Public sector banks are likely to start up the process of conducting common entrance tests for officer as well other employee grade jobs with banks again. This act would aid banks in setting a standardised process of recruitment and also quicken the process of hiring.

"We are working together with the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) to have a common exam for the entry level officers and clerks," Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) Director M Balachandran said.

The institute is promoted by PSU banks and RBI and provides asssistance to the financial sector in employee selection, promotion and placement related activities.

As per Indian Bank Chairman and Managing Director T M Bhasin "IBA and IBPS are working on some half yearly exam system to create a talent pool for the sector."

Bhasin said that the IBA has been circulated to banks for their suggestions.

According to a senior bank official, the employment opportunities in the banking sector have grown manifold particularly due to the expanison of branches by many banks.

The country's largest lender, State Bank of India has plans to recruit around 27,000 people this year. "This year we have plans to recruit 20,000-22,000 people in the clerical posts and 5,500 people at the probationary officer level," SBI Deputy Managing Director and Group Executive Anup Banerji had said a few months ago.