Bank Probationary Officer
Works across finance, accounting, billing and investment verticals in a bank, handling customer issues.
Overview
Bank Probationary Officers (BPOs or POs) work in finance, accounting, billing, and investment verticles in banks. They handle customer complaints and other customer related issues.
Where they work
- Banks
Work environment
It is a desk job. You are likely to work for 5 to 6 days a week for 8 to 9 hours every day. This may vary from organisation to organisation.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are good at Maths
- You like to lead
- You like to analyse problems/situations
- You are an ambitious person and set goals for yourself
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream
- 2Pursue Bachelor's in Accountancy, Business, Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Business Economics or any related subject.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree in the same or allied field
- 2Take the Bank PO exam conducted by the IBPS/SBI/IBPS/ICICI Bank/Axis Bank/HDFC Bank/IDFC bank etc.
Forms, exams and applications
Bank PO exam conducted by IBPS, SBI, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, IDFC Bank and others. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Commerce.
Government institutes
- University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana
- University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Bangalore University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, West Bengal
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- J.D. Birla Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal
- St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Christ University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Chandigarh University, Chandigarh
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan
- Galgotias University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Probationary Officer
- 2Manager
- 3Senior Manager
- 4Chief Manager
- 5Assistant General Manager
- 6Deputy General Manager
- 7General Manager
- 8Executive Director
- 9Chairman and Managing Director
Expected income
₹30,000 – ₹80,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Bank Manager/Branch Manager
Manages the day-to-day operations of a bank or financial institution's branch.
Bank Clerk
Handles customer interaction and maintains accurate records of a bank's daily transactions.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Commerce, Maths, Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to analysing.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Ranjana Kumar — The first woman president of NABARD. She started her career in the banking sector as a Probationary Officer in Bank of India in 1966. She did her Bachelor's from Koti Women's College, Hyderabad in 1965 and Post-Graduation course in Public Administration from Osmania University.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 199 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/probationary-officer-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.