Applying online for Jobs in Public Sector Banks

Applying online for Jobs in Public Sector Banks

Prof. Vipin K Chilana, Head – Processing & Tecnology Division, and Professor –Psychometrics & HR, IBPS



Public Sector Banks (PSBs), it is estimated, will hire 30,000 personnel in various cadres during 2009-10. Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, popularly known as IBPS, promoted by PSBs and the Reserve Bank of India, has been rendering assistance to PSBs and Financial Institutes in recruitment.
IBPS has helped PSBs adopt advanced methods of recruitment and selection. IBPS popularized use of objective tests and OMR technology for scanning and result processing. Public Sector Banks and IBPS adopted advanced technology in such a way that it becomes a facilitator for the masses rather than an advantage perceived as elitist. One such relatively recent area of technology adoption is on-line applications.

For these 30,000 jobs, it is estimated that more than 60 lakh candidates will apply. Had PSBs not adopted the technology in receiving on-line applications the whole selection process would have taken 10-12 months to complete from issue of advertisement to final offer. Now it takes about 7 months.

The online application has been adopted by different Banks with some variations suiting to the requirements of level of jobs, type of recruitment and branch network of the bank. Added to the online advantage is the payment of fee in any branch of the bank rather than purchasing Demand Draft or other such mode of payment. There are many advantages to the applicant in each of these methods. You should read the advertisement of the Bank posted on the website very carefully so that you follow the method indicated properly. The summary of two major variations is as follows:

Fully online - no print out or document or fee receipt to be sent
In this mode, the candidates go to any designated branch of the bank to pay the fee against payment challan which can be downloaded from Bank’s web-site. Then they fill the application online with payment details and retain a copy of the print-out and challan with them. Once you get the registration number your application is received in the database for further processing. You should retain your registration number as well as password as these will be needed for re-printing of application or call letter download facility if provided by the bank. In this mode the biggest advantage is that you are not affected by postal delay or loss.
Application online but print-out of registered application with DD/payment challan required to be sent

In this mode all the above steps are followed but unless the print-out with DD etc is received at the given post bag number within the stipulated time, the application is not valid. Hence when this mode is followed you should try to register as early as possible and send the print-out with DD/payment challan and other enclosures specified so that you don’t lose a chance because of postal delay.


Advantages of online application to the candidates:

The data is filled by you hence accuracy is checked. In the earlier mode data punching many errors would creep in.
You get intimation of call letter by email also
If no print out is to be sent you are assured of application having been received by the Bank online if registered properly and you save on postage also. Your application is not affected by postal delay or loss.

Some Tips:

Apply as early as possible to avoid last minute rush.
Read the advertisement “How to apply” posted on the website very carefully. The Bank for which you are applying may have different specifications.
Preserve registration number and password and a copy of the print-out and payment challan.
Read the print out carefully to ensure that the information has come correctly. You should check this for critical information like your address, date of birth, qualification details etc.
Purchase DD/pay the fee in advance. Banks don’t extend the date of DD or making payment in the branch. However, they generally give 1 or 2 days concession in applying online. There is usually a clause in the advertisement stating – “Even if the date of registration is extended by a day or two the date of DD or payment of fee in the branches will not be extended.
In case you are not able to register due to heavy traffic on the site, don’t panic. Try again during non-peak hours. In order to avoid this situation at the last minute, register as early as possible.
Fill the application yourself. You will learn from each process. Many banks during the interview ask about the feedback on the application process and judge your interest and alertness about the whole process.
In case of payment at the bank branch, even if the bank branch is not in close vicinity do make it a point to go yourself to pay the fee. It helps you know about the bank which can be to your advantage during interview. When you appear for the written exam or attend interview you do travel some distance. Have the same approach for payment of fee also. Though you have the option of requesting someone else known to you to buy DD or make payment on your behalf, doing it yourself will help you gain different experience of the process and will add to your learning.
Check your email and bank’s website frequently to know about the announcements. This should particularly be done around the crucial dates given in the advertisement.


While technology provides you many advantages, it also has some glitches, particularly in the initial stage. Because of the introduction of a new method you may face some problem sometimes and in the event of such happenings, PSBs ensure that the candidates are not put to any loss or disadvantage or deprived of their chance to apply arising out of any such difficulty. In most of the cases the date of registration is extended. You need to show positive attitude towards technology but in case of any problem do seek assistance in a proactive manner. Be part of the solution when faced with the problem. While having patience for such failures, do bring out such instances to the notice suggesting your recommended course of action. This positive attitude will help you in life also.