The number of employees working in Public Sector Banks (PSBs) has declined over the past 13 years, especially among clerical and subordinate staff. The government provided this information in response to a question in the Lok Sabha, where Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary shared detailed data on the reduction in workforce.
The Minister explained that PSBs determine their manpower needs based on several factors such as business requirements, banking operations, retirements, and unexpected resignations. This means that the hiring of employees varies each year, depending on how many workers are needed.
Employee Numbers in Public Sector Banks
The official figures provided by the government show that while the total workforce in PSBs has grown slightly, the number of clerks and subordinate staff has steadily declined.
| Cadre / Year | 2011 | 2017 | 2024 | As of Jan 1, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Officers | 2,39,997 | 3,19,685 | 4,12,977 | 4,21,584 |
| Clerks | 2,54,232 | 2,69,271 | 2,48,539 | 2,48,173 |
| Subordinate Staff | 1,24,609 | 1,19,288 | 95,199 | 88,851 |
| Total Employees | 6,18,838 | 7,08,244 | 7,56,715 | 7,58,608 |
From this data, we can see that:
- The total number of employees has increased from 6.18 lakh in 2011 to 7.58 lakh in 2025.
- The number of clerks has decreased from 2.54 lakh in 2011 to 2.48 lakh in 2025.
- The number of subordinate staff (peons, office assistants, support staff) has fallen sharply from 1.24 lakh in 2011 to 88,851 in 2025.
Why Are Employee Numbers Declining?
The government explained that multiple reasons have contributed to the reduction in clerks and subordinate staff in PSBs:
- Retirements and Resignations – Many employees have retired or left their jobs over the years.
- Less Hiring of Clerical and Subordinate Staff – Banks are hiring fewer clerks and support staff compared to previous years.
- Increase in Officer-Level Jobs – More officers are being hired in banks, while lower-level jobs are reducing.
- Digital Banking and Automation – With the growth of online banking, ATMs, and digital transactions, banks require fewer clerks and office assistants to handle daily operations.
- Bank Mergers and Business Adjustments – Some banks have merged, and business needs have changed, affecting staff numbers.
Are Banks Facing a Staff Shortage?
According to the latest data from banks, about 95% of clerical and subordinate staff positions are currently filled. This means that only a small number of positions remain vacant. The government stated that any gaps in staffing are mainly due to retirements and other normal employee exits.
How Is the Banking Sector Changing?
The decline in clerks and support staff shows that India’s banking system is changing. In earlier years, banks needed more clerks to handle paperwork and customer services. However, today:
- Digital transactions have reduced the need for clerical work.
- ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps allow customers to perform banking tasks without visiting branches.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation have replaced many manual tasks.
As a result, banks are focusing more on hiring officers who can manage digital banking, loans, and financial services.
Conclusion
The government’s data confirms that clerical and subordinate staff numbers in PSBs have been declining over the years due to changing banking trends, retirements, and fewer new hires. However, the total workforce has remained stable due to the increased hiring of officers.
The banking sector in India is shifting towards modern technology, digital services, and automation, leading to a change in workforce needs. While fewer clerks and support staff are being hired, the demand for officers and skilled professionals is increasing.
