State Bank of India (SBI), has announced its plan to recruit approximately 10,000 new employees in the current financial year, aiming to enhance both its general banking operations and technical capabilities.
The bank has been making substantial investments in technology to ensure seamless customer service and bolster the resilience of its digital platforms.
"We are strengthening our workforce, both on the technology side as well as on the general banking side. We have recently announced the recruitment of around 1,500 technology professionals at both entry and mid-level positions," SBI Chairman C S Setty said in an interview with PTI.
The technology-focused hiring will include specialists for roles such as data scientists, data architects and network operators, reflecting the bank’s growing emphasis on digitisation. Setty explained, "In total, our recruitment for this year will range between 8,000 to 10,000 people, with hires in both specialized technology roles and general banking positions."
As of March 2024, the bank's workforce totaled 2,32,296 employees, including 1,10,116 officers. Setty emphasised the continuous efforts in reskilling and upskilling employees to keep pace with changing customer expectations and advancements in technology.
"Customer expectations are evolving, and technology is rapidly transforming. Therefore, we are constantly reskilling our employees at all levels," Setty noted, adding that specialised upskilling in niche areas is also provided to meet the growing demands of customers.
In addition to bolstering its workforce, SBI is planning to expand its branch network with 600 new branches across the country in 2024, focusing on emerging areas and residential colonies that remain underserved.
With 2,2,542 branches as of March 2024, SBI's expansion strategy will be instrumental in further strengthening its presence nationwide. "We have strong branch expansion plans, particularly in areas where we currently have no coverage," Setty added.