5 mins The ability to build a career in core banking today is all about hands-on experience. Although a degree is necessary and provides a foundation upon which a banking career can be launched, it is generally not reflective of the realities of a working life within a bank branch, handling customers and meeting and being judged upon performance.
As a consequence of this desire for immediate contribution, hands-on learning approaches have gained much favor. The job-assured Axis Bank Young Bankers Program (ABYBP) is a very specific and clear example of building skills and experience one step at a time, enabling graduates to readily find careers within core banking.
Experience Gap in Core Banking Careers
Core banking positions require a combination of subject matter expertise, emotional maturity as well as practical experience. Unfortunately, many graduates entering the labor market have only a theoretical understanding of banking operations at the branch level.
Common hurdles for fresh graduates –
- Lack of familiarization with real banking products and processes
- Inexperience in attracting and managing customer relationships
- Limited exposure to core banking systems and regulatory/compliance requirements
- Difficulty adapting to sales targets or metrics
Due to these gaps in learning, banks these days are looking to hire candidates with job preparedness skills and experience, rather than purely academic achievements. What is extremely essential these days are structured and job-assured training programs.
About the Axis Bank Young Bankers Program
The Axis Bank Young Bankers Program is a one-year full-time work-integrated one that trains and equips students for banking jobs at Axis Bank. It is a partnership between Axis Bank and UNext Manipal Academy of BFSI and has been operating for over twelve years.
Key features include –
- Clear alignment with Axis Bank’s banking needs
- Job-assurance and a defined path from training to full-time positions
- A Post Graduate Diploma in Banking Services from the reputed Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
- Structured classroom exposure, internships and work experience
On successful completion, candidates are absorbed into Axis Bank and deployed to core branches within the bank, beginning as Assistant Managers.
Phase 1 – Campus Training That Simulates Banking Scenarios
The process of the Axis Bankers program begins with 4 months of campus training at the Manipal Academy of BFSI, which is based in Bengaluru. The training emphasizes conventional bank exposure, along with a focus on developing a good conceptual base.
Training highlights include –
- Classroom sessions on banking products, services and regulations
- Simulations of the model branch which mimic real branch processes
- Finacle training to familiarity with core banking systems
- Role plays and case studies related to customer interactions
- Sessions conducted by Axis Bank leaders and industry experts
This phase facilitates the movement from theory to practice in banking.
Phase 2 – Internship at Axis Bank
Learners undertake a 3 month internship at various Axis Bank premises after completing their training at the campus. This is likely to open the door to functional banking environments through observation.
The internship enables students to understand the daily branch workflows, customer needs and the discipline required for core banking services.
Phase 3 – On-the-Job Training & Role Readiness
The last phase encompasses 5 months of actual On-the-Job Training, with trainees in live roles.
During OJT, learners –
- Interact with real customers and reach assigned targets
- Align activities with branch performance expectations
- Receive mentoring from senior banking professionals
- Build accountability, confidence and professional maturity
Upon completion, learners become Assistant Managers with Axis Bank, entering the banking field.
Experience Outcomes Tied to Core Banking Roles
This program is designed to provide a well-rounded set of experiences covering the key areas essential to success in the BFSI domain.
Learners get exposed to –
Customer Orientation and Sales Readiness –
- Steadily attract and retain customers
- Nurture enduring relationships
- Balance the highest quality service with sales results
Domain Knowledge and Operational Awareness
- Familiarize yourself with bank products and compliance rules
- Gain awareness of industry challenges and trends
- Establish a productive footing quickly in branch roles
Professional Behavior and Organizational Alignment
- Communicate effectively in business situations
- Align with Axis Bank’s culture and values
- Meet both role-specific and overall organizational needs
Career Outcome and Compensation Structure
The job opportunity for the students is clear and defined with the Axis Bank Young Bankers Program. The students are given stipends during the program and then are offered a CTC of ₹4.42 lakh per year with non-cashable loans and bonuses.
This ensures a structured outcome that eliminates uncertainty and gives graduates a sense of confidence to enter the banking field.
Role of UNext Manipal Academy of BFSI in Experience Building
The UNext Manipal Academy of BFSI (MABFSI) plays a foundational role in shaping the experience-led learning model of the program.
Established in 2008 and part of the Manipal Education and Medical Group, the professional workforce training institute specialises in BFSI talent development and has trained over 2,50,000 professionals across banking, insurance, NBFCs and fintech.
This strong industry-academia integration ensures that learning outcomes remain relevant, practical and aligned with real banking roles.
Within the Axis Bank Young Bankers Program, MABFSI contributes by:
- Co-creating industry-aligned curriculum with Axis Bank
- Delivering simulation-based and application-oriented learning
- Providing access to 220+ experienced BFSI faculty
- Using real-life scenarios to ensure operational readiness from Day 1
Conclusion
The Axis Bank Young Bankers Program is a reflection of how experience-led learning can help bridge the academia-employability gap that is so prevalent in BFSI industries.
With UNext Manipal Academy of BFSI taking care of the entire academic as well as experience-based learning process, graduates can now gain actual experience in bank functions with a planned progression of training, internships and live bank jobs.
For individuals who wish to create a lasting career in core banking, this job-assured program is a viable path to enter the BFSI sector. Enroll today!
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