The Hindu Business Line : ‘Job security’ draws candidates to SBI exam

Mangalore, Nov. 8 It was a cloudy day with some light drizzle here on Sunday. But despite the pleasant weather there were some who were sweating — those appearing for the examination for clerical vacancies in State Bank of India. The reason for the discomfort: the tough competition.

The campuses of Canara First Grade College and Canara Pre-University College — two of the five examination centres here — were abuzz with candidates since the morning. Some of them, who were already tense, did not bother to reply when this reporter approached them to speak about the exam. One of them replied bluntly “I am busy. Don’t disturb me now.”

However, some others shared their views on what this exam meant to them.

Key drivers

The tag of a ‘Government job’ and ‘job security’ were the key drivers for many candidates.

Ms Usha D., a B.Com graduate, who works on a contract basis in a government-run institution at Surathkal, told Business Line that the recruitment in SBI will give her a ‘permanent job’.

This is her second attempt, having appeared for examination in the last round also.

Asked about preparation for the examination, she cited lack of time for completing the paper. Her commerce degree did help her tackle all papers, although she thought she needed more rigorous preparation for the general knowledge paper. She said that she has not undergone any coaching for the examination. Although the application fee of Rs 250 was quite high, she conceded, “I have appeared for other bank examinations in the past. Compared to them, the application fee here is quite cheap.”

Mr Krishna K., a parent who accompanied his son for the exam from neighbouring Udupi, said that the recent recession and its impact on the IT sector has made people look at the banking sector more carefully. Job security is assured, if a person gets into the bank, he said.

Mr Aravind, a B.Sc. graduate, who works in a private company in Mangalore, said that the Rs 8,000-a-month salary is a good package for people like him, if he gets a chance to work in the bank. “Some of the private companies don’t even pay that much,” he said.

Upheavals in IT sector

Quoting the experiences of some of his friends, who faced upheavals in the IT sector in the recent past, he said: “Job security and employee care are assured here, unlike the ‘hire and fire’ policy in the IT sector.”

SBI officials, led by Mr B.A. Satyamoorthy, Regional Manager, Regional Business Office of the bank, were seen overseeing examination activities at the centre.

As the bell tolled, one more batch of candidates began their tryst with destiny. For their well-wishers who lingered outside, it was the start of a long wait.

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