IDFC FIRST Bank Emerging Bankers Programme
Launch Your Banking Career with the IDFC FIRST Bank Emerging Bankers Programme 2025
The IDFC FIRST Bank Emerging Bankers Programme 2025, offered in collaboration with Manipal Academy of BFSI, is a dynamic 12-month Post Graduate Diploma in Banking and Finance (PGDBF) designed to transform graduates into skilled banking professionals. This programme prepares candidates for the role of Acquisition Relationship Manager at IDFC FIRST Bank, one of India’s fastest-growing private sector banks, with a starting salary of ₹6.00 LPA. With a comprehensive curriculum, generous stipends, full course fee reimbursement, campus benefits, and assured job placement, this programme is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring bankers. Here’s a detailed guide to the programme, including eligibility, selection process, training structure, and more, based on information from IDFC FIRST Bank’s official careers portal and programme website.
Programme Overview
The IDFC FIRST Bank Emerging Bankers Programme is a 12-month initiative aimed at equipping graduates with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience needed for a successful career in banking. The programme combines 4 months of residential classroom training at Manipal Academy of BFSI in Bengaluru, 2 months of internship, and 6 months of on-the-job training (OJT) at IDFC FIRST Bank branches. Upon successful completion, candidates join the bank as Acquisition Relationship Managers and receive a Post Graduate Diploma in Banking and Finance from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), a top-ranked university.
Key Highlights:
- Job Role: Acquisition Relationship Manager
- Salary: ₹6.00 LPA (fixed CTC)
- Certification: Post Graduate Diploma in Banking and Finance (PGDBF) from MAHE
- Programme Duration: 12 months
- 4 months of residential classroom training at Manipal Academy of BFSI, Bengaluru
- 2 months of internship at IDFC FIRST Bank branches
- 6 months of on-the-job training (OJT) at IDFC FIRST Bank branches
- Course Fee: ₹2,38,000 + GST (covers tuition, boarding, lodging, Android tablet, and study materials for the 4-month campus training)
- Fee Reimbursement: Fully refunded in two tranches after 12 months and 24 months of service with IDFC FIRST Bank, subject to performance
- Loan Facility: Available through partner banks at competitive interest rates
- Stipend:
- ₹6,000/month during 4-month classroom training
- ₹30,000/month during 2-month internship
- ₹35,000/month during 6-month OJT
- Campus Benefits (during 4-month classroom training):
- Accommodation (lodging)
- Meals
- Uniforms
- Android tablet for digital learning
- Study materials
- Training Partner: Manipal Academy of BFSI
- Job Location: Pan-India, across IDFC FIRST Bank’s 600+ branches, based on business requirements
Training and Stipend Structure
The Emerging Bankers Programme follows a “Learn-Earn-Grow” model, offering stipends during all phases and comprehensive campus benefits during the residential training.
