Bank promotion requires passing the Institute of Bankers, Bangladesh (IBB) Banking Professional Exam (formerly Banking Diploma Exam) in two stages. Bangladesh Bank has instructed the banks to allocate 10 percent marks in the promotion of superiors in these two phases.

This instruction was given in a notification issued by the Banking Regulation and Policy Department of Bangladesh Bank on Thursday (16 January).

It is said in the notification, the necessity of creating efficient human resources with basic banking knowledge and increasing the capacity of officials in decision-making is undeniable to ensure more order and good governance in the banking sector. For this, in the case of promotion of officers working from senior officers or equivalent positions to higher positions, 10 percent of the marks allocated by the bank should be allocated for passing the Banking Professional Exam. In this case, 5 percent of the marks should be allocated for each phase.

According to the notification of 2023, previously appointed or promoted officers will automatically get 10 percent marks in the case of subsequent promotions, but from January 1, 2026, to get appointed to a higher position in another bank, they will have to pass the Banking Professional Exam. In addition, it will be mandatory for officers joining or promoted to senior officers or equivalent positions from February 1, 2025, to pass the Diploma First and Second Phase Exams for subsequent promotions. This condition should be mentioned in the conditions of appointment or promotion of officers from now on. In case of completion of 15 years in senior officer or equivalent post, full marks in banking professional exam will automatically be given on the basis of banking experience without giving banking professional exam.

Meanwhile, financial incentives will be given to those who pass the Banking Professional Exam. Tk 35,000 will be allocated for those who pass the first phase and Tk 50,000 for those who pass the second phase. This instruction will be effective from the 99th Banking Professional Exam.

The notification also said that the two-stage professional exam of IBB plays an important role in acquiring basic and practical knowledge of banking for bank officers. At the same time, this course helps bank officers to increase their decision-making capacity and achieve professional excellence. Recently the curriculum of this course has been modernized by incorporating a wide range of theoretical and practical knowledge in line with modern banking practices. Where the 1st phase exam tests basic and basic knowledge related to banking and the 2nd phase exam tests higher banking knowledge and skills.