Private Bank Exam Syllabus: Are you planning to build a career in top private banks like HDFC, ICICI, Axis or other leading banks in 2026? Many students believe that bank jobs only mean SBI or IBPS exams. But the truth is the private banking (BFSI) sector today is offering millions of job opportunity and fast career growth.
But the main question is – Are the private and Government bank exam syllabus the same? Honestly, the answer is no. Private bank exam syllabus are completely different from SBI or IBPS. Government banks mainly check your calculation speed while private banks focus more on how well you communicate and your personality.
Note: To create this guide, we latest bank jobs team carefully studying India top education portals and banking experts internet sites. In this we selected and included only key points that are 100% relevant for private bank exam syllabus in 2026.
- Subject wise private bank exam syllabus.
- Pattern of psychometric and aptitude tests.
- Information on the latest recruitment programs (SO / PO / Clerk)
- Specific selection tips for each bank
Private Bank Selection process 2026: In 3 Simple Steps
In government banks, you generally face a written exam and an interview. However, private banks follow a slightly different process.
Step 1 – Online Assessment
In this round checks your IQ and basic knowledge. It has 2 parts-
- Aptitude – Maths, English and Reasoning skills test
- Psychometric Test – Checks your personality and behaviour.
Step 2 – Video Profile / Group Discussion (GD)
Some banks ask for a short video introduction or conduct a group discussion.
Step 3 – Personal Interview
The final round where your personality and communication skill are evaluated.
Detailed Private Bank Exam Syllabus for Aptitude and Logic
In private bank exams like Axis, HDFC, ICICI, Kotak etc, your biggest challenge is Time in exam time. Below is the list of the Key topics for each subject.
1. Reasoning Ability (Logical & Analytical)
Here, Private bank test your logic not just your puzzle solving skills.
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangement: Both circular and linear (moderate level)
- Syllogism: Basic “Some-All” type and reverse patterns
- Data Sufficiency: Whether the given statements are sufficient to answer the question.
- Blood Relations & Direction Sense: Map based questions
- Coding – Decoding: Symbol based and letter shifting
- Critical Reasoning: “Statement Assumption” and “Course of Action” (Very important for Private Bank exam)
2. Quantitative Aptitude (Numerical Ability)
Focus more on concept clarity rather than calculation speed (Matlab basic strong kare calculation apne aap fast ho jayegi)
- Data Interpretation (DI): Bar graphs, pie charts, and table based questions (Practice atleast 2-3 sets regularly).
- Arithmetic (Core): Topics like percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Averages and Ratio & Proportion – these topics are very important and apperar frequently
- Number Series: Find the missing number in a series or identifying the wrong number series.
- Simplification & Approximation: Focus on decimals and square roots.
3. English Language & Verbal Ability
In Private Bank, communication is given high priority, therefore there is also a Written English Test (WET) (Reading comprehension par dhyan de kyoki PRIVATE bank banking terminology jyada puchta hai)
- Reading Comprehension: Passages related to banking or the economy.
- Error Spotting: Grammar rules and tenses.
- Close Test & Fillers: Contextual vocabulary.
- Para Jumbles: Arranging sentences in the correct order.
- Written English (WET): After clearing level 1, you may get an essay or Professional email topic of 15-20 minutes (computer based).
4. Banking Awareness & General Knowledge
Private bank focuses more on current banking trends.
- Banking Terms: Repo Rate, SLR, CRR, KYC and inflation
- Private Bank Specifics: All private Banks current CEO, headquarters, tagline, and their new digital products knowledge (such as HDFC’s PayZapp, & ICICI’s iMobile.)
- Current Affairs: Financial news of the last 6 months and government schemes (Such as PMJDY).
- Basic Economics: Indian Budget and Monetary Policy.
5. Extra Tip (Unique Selection Process for Private Bank Exam Syllabus)
AI Video Assessment
Nowadays, many private banks, like HDFC & ICICI banks uses AI based video interviews. Question appear on the screen and you have to record your answers.
Personality Test:
This test checks if your personality is fit for Sales or Customer Service Jobs. There are no right or wrong answers. It only checks your personality is matching the job.
Please Note: Private bank exams mein generally NEGATIVE Marking nahi hoti (like HDFC exams), but time limit kaafi tight hoti hai. That’s why zyada sochne ke bajay SPEED aur SMART attempt pe Focus karo.
Psychometric Assessment Syllabus (Personality & Behavior)
This test is the most unique part of private bank exams. It does not check your calculation skills but instead tests your work attitude. There is no fixed formula for it, but banks judge you based on similar types of topics:
1. Situational Judgment (SJT):
You will be given real life office situations. (For example – What will you do if your manager makes a mistake?)
2. Customer Centricity:
Are you ready to solve a customer’s problem calmly or will you just shout at them? (for example- what would you do If your manager gives unclear instructions?)
3. Integrity & Ethics:
A question to test your honesty (for example – you may get a situation where you have to choose whether to break or follow the rules).
4. Stress Management:
Ability to handle target pressure and angry customers effectively.
5. Sales Aptitude:
Are you able to confidently convince customers and sell bank products such as credit cards or loans?
6. Teamwork:
Ability to work well effectively with other team members.
Please Note: In this test, questions are usually in the format of “Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree.”
Bank Wise Specific – Private Bank Exam Syllabus
Each Bank has its own exam pattern. Along with Aptitude and Psychometric tests, you also need to give attention to the bank specific topics given below. These topics can make a real difference in your preparation.
1. ICICI Bank (Probationary / Sales Officers)
ICICI bank mainly focuses on logical ability and quick thinking.
- Abstract Reasoning: You will see more questions on patterns and shapes compared to other private bank exams.
- Number Series: High level maths questions are mostly calculation based.
- English usage: Instead of grammar, focus more on contextual vocabulary that is using the right word in the right place.
2. HDFC Bank (Future Bankers Program)
HDFC conduct its exams slightly in a professional and technical manner.
- Basic Banking Awareness: Knowledge of RBI rules and regulation, Saving / Current and other types of accounts, and basics of banking terminology like Repo rate.
- Personality Profiling: Generally, their psychometric test is lengthy and checks “consistency” by sometimes asking the same question twice.
- Data Interpretation: You will see more questions on graphs and tables in HDFC recruitment exams.
3. Axis Bank Online Assessment Syllabus
Axis Bank generally gives importance to Sales and customer interaction.
- Sales Scenarios: Generally situational type question asks in this section like – what will you do if a customer refuses a loan?
- Numerical Ability: You will see more questions on profit & loss and simple / compound interest because they are important in banking.
- Digital Awareness: Basics of mobile banking apps and UPI.