Training Breakdown:
- 4-Month Residential Classroom Training (Manipal Academy of BFSI, Bengaluru)
- Stipend: ₹6,000/month
- Campus Benefits:
- Fully residential with hostel accommodation
- Meals
- Uniforms
- Android tablet
- Study materials
- Curriculum:
- Retail banking and financial products (savings accounts, loans, credit cards, insurance, mutual funds)
- Sales and customer acquisition techniques
- Customer relationship management
- KYC, AML, and RBI compliance frameworks
- Digital banking tools and IT systems
- Soft skills (communication, leadership, business etiquette)
- Case studies, role-plays, and simulations for practical learning
- Delivery Mode: Blended learning with in-person classes, expert-led sessions, and digital tools at Manipal’s state-of-the-art campus
- 2-Month Internship (at IDFC FIRST Bank branches)
- Stipend: ₹30,000/month
- Practical exposure to banking operations, customer interactions, and sales processes
- Candidates arrange their own boarding and lodging
- 6-Month On-the-Job Training (OJT) (at IDFC FIRST Bank branches)
- Stipend: ₹35,000/month
- Hands-on experience in sales, customer relationship management, and banking operations, aligning with the Acquisition Relationship Manager role
Upon successful completion, candidates join IDFC FIRST Bank as Acquisition Relationship Managers with a fixed CTC of ₹6.00 LPA. The course fee is fully refunded in two tranches (after 12 and 24 months of service), subject to performance, making the programme a financially rewarding investment.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the IDFC FIRST Bank Emerging Bankers Programme 2025, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Age: 21–28 years (as of the application date)
- Gender: Open to both male and female candidates
- Educational Qualification:
- Full-time graduation in any stream (e.g., BA, B.Com, BBA, B.Sc, BCA, etc.) from a recognized university
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks in graduation (no backlogs)
- Graduation must be in regular mode (no correspondence, distance learning, vocational, or open schooling)
- Additional Requirements:
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- No immediate family members (parents, siblings, spouse, or children) employed at IDFC FIRST Bank
- No pending legal cases or disciplinary actions
- Experience: Open to freshers and candidates with up to 2 years of work experience
Course Fee and Financing
- Total Fee: ₹2,38,000 + GST (covers tuition, boarding, lodging, Android tablet, and study materials for the 4-month campus training)
- Payment Options: Self-funded or via education loan
- Loan Facility: Available through partner banks at competitive interest rates; candidates can contact Manipal Academy of BFSI for details
- Fee Reimbursement: Fully refunded in two tranches after 12 and 24 months of service with IDFC FIRST Bank, subject to performance
- Application Fee: Not specified; candidates should check the official programme website
- Transparency Note: The course fee is paid to Manipal Academy of BFSI, not IDFC FIRST Bank. Any additional payment requests are fraudulent and should be reported to IDFC FIRST Bank’s customer care (1800 10 888).
Selection Process
The selection process is merit-based and designed to identify candidates with strong potential for sales and customer-facing banking roles. The steps are:
- Online Application:
- Register on the official programme website: idfcfirst.manipalbfsi.com or careers.idfcfirstbank.com
- Complete the application form and pay any applicable non-refundable assessment fee (confirm via official sources)
- Online Assessment:
- Tests Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Logical Reasoning, English Proficiency, and Sales Aptitude
- Panel Interview:
- Conducted by IDFC FIRST Bank and Manipal Academy representatives (in-person or virtual)
- Assesses banking awareness, sales aptitude, communication skills, and alignment with the bank’s values of ethical, digital, and social good banking
- Provisional Offer Letter:
- Issued after document verification (PAN card, Aadhaar card, address proof, birth date proof, academic certificates, resume) and background checks
- Training:
- Enrolled candidates begin the 12-month programme (4 months classroom, 2 months internship, 6 months OJT)
- Job Placement:
- Successful candidates join IDFC FIRST Bank as Acquisition Relationship Managers
Document Requirements:
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card
- Address proof (e.g., passport, driving license, voter’s ID)
- Birth date proof (e.g., passport, birth certificate, school leaving certificate)
- Academic certificates (10th, 12th, graduation)
- Updated resume
Test Pattern for Online Assessment
The online assessment is a critical step in the selection process. Based on programme details and industry standards, the test pattern includes:
- Type: Objective, multiple-choice questions
- Sections:
- Verbal Ability: Grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension
- Numerical Ability: Arithmetic, data interpretation, quantitative aptitude
- Logical Reasoning: Analytical and problem-solving skills
- English Proficiency: Written and spoken English skills
- Sales Aptitude: Assesses suitability for sales-driven roles
- Duration: Typically 60–90 minutes (subject to official notification)
- Negative Marking: Not specified; candidates should check official guidelines
- Preparation Tips:
- Study quantitative aptitude using resources like RS Aggarwal or Arun Sharma
- Practice English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension
- Take mock tests (e.g., via ixamBee’s IDFC First Bank mock test series) to improve speed and accuracy
- Review banking concepts (e.g., retail banking, financial products, KYC, AML)
- Prepare for sales-oriented interview questions (e.g., “How would you convince a customer to open a savings account?”)
