Axis Young Bankers Program vs. Other Bank PO Programs – Which is Better in 2025?

ByVikash Kumar

Axis Young Bankers Program vs. Other Bank PO Programs – Which is Better in 2025?

India’s banking sector, projected to have 1.5 lakh vacancies in 2025, offers numerous opportunities for graduates through specialized programs like the Axis Bank Young Bankers Program and other Bank Probationary Officer (PO) programs such as those from HDFC, ICICI, SBI, and IDFC FIRST Bank. These programs provide structured training, certifications, and assured placements, making them attractive for aspiring bankers. But how does the Axis Young Bankers Program compare to its competitors? This blog dives into a detailed comparison based on program structure, eligibility, salary, fees, and career prospects, helping you decide which is better for your banking career in 2025. Insights are provided by Eduooze Skill Institute, a trusted training provider with over 7,000 placements.

Overview of the Axis Young Bankers Program

The Axis Bank Young Bankers Program, offered in collaboration with Manipal Academy of BFSI or NIIT IFBI, is a 12-month initiative designed to train graduates for roles as Branch Relationship Officers (Assistant Managers) at Axis Bank, India’s third-largest private bank with over 5,300 branches as of 2025.

  • Structure:
    • 4 Months: Classroom training at Manipal Academy (Bengaluru) or NIIT IFBI, covering banking operations, sales, customer relationship management, and compliance (e.g., KYC/AML).
    • 3 Months: Internship at Axis Bank branches with a ₹24,491/month stipend.
    • 5 Months: On-the-Job Training (OJT) to apply skills in real-world scenarios.
    • Certification: Post Graduate Diploma in Banking Services (PGDBS) from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) or NIIT University (minimum 60% marks).
  • Eligibility:
    • Age: 21–30 years.
    • Education: Graduate or postgraduate with 50%+ marks (regular mode).
    • Experience: 0–3 years, preferably in sales/customer-facing roles.
  • Salary and Stipends:
    • Classroom: ₹5,000/month.
    • Internship: ₹24,491/month.
    • Post-completion: ₹5.25 LPA CTC.
  • Fees: ₹2,35,169 + 18% GST, with loan options at ~13% interest from Axis Bank.
  • Locations: Placements across India, including semi-urban areas (e.g., Patna, Ranchi).
  • Selection Process: Online aptitude test (Numerical, Analytical, Verbal, Written English, Listening Comprehension) and interviews.

Source: Axis Bank Young Bankers Program – axisybp.manipalbfsi.com

Comparison with Other Bank PO Programs

Let’s compare the Axis Young Bankers Program with other prominent Bank PO programs: HDFC ACE Banker Program, ICICI Bank PGPRM, SBI PO, and IDFC Emerging Bankers Program.

1. HDFC ACE Banker Program

  • Overview: A 45-day residential program with NIIT IFBI, preparing candidates for Customer Care Executive or Customer Experience Executive roles at HDFC Bank, India’s largest private bank with 9,455 branches.
  • Structure:
    • 45 days of training at NIIT University, focusing on branch operations, sales, and compliance.
    • Certification: Certificate in ACE Banker Program (minimum 60% marks).
  • Eligibility: Age 21–28 years, graduate with 50%+ marks, 0–3 years experience.
  • Salary and Stipends:
    • Training: ₹7,500/month.
    • Post-completion: ₹4.4 LPA CTC.
  • Fees: ₹1,77,000 (including 18% GST).
  • Selection Process: Online aptitude test (Numerical, Reasoning, Verbal, Banking Awareness) and interviews.
  • Locations: Nationwide, including semi-urban areas.
  • Source: HDFC Bank – ACE Banker Program | NIIT – learnforjobs.niit.com

