Bengaluru: Manipal Academy of BFSI (MABFSI), a leading provider of education and training in the BFSI sector, has teamed up with Axis Bank to launch the Axis Bank Young Bankers Program Women’s-Only Cohort. This new initiative, aimed at advancing gender diversity in banking, was officially inaugurated at the MABFSI campus in Bengaluru by Rajkamal Vempati, President & Head of Human Resources at Axis Bank.
The launch marks a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive workforce in the banking industry. The Young Bankers Program, a successful collaboration between Axis Bank and MABFSI, has trained over 16,000 graduates over the past 12 years. With the addition of this women-exclusive cohort, female participation in the program has grown significantly, from 31% in previous years to 38% for the FY 2024-25 cohort, bringing the total number of female participants to 700.
Rajkamal Vempati emphasized Axis Bank’s commitment to empowering women in the workforce. He highlighted that the new cohort includes diverse participants, with 24% of the women being married and 44% over the age of 25. “At Axis Bank, we are dedicated to ensuring that women not only remain in the workforce but also grow into well-rounded bankers. Our program has successfully integrated numerous young women who have contributed fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to our operations,” Vempati said. “We will continue investing in their talent by providing training, mentorship, and a supportive work environment.”
Aatash Shah, Senior Vice President & Head of Business at Manipal Academy of BFSI, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Axis Bank. “We are excited to continue empowering young women with the skills necessary to thrive in the banking sector. This program is designed to prepare graduates to succeed in their careers,” Shah said.
Balasundaram Athreya, President & Head of Campus Operations at MABFSI, reflected on the long-standing collaboration between the two institutions, saying, “We started training young bankers for Axis Bank in 2012, and more than a decade later, we take pride in the success and impact of the Axis Bank Young Bankers Program. This new initiative of training exclusive diversity cohorts aligns with the bank’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) vision.”
The Axis Bank Young Bankers Program is a comprehensive one-year course. It includes four months of classroom training at MABFSI’s Bengaluru campus, covering banking fundamentals, followed by a three-month internship at Axis Bank branches across India, and five months of on-the-job training. Graduates who complete the program are awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Banking Services from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), equipping them with industry-relevant skills and knowledge.
Looking ahead, Axis Bank and MABFSI have set a goal of achieving 50% diversity in future cohorts, reinforcing their commitment to fostering gender inclusion in the banking sector.
