IBPS PO vs IBPS RRB PO: The IBPS PO and IBPS RRB PO are two of the most competitive banking exams in India. Both exams are conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) in the different banking sectors. While IBPS PO recruits for public sector banks, IBPS RRB PO is for Regional Rural Banks. If you are preparing for banking exams and you are confused about the difference between these two, this article provides in-depth knowledge to compare IBPS RRB PO and IBPS PO based on eligibility, exam pattern, job role, salary, promotions and work environment, candidates bookmark our article and check out the detailed differences.
IBPS PO vs IBPS RRB PO 2025 Overview
Below the table we are providing the IBPS PO and IBPS RRB PO details such as recruitment agency, Recruitment Bank names, Post Name, Vacancy, selection process, Medium of Exam and many more details. Candidates can see the table and check all details in one shot.
| Details | IBPS PO | IBPS RRB PO |
| Recruitment Agency | IBPS | IBPS |
| Official Website | ibps.in | ibps.in |
| Recruitment for | Public Sector Banks | Regional Rural Banks |
| Post Name | Probationary Officer | Officer Scale-I |
| Vacancy in 2025 | To be Notified | To be Notified |
| Posting | All over India | Within the State |
| Online Application Process | August 2025 | May/June 2025 |
| Recruitment Process | 3 Stages- Pre + Main+ Interview | 3 Stages- Pre + Main+ Interview |
| Medium of Exam | English & Hindi | English, Hindi, Regional Language |
| Descriptive Writing Test in Main Exam | Yes | No |
| Prelims Exam Date | 4th, 5th, and 11th October 2025 | 27th July, 2nd and 3rd August 2025 |
| Main Exam Date | 29th November 2025 | 13th September 2025 |
Eligibility Criteria
The IBPS PO and RRB PO eligibility criteria are similar in terms of education qualification but the age limit is different. For IBPS PO, candidates must have a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university. The age limit is between 20 and 30 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government norms. For RRB PO, candidates must also have a graduation degree but proficiency in the local language. The age limit for IBPS RRB PO is 18 to 30 years.
Educational Qualification
- IBPS PO: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
- IBPS RRB PO: Graduation in any discipline. However, preference is given to candidates with knowledge of the local language of the state they are applying for.
Age Limit (as of 2025 notification)
- IBPS PO: 20 to 30 years
- IBPS RRB PO: 18 to 30 years
- Age relaxation is applicable as per government norms.
Nationality
Candidates must be:
- A citizen of India
- A subject of Nepal/Bhutan
- A Tibetan refugee (before January 1, 1962) or a person of Indian origin who migrated from certain countries.
Selection Process
The IBPS PO selection process consists of Preliminary, Mains and Interviews. The final selection is based on the Candidate’s performance in Mains and Interviews. The IBPS RRB PO selection process consists of Preliminary, Mains and Interview, but the final selection is based on the scores in Mains and Interview.
IBPS PO Selection Process
- Preliminary Exam (Objective)
- Mains Exam (Objective + Descriptive)
- Interview Round
IBPS RRB PO Selection Process
- Preliminary Exam (Objective)
- Mains Exam (Objective)
- Interview Round
Key Differences:
- The IBPS PO Mains includes a descriptive paper (Letter Writing & Essay), whereas IBPS RRB PO Mains does not have a descriptive section.
- IBPS RRB PO candidates must have a working knowledge of the local language.
Exam Pattern Comparison
Here we are providing the IBPS PO and IBPS RRB PO exam pattern. candidates can check the exam pattern Comparison in below the section.
IBPS PO Exam Pattern
Prelims:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
Mains:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 mins |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 mins |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 mins |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 mins |
| Descriptive (Essay & Letter Writing) | 2 | 25 | 30 mins |
| Total | 155 + 2 | 200 + 25 | 3.5 hours |
IBPS RRB PO Exam Pattern
Prelims:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
| Reasoning | 40 | 40 | 45 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 40 | 45 mins |
| Total | 80 | 80 | 45 mins |
Mains:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
| Reasoning | 40 | 50 | 45 mins |
| Computer Knowledge | 40 | 20 | 20 mins |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 25 mins |
| English/Hindi Language | 40 | 40 | 30 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 50 | 45 mins |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 2 hours |
Job Profile & Work Environment
| Aspect | IBPS PO | IBPS RRB PO |
| Work Environment | Urban & Semi-Urban | Rural & Semi-Urban |
| Job Profile | Customer service, loan processing, investment handling, bank operations | Agricultural financing, rural development, microloans, customer service |
| Challenges | High customer expectations, sales targets, work pressure | Dealing with rural customers, lack of banking awareness |
Salary and Benefits
| Component | IBPS PO | IBPS RRB PO |
| Basic Pay | ₹36,000 | ₹36,000 |
| Gross Salary | ₹52,000 – ₹55,000 | ₹45,000 – ₹48,000 |
| Perks | Higher allowances, travel benefits | Fewer perks but better work-life balance |
| Career Growth | Faster promotions | Slower promotions |
Which One is Better?
- Choose IBPS PO if: You prefer an urban lifestyle, better salary, and faster career growth.
- Choose IBPS RRB PO if: You want job stability, rural development work, and a better work-life balance.
Both roles have their advantages and cater to different career goals. Choose the one that aligns with your aspirations!
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