Bangladesh Bank (BB) has relaxed the requirement for bankers to pass a professional exam or diploma for promotions, according to a circular issued yesterday.

The new regulation exempts bankers appointed or promoted before February 8, 2023, from needing to pass the Banking Professional Exam for further promotions.

A previous regulation, issued on February 8, 2023, which had made the diploma mandatory for promotions to senior officer positions or above, has been invalidated.

As per the new regulation, senior officers with 15 years of experience will automatically receive full marks for the exam requirement, even without passing it.

It also states that from January 1, 2026, bankers appointed to higher positions in other banks must pass the Banking Professional Exam.

The circular also stated that from February 1, 2025, officers promoted to senior roles must pass a Junior Associate of the Institute of Bankers, Bangladesh (JAIBB) exam for their first promotion.

As per the new regulation, senior officers with 15 years of experience will automatically receive full marks for the exam requirement, even without passing it

They must pass an Associate of the Institute of Bankers, Bangladesh (AIBB) exam for the second promotion.

Officers in non-core banking departments are exempt unless they shift to core banking operations, where passing the exam becomes mandatory.

It also states that financial incentives for passing the exam have been increased, effective from the 99th exam.

The Banking Professional Exam, conducted by the Institute of Bankers, Bangladesh (IBB), consists of two parts: the JAIBB exam for foundational knowledge and the AIBB exam for advanced skills, with updated syllabi to align with modern banking practices.