The chairman or CEO is considered to be the highest position in a bank. However, different banks have different structures or arrangements. The ranking of the posts may vary for different banks. In this article let us know some of the highest position in a bank.
Hierarchy of the Highest Positions in a Bank
Let us look at some of the major positions in the banking sector below.
| Level | Private Sector Banks | Public Sector Banks |
| 1. | MD & CEO | Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) |
| 2. | Deputy MD & CEO | CEO & Managing Director (MD) |
| 3. | Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Executive Director (ED) |
| 4. | Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | Chief General Manager (CGM) |
| 5. | Executive Vice President (EVP) | General Manager (GM) |
| 6. | Senior Vice President (SVP) | Deputy General Manager (DGM) |
| 7. | Vice President (VP) | Assistant General Manager (AGM) |
| 8. | Assistant Vice President (AVP) | Chief Manager |
| 9. | Senior Manager | Senior Manager |
| 10. | Manager | Manager |
| 11. | Assistant Manager | Assistant Manager |
| 12. | Officer/Associate | Officer/Associate |
CEO or Managing DirectorÂ
In banks, the highest position is the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) or Managing Director (MD). The role of CEO and MD is very dynamic and is answerable to the board of directors. Their main role is to prepare budgets, look for financial reports, allocate new strategies, new business avenues, etc.Â
Director
In public sector banks director is considered to be the most active member of a bank. The primary role of a director is promotion and managing the marketing of different banking products and services.Â
General Manager
The General Manager is responsible for overseeing budgets, operations, marketing strategies, and other important works of the local bank. The main duties of the general manager are to look out for various operations, schedule staff, track cash flow, and set sales goals for the team.
Chartered AccountantÂ
This is considered to be one of the most important positions in a bank. They are responsible for ensuring financial and legal compliance. They are financial experts who can easily manage budgets, audits, taxes, and business strategies for various clients. You will need to clear the CA exam which is a long process where you have to go through the foundation course, practical training, and clear the final exam.
Branch Manager
A branch manager is an executive personnel in charge of the branch office of a bank or financial institution. A Bank manager is responsible for looking out for a particular branch and handling their various day-to-day operations.Â
Assistant Branch Manager
Assistant Branch Managers are responsible for assisting and providing leadership value to the bank through managing all major areas of a bank. Probationary Officers are promoted to Assistant Branch Managers first. They generally have heavy work pressure and are frequently posted in urban work areas.Â
Probationary Officers
A Probationary Officer (PO) post is a managerial position in a bank. Recruitment for this position is done through various exams. Some of the popular bank exams for Probationary officers are SBI PO, IBPS PO, etc. They are responsible for managing customer transactions, handling loans, drafting insurance, etc. Â
What is the Highest Position in a Private Bank?
The highest position in a private bank is of a Chief Executive Officer or Managing Director. They are responsible for managing the overall operations of a bank, implementing strategies, regular compilations, and more. To get to this role a high level of experience as well as educational qualifications is required.Â
You can reach this position after starting from an entry-level position in the bank and slowly progressing through the ranks. You will continuously need to upgrade your skills and knowledge. Build networks, develop leadership skills, and grow your knowledge of financial markets, banking operations, strategic planning, and more.Â
After having significant experience you can apply for senior executive roles such as Vice President (VP), Executive Vice President (EVP), Chief Operating Officer (COO), and aim for the CEO or MD position.
How to Get to the Highest Position in a Public Sector Bank?
Getting to the highest position in a bank requires you to have enough experience and consistent performance followed by entering a decent position in the bank. Participate and clear banking exams for Probationary Officers or equivalent for multiple public sector banks and gain experience in the field.Â
Get promoted to the middle management roles such as Senior Manager, Branch Manager, etc. You will need to show consistent performance and continuously upgrade your skills to get to senior management roles like General Manager, Chief General Manager, etc.Â
Start applying for the Executive roles once you have significant experience. However, consider taking guidance from experienced professionals for a better foot. The selection for the highest position as CMD or MD undergoes rigorous assessments by the Banks Board Bureau (BBB) and other executive bodies.Â
Highest Post in Bank with Salary in IndiaÂ
Let us now look at some of the positions in a bank from highest to lowest along with their approximate salaries in the table below.
| Positions | Sector | Expected Salary (INR per annum) |
| Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) | Public Sector | 70-100 lakhs |
| MD & CEO | Both | 80 lakhs – 3 crores |
| Deputy MD & CEO | Private Sector | 70 lakhs – 2.5 crores |
| Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Both | 60 lakhs – 2 crores |
| Executive Director (ED) | Public Sector | 50-90 lakhs |
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | Both | 50 lakhs – 1.5 crores |
| Chief General Manager (CGM) | Public Sector | 40-70 lakhs |
| General Manager (GM) | Both | 30-60 lakhs |
| Executive Vice President (EVP) | Private Sector | 35-70 lakhs |
| Deputy General Manager (DGM) | Both | 25-50 lakhs |
| Senior Vice President (SVP) | Private Sector | 30-60 lakhs |
| Assistant General Manager (AGM) | Both | 20-40 lakhs |
| Vice President (VP) | Private Sector | 25-50 lakhs |
| Chief Manager | Public Sector | 15-30 lakhs |
| Senior Manager | Both | 12-25 lakhs |
| Assistant Vice President (AVP) | Private Sector | 15-30 lakhs |
| Manager | Both | 10-20 lakhs |
| Assistant Manager | Both | 7-15 lakhs |
| Officer/Associate | Both | 4-10 lakhs |
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Highest Position in a Bank FAQs
Q1. What is the highest position in a bank?
Ans: The highest position in a bank is CEO (Chief Executive Officer) or MD (Managing Director).
Q2. What are the ranks in banking?
Ans: The ranks in banking are mentioned below.
Scale VII (General Manager)
Scale VI (Deputy General Manager)
Scale V (Assistant General Manager)
Scale IV (Chief Manager)
Scale III (Senior Manager)
Scale II (Manager)
Scale I (Officer)
Q3. How to become CEO of a bank?
Ans: Start from an entry-level position or a Scale I officer in a bank and keep on learning throughout the way. Grow your network and apply for open positions to keep moving forward. Maintain a good work impression and upskilling throughout the way.
Q4. Can 12th pass become CEO?
Ans: To become a CEO directly after the 12th is not possible the easy way. However, in exceptional cases when your family owns a business then you can inherit that position or start your own company to get the CEO position. In banking CEO position after the 12th is not yet possible.
