R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, DEC 11
In a significant step to overhaul public-sector bank hiring, the Finance Ministry has introduced a new framework that will streamline recruitment timelines, improve transparency and sharply reduce attrition across State Bank of India (SBI), Nationalised Banks (NBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). The Department of Financial Services (DFS) said the move follows a comprehensive review of the recruitment ecosystem managed through the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS).
- Announcement order to curb attrition and stabilise SBI, Nationalised Banks & RRB recruitments
- New sequencing aims to fix talent migration from RRBs → NBs → SBI and strengthen workforce planning
- IBPS exams to gain greater transparency under unified framework
- Move to bring predictability, faster choices and lower vacancies in public-sector banking
Revised result
Traditionally, RRB examinations are conducted first, followed by those of NBs and SBI—resulting in a familiar pattern of talent migration where fresh recruits move from RRBs to NBs and eventually to SBI. The DFS noted that this “notable trend” has created high attrition, operational disruptions and staffing instability across banks.
Taking note of the issue, the DFS advised the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) to adopt a standardised and logical sequencing in releasing recruitment results. Under the newly established framework, results will now be declared first for SBI, followed by NBs, and finally RRBs.
Further, officer-level results across all three categories will be announced before clerical-level results in the same order. The Finance Ministry said the new sequencing will help candidates make quicker, better-informed choices while enabling banks to plan manpower requirements with higher accuracy.
The Ministry emphasised that the revised system will enhance transparency, ensure greater predictability for applicants, improve recruitment stability and substantially reduce attrition—addressing one of the most persistent challenges in India’s public-sector banking.
