NEW DELHI. The Government has confirmed the implementation of a revised recruitment process for public sector banks, introducing significant changes in the order of recruitment. As per an AIBEA circular, officer recruitment will now be completed before the recruitment of Clerks/Customer Service Associates (CSAs). Candidates qualifying for both categories will be considered for officer posts first, while clerk recruitment will follow thereafter. The revised system is aimed at reducing vacancy wastage, improving recruitment efficiency, and ensuring better manpower planning across public sector banks.
The circular also indicates that 11 major public sector banks have proposed more than 15,700 vacancies for the 2026-27 recruitment cycle, covering clerk-level and customer support-related positions. While the proposed vacancies reflect an improvement in recruitment plans, employee representatives believe the expansion remains below the actual staffing requirements of banks. The new recruitment sequence is expected to streamline appointments and minimize delays in filling vacancies.
Another major reform is the introduction of a centralized Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT). Instead of individual banks conducting the test, it will now be administered by an independent agency in coordination with IBPS, ensuring a uniform language assessment process. Over the next one to two years, the LLPT is expected to be shifted to the initial stage of recruitment. Candidates may either clear the LLPT before the selection process begins or submit their Class 10 marksheet as proof of having studied the required local language. Only candidates meeting the language proficiency requirement will be included in the final merit list.
