Introduction
Clearing mains is just half the battle. The interview—where 3 out of 4 candidates fail—decides who actually gets the job.
The interview panel isn’t testing your memory. They’re evaluating whether you can think clearly under pressure, communicate with confidence, and handle the responsibilities of a banking career.
This guide gives you everything you need: the questions they’ll ask, the documents you must carry, and the mistakes that cost candidates their selection.
How Interviews Work
Weightage in Final Selection
| Exam | Interview Marks | Weightage in Final Merit |
|---|---|---|
| IBPS PO | 100 | 20% of total score |
| SBI PO | 50 | 15-20% of total score |
| RBI Grade B | 75 | Significant (varies by phase) |
The maths is simple. Even with a strong mains score, a poor interview can push you out of the final merit list. A great interview can pull you in.
What the Panel Evaluates
| Parameter | What They Look For |
|---|---|
| Clarity of thought | Can you structure answers logically? |
| Communication | Do you speak clearly and confidently? |
| Banking knowledge | Do you understand the sector you’re entering? |
| Current awareness | Are you updated on economic affairs? |
| Personality fit | Will you represent the bank well? |
The panel typically includes senior bank officials, HR specialists, and sometimes an external member. They’ll probe your application form, your academic background, and your understanding of banking.
Documents You Must Carry
Missing even one document can disqualify you. Prepare this checklist at least a week before your interview date.
Essential Documents (Everyone)
| Document | Copies Required |
|---|---|
| Interview call letter (printed) | 2 |
| Online application form printout | 2 |
| Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Voter ID) | 2 + Original |
| 10th marksheet and certificate | 2 + Original |
| 12th marksheet and certificate | 2 + Original |
| All graduation marksheets | 2 + Original |
| Degree certificate or provisional | 2 + Original |
| Recent passport-size photos | 6 |
Category-Specific Documents (If Applicable)
| Document | Required For |
|---|---|
| Caste certificate (with non-creamy layer for OBC) | SC/ST/OBC candidates |
| EWS income and asset certificate | EWS category |
| PWD certificate from District Medical Board | Persons with disability |
| Experience letters | Those with work experience |
| NOC from current employer | Government/PSU employees |
| Post-graduation certificates | If declared in application |
Pro Tip: Arrange documents in the order listed above. Keep originals and photocopies in separate file folders. The panel notices organisation.
Questions They Will Ask
The Self-Introduction
This is your opening. You control the first impression.
Structure to follow:
- Name and hometown (one line)
- Educational background (one line)
- Work experience, if any (one line)
- Hobbies that you can discuss (one line)
- Why banking (one sentence)
Example:
“Good morning. I’m Priya from Lucknow. I completed my B.Com from Lucknow University in 2024 with 78%. I’ve been preparing for banking exams while volunteering at a local financial literacy program. I enjoy reading about economic policies. Banking attracts me because it combines financial knowledge with public service.”
Keep it under 90 seconds. End confidently—do not trail off.
”Why Banking?”
The panel wants to know if you understand what you’re signing up for.
Strong answer points:
- Job security combined with meaningful work
- Direct contribution to India’s economic growth
- Opportunity to work in a dynamic, evolving sector
- Role in financial inclusion—helping people access banking
Weak answers to avoid:
- “For the salary and job security” (sounds transactional)
- “My parents wanted me to” (shows no personal motivation)
- “I couldn’t clear other exams” (automatic rejection)
“Why This Bank?”
Research is non-negotiable here.
For SBI interview:
- India’s largest bank with
23%+market share - YONO digital platform with 70 million+ users
- Global presence across 30+ countries
- Recent initiatives in green financing
For IBPS (any PSB):
- Know the merger history (which banks merged into which)
- Specific initiatives of your preferred banks
- Recent news about the bank’s performance
Technical Questions
| Topic | Common Questions |
|---|---|
| RBI Functions | What is the repo rate? Who sets it? What is CRR/SLR? |
| NPAs | What is an NPA? What causes them? How are they resolved? |
| Digital Banking | Explain UPI. What is CBDC? How does IMPS differ from NEFT? |
| Priority Sector | What is priority sector lending? What percentage is mandated? |
| Recent Reforms | What is the Account Aggregator framework? What are neo-banks? |
Key Concept: NPA (Non-Performing Asset)
A loan becomes an NPA when principal or interest payment
is overdue for more than 90 days.
NPA ratio of Indian banks improved from 6.1% to 5.8% in 2025.
Recovery happens through IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code)
or Asset Reconstruction Companies.Current Affairs Questions
The panel expects you to know events from the last 3-4 months.
Must-know areas:
- Latest RBI monetary policy decisions (repo rate changes)
- Recent government schemes related to finance
- Union Budget highlights
- India’s GDP growth rate and inflation figures
- Major international economic events (G20, IMF updates)
Use Scoreclever app for daily current affairs—it predicts when you’ll forget and schedules revision automatically.
