What is the difference between IBPS PO and IBPS clerk?

IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk Exams are the most awaited exams by the aspirants of bank jobs. These exams are conducted by IBPS, a self-governing recruitment organization who appoints graduates for many job profiles of Public Sector Banks except SBI. Generally speaking, there are several candidates who apply for these posts without knowing the work profile of either of the posts. In this article, we will discuss the work profile of IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk so that the aspiring candidates should know the duties they are going to perform if they are selected for any of the posts, offered by IBPS.

Firstly, we will discuss the basic difference between IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk by explaining out their definitions. In IBPS PO, the word PO stands for “Probationary Officer” in the banks. It is considered to be higher grade than that of a clerk.

As far as IBPS Clerk, he can be termed as “Single Window Operator” where he has to conduct all types of General Office tasks. He has to be present in all the departments and his responsibilities are to maintain the records filing, staffing service counters, screening specialists, other regulatory tasks etc.

The Probationary Officer starts off as a trainee officer in the Junior Management Grade Service (JMGS) of the bank. They have substantial vertical growth in the promotions of their posts and can rise to the highest grades of the banking posts (General Manager, a Director or even the Chairman of the Bank). He is appointed at two years of training probation period as an Assistant Manager in the bank and has to handle duties like handling of cash, managing reports etc.   

To get appointed as IBPS Clerk, he has to crack IBPS Clerk exam and it is easy to crack this exam through IBPS Clerk Chennai. The major responsibilities of IBPS clerk are to maintain the records filing, staffing service counters, screening specialists, and other regulatory tasks etc. The least required age of any aspirant has to be 20 and the maximum age has to be 28 to apply for clerical posts. IBPS Clerk is a tailor made job for girls as it offers security to them. After the retirement, an IBPS Clerk  enjoys the facilities provided by the government pensions, job security, allowances, low-interest loans and has the great opportunity to learn the work under his/her seniors.

Duties of IBPS PO

IBPS PO has to perform the following duties and they are as following:

1. IBPS PO has to maintain branch activities efficiently and has to deal with the customers.
2. IBPS PO has to thoroughly supervise the staff working under him.
3. IBPS PO has to meticulously take care of customer related dealings, activities, grievances, transactions and loan processing of the clients.
4. IBPS PO should properly verify the work done by the junior clerks and then make wise decisions as per the policies of the bank management and implement them effectively in the branch for the smooth running.
5. IBPS PO duties also include issuing of ATM Cards, cheque books, demand drafts etc.

Duties of IBPS Clerk

1. IBPS Clerk has to appropriately assist bank customers in depositing and withdrawing of cash.
2. IBPS Clerk duty involves issuing and delivering cheques books to customers after getting it verified from the authorities.
3. IBPS Clerk duty involves issuing of cash receipts and ESI stamps as and when demanded by the bank customers.
4. IBPS Clerk major assigned jobs are computer based as there is a trend of internet and mobile banking these days. His job is also to make customers literate about cashless transactions.

In this article, we have comprehensively differentiated between the job profile and duties of IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk. Now, after reading this article, it will be easier for the aspiring candidate to pick the job of their choice and interest. The candidates should be aware of the latest exam pattern of both the exams (IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk exams). We would advise to plan a proper strategy to crack these exams and get better IBPS Clerk Study material. You are advised to join online and offline coaching classes to enhance your chances of selection.

We wish you to prepare well to grab either of the jobs and be the part of flourishing banking sector.

All the best!!!

Why do training institutes for bank exams are referred to as “Coaching Institute”?

The word “Coaching” is often referred to the expertise of building a true sportsman who possesses the qualities of head and heart to perform excellently in the field. The main objective of “Coaching” is to properly guide, inspire as well as empower a sportsman to achieve their full potential. So, why do we refer the training institute for bank and competitive exams as “Coaching Institutes”? We call them “Coaching Institutes” as they guide candidates properly towards their destination with full disciplined preparation and a planned strategy which help them in crack any competitive exam.

Likewise, a good teacher is like a leader who has the ability to unify a group of students and make them seriously committed to their goal. As far as banking exams, the competition level is been increasing year by year, and there is need to join a proper coaching institute to crack these exams. There are high profile institutional bodies like IBPS, SBI AND RBI who conducts online written examination every year through prelims and mains examination to recruit candidates for various banking job profiles. The candidates who succeed to score cut-off marks and perform well in the interview round are selected for these posts. Hence, the candidates are required to be fully prepared for these competitive exams and so they are supposed to join a competent coaching centre through Bank PO Coaching Chennai.

Now, the basic question which must be arising in the mind of the candidate- Why not self-study for the banking exam? Let me tell you friends, being intelligent is one aspect but performing well through reckoning your brain in a competitive examination is another aspect and this is the most significant aspect which brings out the winner in you. There are occasions where you badly need a platform which is dedicated to teaching competitive examinee to polish your skills. This platform is “Coaching Institutes” which help candidates to learn shortcuts, short tricks, methods and above all time-management skills which plays vital role in every competitive exam. In our student life, we have thoroughly experienced the good benefits of an effective classroom session. In a highly reputed and competent coaching institute, a good teacher is like a great coach who has in-depth knowledge of his subject as he has understanding of the fundamental skills to advance tactics and strategies involve in solving even the most complicated question. In addition, a caring teacher will be able to convey compassion to his students which will motivate them to perform their best in the exam. In self-study, you might not have the facility and expertise of a great teacher who can infuse knowledge, enthusiasm and positive attitude in you.

