ICICI Bank Relationship Manager Job 2026: Salary & Exam Pattern

If you dream of wearing a crisp formal shirt, sitting in a corporate office, and managing high-value portfolios, the role of a Relationship Manager (RM) at ICICI Bank is likely your top goal. As we step into 2026, the banking sector is shifting from general banking to "Wealth Management." This has created a massive demand for young, dynamic graduates to join as RMs. If you are searching for ICICI bank relationship manager job for freshers 2026, you are aiming for one of the most prestigious entry-level profiles in the private sector.

Hello friends, I am Ritesh KK, founder of Blogsmix. I have mentored many students who joined ICICI. However, there is a harsh truth: The title "Relationship Manager" sounds fancy, but in reality, it is a high-pressure job involving sales and targets. In 2026, banks don't pay you just to sit; they pay you to bring business.

In this detailed guide, I will explain the difference between an RM and a Sales officer vacancy 2026, the famous ICICI Manipal Probationary Officer program, and the exact exam and interview pattern you need to crack.

What Does a Relationship Manager Do?

In 2026, an RM is the face of the bank for premium customers.
Your Daily Tasks:
1. Portfolio Management: Handling a group of wealthy clients (HNI).
2. Cross-Selling: Convincing a Savings Account holder to buy Insurance, Mutual Funds, or Credit Cards.
3. Client Servicing: Solving their banking issues so they don't switch to HDFC or Axis.

Note: A "Sales Officer" (Phone Banking or Field Sales) is a different role. It is purely entry-level sales with lower pay. An RM is a grade higher (usually Assistant Manager or Deputy Manager band).

Two Ways to Join ICICI Bank in 2026

Most freshers get confused here. There are two distinct paths.

Path 1: The Probationary Officer (PO) Programme (Manipal Academy)

This is the best route for a long-term private bank career.
How it works: You clear an exam > You undergo a 1-year Post Graduate Diploma in Banking (PGDB) at Manipal Academy (Bangalore) > You join ICICI as a Deputy Manager (Band 1).
Cost: It is a paid program (Fees approx ₹4-5 Lakhs, funded via loan), but the job is guaranteed.

Path 2: Direct Recruitment (Lateral/Walk-in)

ICICI also hires directly for "Sales Officer" or specific "RM" roles via their careers portal. This does not require the 1-year training fee but requires a strong interview performance.

Eligibility Criteria 2026

ICICI is strict about age and academics.

Parameter	Probationary Officer (RM)	Sales Officer (SO)
Education	Graduate with 55% Marks (Aggregate).	Graduate (Any stream).
Age Limit	Up to 27 Years.	Up to 26 Years.
Experience	Freshers Eligible.	Freshers Eligible.

Salary Structure in 2026

Private banks revise salaries annually. Here is the 2026 forecast:

• Relationship Manager (After PO Program): ₹4.8 Lakhs to ₹6.0 Lakhs per annum (CTC).
• Sales Officer (Direct): ₹2.5 Lakhs to ₹3.5 Lakhs per annum.
• Incentives: RMs can earn an extra ₹50,000 to ₹1 Lakh per year if they meet insurance and investment targets.

Exam and Interview Pattern 2026

If you apply for the PO program, you must clear the online test. If you apply for direct RM roles, you go straight to the interview.

Stage 1: Online Aptitude Test

It is an open-book (sometimes) or proctored test.
- Logical Reasoning: Series, Coding-Decoding.
- Verbal Ability: English grammar.
- OPQ (Occupational Personality Questionnaire): This is the most critical part. It tests your behavior. Tip: Always choose answers that show you are an extrovert and team player.

Stage 2: The Interview (The Maker or Breaker)

ICICI interviews are stressful. They check if you can "Sell".
Common Question: "Sell this pen to me."
Common Question: "How will you convince a customer to buy a Life Insurance policy?"

If you lack confidence in speaking or don't know how to present yourself professionally, I highly recommend browsing the soft-skills section of LearnXCreate. Learning how to pitch and communicate effectively is the only skill that matters in this interview.

How to Apply?

Step 1: Visit the official portal: ICICI Careers.
Step 2: Click on "Recruitment Process" > "Probationary Officer".
Step 3: Upload your Resume.
Step 4: Wait for the email regarding the Online Test.

The Reality of "Targets"

I must be honest as Ritesh KK.
An RM job is not a 9-to-5 desk job. You will have monthly targets for:
- CASA (Current Account Savings Account).
- LI/GI (Life Insurance / General Insurance).
- SIPs.
If you do not meet targets for 3-4 consecutive months, the pressure from the Branch Manager becomes immense. Join only if you are ready to hustle.

Scam Alert: "Interview Letter Fee"

ICICI Bank NEVER charges money for interviews.
If you receive an email asking for ₹1,500 as a "Security Deposit" for the interview, it is a scam. The only time you pay is when you get selected for the Manipal Academy program, and that payment goes to the University, not a personal account.

Conclusion

The ICICI bank relationship manager job for freshers 2026 is a high-reward career. It fast-tracks your growth in the BFSI sector. Many RMs become Branch Managers within 5-7 years.

If you are a graduate with good communication skills and a hunger for sales, apply for the PO program today. Prepare for the aptitude test, dress sharp, and go get that offer letter!

FAQs

1. Is MBA mandatory for an RM job?
Ans: No. Graduates are hired as "Assistant Managers". MBAs are usually hired as "Management Trainees" (MT) with a higher package.

2. Can I apply if I have a gap in education?
Ans: Up to 1 year gap is usually acceptable with a valid reason. More than 2 years might be an issue for the PO program.

3. Is the job transferable?
Ans: Yes. Private bank jobs are transferable across India. You might be posted in a different state initially.