Personal Questions
| Question Type | What They Want to Know |
|---|---|
| ”Tell me about your hometown” | Local awareness, communication skills |
| ”Why the gap in your education?” | Honesty, how you used that time |
| ”What if you’re posted to a rural area?” | Adaptability, no entitlement attitude |
| ”What are your hobbies?” | Personality depth, potential stress relievers |
Answer honestly. Panel members have decades of experience—they spot rehearsed answers immediately.
Body Language That Wins
Non-verbal communication accounts for over half of the impression you make.
Do This
| Action | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Walk in with upright posture | Projects confidence |
| Offer a firm handshake (2-3 seconds) | Shows professionalism |
| Sit with back straight, leaning slightly forward | Signals engagement |
| Maintain eye contact with all panel members | Demonstrates confidence |
| Nod slightly while listening | Shows active attention |
| Use controlled hand gestures | Emphasises points naturally |
Avoid This
| Mistake | What It Signals |
|---|---|
| Slouching | Lack of interest |
| Fidgeting with pen/fingers | Nervousness |
| Crossing arms | Defensiveness |
| Looking at the floor | Lack of confidence |
| Excessive nodding | Trying too hard to please |
| Touching face repeatedly | Anxiety |
Dress Code Guidelines
First impressions form within 7 seconds. Your attire speaks before you do.
For Men
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Shirt | Full-sleeve, light colours (white, light blue), well-ironed |
| Trousers | Dark formal (black, navy, grey), well-fitted |
| Shoes | Black or brown leather, polished |
| Belt | Matching with shoes |
| Watch | Analog, simple design |
| Optional | Tie, formal blazer |
For Women
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Indian wear | Simple salwar suit or cotton saree in soft colours |
| Western wear | Formal shirt with trousers or formal dress with blazer |
| Footwear | Formal closed shoes or low heels |
| Hair | Neatly tied (bun or ponytail) |
| Makeup | Light and natural |
| Accessories | Minimal—simple earrings, analog watch |
Avoid: Bright colours, heavy embroidery, flashy accessories, strong perfume, casual footwear.
The 15 Minutes Before
Your mental state in the waiting room affects your performance.
Do this:
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Revise key banking terms quietly
- Breathe deeply to calm nerves
- Review your application form one last time
- Observe the environment—note the bank’s name, tagline
Do not:
- Discuss answers with other candidates
- Check your phone constantly
- Complain about waiting time
- Consume heavy food or excessive caffeine
Common Mistakes That Cost Selection
Not knowing your own resume. If you mentioned a hobby, be ready to discuss it in depth.
Wrong facts about the bank. Confusing PNB’s merger history or stating wrong RBI rates destroys credibility.
Overconfidence. Confidence is essential. Arrogance is fatal. Know the difference.
Saying “I don’t know” without trying. Instead: “I’m not certain about the exact figure, but based on my understanding…”
Criticising previous employers or exams. Negativity signals poor attitude.
Lying. The panel includes experienced bankers. They verify information and spot dishonesty immediately.
After the Interview
Immediate Steps
- Note down questions you were asked (helps for future attempts)
- Wait for official results on the respective board’s website
- Prepare documents for verification in original order
Document Verification
After selection, you’ll need:
- All original academic documents
- Medical fitness certificate from approved hospital
- Character certificate
- Relieving letter from previous employer (if applicable)
- Caste validity certificate (for reserved categories)
Banking Awareness Preparation
The panel expects conceptual clarity on core banking topics. Here’s what to focus on:
Monetary Policy Basics
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Repo Rate | Rate at which RBI lends to banks (currently around 6%) |
| Reverse Repo | Rate at which RBI borrows from banks |
| CRR | Cash percentage banks must keep with RBI |
| SLR | Liquid assets banks must maintain (currently 18%) |
| MPC | Monetary Policy Committee—sets the repo rate |
Digital Banking Concepts
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| UPI | Unified Payments Interface—instant mobile payments |
| CBDC | Central Bank Digital Currency (Digital Rupee) |
| Account Aggregator | Framework for secure financial data sharing |
| NACH | National Automated Clearing House—bulk payments |
| Neo-banks | Digital-only banks without physical branches |
For comprehensive banking awareness, read the Scoreclever Banking Awareness book—it’s free with AI-powered doubt resolution.
Key Takeaways
- Interview carries
15-20%weightage—it can make or break your selection - Document preparation should begin at least one week before
- Technical questions focus on RBI functions, NPAs, and digital banking
- Body language and dress code create the first impression within 7 seconds
- Honesty always wins—panels spot rehearsed or fake answers immediately
- Current affairs from the last 3-4 months are essential
The interview tests who you are, not just what you know. Prepare thoroughly, present confidently, and let your genuine interest in banking show.
Your selection letter is one good interview away.
