What to Expect in the ICICI PGPRM Program: Training & Career Path in 2025
What to Expect in the ICICI PGPRM Program: Training & Career Path in 2025
The ICICI Post Graduate Program in Relationship Management (PGPRM) is a specialized training initiative by ICICI Bank, one of India’s leading private banks, in collaboration with training partners like NIIT Institute for Finance, Banking, and Insurance (IFBI) and ITM Skills Academy. Designed for young graduates, this 21-day online blended learning program transforms participants into industry-ready Relationship Managers with a guaranteed job at ICICI Bank. If you’re considering enrolling in the PGPRM in 2025, this blog outlines what to expect in terms of training, career path, salary, and growth opportunities, drawing from official sources and insights shared by past participants.
Overview of the ICICI PGPRM Program
The PGPRM is tailored to develop skills for sales and relationship management in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector. It equips graduates with the knowledge, tools, and practical experience needed to excel as Relationship Managers, focusing on customer acquisition, cross-selling, and providing 360-degree banking solutions. Key highlights include:
- Duration: 21 days of online training (Monday to Saturday).
- Certification: Digitally verifiable Post Graduate Program in Relationship Management Certificate from NIIT or ITM Skills Academy.
- Job Guarantee: Placement as a Relationship Manager at ICICI Bank upon successful completion.
- Training Partners: NIIT IFBI and ITM Skills Academy, leveraging their expertise in BFSI training.
- Objective: Create first-day-first-hour industry-ready professionals for sales and customer-centric roles.
The program is immersive, using real-time classes, case studies, role-plays, and digital platforms to deliver a practical learning experience. It’s ideal for graduates passionate about sales and building client relationships in banking.
Eligibility Criteria
To enroll in the PGPRM Program in 2025, you must meet the following requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Graduate from any stream (except engineering in some cases, depending on the training partner) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in 10th, 12th, and graduation (regular mode only; no correspondence, distance learning, vocational, or open schooling allowed).
- Age Limit: 19–25 years (born on or after February 2000, as of February 1, 2025, per some sources; confirm exact dates on icicicareers.com).
- Experience: Open to freshers and candidates with up to 1–2 years of work experience.
- Additional Requirements:
- Must possess a PAN card and Aadhaar card for submission during the selection process.
- No blood relatives (parents, siblings, spouse, or children) employed at ICICI Bank or its group companies, or under consideration for employment.
- No prior interviews with ICICI Bank in the last 6 months or previous employment with ICICI Bank or its third-party partners.
- Maximum 1–2 year academic gap allowed between 10th and graduation.
- Minimum CIBIL score of 720 or -1 (no credit history) for placement eligibility.
Source: NIIT and ITM Skills Academy websites, icicicareers.com.
Selection Process
The PGPRM selection process is merit-based and designed to identify candidates with strong sales aptitude and banking potential. It includes:
- Online Application:
- Register via icicicareers.com, niit.com, or itm.edu.
- Pay a non-refundable application fee (typically INR 500–2,000; confirm on official portals).
- Submit documents (10th, 12th, graduation certificates, PAN, Aadhaar, resume) for verification.
- Online Assessments:
- Aptitude Test: Tests numerical comprehension, verbal comprehension, and logical reasoning.
- English Proficiency Test: Evaluates basic English writing skills.
- Sales Profiler Test: Assesses aptitude for sales roles, focusing on customer orientation and persuasion skills.
- Personal Interview:
- Conducted by NIIT, ITM, or ICICI Bank panelists to evaluate interpersonal skills, sales acumen, and motivation for a banking career.
- Offer and Fee Payment:
- Successful candidates receive a selection email and pay the training fee (INR 49,560, effective February 1, 2024, per ITM; confirm for 2025).
- Payment options include Eazy Pay, Google Pay, PhonePe, or PayTM to “ITM Edutech Training Pvt. Ltd.” Loans are available through third-party lenders.
Note: The fee is non-refundable, and no additional payments beyond INR 49,560 are required. Beware of fraudulent requests for extra fees, as emphasized by ITM Skills Academy.
Training Structure: What to Expect
The PGPRM is a 21-day online blended learning program (Monday to Saturday), delivered through NIIT’s digital platform or ITM Skills Academy’s infrastructure. It combines live virtual classes, self-paced content, and practical exercises to prepare you for a Relationship Manager role. Here’s a breakdown of the training experience:
Curriculum Highlights
- Banking Products and Processes: Learn about ICICI Bank’s products (deposits, loans, credit cards, insurance, investments), processes, and policies, including KYC compliance and Finacle software usage.
