What inspired you to establish the Institute of Professional Banking, and what gap in the industry were you aiming to address?
At the Institute of Professional Banking (IPB), we saw a big problem in the banking industry—one that affected both banks and young graduates. Every year, thousands of students finish college, excited to start their banking careers. But many struggle because, while they have the knowledge, they lack the real-world skills banks need. At the same time, banks find it hard to hire job-ready professionals, leading to extra training and delays.
That’s why we started IPB—to bridge this gap and help young professionals step into their careers with confidence. Our Post Graduate Certificate in Retail Banking (PGCRB) is a short, three-month programme that trains fresh graduates in the practical skills needed for banking jobs. Instead of just learning theory, our students get hands-on experience so they can perform well from day one.
By partnering with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), we’ve made sure our training is trusted, accessible and aligned with industry needs. Our mission is simple: to help graduates build strong careers and to provide banks with skilled, job-ready professionals. At IPB, we’re not just teaching banking—we’re building brighter futures.
Can you share some of the key challenges you faced while setting up the institute, and how you navigated through them?
Setting up IPB came with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was earning the trust of students and their families. Many were hesitant—understandably so. They wondered, “Is this investment really worth it? Will this training truly lead to a job?” Convincing them to pay for skill-based training, when they were already graduates, was not easy.
Reaching the right students was another challenge. Despite having a strong programme, our message wasn’t always connecting with those who needed it most. And in a market where countless training institutes make big promises, standing out and proving our credibility requires more than just words.
But we believed in our mission and we knew the only way to build trust was through real results. We focused on clear, honest communication, sharing success stories of students who transformed their careers through our programmes. We partnered with trusted organisations like NSDC, reinforcing the credibility of our training. Most importantly, we ensured strong placement support, so students didn’t just complete a course—they stepped into real jobs.
Over time, as more graduates secured meaningful careers, the skepticism faded. The numbers spoke for themselves, and the trust we once struggled to build became our biggest strength. Today, IPB stands as a bridge between ambition and opportunity, helping young professionals turn their banking dreams into reality.
What valuable lessons have you learned throughout your journey in the banking education sector?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned in education and training is this: true success isn’t measured by the number of courses offered, but by the impact they create. It’s not just about teaching—it’s about delivering real value, equipping students with the right skills and ensuring they see meaningful results.
At the end of the day, if our training doesn’t transform careers, nothing else matters. The real measure of success is the confidence in a student’s voice when they land their first job, the pride in a parent’s eyes and the trust we build by making a real difference in people’s lives. That is what truly counts.
What makes the Institute of Professional Banking unique compared to other training institutions in the industry?
At the Institute of Professional Banking (IPB), what sets us apart is simple—we deliver on our promise: helping students build careers in retail branch banking.
We believe that trust is built through transparency and results. That’s why we carefully select only eligible students, ensuring they have the right foundation to succeed. From day one, we are honest about what we offer and committed to fulfilling every promise we make.
For us, it’s not just about business or running a training company—it’s about transforming lives, creating opportunities and ensuring that every student who walks through our doors steps into a brighter, more secure future. When our students succeed, we succeed. That’s what makes IPB truly unique.
How do you measure success for both yourself and the Institute of Professional Banking?
For me and the Institute of Professional Banking (IPB), success is not just about numbers—it’s about the lives we transform. Every student we place in a banking job represents a dream fulfilled, a family uplifted and a stronger future for our nation.
Placing over 10,000 students in banking careers has been a proud milestone, but our true success lies ahead. Our mission is clear: to train and place one lakh skilled bankers by 2030, strengthening the banking sector and contributing to India’s growth.
Success, for us, is not just about achieving a target—it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence and shaping the future of banking, one professional at a time.
What key strategies have been instrumental in the institute’s growth and impact on aspiring banking professionals?
Our success at the IPB comes from a clear vision and a commitment to real outcomes. These are the principles that drive us forward:
- Focused training: We specialise in retail branch banking, equipping students with practical, industry-specific skills that prepare them for real-world jobs.
- Updated curriculum: Our programmes are constantly refined to match the latest banking trends and industry needs.
- NISM certification: We help students clear NISM VA MF certification, adding credibility to their profiles and boosting employability.
- Placement support: Strong partnerships with banks ensure that students not only get trained but also secure job placements.
- Transparency: We maintain honesty in admissions, enrolling only eligible students and delivering exactly what we promise.
- Strategic partnerships: Collaborations with organisations like NSDC enhance our credibility and widen our reach.
- Student-centric approach: Above all, we prioritise student success, ensuring that our training makes a lasting impact—not just on careers, but on families and futures.
At IPB, our growth isn’t just about expansion; it’s about delivering real results, building trust, and shaping the future of banking.
With the banking sector continuously evolving, how do you ensure that the institute remains innovative and aligned with industry trends?
We ensure the institute remains innovative and aligned with industry trends by regularly updating our curriculum to match the latest banking practices. Our expert faculty, with real-world banking experience, ensures students gain practical knowledge and industry insights. We leverage technology by using advanced online platforms and tools to make learning more accessible and effective. Additionally, we follow a feedback-driven approach, constantly improving based on input from students and recruiters.
How do you personally manage the demands of leading an institution while maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
Managing the demands of leading an institution while maintaining a healthy work-life balance comes down to effective planning and clear priorities. I rely on a competent and committed team, delegating tasks so I can focus on key decisions that drive growth. Staying organised and structured helps me reduce stress and stay productive.
I also believe in setting clear boundaries for personal time—making space for family, short breaks and moments of relaxation. These not only keep me refreshed but also fuel my motivation, ensuring I can lead with clarity, energy, and purpose.
In your opinion, what are the essential qualities of a leader in the field of professional education and skill development?
In my view, a leader in professional education and skill development must have a clear vision—one that drives meaningful impact and directly addresses industry needs.
Adaptability is essential to keep pace with evolving trends and refine strategies effectively. Empathy plays a crucial role in understanding the needs of students, staff and industry partners, ensuring that decisions are made with people in mind. Transparency builds trust, fostering honest communication and integrity in every interaction.
A great leader must also excel in team-building, bringing together and inspiring a dedicated team to work toward shared goals. But above all, true leadership is defined by commitment—delivering real results and creating long-term value for individuals, industries, and the nation.
dorina@thefoundermedia.in