2. ICICI Bank Post Graduate Program in Relationship Management (PGPRM)

  • Overview: A 12-month program with Manipal Academy, training for Relationship Manager roles at ICICI Bank, with over 6,300 branches.
  • Structure:
    • 4 months classroom, 2 months OJT, 6 months internship.
    • Certification: Post Graduate Certificate in Sales & Relationship Management.
  • Eligibility: Age 20–30 years, graduate with 55%+ marks, 0–2 years experience.
  • Salary and Stipends:
    • Classroom: ₹10,000/month.
    • Internship: ₹22,000–28,000/month.
    • Post-completion: ₹5.5 LPA CTC.
  • Fees: ₹3,75,000 + GST.
  • Selection Process: Online test (Quantitative, Reasoning, English, Psychometric) and interviews.
  • Locations: Nationwide, with urban focus.
  • Source: ICICI Bank PGPRM – www.icicicareers.com

3. SBI PO Program

  • Overview: A flagship program by State Bank of India, India’s largest public sector bank with over 22,000 branches, training candidates for Probationary Officer roles.
  • Structure:
    • 2-year probation with on-the-job training, no formal classroom phase.
    • Certification: None, but includes internal training.
  • Eligibility: Age 21–30 years, graduate with 60%+ marks, no experience required.
  • Salary: ₹8.2 LPA CTC (starting, including allowances).
  • Fees: No program fees; only exam fees (~₹750).
  • Selection Process: Preliminary exam (100 marks), Main exam (200 marks + descriptive), Group Exercises, and Interview.
  • Locations: Nationwide, including rural areas.
  • Source: SBI PO Recruitment – www.sbi.co.in

4. IDFC Emerging Bankers Program

  • Overview: A 12-month program with Manipal Academy, preparing candidates for Acquisition Relationship Manager roles at IDFC FIRST Bank, with 1,000+ branches.
  • Structure:
    • 4 months classroom, 2 months OJT, 6 months internship.
    • Certification: Post Graduate Diploma in Banking and Finance (PGDBF).
  • Eligibility: Age 21–30 years, graduate with 50%+ marks, 0–3 years experience.
  • Salary and Stipends:
    • Classroom: ₹5,000/month.
    • Internship: ₹25,000/month.
    • Post-completion: ₹5 LPA CTC.
  • Fees: ₹2,37,288 + GST.
  • Selection Process: Online aptitude test (Numerical, Reasoning, Verbal) and interviews.
  • Locations: Nationwide, including rural areas.
  • Source: IDFC FIRST Bank Emerging Bankers Program – careers.idfcfirstbank.com

Comparative Analysis: Key Parameters

Parameter Axis Young Bankers HDFC ACE Banker ICICI PGPRM SBI PO IDFC Emerging Bankers
Duration 12 months 45 days 12 months 2 years 12 months
Certification PGDBS (MAHE/NIIT) Certificate (NIIT) PGC (Manipal) None PGDBF (MAHE)
Role Branch Relationship Officer Customer Care Executive Relationship Manager Probationary Officer Acquisition Relationship Manager
Salary (Post-completion) ₹5.25 LPA ₹4.4 LPA ₹5.5 LPA ₹8.2 LPA ₹5 LPA
Stipend ₹5,000–24,491/month ₹7,500/month ₹10,000–28,000/month N/A ₹5,000–25,000/month
Fees ₹2,35,169 + GST ₹1,77,000 (incl. GST) ₹3,75,000 + GST ~₹750 (exam) ₹2,37,288 + GST
Eligibility (Marks) 50%+ 50%+ 55%+ 60%+ 50%+
Selection Difficulty Moderate (Aptitude + Interview) Moderate (Aptitude + Interview) High (Aptitude + Psychometric) Very High (Prelims + Mains + GE + Interview) Moderate (Aptitude + Interview)
Branch Network 5,300+ 9,455+ 6,300+ 22,000+ 1,000+
Focus Sales, Customer Service Customer Service, Sales Relationship Management Operations, Leadership Sales, Acquisition

Eduooze Skill Insight: “The Axis Young Bankers Program balances affordability and career growth, but SBI PO offers higher pay for those who can clear its tough selection. Choose based on your goals,” says Rahul Jain, Director.

Which Program is Better for You?