- Sales and Relationship Management: Master techniques for customer acquisition, cross-selling, retention, and service excellence, with a focus on 360-degree banking solutions.
- Banking Industry Overview: Gain a holistic understanding of the BFSI sector, market trends, and regulatory frameworks like IRDAI and RBI guidelines.
- Soft Skills: Develop communication, grooming, negotiation, and objection-handling skills tailored for client interactions.
- Digital Skills: Training on digital banking tools, CRM systems, and customer service platforms to enhance efficiency.
Training Delivery
- Live Virtual Classes: Conducted by experienced trainers like Dr. Alok Malhotra (30+ years in banking) or Bhavna Rohera (25+ years in BFSI), with real-time Q&A sessions.
- NIIT Digital Platform: Access a learner dashboard, schedules, self-paced content, assessments, and batch engagement tools via www.training.com, available on laptops and mobile devices.
- Practical Learning: Includes role-plays, case studies, and skill-based tests to simulate real-world banking scenarios, such as pitching products or handling customer queries.
- National Batch: Connect with peers across India, fostering collaboration and networking.
- Support: Access assistance from the nearest NIIT or ITM center for queries or technical issues.
Daily Schedule (Sample)
- Morning (9:00 AM–12:00 PM): Live sessions on banking products or sales techniques, with interactive discussions.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM–3:00 PM): Self-paced learning, reviewing materials or completing assignments.
- Evening (3:00 PM–5:00 PM): Role-plays, case studies, or online assessments to test understanding.
- Minimum Attendance: 85% attendance in live sessions is mandatory to qualify for certification.
Certification
Upon successful completion (achieving ≥50% in assessments and meeting attendance requirements), you’ll receive a digitally verifiable PGPRM Certificate from NIIT or ITM Skills Academy. This certificate enhances your resume and validates your readiness for banking roles.
Challenges:
- Intensive schedule requires strong time management to balance live classes and assignments.
- Sales-focused training may be demanding for those new to customer-facing roles.
- No stipend is provided during the 21-day training, so plan finances carefully.
Rewards:
- Immersive learning with industry-seasoned faculty ensures job-readiness.
- Practical exercises build confidence in sales and client interactions.
- The short duration (21 days) allows quick entry into a banking career.
Source: NIIT, ITM Skills Academy, and ICICI Bank websites.
Career Path After PGPRM
Upon completing the PGPRM, you’ll be absorbed as a Relationship Manager at ICICI Bank in the Senior Officer grade (equivalent to Deputy Manager, Band I in some sources). Here’s what to expect in terms of job role, salary, and growth prospects:
Job Role: Relationship Manager
- Responsibilities:
- Customer Acquisition: Convert assigned leads and tap opportunities around branch vicinity to onboard new customers.
- Cross-Selling: Promote ICICI Bank products (deposits, loans, credit cards, insurance, investments) to existing and new clients.
- 360-Degree Banking: Provide tailored financial solutions to meet customer needs, ensuring satisfaction and long-term relationships.
- Collaboration: Work with internal stakeholders (e.g., branch staff, product teams) to deliver seamless service and meet turnaround times.
- Compliance: Adhere to banking processes, KYC norms, and regulatory guidelines to avoid reputational risks.
- Work Environment: Field-based and branch-based, involving client visits and target-driven tasks. The role requires strong interpersonal skills and resilience to handle sales pressure.
- Job Location: Across India, based on ICICI Bank’s requirements (exact assignment at the bank’s discretion).
Salary and Benefits
- Starting Salary: INR 2.8 LPA (gross CTC, subject to location-based variations and performance incentives), as per ITM Skills Academy and NIIT sources. Some sources mention INR 4.5–5.0 LPA for similar roles, so verify for 2025 on icicicareers.com.
- Incentives: Performance-based bonuses for meeting or exceeding sales targets, potentially increasing earnings by 20–50%.
- Benefits: Mediclaim, group insurance, and job security in a reputed bank ranked 4th in India’s top companies by Business Today (2020).
- No Stipend During Training: Unlike the ICICI Manipal PO Program, PGPRM offers no stipend during the 21-day training, but the short duration minimizes financial strain.
Career Growth Prospects
- Short-Term (1–3 Years):
- Excel as a Relationship Manager by achieving sales targets and building client relationships.
- Progress to roles like Branch Sales Manager or Relationship Manager (Priority Banking), with salaries of INR 6,00,000–10,00,000 per annum, per AmbitionBox data.
