The number of applications received for the 1st clerical common written exam was 35 lakhs.To filter eligible candidates from such a vast pool, banks frame certain conditions that are to be fulfilled before applying.One such rule deals about possessing knowledge in local language of the state that a person chooses to apply.
Public sector banks have always stressed on the language constraint while issuing clerk job notifications as the vacancies are state-wise & their initial joining location could be any branch within that state.
During Interview
For clerk recruitment in banks, candidates can apply only for a state where they had appeared for the IBPS CWE.In addition he/she must posses proficiency in the regional language.
Dena bank quotes,
At the time of interview, candidates would be asked to write a passage/ essay in regional language to ascertain their knowledge.
Punjab & Sind bank, Andhra bank have also indicated similar methods of assessing your language skills.The interview panelists may ask you to answer questions or read/ write in the official language of state to confirm your abilities.
Could be Rural Postings
Rajeev prasad reddy,a freelance bank exams coach from Hyderabad says, “Clerical employees are the first point of contact to those entering a bank.It is necessary for them to write & speak in the local language as their job involves answering, conversing & explaining about the bank`s products to customers.
With public banks looking to open large no. of branches in rural areas as part of financial inclusion, new clerk recruits may be posted in such regions.[check out, can I apply for clerk jobs in any state?]
So by banks wanting to assess a person`s communication level, it seems they want to be doubly sure of his capabilities.”
‘I don’t know to write/read’
We have heard many exclaim ‘I only know to speak but cant read or write’.If you are one among them & have applied to any of the above banks then you could face problems.
- Going by the eligibility conditions if an applicant is not proficient in the regional language of that state he/ she is not eligible.
Apply for the correct state – Next time
An applicant originally from Kerala with proficiency in Malayalam language may be working in Bangalore but wont know to read/write Kannada.He must appear for exam in Kerala & not in Karnataka.
If you had applied for the wrong state & don’t know the local dialect – there is no facility to modify it now.
As IBPS conducts clerk CWE once every 6 months, register for the next exam by choosing a test centre in an appropriate state.
Related reading: Non-graduates cant apply for bank clerical jobs