This motivation is very necessary for you to be engaging consistently towards your goal. Besides delivering exhaustive classroom sessions, the coaching institutes prepare candidates to face examination pressure bravely by regularly conducting online mock tests and regular tests. It helps candidates in understanding to use short tricks, shortcuts to solve problems. There are few reputed coaching institutes who have been providing success capsules in the form of tricks and tips to solve solving tricky questions in limited time frame. For candidates who undergo such formal training, it becomes easier for them to spot the question of importance and later prepare these set of questions well for the exam. What is the benefit of studying in a batch or group? Let me tell you friends, in any competitive exam, it is difficult to analyze other person potential and is also difficult to understand your potential completely.

There is a cut-off marks which sets a dead-line between selection and rejection. If you are studying in a group then you can interact with other candidates who are studying the same concept with you. The teacher is like a mentor or counselor who will pay attention to the student’s emotions, strengths and weaknesses. You will learn new methods and the ambience of studying together will create healthy competition and motivate you consistently. In bank exams, the significance of good “study material” should never be undermined. The good coaching institutes have good track records and so they are well-equipped in providing competent bank PO Exam books to their students.

As a spirited aspirant, you should always be aware and judgmental in electing good coaching institute. Do make sure that the coaching institute has good infrastructure, experienced and competent faculty, pleasant ambience and is located near to your place. So, this is the right time to put your best foot forward and join a competent coaching institute to make your chances brighter for the forthcoming banking exams.

All the Best!!!

How will you handle the pressure if you are selected as a PO?

For any Bank PO, Customer Services is the fundamental duty and it is also the most challenging one. He has to be literate and efficient enough with the basic bank facilities and products to congenially deal with the customers and handle the pressure properly. Now, the Bank PO is always surrounded with a “fear factor” as all of his duties and responsibilities are linked with customer’s monetary transactions. The dealing with the money is always been a delicate matter and the Bank PO has to deal with all types of bank activities ranging from desk work to supervision.

Besides dealing with customers effectively, let us list important roles and responsibilities of a Bank PO and they are:-

1. Customer Service
2. To Bring Substantial business to bank
3. To deal in Cash handling
4. To deal in Clearance of payment
5. To successfully supervise clerical work and staff
6. To handle all the formalities of Loan processing

In realistic sense, in India, banking hours (9.30 AM to 4.00 PM) is the time when the true work pressure is felt. It is those challenging hours where customers shout at them and servers do crash occasionally, but it’s a part of daily routine. In Banks, the daily activities primarily include issuing Cheque books, ATM cards, Demand Draft, etc. These are also very delicate issues as Bank PO has to know all the formalities to be fulfilled before issuing the financial documents to the customers. Thereafter, the Bank PO has to deal with the customer complaints like discrepancies in accounts, rectification of undue charges with cool mind.

Recently speaking, there have discussions all around about the growing work pressure among bank employees. The sensible Bank Coaching Chennai has always maintained a balance between life and work. The biggest asset is the job security and also the security in the workplace, which is a major positive point for any woman of being a Bank PO.

In the earlier stages, there is not too much pressure for Bank PO’s but managers have to sit till 7 to 8 PM in the branches, depending on their work load. As far as work pressure and load for Bank PO’s are concerned, everything depends on their respective managers, if the manager is good, then they can enjoy their work.

In many cases, there are Bank PO’s who complaints of heavy work pressure as they are not coping with the pressure properly. It is basically a learning experience which needs to be cherished. There can be many reasons for work pressure- physical, social, geographical, physical or mental, depending on the nature and attitude of Bank PO.

The basic complaint that every Bank PO has is that they are allotted monotonous tasks or they have to confront the brunt of unhealthy environment or uncooperative colleagues. The changing nature of banking system demands a lot of adaptability in every employee, especially for Bank PO’s. Consequently speaking, it leads to lots of work pressures at work which might lead to mental or physical disorders.

In this context, stress is referred to as an individual’s reaction to a disturbing or challenging factor in the working environment. There is a need of a stress management which implies reducing or managing the stress through appropriate coping up techniques. In last few years, it has been experienced that there has been excessive work load and work pressure which has resulted in extra stress in Bank PO’s. In finance oriented sector like banking, the bank management should lay significance on stress managing programmers for their employees and get best books for bank Exams. The banking authorities should try to reward and encourage them by respecting and valuing their contribution.

To become a Bank PO is a dream destination for anybody but coping up with work pressure is also very important. We hope that for their psychological well-being, the bank management will make positive steps in nurturing their employee with suitable plans and programmed.  Let me tell you friends, if you dare to dream, you should always be ready to face some nightmares. The alluring incentives and attractive salary packages are the brighter side of a Bank PO and you should be ready to face any challenges to avail a respectable and secured life.

