SBI PO and IBPS PO exams are the two most sought-after Bank Probationary Officer exams in India. When the influx of candidates gathers towards the exam centers, then there is a sight to behold. One of the most discussed questions about these bank PO exams is, “Is SBI PO Exam Tougher Than IBPS PO?” How difficult is the SBI PO exam as compared to the IBPS PO exam? The answer to this question is difficult, and it may differ from candidate to candidate. But, because everyone has his/her preferences and choices we can get slightly different answers. But with the help of some parameters, we can get the most logical and generic answer to it. Let’s find the answer!
It is hard to define the difficulty level of the question accurately as every candidate/student has his/her ability to perform in the exam. Hence, comparing the difficulty level of both exams is a tough task. But we can say that the SBI PO is quite tougher than the IBPS PO exam, based on expert analysis and exam reviews given by the students who have already appeared in previous SBI PO/IBPS PO exams. In addition, the number of seats released by the SBI PO is also less than the seats released by the IBPS PO every year.
SBI PO’s post, as we know, is the most sought-after and lucrative Banking job in India. The number of vacancies in SBI is less than that of IBPS, but despite this fact, the applicants come in huge numbers to apply for it every year. Although the job profiles of an IBPS PO and SBI PO are the same, with stark differences in career prospects, pay, and work environment. The competition is tough for both exams and hence, you would need a lot of hard work and smart work to clear any of these exams.
The recruitment process for both exams consists of three stages:
Below is the table that compares both exams:
| Basis of Difference | IBPS PO | SBI PO |
| Stages | -1st Stage: Preliminary Exam) -2nd Stage: Main Exam) -3rd Stage: Interview (The composite scores of Mains and Interview Process in a ratio of 80:20 is used to create a merit list for the final selection. It carries a 20% weightage in the final result). | -1st Stage: Preliminary Exam -2nd Stage: Main Exam -3rd Stage: Group Discussion/Exercise and Interview round (The aggregate scores in the Mains exam and Interview/GD round is used for final selection It carries a weightage of 25% of the total marks). |
| Exam Duration | Preliminary Exam- 1 Hour (60 Minutes) Mains exam- 3 hours 30 minutes | Preliminary Exam- 1 Hour (60 Minutes) Mains exam- 3 hours & 30 minutes |
| Mode of Exam | Online | Online |
| Exam Schedule | Preliminary Exam- 19th & 20th October 2024 Mains exam- 30th November 2024 | Preliminary Exam- November 2024 Mains exam- December 2024 |
| Number of Sections | –IBPS PO Preliminary Exam: Reasoning Ability Quantitative Aptitude English Language –IBPS PO Main Exam: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness English Language Data Analysis & Interpretation English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) | –SBI PO Preliminary Exam: English Language Quantitative Aptitude Reasoning Ability –SBI PO Main Exam: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude Data Analysis & Interpretation General Awareness about Economy/ Banking English Language Descriptive Test |
| Total Marks | Preliminary Exam-100 Mains Exam-225 | Preliminary Exam-100 Mains Exam-250 |
| Cut-offs | -1st Stage: Preliminary Exam -2nd Stage: Main Exam -3rd Stage: Interview (The composite scores of Mains and Interview Process in a ratio of 80:20 are used to create a merit list for the final selection. It carries a 20% weightage in the final result). | No sectional cut-off for Prelims and Main Exam. The final result is concluded following the total cut-off only. |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate in terms of difficulty level. The IBPS Main exam invites tough questions to be solved in a limited time. | Difficult. The questions on quantitative ability are tough and the time is limited. |
| Associated Banks | Indian Bank IDBI Bank -State Bank of Patiala -State Bank of Hyderabad -Indian Overseas Bank -State Bank of Mysore -State Bank of Mysore -Oriental Bank of Commerce -Bank of Baroda -Punjab National Bank Syndicate Bank -State Bank of Travancore -Central Bank of India -Canara Bank -State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur -Vijaya Bank Corporation Bank -UCO Bank -Andhra Bank -United Bank of India jab and Sind Bank -Bank of India -Dena Bank -Bank of Maharashtra -Allahabad Bank -Union Bank of India | -State Bank of India |
| SBI PO Salary vs IBPS PO Salary | Basic Pay: ₹36,000 In-hand Salary: ₹38,000 to ₹40,000 per month | Basic Pay: ₹41,960 (with 4 advance increments) In-hand Salary: ₹52,000 to ₹55,000 per month Gross Annual Compensation: ₹8.20 lakhs to ₹13.08 lakhs |
Factors like the availability of vacancies, and the many applicants all play a major role in making the SBI PO exam a harder nut to crack when compared to the IBPS PO exam. With toughness, comes the benefits of the SBI PO job which are also more as compared to what IBPS PO has to offer to its officer. All such differences mentioned above make the SBI PO exam tougher than the IBPS PO exam. As far as the selection of one of the two exams is concerned, it’s your choice to choose the one that suits you best.
| Related Blogs: | |
| IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2024 | IBPS PO Salary 2024 |
| IBPS PO Previous Year Question Paper | IBPS PO Syllabus 2024 |
| IBPS PO Cut Off 2024 | IBPS PO Study Plan 2024 |
Yes, based on expert analysis and student reviews, SBI PO is considered tougher than IBPS PO.
Both exams have three stages: Prelims, Mains, and an Interview/Group Discussion round.
IBPS PO generally releases more vacancies compared to SBI PO.
IBPS PO has sectional cut-offs, but SBI PO does not.
SBI PO offers a higher salary, with in-hand pay ranging from ₹52,000 to ₹55,000, compared to IBPS PO’s ₹38,000 to ₹40,000.
SBI PO Mains includes a Group Discussion, while IBPS PO has an Interview without Group Discussion.
SBI PO is associated with the State Bank of India, while IBPS PO is linked to multiple public sector banks.
You should consider your Job preferences, Work goals, Professional choices, Career goals, and interests like salary, work environment, and competition when making a choice between SBI PO and IBPS PO.
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