1. Axis Young Bankers Program

  • Best For:
    • Freshers or candidates with 0–3 years of experience seeking a structured program with a recognized PGDBS certification.
    • Those comfortable with sales and customer-facing roles in a private bank.
    • Candidates looking for moderate fees (₹2.35 lakh) and a balanced selection process.
  • Pros:
    • Affordable fees compared to ICICI PGPRM.
    • Strong brand (Axis Bank, 5,300+ branches).
    • Moderate selection difficulty (no negative marking in aptitude test).
    • High stipend during internship (₹24,491/month).
  • Cons:
    • Lower starting salary (₹5.25 LPA) than SBI PO or ICICI PGPRM.
    • Limited to private banking roles, less operational exposure than SBI PO.

2. HDFC ACE Banker Program

  • Best For:
    • Candidates seeking a quick entry (45 days) into banking with lower fees (₹1.77 lakh).
    • Those comfortable with customer service roles in India’s largest private bank.
  • Pros:
    • Shortest duration (45 days).
    • Lowest fees among private bank programs.
    • Large branch network (9,455+) for placement opportunities.
  • Cons:
    • Lower salary (₹4.4 LPA).
    • Basic certification, less prestigious than PGDBS/PGDBF.
    • Limited to customer service roles, less focus on relationship management.

3. ICICI Bank PGPRM

  • Best For:
    • Candidates aiming for high-value relationship management roles with strong sales skills.
    • Those willing to invest in higher fees (₹3.75 lakh) for a premium private bank career.
  • Pros:
    • Higher salary (₹5.5 LPA) and stipends (up to ₹28,000/month).
    • Prestigious certification and urban-focused placements.
    • Strong focus on relationship management.
  • Cons:
    • Highest fees (₹3.75 lakh).
    • Tougher selection with psychometric tests.

4. SBI PO Program

  • Best For:
    • Candidates with strong academic records (60%+ marks) aiming for leadership roles in public sector banking.
    • Those willing to undergo a rigorous selection process for higher pay (₹8.2 LPA).
  • Pros:
    • Highest salary (₹8.2 LPA) and no program fees.
    • Extensive branch network (22,000+) with diverse roles.
    • Strong job security and career progression.
  • Cons:
    • Highly competitive selection (Prelims, Mains, GE, Interview).
    • No formal certification.
    • Longer probation (2 years).

5. IDFC Emerging Bankers Program

  • Best For:
    • Candidates seeking a modern, digital-focused bank with a structured program similar to Axis.
    • Those comfortable with sales and acquisition roles.
  • Pros:
    • Comparable to Axis in fees (₹2.37 lakh) and salary (₹5 LPA).
    • Fee refund after 12/24 months of service.
    • PGDBF certification from MAHE.
  • Cons:
    • Smaller branch network (1,000+), limiting placement options.
    • Slightly lower salary than Axis/ICICI.

Candidate Experience: “I chose Axis Young Bankers over SBI PO for its quicker entry and structured training. Eduooze Skill’s mocks helped me clear the aptitude test!” – Priya S., Patna, 2025.

Source: Axis Bank Young Bankers Exam Pattern – www.prep.youth4work.com

Key Factors to Consider

  1. Career Goals:
    • Sales/Customer Service: Axis, HDFC, and IDFC are ideal for sales-driven roles in private banks.
    • Leadership/Operations: SBI PO offers broader exposure to banking operations and leadership.
    • Relationship Management: ICICI PGPRM excels for high-value client interactions.
  2. Financial Investment:
    • Low Budget: HDFC (₹1.77 lakh) or SBI PO (minimal fees) are cost-effective.
    • Moderate Budget: Axis (₹2.35 lakh) or IDFC (₹2.37 lakh) balance cost and quality.
    • High Investment: ICICI (₹3.75 lakh) for premium roles.
  3. Selection Difficulty:
    • Moderate: Axis, HDFC, and IDFC have simpler aptitude tests and interviews.
    • High: SBI PO’s multi-stage process is highly competitive.
    • Specialized: ICICI includes psychometric tests, requiring emotional intelligence.
  4. Salary and Growth:
    • Highest Pay: SBI PO (₹8.2 LPA) leads, followed by ICICI (₹5.5 LPA).
    • Balanced Growth: Axis and IDFC offer steady private bank careers.
    • Entry-Level: HDFC’s ₹4.4 LPA suits quick entry but lower long-term growth.
  5. Location Preferences:
    • Urban Focus: ICICI and HDFC prioritize metro/urban placements.
    • Nationwide: Axis, SBI, and IDFC include semi-urban/rural postings.

