How to become a bank PO
Eligibility, exams (IBPS PO, SBI PO), preparation strategy, salary and career growth for Probationary Officers in public sector banks.
A Probationary Officer (PO) starts as an Assistant Manager in a public sector bank, with steady promotions to branch manager and higher.
Eligibility
- Graduation in any subject.
- Age 20–30 (IBPS PO) or 21–30 (SBI PO), with relaxations.
Exams
- IBPS PO – for most public sector banks
- SBI PO – for State Bank of India
- Related: RBI Grade B, IBPS RRB, LIC AAO
Preparation strategy
| Month | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Basics: arithmetic, simplification, reasoning puzzles, grammar |
| 3–4 | Sectional tests daily; start banking awareness |
| 5–6 | Full mocks (prelims + mains), data interpretation, descriptive writing |
Speed and accuracy decide selection. Analyse every mock test and keep an error notebook.
Career growth
PO → Manager → Senior Manager → Chief Manager → AGM → DGM → GM and above. Banks also offer internal promotion exams, transfers across India, and specialised roles in credit, forex and risk.
Still confused?Take the 2-minute career finder quiz, or check which government exams you are already eligible for.Career quizEligibility
Course fees, seats, exam patterns and salaries change over time and differ between institutions and states. Use this guide to plan, and confirm details on official websites before you decide.
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