to balance your work and preparation plus you are not at all interested in your job then quitting is fine. You should however prepare for other exams along with CAT/XAT (like GMAT or Bank PO) as they can be your back up options.

      • Sir,
        Since I will be resigning , will the period after resignation be considered as a year drop? How much marks does 8-9 months of work experience fetch in actual sense.
        Also, I have heard the general formula for work-ex calculation as: 5(x/36) where x is no. of months.
        Please throw light on this, Sir.

        • Isha, since you will not be working so the period will be considered as a “drop” and you will get weightage only for the period that you have been working for. You will get at best 1/5 mark for work experience of 8-9 months.

          • Sir,
            there is an opening for software developer in CL Educate. Should I switch from TCS to CL. I mean will the experience be relevant for a B school?
            Thanks.
            Sorry to bother you

  30. Sir i am currently pursuing PGDM from GIM. I am in my 2nd year. SBI PO interesrs me. Do u think i should prefer SBI PO over my Final Placements?

    Taking into account, the career growth and the future perspective.

    Thank you

      • Sir, will going for a 1 year MBA from ISB after 4-5 years of work experience do any good (work experience post completion of MBA from GIM)?

        • Ankush, you can consider a 1 year MBA after 6-8 years of GIM if your career is not moving as per your expectations.

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