SBI PO vs SBI Clerk, Difference in Salary & Difficulty Level
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SBI Clerk vs SBI PO Salary: The SBI Clerk and SBI PO are two popular and sought-after positions inside the State Bank of India. This means that while the posts are offered by the same organization, the jobs performed differ slightly. SBI Clerk is employed to deal with customers, accept/reject transactions, and take care of routine operations of the bank. On the other hand, the SBI PO oversees branch operations, coordinates clerks, and makes decisions. However, both roles demand effective communication skills, an understanding of finances, and satisfying customers. In this blog, we’ll compare the salaries of SBI PO and SBI Clerk, the difficulty level of the exam, and more.

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SBI PO vs SBI Clerk, Difference in Salary & Other Monetary Benefits

The SBI PO role offers a higher salary, and more allowances compared to the SBI Clerk role. It also reflects the additional responsibilities and higher position within the bank. Here is a table that provides a complete comparison of the salary and monetary benefits for SBI PO and SBI Clerk posts.

ComponentSBI PO (Probationary Officer)SBI Clerk (Junior Associate)
Basic Pay₹41,960 (with 4 advance increments)₹19,900 (with 2 advance increments)
Pay Scale₹36,000-1490/7-46430-1740/2-49910-1990/7-63840₹17,900-1000/3-20900-1230/3-24590-1490/4-30550-1730/7-42600-3270/1-45930-1990/1-47920
Dearness Allowance (DA)₹12,701₹6,168.51
House Rent Allowance (HRA)₹2,937₹2,862.83
City Compensatory Allowance₹700₹850
Special Allowance₹6,881₹7,083.45
Learning Allowance₹600₹600
Gross Salary₹65,780₹44,894.79
Deductions₹12,960₹3,673
Net Salary₹52,820₹41,221.79
Medical Benefits100% for self, 75% for family100% for self, 75% for family
Provident FundContribution to PFContribution to PF
Leave Fare Concession (LFC)AvailableAvailable
Loan BenefitsConcessional interest rates for housing, car, and personal loansConcessional interest rates for housing, car, and personal loans
Annual Package₹7.5 lakhs to ₹12.9 lakhs₹4.44 lakhs
Other PerksNewspaper allowance, petrol allowance, entertainment allowance, house maintenance allowance, books and magazine allowance, briefcase allowance, reimbursement of telephone billsPetrol allowance, entertainment allowance, newspaper grant

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Quant Topic TestMock Test 2
Reasoning Topic TestMock Test 3
English Topic TestMock Test 4

SBI PO vs SBI Clerk, Difficulty Level

The SBI PO exam is considered to be tougher than the SBI Clerk exam. The syllabus of the SBBI PO exam is extensive, and the additional stages add to a higher difficulty level. The SBI Clerk exam, on the other hand, is relatively easier. Both exams require thorough preparation and practice. Below, we’ve compared the difficulty level of both exams based on the latest exam pattern, syllabus, difficult questions/sections, etc:

CriteriaSBI PO (Probationary Officer)SBI Clerk (Junior Associate)
Exam Pattern

Prelims: 3 sections (English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability)

Mains: 4 sections (Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language)


Descriptive Test: Letter Writing & Essay
Prelims: 3 sections (English Language, Numerical Ability, Reasoning Ability)

Mains: 4 sections (General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude)
Number of QuestionsPrelims: 100 questions Mains: 155 questions (objective) + 2 questions (descriptive)Prelims: 100 questions

Mains: 190 questions
Total MarksPrelims: 100 marks Mains: 200 marks (objective) + 50 marks (descriptive)Prelims: 100 marks

Mains: 200 marks
DurationPrelims: 1 hour

Mains: 3 hours (objective) + 30 minutes (descriptive)
Prelims: 1 hour Mains: 2 hours 40 minutes
Negative Marking0.25 marks for each wrong answer0.25 marks for each wrong answer
SyllabusPrelims: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language

Mains: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language
Prelims: Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, English Language

Mains: General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
Difficulty LevelHigh: Requires in-depth knowledge and strong problem-solving skillsModerate: Requires good understanding and practice, but less complex than SBI PO
Difficult SectionsPrelims: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability

Mains: Data Analysis & Interpretation, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
Prelims: Numerical Ability, Reasoning Ability

Mains: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
Preparation TimeLonger: Due to the extensive syllabus and higher difficulty levelShorter: Comparatively less time required due to moderate difficulty level
Selection ProcessThree Stages: Prelims, Mains, Interview/Group DiscussionTwo Stages: Prelims, Mains
Job RoleManagerial: Involves decision-making and supervisory rolesClerical: Involves customer service and routine clerical tasks
Career GrowthFaster: Opportunities for promotions and higher positionsSlower: Limited to clerical cadre with fewer promotion opportunities
Salary and BenefitsHigher: Better salary and additional perksModerate: Decent salary with fewer perks compared to SBI PO

Career Stability and Financial Development

Financial growth: Over a period, after acquiring skills and experience, SBI POs get a good chance to get promoted to take up greater responsibilities and of course better remunerations.

Long-term career prospects: SBI POs, when compared to SBI Clerks, are more likely to be promoted to a higher position.

Stability: SBI POs enjoy better career growth opportunities compared to SBI Clerks. The PO’s post provides them with long-term security and better remunerations. Whereas, the SBI Clerks experience limited growth.

Perks and incentives: Besides, SBI POs might get the chance to get additional benefits like allowances, and incentives in the course of their service that would boost their financial gains in the future.

Overall career progression: Thus, the career progression of SBI POs is usually even more financially rewarding. It provides a better prospect for the ascension within the long-term as compared to SBI Clerks.

SBI PO vs SBI Clerk FAQs

What is the main difference in roles between SBI PO and SBI Clerk?

SBI PO handles managerial tasks, while SBI Clerk manages customer service and routine banking operations.

How do salaries for SBI PO and SBI Clerk compare?

SBI PO has a higher salary and additional perks compared to SBI Clerk.

Which exam is harder: SBI PO or SBI Clerk?

The SBI PO exam is more challenging due to its extensive syllabus and additional stages.

What is the career growth like for SBI PO versus SBI Clerk?

SBI PO offers faster promotions and better long-term growth opportunities.

Are there differences in perks and benefits?

Yes, SBI PO provides more allowances and incentives than SBI Clerk.

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By Asad Yar Khan

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