Kotak NextGen Bankers Programme
Launch Your Banking Career with the Kotak NextGen Bankers Programme 2025
The Kotak NextGen Bankers Programme 2025, offered in collaboration with Manipal Academy of BFSI and ITM Skills University, is a transformative 1-year Post Graduate Diploma in Relationship Banking (PGDRB) designed to groom young graduates into skilled banking professionals. This program prepares candidates for the role of Branch Relationship Manager (Deputy Manager) at Kotak Mahindra Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, with a starting salary of ₹5.00 LPA plus performance-based incentives. With a comprehensive curriculum, stipends during training, full course fee reimbursement via bonuses, and assured job placement, the NextGen Bankers Programme is an ideal pathway for aspiring bankers. Here’s a detailed guide to the program, including eligibility, selection process, training structure, and more.
Program Overview
The Kotak NextGen Bankers Programme is a 12-month initiative aimed at equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge required for a successful career in relationship banking. The program combines 4 months of residential classroom training, 2 months of on-the-job training (OJT), and 6 months of internship, ensuring candidates are industry-ready. Upon successful completion, candidates join Kotak Mahindra Bank as Branch Relationship Managers (Deputy Managers) and receive a Post Graduate Diploma in Relationship Banking from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), ranked 4th in the NIRF University category.
Key Highlights:
- Job Role: Branch Relationship Manager (Deputy Manager)
- Salary: ₹5.00 LPA (fixed CTC) + performance-based incentives
- Certification: Post Graduate Diploma in Relationship Banking (PGDRB) from MAHE
- Program Duration: 12 months
- 4 months of residential classroom training at Manipal Academy of BFSI (Bengaluru) or ITM Skills University
- 2 months of on-the-job training (OJT) at Kotak Mahindra Bank branches
- 6 months of internship at Kotak Mahindra Bank branches
- Course Fee: ₹2,80,000 (inclusive of GST, covering training, boarding, lodging, Android tablet, and health insurance up to ₹1 lakh during the program)
- Fee Reimbursement: Refundable via an assured bonus of ₹1.5 lakh (partial bonus after 24 months, full bonus after 36 months, subject to performance)
- Loan Facility: Available from partner banks at the discretion of the financial institution; candidates can also self-fund
- Stipend:
- ₹5,000/month during 4-month classroom training
- ₹25,000/month during 2-month OJT
- ₹5.00 LPA (pro-rated monthly) during 6-month internship
- Campus Benefits (during 4-month classroom training):
- Accommodation (lodging)
- Food
- Uniforms
- Android tablet for digital learning
- Study materials
- Training Partners: Manipal Academy of BFSI and ITM Skills University
- Job Location: Pan-India, based on Kotak Mahindra Bank’s branch requirements
Training and Stipend Structure
The Kotak NextGen Bankers Programme follows a structured “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, or ITM Skills University)
- Stipend: ₹5,000/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 relationship management
- KYC and AML compliance frameworks
- Digital banking tools and IT systems
- NISM certifications (Depository and Mutual Fund)
- Soft skills (communication, leadership, business etiquette)
- Case studies and role-plays for practical learning
- Delivery Mode: In-person classes with expert-led sessions, supported by digital learning tools
- 2-Month On-the-Job Training (OJT) (at Kotak Mahindra Bank branches/offices)
- Stipend: ₹25,000/month
- Practical exposure to banking operations, customer interactions, and sales processes
- Candidates arrange their own boarding and lodging
- 6-Month Internship (at Kotak Mahindra Bank branches/offices)
- Stipend: ₹5.00 LPA (pro-rated as monthly salary, approximately ₹41,667/month)
- Real-time exposure to sales and relationship management with step-up targets to align with the Deputy Manager role
- Candidates arrange their own boarding and lodging
Upon successful completion, candidates join Kotak Mahindra Bank as Branch Relationship Managers (Deputy Managers) with a fixed CTC of ₹5.00 LPA plus incentives. The course fee is reimbursed via an assured bonus: ₹75,000 after 24 months and the remaining ₹75,000 after 36 months, subject to performance.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Kotak NextGen Bankers Programme 2025, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Age: 21–27 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.)
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks in graduation (no backlogs)
- Graduation must be from a recognized university 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 Kotak Mahindra Bank
- No pending legal cases or disciplinary actions
- Experience: Open to freshers and candidates with up to 2 years of work experience
- Academic Gap: Not explicitly specified; candidates should confirm with the program coordinator
Course Fee and Financing
- Total Fee: ₹2,80,000 (inclusive of GST, covering training, boarding, lodging, Android tablet, and health insurance up to ₹1 lakh during the 12-month program)
- Payment Options: Self-funded or via education loan
- Loan Facility: Candidates are provided contacts of partner banks to procure loans; approval is at the discretion of the financial institution
- Fee Reimbursement: Refundable via an assured bonus of ₹1.5 lakh (₹75,000 after 24 months, ₹75,000 after 36 months, subject to performance)
- Transparency Note: The course fee is the only payment required. Kotak Mahindra Bank does not ask for additional payments from recruits. Any suspicious requests should be reported to the program coordinator or Kotak’s HR department.