- Develop expertise in wealth management or retail banking, leveraging skills from the PGPRM.
- Medium-Term (3–5 Years):
- Advance to Area Sales Manager or Branch Manager, overseeing larger teams and regions, with salaries of INR 10,00,000–15,00,000 per annum.
- Opportunities for job rotation into operations, customer success, or product management, depending on performance.
- Long-Term (5+ Years):
- Potential to reach senior roles like Regional Head or Zonal Manager, with salaries ranging from INR 20,00,000 to 30,00,000+ per annum for top performers.
- ICICI Bank’s leadership development programs and supportive culture (recognized as a top BFSI employer) foster long-term growth.
- Advantages:
- The PGPRM’s focus on sales and relationship management positions you for high-earning roles in private banking or wealth management.
- ICICI Bank’s global footprint and fintech innovations provide exposure to cutting-edge banking practices.
- The program’s alumni network (part of NIIT’s 40+ years of training legacy) enhances career connections.
- Challenges:
- High-pressure sales targets and field-based work may impact work-life balance, as noted in some Quora and AmbitionBox reviews.
- Growth depends on consistent performance and meeting targets, which requires resilience.
Source: ICICI Bank, NIIT, ITM Skills Academy, and career platforms like Prosple and AmbitionBox.
Program Costs and Return on Investment
- Program Fee: INR 49,560 (effective February 1, 2024; confirm for 2025, as GST may apply).
- Payment Options: Payable via Eazy Pay, Google Pay, PhonePe, or PayTM. Education loans are available through third-party lenders, with flexible EMI options.
- ROI:
- The starting salary of INR 2.8 LPA (potentially higher with incentives) allows you to recover the fee within 1–2 years.
- The guaranteed job and PGPRM certificate provide immediate career entry and long-term value in the BFSI sector.
- Compared to longer programs like the ICICI Manipal PO (INR 2,55,500 fee), the PGPRM’s lower cost and shorter duration make it more accessible.
Tips for Success in the PGPRM
- Prepare for Selection:
- Practice aptitude tests (numerical, verbal, logical) using resources like Testbook or previous ICICI exam papers.
- Brush up on English writing and sales-oriented scenarios for the Sales Profiler Test.
- In interviews, emphasize your interest in sales, customer engagement, and banking.
- Maximize Training:
- Actively participate in live classes, role-plays, and case studies to build practical skills.
- Engage with faculty and peers to clarify doubts and network.
- Maintain 85% attendance and aim for ≥50% in assessments to secure the certificate.
- Excel as a Relationship Manager:
- Hone communication and persuasion skills to meet sales targets and handle customer objections.
- Stay updated on ICICI Bank products and digital tools to provide effective solutions.
- Build resilience to manage sales pressure and maintain a customer-centric approach.
- Plan Finances:
- Budget for the INR 49,560 fee, using loans if needed, as no stipend is provided during training.
- Ensure a healthy CIBIL score (≥720 or -1) to qualify for placement.
- Leverage ICICI’s Ecosystem:
- Engage with senior management during training sessions for mentorship and visibility.
- Use ICICI Bank’s reputation and NIIT/ITM’s alumni network for career growth.
Is the PGPRM Right for You?
The ICICI PGPRM Program is ideal if you:
- Are a graduate (non-engineering in some cases) aged 19–25 with a passion for sales and customer relationships.
- Seek a quick, affordable entry into banking with a guaranteed job at ICICI Bank.
- Are comfortable with a target-driven, field-based role and thrive in client-facing environments.
Considerations:
- The sales-focused role involves high-pressure targets and potential long hours, as noted in some reviews.
- No stipend during training requires financial planning for the INR 49,560 fee.
- The shorter duration (21 days) means intensive learning, demanding discipline and focus.
Conclusion
The ICICI PGPRM Program in 2025 offers a fast-tracked, affordable path to a banking career as a Relationship Manager with ICICI Bank. The 21-day online training, delivered by NIIT and ITM Skills Academy, equips you with sales, product, and compliance skills, culminating in a digitally verifiable certificate and a starting salary of INR 2.8 LPA (potentially higher with incentives). With a clear career path to roles like Branch Sales Manager or Regional Head, the program is a compelling choice for graduates eager to excel in sales and relationship management. For the latest details on eligibility, fees, and applications, visit icicicareers.com, niit.com, or itm.edu.
Sources: Information compiled from ICICI Bank’s official website, NIIT IFBI, ITM Skills Academy, Prosple, Ginger Jobs, and Upgradelly. Verify 2025-specific details on official channels, as fees and salaries may vary.