What is Canara Bank PO (PGDBF)

• Canara Bank PO is a junior management grade officer position. Candidates after selection undergo a training-/course period called PGDBF (Post Graduate Diploma in Banking & Finance). After successful completion, they are appointed as Probationary Officers (PO), usually in Junior Management Grade I. BankBazaar+3syft.in+3Sathee+3

• The bank uses this route to recruit young graduates and train them to handle banking & financial operations at officer level. syft.in+2Entri+2

Eligibility Criteria

Here are the usual eligibility conditions (may vary in exact notifications):

Exam & Selection Process

Here’s how the selection process normally works for Canara Bank PO:

1. Online Examination

   • Objective type (MCQ) test covering sections like Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General / Banking Awareness. UPSC Pathshala+3BankBazaar+3Entri+3

   • Total number of questions generally 200, total marks 200. Entri+1

   • Negative marking: usually 0.25 marks deducted for every wrong answer. Entri+2BankBazaar+2

2. Group Discussion (GD) / Panel Discussion and / or Interview / Personality Test

   • After passing the online test and meeting cut-offs (both sectional and overall), candidates are called for GD / Interview. Entri+1

3. PGDBF Course

   • Successful candidates then undergo the PGDBF training/course (duration ~ one year in most cases, in specified institutes). On successful completion, they are absorbed as Canara Bank Probationary Officers. syft.in+1

4. Probation / Confirmation

   • After PGDBF and probation, they are confirmed and start working as officers. Some terms regarding bond, training cost etc may apply. UPSC Pathshala+1

Salary / Pay Scale / Allowances

Here is what you can expect roughly as salary and allowances from current notifications & past data:

Also there are other benefits:

• Medical aid / insurance, leave travel benefits, etc. BYJU'S+2syft.in+2

• Loyalty bonus: In some notifications, after certain years of service, some training / course cost or part of it is refunded. BYJU'S+1

• Provident Fund / Pension / Employee benefits as per bank’s policies. BankBazaar+1

Key Numbers & Other Details

• Application Fee: General / OBC / EWS usually ~ ₹708, SC/ST/PWBD ~ ₹118. UPSC Pathshala+2BankBazaar+2

• Sectional & Overall Cut-offs: Bank uses both. A candidate must clear minimum marks in each section as well as overall to move ahead. BankBazaar+1

Pros & Challenges

Advantages:

• Good starting salary + allowances.

• The training (PGDBF) helps fresh graduates learn all banking operations before posted; gives structured learning.

• Stability of a bank job (public sector).

• Opportunities for promotion to higher management grades based on performance & seniority.

• Exposure to different banking functions (customer service, credit, operations, etc.).

Challenges:

• Highly competitive exam; many applicants.

• The PGDBF might have fee / bond conditions (you may need to commit to stay with the bank for certain period).

• Posting could be in less desirable / remote areas depending on bank requirement.

• Workload and responsibilities can be significant, especially in branches.

• The selection process (GD / Interview) evaluates not just knowledge, but communication skills, attitude etc.