Selection Process
The selection process is merit-based and designed to identify candidates with strong potential for sales and relationship management roles. The steps are:
- Online Application:
- Register on the official Kotak Mahindra Bank website (www.kotak.com), Manipal Academy of BFSI (kotaknextgen.manipalbfsi.com), or ITM Skills University (www.itm.edu)
- Pay a non-refundable application fee (typically ₹500–₹2,000, confirm with official sources)
- Online Assessment:
- Tests Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Logical Reasoning, and English Proficiency
- May include a sales aptitude test to assess suitability for the Branch Relationship Manager role
- Personal Interview:
- Conducted by Kotak Mahindra Bank and training partners (in-person or virtual)
- Assesses banking awareness, sales aptitude, communication skills, and alignment with Kotak’s values
- 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 program (4 months classroom, 2 months OJT, 6 months internship)
- Job Placement:
- Successful candidates join Kotak Mahindra Bank as Branch Relationship Managers (Deputy 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 industry standards and program details, 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 (optional): 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 to improve speed and accuracy
- Review banking concepts (e.g., retail banking, financial products, KYC)
- Prepare for sales-oriented interview questions (e.g., “How would you convince a customer to open a savings account?”)
Roles and Responsibilities of a Branch Relationship Manager (Deputy Manager)
As a Branch Relationship Manager (Deputy Manager) at Kotak Mahindra Bank, you will focus on sales and customer relationship management. Key responsibilities include:
- Customer Acquisition: Source new customers through external efforts, referrals, and acquisition channels
- Cross-Selling: Promote banking products like savings accounts, fixed deposits, loans, credit cards, insurance, and mutual funds
- Relationship Management: Build and expand relationships with high-net-worth and retail customers to enhance wallet share and retention
- Sales Initiatives: Plan and conduct events or campaigns to attract prospective clients
- Compliance: Adhere to KYC, AML, and RBI regulations
- Digital Banking: Educate customers on digital banking platforms and services
- Sales Targets: Achieve monthly/quarterly targets for product sales and account openings
- Reporting: Maintain daily sales reports and customer interaction records
The role may involve travel within the assigned city/region for client meetings or sales activities, with postings at any of Kotak Mahindra Bank’s 2,068 branches across India, as of December 31, 2024.
Why Choose the Kotak NextGen Bankers Programme?
The Kotak NextGen Bankers Programme offers several advantages for aspiring bankers:
- Comprehensive Training: Delivered by Manipal Academy of BFSI and ITM Skills University, with a focus on relationship banking, sales, and compliance
- Earn While You Learn: Stipends of ₹5,000/month (classroom), ₹25,000/month (OJT), and ₹5.00 LPA (internship)
- Fee Reimbursement: ₹1.5 lakh assured bonus (₹75,000 after 24 months, ₹75,000 after 36 months, subject to performance)
- Assured Job Placement: Guaranteed role as Branch Relationship Manager (Deputy Manager) with Kotak Mahindra Bank
- Competitive Salary: ₹5.00 LPA fixed CTC + performance-based incentives
- Campus Benefits: Lodging, food, uniforms, Android tablet, and study materials during the 4-month residential training
- Prestigious Certification: PGDRB from MAHE, a top-ranked university
- Career Growth: Clear pathway to leadership roles in one of India’s fastest-growing banks
Challenges to Consider: The program involves sales targets during the internship and job role, which may entail work pressure. Candidates must arrange their own boarding and lodging during OJT and internship phases. However, the stipend, fee reimbursement, and job assurance make it a worthwhile investment.
About Kotak Mahindra Bank
Established in 1985, Kotak Mahindra Group is one of India’s leading financial services conglomerates. In 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. became the first non-banking finance company to convert into a bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (KMBL), after receiving a banking license from the RBI. With 2,068 branches and 3,337 ATMs across India as of December 31, 2024, the bank offers a wide range of services, including commercial banking, stock broking, mutual funds, insurance, and investment banking. Known for its digital-first approach and inclusive vision, Kotak Mahindra Bank serves diverse financial needs with a global presence in the UK, USA, Gulf Region, Singapore, and Mauritius.
Conclusion
The Kotak NextGen Bankers Programme 2025 is a premier opportunity for graduates aged 21–27 to build a rewarding career with Kotak Mahindra Bank. With its 12-month training, generous stipends, full fee reimbursement via bonuses, and assured placement as a Branch Relationship Manager, the program offers a clear pathway to success in banking. Backed by Manipal Academy of BFSI and ITM Skills University, this initiative equips candidates with the skills to thrive in a sales-driven role. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about relationship banking, apply now, prepare diligently for the assessment and interview, and take the first step toward a dynamic career with Kotak Mahindra Bank!
For more details, visit www.kotak.com, kotaknextgen.manipalbfsi.com, or www.itm.edu. Stay updated on application deadlines and batch commencement dates.