The first question asked by candidates who couldn’t clear the bank exams & those aspiring for bank jobs is – when is the next ibps common exam? While CWE did generate good response, the manner in which PSB`s chose the qualifiers for interviews didn’t augur too well.This has made the government to announce some changes which also includes making the CWE an yearly event.
Gone are the days when banking exams were held regularly throughout the year as per their requirement.
In 2011, Government of India to address the growing need of manpower in public sector banks decided to fasten recruitment activities and proposed a single exam for jobs in all public banks except SBI.
One Exam a Year
The change approved by Department of Financial Services (Ministry of finance) has also been notified through a letter sent to IBPS, IBA and CEO`s of banks participating in this selection process.
| As per it, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) will be conducting common written examinations once a year for PO and clerk level jobs hereafter.This was also confirmed by BankExamsIndia.com with Prof.A.K.Konar (Division head, IBPS) |
This move shall put more pressure on aspirants preparing for upcoming bank exams as those failing in CWE will have to wait for the next year before reappearing.Even those passouts need to qualify in a common interview for securing appointment in any one of the 20 PSB`s.
Just like a coin, every decision has two sides.While it could affect some there are certain advantages attached to this new plan,
- Reduces overlapping – qualified candidates need not fear of next batch taking away their chances.
- Vacancies announced for an year shall be filled with qualifiers of that specific year assuring employment for maximum.
So in a way, getting selected for bank jobs in India is to become more competitive than ever before. (see bank job selections to go tougher in future)
IBPS Exams – So Far
The institute has successfully completed 2 CWE for PO`s & 1 clerical common exam (the 2nd is to be held in Dec 2012)
Here is an image showing timeline of tests that have happened since 2011,
The examinations were previously advertised as an event to be held twice a year.But the recent clerical CWE notification from IBPS does not mention this line, indicating the things to come.
| Therefore the next common tests could well take place in June 2013 (PO) & December 2013 (clerks). |
In addition to these, IBPS is also responsible for executing exams such as Specialist officers & regional rural banks which are yearly affairs.