 All the Best!!!  

Role and Responsibilities of Bank PO

The Banking technology has made it simple and efficient for everybody to invest in noble and needful causes. At the grass-root level, Banking is not simply about profits, but building personal relationships. As now, many of the million aspirants who are striving hard for Bank PO exam will be very much interested in knowing the roles and responsibilities of a Bank PO.  In banking sector, the post of Bank Probationary Officer is the entry level position at which a bank officer starts working, after getting selected and recruited by the bank.

Generally speaking, a Bank PO has to undergo 2 year training or probation period and then gets the post of Assistant Manager on joining the bank branch. The general outlook of this job is to control general banking and command bank administration properly but still they are expected to possess exceptional communication skills and the abilities to resolve conflicts and arguments in calm and relaxed manner.

In Probation period, a Bank PO holds the designation of an Assistant Manager (AM). He is in Junior Management Grade-1 (JMG-Scale 1) Officer so he is often referred to as Scale 1 Officer or Asst. Manager.

After completing their probation period, they are posted in any bank branch as an Assistant Bank Manager to handle routine daily works related to customer transactions such as passing a cheque, draft issuance, cash management etc.

Let us add, Banking is the most regulated industry in the world but regulations doesn’t solve things, but supervision does. Yes, it’s a fact that rules and regulations are made to control things but it’s the supervision that makes things happen. So, a good banking strongly demands a good Bank PO.

So, now let us discuss the roles and responsibilities of a Bank PO.

Roles and Responsibilities of Probationary Officers (PO) in banks -

Bank Probationary Officers (Bank PO) are the bright young personnel who have tremendous potential and are filled with great enthusiasm to work efficiently, in the interest of public and bank.  

1. Multifaceted Job Profile

The role of Bank PO is a multifaceted where they are supposed to perform multitasking jobs. They are assigned to perform various banking activities which familiarize them with various working procedures of the bank.

 2. Trained in Practical Knowledge

During the probation period, a Bank PO is trained in practical knowledge in finance, accounting, marketing, billing as well as investment. This practical knowledge is delivered by entrusting them with responsible routine jobs like scrolling, posting, account preparation etc. They are specialized in fields like Marketing, Accounting, Loans & Advances as well as Finance.

3. Dealing in Customer Services

The next significant role of Bank PO is to work as a competent Public Relations Officer. Generally speaking, they have to guide customers to various bank services, facilities and products such as issuing Cheque books, ATM cards, Demand Draft, etc. Furthermore, he has to handle customer complaints patiently and address various customer related issues like discrepancies in accounts, rectification of undue charges etc. They also have to look into customer related complaints regarding the bank services.

4. Performs Responsible and Superior Jobs

After getting accustomed to the banking environment and gaining substantial experiences, they are assigned more responsible and superior works such as planning, budgeting, marketing, loan processing and approval, investment management etc., as per their performance, working skills and aptitude. They are also given esteemed managerial tasks such as supervision of clerical work, taking decisions for the benefit of the bank, managing cash balance etc.

5. Supervision of Clerical work

The Bank PO has to sincerely supervise all the clerical work such as managing cash, opening account and customer dealing etc. In all cash transactions, the clerk is referred to as “maker” and Bank PO is the “checker”. So, the transaction involves the role of “maker” and “checker”.  The responsibilities of losses, if any, reside with the checker.

6. Responsibilities of Loan Processing

The Bank PO has to take care of all the loan related documents. He has to visit the sites of loan taking parties and then has to make decisions. Before granting the loan to any customer, he has to thoroughly check all the related documentation. He holds the responsibilities of granting loan to the customer.

7. Miscellaneous Important Jobs

Besides issuing ATM Cards, issuing passbooks and cheque books etc, he has to be aware of all the latest and modern developments in the banking sectors. The sudden splurge of internet banking and modern banking has added more dimensions to the banking sector and get best book for bank Exams. Likewise, the roles and responsibilities of Bank PO has always increased manifold. The job of Bank PO has become more enterprising and adventurous with new innovative products and technology making waves in the markets. He has to read and react properly to all the legal circulars or notifications delivered by the bank, from time to time. It’s his vision and perception which can shape the future of the banks in coming years.

We hope that you have thoroughly understood the significant roles and responsibilities of a Bank PO. As compared to other Government Jobs, the career growth prospect of a Bank PO is reasonably high. There are great probabilities of vertical growth in this career but it all depends on your working skills and level of performances. So, to acquire Bank PO job, you have to work hard with strong determination to crack the written exam and interview round.

In this flourishing banking world, there is great demand of deserving workforce, so this is the right time to hit the opportunity through Bank Coaching Nagpur. Buy a comprehensive bank study material or join any reputed bank coaching institute to grab the golden career option of your lifetime. To cut a long story short, the job of Bank PO is to facilitate quality banking services which imply delivering reliability of various customer related jobs to the customers and handling clerical staff with strong command.

Wishing you all the Best!!!