What is a better job, IBPS PO or SBI PO?
India needs banking professionals to run the vast network of branches spread to every corner of the country. State Bank of India is one of the largest banks in the world and conducts Probationary Officer (PO) exam to recruit employees for its branches and different departments. SBI PO 2021 exam will be held in December this year.
On the other hand, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) also conducts its PO exam on yearly basis to recruit officers for almost twenty banks, and its branches are spread in many parts of the country. IBPS PO 2021 exam will be held in November this year.
This article will provide a snapshot of crucial differences in the SBI PO and IBPS PO. This will enable you to figure out which one is suitable for them very quickly after reading this article.
SBI PO Exam and IBPS PO Exam: Which one is better?
Let’s take a look at critical criteria of distinction between the two PO exams:
Criteria 1: Eligibility
| SBI PO Exam | Educational Qualifications: The candidates should have a Graduation Degree in any discipline from a University recognized by the Government of India/Any equivalent qualification duly recognized.Age Criteria: The candidates aged between 20 years and 30 years can apply for the exam. |
| IBPS PO Exam | Educational Qualifications: The candidates should have a Graduation Degree in any discipline from a University recognized by the Government of India/Any equivalent qualification duly recognized.Age Criteria: The candidates aged between 20 years and 30 years can apply for the exam. |
Criteria 2: Recruitment/Selection Process
| SBI PO Selection Process: | The selection process of the SBI PO is carried out in three stages Preliminary ExamMains ExamGroup Exercise and Interview |
| IBPS PO Selection Process: | The selection process of the IBPS PO is carried out in three stages Preliminary ExamMains ExamInterview |
Criteria 3: Exam Pattern
Both SBI PO and IBPS PO follow similar exam pattern for the candidates:
| Parameter | SBI PO Exam | IBPS PO Exam |
| Number of Papers | Prelims: ThreeMains: Four Objective and one descriptive paper | Prelims: ThreeMains: Four Objective and one descriptive paper |
| Subjects | Prelims: English LanguageQuantitative AptitudeReasoning Ability Mains: Reasoning & Computer AptitudeData Analysis & InterpretationEnglish Language and General/Economy/AwarenessDescriptive Paper – English Language Letter Writing & Essay | Prelims: English LanguageQuantitative AptitudeReasoning Ability Mains: Reasoning & Computer AptitudeData Analysis & InterpretationEnglish Language and General/Economy/AwarenessDescriptive Paper – English Language Letter Writing & Essay |
| Duration | Prelims: 60 minutes Mains: 3 hours and 30 minutes | Prelims: 60 minutes Mains: 3 hours and 30 minutes |
| Total Marks | Prelims: 100 Mains: 250 GD & Interview: 50 | Prelims: 100 Mains: 225 GD & Interview: 100 |
Criteria 4: Career Growth
The career paths for SBI PO and IBPS PO are almost identical, and an attractive promotion policy helps the meritorious candidates reach the top management quickly.
| Parameter | SBI PO Exam | IBPS PO Exam |
| Promotion Policy/Positions | Junior Management Grade Scale-IMiddle Management Grade Scale-IIMiddle Management Grade Scale-IIISenior Management Grade Scale-IVSenior Management Grade Scale-VTop Management Grade Scale-VITop Management Grade Scale-VIIExecutive DirectorChairman and Managing Director | Junior Management Grade Scale-IMiddle Management Grade Scale-IIMiddle Management Grade Scale-IIISenior Management Grade Scale-IVSenior Management Grade Scale-VTop Management Grade Scale-VITop Management Grade Scale-VIIExecutive DirectorChairman and Managing Director |
Criteria 5: Salary
| Parameter | SBI PO Exam | IBPS PO Exam |
| Salary and other Perks | SBI offers the best compensation package with a minimum being 7.55 lakhs going up to 12.93 lakhs.Basic Pay on joining is INR 27,620/-The probationary officer is also eligible for DA, HRA/Lease Rental, CCA, Medical, and other allowances. | IBPS Probationary Officer gets INR 23700 as the basic salary on joining.The probationary officer is also entitled to DA, HRA/Lease Rental, CCA, and basic pay.Gross pay received is INR 38703 per month. |
Criteria 6: Work Pressure and Environment
| Parameter | SBI PO Exam | IBPS PO Exam |
| Work Pressure | SBI is one of the oldest and largest institutions with 24000 branches.State Bank of India, after the merger, handles more than 50 percent of banking services. Hence the pressure is more in the job profile of SBI PO. | Most branches pertain to rural areas; hence the transaction volume is significantly less for IBPS PO.IBPS member banks have less loyalty than SBI customers, so the work pressure is less. |
All the Best!
