Hello friends,

The December 2008/January 2009 examinations, barring some diploma examinations are almost complete. Nearly 52000 candidates are appearing for various examinations of the Institute. We are encouraged by the support from the banking and finance fraternity and the candidates. It is our resolve that the examinations should be delivered in a professional manner befitting the trust imposed on the Institute. However, during the current examinations, at some of the on-line centers candidates have faced issues such as login problems, failure of UPS, failure of broadband, and failure of network connectivity. I would like to apologize to those candidates who faced such problems for the inconvenience caused. As candidates form those centres could not complete the examinations or were disturbed during the time of examination we have announced re-examination in those places. Letters regarding the new dates have been sent to the candidates. We are taking up issue with our technical partner to avoid such occurrences. However, we feel that, possibly such technological glitches will happen. The Institute will, therefore, ensure that in future affected candidates, if any, are given fresh examination dates such that they are able to take the same without any disturbance. The details of affected centers are placed on the portal.

Members are aware of the sector relevant courses/examinations that the Institute has been introducing over the years. As a result, employees of various organizations depicted below and students can now take the courses and exams of the Institute.

In addition the Diploma in Banking and Finance is open to college students in the final year of graduation course. This course has been approved by the IBA as a desirable qualification for entry to the banks as officers. The Institute will shortly open an exclusive e-learning on CORE BANKING for the DBF candidates. An IT cum Banking certificate for 12th pass candidates will also be announced in association with DOEACC shortly.

The variety in the courses offered can be inferred from the following:

The courses/examinations are supported by dedicated courseware, virtual classes, contact classes and e-learning. Most exams are on multiple choice mode and we do everything possible to make the examinations a stimulating and challenging experience. Members are encouraged to take the diploma and certificate exams of their choice for career advancement.

The Institute publishes news letter and journals to keep its members up to date about banking. The news letter is mailed to all the members and journal is available on subscription (a mere Rs 240 for 8 issues for two years). But often the news letter comes back un-delivered or lies unopened in banks/bank branches. This is because the address of the members available with the Institute is not updated. May I, therefore, request members to inform us of the change in address, if any, such that the news letter reaches them in time. Let me assure the members that there are no limits to the number of times the address can be updated! Members can also choose to receive the IIBF –Vision through email. It is also uploaded in the portal. Please write to the zonal offices about the change of address or willingness to receive the news letter by email.

Members are aware that the Institute has published a number of books on various banking and finance related subjects. I would recommend the members to have their own home library of these books and I am sure they will find good use of the same in their day- to -day banking.

We are thinking of opening own test centers across the country and also state level knowledge centers. We are also planning to make available more courses through e-learning. I am sure these initiatives will be welcome by the members and be useful to the candidates taking up the courses and examinations.

Before I close let me wish all of you a happy and prosperous new year.