A Day in the Life of an Axis Young Bankers Program Participant

The Axis Young Bankers Program (AYBP) is a transformative journey for young graduates aspiring to build a career in banking. This one-year program, offered in collaboration with Manipal Global Education Services and NIIT University, combines classroom learning, internships, and on-the-job training to prepare participants for roles as Assistant Managers at Axis Bank. But what does a typical day look like for an AYBP participant? In this blog, we’ll walk you through a day in the life of a participant across the program’s three phases: classroom training, internship, and on-the-job training (OJT), offering a glimpse into the experiences, challenges, and rewards of this immersive program.

Phase 1: Classroom Training (First Four Months)

Location: Manipal Academy of BFSI, Bengaluru, or NIIT University, Neemrana
Focus: Building foundational banking knowledge and soft skills

Morning: Academic Rigor and Skill-Building

A typical day during the classroom phase begins early, around 7:00 AM, as participants prepare for a structured schedule at the residential campus. After breakfast in the campus cafeteria, classes start at 8:30 AM. The morning is packed with lectures on banking fundamentals, such as financial products, retail banking operations, and regulatory compliance. For example, a session might cover the intricacies of savings accounts, loans, or credit card operations, with a focus on how Axis Bank structures its offerings.

The teaching style emphasizes experiential learning, so participants engage in case studies, group discussions, and role-playing exercises. A common activity might involve simulating a customer interaction to practice pitching a fixed deposit or resolving a service query. Around 10:30 AM, there’s a short tea break, allowing participants to network with peers from diverse academic backgrounds—engineering, commerce, arts, and more.

Afternoon: Soft Skills and Practical Applications

Post-lunch, the focus shifts to soft skills and personality development, critical for banking roles. Sessions from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM often cover communication, professional etiquette, and customer service. Participants might practice drafting emails to clients or delivering presentations to build confidence. For instance, a group task could involve creating a mock sales pitch for a home loan, followed by feedback from instructors.

Afternoon sessions also include hands-on workshops, such as navigating Axis Bank’s digital banking platforms or analyzing financial statements. These activities ensure participants are “First Day, First Hour ready” for their future roles. By 4:00 PM, there’s another break for refreshments, giving participants a chance to recharge.

Evening: Assessments and Preparation

The day winds down with self-study or group projects from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Participants prepare for weekly assessments, which test their understanding of banking concepts and ability to apply them. These tests are crucial, as failing to meet the minimum marks can prevent progression to the next phase. Dinner is served around 7:30 PM, followed by leisure time for sports, gym sessions, or informal discussions with peers. Most participants retire by 10:00 PM to rest for the next packed day.

Key Takeaway: The classroom phase is intense, blending academic learning with practical exercises. It’s a time to absorb banking knowledge, refine communication skills, and prepare for real-world challenges, all while adapting to a disciplined campus routine.

Phase 2: Internship (Months 5–7)

Location: Axis Bank branches across India
Focus: Real-world banking experience with a stipend of ₹12,000 per month

Morning: Immersion in Branch Operations

During the internship phase, participants report to an Axis Bank branch by 9:00 AM. The day begins with a briefing from the branch manager or mentor, outlining tasks and goals. Interns are introduced to branch operations, such as customer service, KYC (Know Your Customer) processes, and transaction handling. For example, a participant might shadow a relationship officer to learn how to onboard a new customer or process a cheque for clearing.

By 11:00 AM, interns are assigned hands-on tasks. This could involve assisting customers with account openings, explaining loan products, or supporting the sales team in meeting daily targets (e.g., selling 10 financial products per employee, as noted in some feedback). The focus is heavily on sales and customer interaction, aligning with the program’s goal of preparing participants for sales-driven roles.

Afternoon: Customer Engagement and Learning

After a lunch break around 1:00 PM, interns dive deeper into customer-facing roles. They might handle queries at the service desk, assist with NEFT/RTGS transactions, or accompany senior staff on client visits to pitch banking products like credit cards or mutual funds. A real example from an intern’s diary highlights learning about cheque clearing processes and KYC compliance during this phase, with mentors providing daily feedback on performance.

The afternoon is also a time to observe the “Axis way” of functioning—understanding the bank’s customer-centric culture and sales strategies. Interns are encouraged to ask questions and document their learnings, which are reviewed by mentors to ensure progress.