Roles and Responsibilities of an Acquisition Relationship Manager
As an Acquisition Relationship Manager at IDFC FIRST Bank, you will focus on customer acquisition, relationship management, and revenue growth. Key responsibilities include:
- Customer Acquisition: Source new customers through leads, referrals, and market outreach
- Cross-Selling: Promote banking products like savings accounts, loans, credit cards, insurance, and mutual funds
- Relationship Management: Build and maintain long-term client relationships to enhance retention and wallet share
- Sales Targets: Achieve monthly/quarterly targets for product sales and account openings
- Compliance: Adhere to KYC, AML, and RBI regulations
- Digital Banking: Educate customers on digital banking platforms and services
- Reporting: Maintain daily sales and activity reports
The role may involve travel within the assigned city/region for client meetings or field activities, with postings at any of IDFC FIRST Bank’s 600+ branches across India.
Why Choose the IDFC FIRST Bank Emerging Bankers Programme?
The Emerging Bankers Programme offers several advantages for aspiring bankers:
- Comprehensive Training: Delivered by Manipal Academy of BFSI at its state-of-the-art Bengaluru campus, with a focus on practical banking skills and compliance
- Earn While You Learn: Stipends of ₹6,000/month (classroom), ₹30,000/month (internship), and ₹35,000/month (OJT)
- Fee Reimbursement: Full refund of ₹2,38,000 + GST in two tranches after 12 and 24 months of service, subject to performance
- Assured Job Placement: Guaranteed role as an Acquisition Relationship Manager with IDFC FIRST Bank
- Competitive Salary: ₹6.00 LPA fixed CTC
- Campus Benefits: Lodging, meals, uniforms, Android tablet, and study materials during the 4-month residential training
- Prestigious Certification: PGDBF from MAHE, a top-ranked university
- Career Growth: Opportunities to advance in a progressive, technology-driven bank focused on ethical, digital, and social good banking
- Inclusive Culture: IDFC FIRST Bank fosters a culture of mutual respect and mindfulness, ensuring a supportive work environment
Challenges to Consider: The role involves sales targets, which may entail work pressure, and candidates must arrange their own boarding and lodging during the internship and OJT phases. However, the generous stipends, fee reimbursement, and job assurance make the programme highly attractive.
About IDFC FIRST Bank
Established through the merger of IDFC Bank Ltd. and Capital First Ltd. on December 18, 2018, IDFC FIRST Bank is a progressive private sector bank in India with over 600 branches and a strong digital banking presence. The bank aims to be the “world’s most customer-friendly bank,” prioritizing ethical, digital, and social good banking. It offers a wide range of products, including savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and insurance, and serves customers across urban and rural India. The bank’s culture of collaboration and innovation makes it an exciting workplace for young professionals.
About Manipal Academy of BFSI
Manipal Academy of BFSI, under the leadership of Dr. Ramdas Pai, is India’s leading training provider for the BFSI sector. Having trained over 2,00,000 professionals, the academy partners with over 50 leading banks and financial institutions. Its co-created curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities ensure an immersive learning experience aligned with industry needs.
Conclusion
The IDFC FIRST Bank Emerging Bankers Programme 2025 is a premier opportunity for graduates aged 21–28 to build a rewarding career with one of India’s fastest-growing private sector banks. With its 12-month training, generous stipends, full fee reimbursement, campus benefits, and assured placement as an Acquisition Relationship Manager, the programme offers a clear pathway to success in banking. Backed by Manipal Academy of BFSI’s expertise, this initiative equips candidates with the skills to excel in customer-facing, sales-driven roles. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about a career in ethical and digital banking, apply now at idfcfirst.manipalbfsi.com, prepare diligently for the assessment and interview, and take the first step toward a dynamic future with IDFC FIRST Bank!
For more details, visit idfcfirst.manipalbfsi.com or careers.idfcfirstbank.com. Stay updated on application deadlines and batch commencement dates.