Eduooze Skill Support: “Our PGCRB program tailors preparation for Axis, HDFC, ICICI, SBI, and IDFC, covering aptitude, interviews, and banking knowledge,” says Bhavna Rohera.

Preparation Tips for Axis Young Bankers and Other PO Programs

  1. Aptitude Test Preparation:
    • Practice 50 questions daily: 20 Numerical (DI, interest), 15 Reasoning (puzzles, coding), 10 Verbal, 5 Banking Awareness.
    • Use platforms like Youth4Work, Testpot, or Eduooze’s 1,000+ question bank.
    • Focus on time management (30–40 seconds/question).
  2. Banking Knowledge:
    • Learn 20+ terms: KYC, CASA, CRR (4.5%), SLR (18%), repo rate (6.75%).
    • Study bank-specific products (e.g., Axis Prestige Savings, HDFC InstaAccount, ICICI Sapphiro Card).
  3. Interview Skills:
    • Prepare sales pitches for banking products (e.g., savings accounts, loans).
    • Use the STAR method for behavioral questions (e.g., handling customers).
    • Eduooze Skill Support: Role-play workshops for interviews.
  4. Study Plan (4 Weeks):
    • Week 1: Study banking terms, practice 50 aptitude questions/day.
    • Week 2: Solve DI sets, puzzles, and verbal passages; draft sales pitches.
    • Week 3: Take 3 full-length mocks weekly; practice 5 interview questions/day.
    • Week 4: Take 5 mocks, revise bank products, and refine communication.

Source: 1,800+ Axis Bank Interview Questions & Answers 2025 | AmbitionBox – www.ambitionbox.com

Why Choose Eduooze Skill Institute?

  • PGCRB Program: Covers aptitude, banking knowledge, sales, and interviews for Axis, HDFC, ICICI, SBI, and IDFC programs.
  • Mock Tests: 1,000+ questions tailored to each bank’s test pattern.
  • Workshops: Focus on sales pitches, customer scenarios, and communication.
  • Job Fairs: Connect with recruiters in Patna, Ranchi, and beyond.
  • Certifications: PGCRB certificate enhances employability.
  • Contact: 9142465110 or www.eduooze.com.

Testimonial: “Eduooze’s mocks and workshops helped me choose Axis Young Bankers and clear its aptitude test with 80%!” – Ankit M., Ranchi, 2025.

Conclusion: Which Program is Best?

  • Axis Young Bankers: Ideal for a balanced mix of affordability (₹2.35 lakh), structured training, and a recognized PGDBS, suitable for sales-driven private banking roles.
  • HDFC ACE Banker: Best for quick entry (45 days) and low fees (₹1.77 lakh), but offers lower pay (₹4.4 LPA) and basic roles.
  • ICICI PGPRM: Suits candidates targeting premium relationship management roles, despite higher fees (₹3.75 lakh).
  • SBI PO: Perfect for those seeking high pay (₹8.2 LPA) and public sector stability, but requires clearing a tough selection process.
  • IDFC Emerging Bankers: Comparable to Axis in structure and cost, with a fee refund perk, but limited by a smaller branch network.

Choose Axis Young Bankers if you want a cost-effective, structured program with a strong private bank brand. Opt for SBI PO for higher pay and public sector benefits, or ICICI PGPRM for premium roles. HDFC ACE is great for quick entry, while IDFC suits digital banking enthusiasts. Whatever your choice, Eduooze Skill Institute’s PGCRB program ensures you’re prepared with tailored mocks, workshops, and job fairs. Start your banking career today!

Call to Action: Kickstart your banking journey with Eduooze Skill’s PGCRB! Call 9142465110 or visit www.eduooze.com to enroll for 2025.

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