Manipal Academy Of BFSI & Ujjivan Small Finance Bank launch ‘USPARK’ - a program to build future-ready banking talent
Bengaluru, August 14th, 2026: Manipal Academy of BFSI, a premier institution focused on developing industry-ready talent for the BFSI sector, announced the launch of the ‘USPARK Ujjivan Bankers Programme’ in partnership with Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (USFB). This program is a significant milestone as it is the first-of-its-scale program for young banking aspirants who want to start their career as a Relationship Manager with Ujjivan Small Finance Bank.
The inauguration ceremony held at Manipal Academy of BFSI campus, Bengaluru, was attended by senior leaders from Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, including Ms. Chandralekha Chaudhuri - Head of Human Resources, Mr. Hitendra Nath Jha - Head Retail Liabilities, TASC & TPP, Mr. Ashish Goel - Chief Credit Officer, and Mr. Srikumar Varieth - Chief Legal officer
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Aatash Shah, Senior Vice President & Head – Business, Manipal Academy of BFSI said, “This is a strategic, future-defining partnership. Through the transformative USPARK Ujjivan Bankers Programme, we are making a long-term commitment to build talent that’s not just ready for today’s roles but for where the industry is headed."
Ms. Chandralekha Chaudhuri, Head of Human Resources, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank said, "The USPARK Program meant to be a bridge between aspiration and achievement. For fresh graduates, they offer structured immersion into the Indian banking industry, blending classroom rigor with real-world responsibility. This model nurtures confidence, cultivates discipline, and accelerates employability while ensuring financial independence. It is not just about building careers; it is about shaping future leaders who learn resilience, adaptability, and customer-centricity from day one. In empowering young talent through such programs, we invest in the long-term strength and trust of our institution.”
Mr. Hitendra Jha, Head Retail Liabilities, TASC & TPP, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, said, “We are rapidly evolving as a banking enterprise and in the coming years, we aim to become the top mid-sized bank in India. Such an ambition requires a cutting-edge workforce that can not only commit to the goal but deliver as well. The USPARK program is the strategic bridge that connects the two.” The first batch, with over 60+ learners sourced by both Manipal Academy of BFSI and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank through the Hire-Train-Deploy model, will be part of a structured learning process to build the essential competencies required for the new-age banker including product knowledge, financial acumen, communication and other future-ready banking skills. The long-term development program has been designed to meet the changing needs of the banking industry to aid in developing high potential talent within Ujjivan SFB.
The one-year program features 4 months of campus training, 2 months of internship, and 6 months of on-the-job training, where learners earn stipend during the program. On completion, they receive a PGDB from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and transition into a full-time role as a relationship manager with the bank as well.
Commenting on the program structure, Dr. Soumyadip Roy, In charge Director – Manipal Academy of BFSI said, “The USPARK Ujjivan Bankers Programme is the perfect career launchpad for graduates aiming to land rewarding careers with the bank. The strategic blend of academic and hands-on experiential learning empowers learners with capabilities needed to have a productive Day 1 in their branches.”
The partnership underscores the increasing significance of industry-academia partnerships in developing talent for India's financial services sector. As the inaugural programme of its kind for Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, it is expected to serve as a model for similar capability-building initiatives across the industry.
About Manipal Academy of BFSI
Manipal Academy Of BFSI is a UNext Learning entity and part of the Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG). It is India’s leading workforce development and professional education company, offering industry-relevant education for BFSI professionals.
Since 2008, Manipal Academy Of BFSI has partnered with over 50 leading banks, insurance, and non-banking financial organizations and has trained over 2,50,000 professionals in the industry. As a result, more than one in five bankers in India is now our alumni.
About Ujjivan Small Finance Bank
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited is a Scheduled Commercial Bank serving ~1 Cr+ customers through 814 branches across 347 districts in 26 states and Union Territories, supported by robust digital channels. The Bank offers a diversified portfolio spanning across Affordable Housing, MSME, Agri, Vehicle, Gold, Micro-Mortgage, FIG, and Microfinance (group and individual) loans. As of Jun 30, 2026, Ujjivan’s gross loan book stood at ₹42,903 Cr, with deposits of ₹48,129 Cr and a Net worth of ₹7,144 Cr. The Bank is rated AA- (Stable) for long-term facilities and A1+ for short-term instruments by CARE Ratings and CRISIL, respectively, reflecting the sustained strength of the banks performance and balance sheet.
Web: www.ujjivansfb.bank.in: WhatsApp: 9002082121
Disclaimer: We wish to inform you that Ujjivan SFB intends to share this announcement, in case published by you - on its official website and social media platforms for wider dissemination.