Evening: Reflection and Feedback

The branch typically closes to customers by 4:00 PM, but interns may stay until 5:30 PM to wrap up tasks, update records, or attend debriefing sessions. Mentors provide feedback on areas like customer handling, product knowledge, and teamwork. For instance, an intern might be praised for quickly grasping RTGS processes but advised to improve their sales pitch delivery. After returning to their accommodation (often arranged by the bank), interns spend the evening reviewing notes or preparing for the next day. They earn a stipend of ₹12,000 per month, which helps cover expenses during this phase.

Key Takeaway: The internship phase bridges theory and practice, immersing participants in real banking environments. It’s a chance to apply classroom knowledge, develop customer-facing skills, and adapt to the fast-paced, sales-driven world of retail banking.

Phase 3: On-the-Job Training (Months 8–12)

Location: Axis Bank branches across India
Focus: Full-time employment with a salary as an Assistant Manager

Morning: Stepping into the Role

By the OJT phase, participants are full-time Axis Bank employees, starting their day at 9:00 AM in a branch as Assistant Managers. The morning begins with a team huddle to discuss daily targets, such as selling banking products or resolving customer issues. Participants take on responsibilities like managing customer portfolios, processing loan applications, or handling high-value transactions. The role is sales-focused, requiring them to pitch products like insurance, credit cards, or savings accounts to meet branch goals.

For example, a participant might spend the morning contacting clients to schedule meetings or following up on leads for a home loan. The skills learned during the classroom and internship phases—such as profiling customers and understanding product offerings—come into play here.

Afternoon: Sales and Relationship Management

Post-lunch, the focus remains on customer engagement and sales. Participants might conduct in-branch consultations or visit clients at their homes or offices to pitch Axis Bank’s offerings. They use tools like CRM software to track customer interactions and ensure follow-ups. The pressure to meet sales targets (e.g., 10 products daily per employee) can be intense, as noted in employee feedback, requiring strong communication and persuasion skills.

Participants also handle service-related tasks, such as resolving complaints about account discrepancies or guiding customers through digital banking platforms. This phase tests their ability to balance sales goals with customer satisfaction, a core aspect of Axis Bank’s culture.

Evening: Closing and Growth Opportunities

By 4:00 PM, participants wrap up customer interactions and focus on administrative tasks, such as updating sales reports or preparing for the next day’s meetings. They may attend training sessions or workshops on advanced topics like wealth management or digital banking, aligning with Axis Bank’s push for continuous learning. The day typically ends around 5:30 PM, though sales pressure can occasionally extend hours.

As Assistant Managers, participants earn a salary of approximately ₹4.42–₹5 LPA, including benefits like group insurance and loan discounts. High performers can explore internal mobility programs like AHEAD or Astros for faster career progression, potentially becoming Branch Operations Heads within four years.

Key Takeaway: The OJT phase is a full immersion into the role of an Assistant Manager, with a strong emphasis on sales and relationship management. It’s a critical period for proving one’s capabilities and laying the foundation for long-term career growth.

Challenges and Rewards

Challenges

• Rigorous Schedule: The classroom phase demands discipline, with long hours of study and assessments. Failing exams can halt progress, adding pressure.
• Sales Pressure: Both internship and OJT phases involve high sales targets, which can be stressful for those less inclined toward sales roles.
• Location Uncertainty: Participants have no control over branch assignments, which may require relocating across India.

Rewards

• Skill Development: From banking knowledge to customer service, participants gain a versatile skill set applicable across the industry.
• Guaranteed Job: Successful completion ensures a role as an Assistant Manager, providing job security and a competitive salary.
• Networking and Growth: Exposure to Axis Bank’s ecosystem and programs like WE Lead (for women) or HouseWorkIsWork offers opportunities for career advancement.

A Glimpse into the Participant’s Mindset

A typical AYBP participant is a driven graduate, often aged 21–30, eager to break into banking. They thrive in structured environments but must adapt to the fast-paced, sales-driven culture of Axis Bank. The program’s diversity—38% women in FY 2024-25, with initiatives like the women-only cohort—creates an inclusive atmosphere where participants learn from varied perspectives. Daily life is a mix of learning, applying, and growing, with each phase building confidence and competence.

Conclusion

A day in the life of an Axis Young Bankers Program participant is dynamic and demanding, evolving from academic rigor in the classroom to practical challenges in branches. Whether mastering banking concepts, engaging with customers, or meeting sales targets, participants are shaped into “First Day, First Hour ready” bankers. For those passionate about banking and comfortable with sales, the AYBP offers a rewarding path to a stable and growth-oriented career with Axis Bank. If you’re considering the program, embrace the journey—it’s a year of transformation that could define your future in the banking world.