In 2025, government-owned banks across India have significantly increased their recruitment of Local Bank Officers (LBO) and Circle Based Officers (CBO) to enhance customer service delivery, particularly in rural and regional areas. This strategic hiring shift is aimed at overcoming language barriers, building stronger community relationships, and creating a more inclusive banking experience for the public. By prioritizing local language skills and familiarity with regional culture, banks hope to make their services more accessible and trustworthy for every citizen.
LBO and CBO Hiring 2025
The LBO and CBO recruitment drives in 2025 reflect a broader transformation in India’s public banking system, one that prioritises local knowledge, language accessibility, and customer connection. With major banks like SBI, BOB, and others leading this shift, and additional training programs being rolled out, the banking experience for millions of Indians is set to become more personal, inclusive, and efficient.
A number of prominent public sector banks have rolled out large-scale LBO and CBO vacancies this year, with some of the biggest hiring announcements coming from:
- Bank of Baroda (BOB): 2500 LBO vacancies
- State Bank of India (SBI): 2964 CBO vacancies
- Indian Overseas Bank (IOB): 400 LBO vacancies
- UCO Bank: 250 LBO vacancies
- Union Bank of India: 1500 LBO vacancies
- Punjab & Sind Bank: 110 LBO vacancies
Apart from these, several other government banks have also participated in the local recruitment trend over the past year, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to community-driven banking.
Local Officers Matter in Customer-Centric Banking
The hiring of local officers is more than a staffing strategy; it’s a step toward creating a more customer-friendly banking environment. Officers who are fluent in the regional language and understand local customs are better equipped to interact with customers, explain banking products, and resolve grievances. This is especially beneficial for customers in rural areas, where language and trust are key factors in banking relationships.
Govt. Banks to Train Employees in Regional Languages
In addition to recruiting local officers, banks are also planning to train their existing employees in local languages, particularly those posted in rural and semi-urban branches. According to senior banking executives, this initiative will help enhance communication and improve the overall quality of customer service. It’s a proactive step toward building a bilingual workforce that can serve all segments of society more effectively.
This rise in LBO and CBO hiring is not just a 2025 phenomenon; it signals a long-term commitment to strengthening ground-level banking operations. With increasing digitisation, the human element of banking still holds significant value, especially for the elderly and those with limited digital literacy. By hiring and training officers with local expertise, banks are not only improving service quality but also promoting financial inclusion across the country.