If we discuss Government Jobs in India, then we clearly say that SSC CGL and Bank PO exams are the most sought exams in India. Now the question is which exam is easy to crack. However, both exams provide the best career opportunities, but still, the question is which exam is easy to crack. Read this blog carefully to know the answer to this question. Know what are the things or criteria by which we can conclude which exam is easy to crack, know the difference between them it may be their selection process, syllabus, salary, posts, and many other things. Let’s start first with understanding these exams.
Start Your Free Preparation for SSC CGL and Bank PO
Here we have provided the free preparation resources for SSC CGL and Bank PO exams. These free resources will help you to decide which exam is easy or tough for you. So attempt these resources and analyze both exams deeply.
Understanding of the SSC CGL and Bank PO exams
Before saying which exam is tough or easy, it is important to understand both exams such as their selection process, the exam conducting body, syllabus, etc. Below we have provided overviews on both exams SSC CGL vs Bank PO. Go through both overviews and understand them carefully.
What is SSC CGL?
The SSC conducts the SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level) exam to recruit candidates for various Group B and C posts in various government departments. Below we have explained some important parameters related to the SSC CGL exam.
- Exam Conducting Body: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Selection Process: Tier 1 (Preliminary Exam), Tier 2 (Main Exam).
- Job Roles: Assistant, Inspector, Auditor, Junior Statistical Officer, etc.
- Syllabus: General Intelligence & Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension, General Awareness.
- Perks & Benefits: Pension, Medical Benefits, House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance, and more.
What is Bank PO?
The Bank PO exam is conducted to recruit candidates for Probationary Officer posts. Under Bank PO there are several exams included such as IBPS PO, and SBI PO, etc. conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection and State Bank of India respectively. Below we have mentioned some important points and details about Bank PO.
- Exam Conducting Body: Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), State Bank of India (SBI), etc.
- Selection Process: Prelims (Preliminary Exam), Mains (Main Exam), and Interview.
- Job Roles: Probationary Officer (PO), Management Trainee (MT).
- Syllabus: Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, Computer Awareness
- Perks & Benefits: High salary, Medical Insurance, Housing Benefits, Travel Allowance, Provident Fund, etc.
SSC CGL vs Bank PO, Which is Easy to Crack?
Categorizing the SSC CGL and Bank PO as easy or tough is a difficult task because both exams have their own set of challenges, difficulty levels, weaknesses and strengths, different preparation strategies, and different career opportunities. For example, the SSC CGL requires a good understanding of the syllabus such as reasoning, quant, English, and general awareness while Bank PO requires focus on reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and general awareness with good speed and accuracy. Below we have mentioned some important parameters by which you can compare which exam is easy to crack.
1. SSC CGL vs Bank PO: Exam Pattern
- SSC CGL: The SSC CGL exam consists of Tier 1 (Prelims), and Tier 2 (Mains). Each tier has its own difficulty level and it is mandatory to clear all the tiers one by one. You can check the SSC CGL exam pattern in detail on PracticeMock’s official website.
- Bank PO: The Bank PO exams generally consist of Prelims, Mains, and Interviews. The sections included in the Prelims exam are Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language, and in the Mains exam are prelims sections, General Awareness, Computer Awareness, and Descriptive Writing. Check the detailed SBI PO and IBPS PO exam patterns on our website.
Conclusion: As per the exam pattern of SSC CGL and Bank PO, we can conclude that the SSC primarily focuses on four sections while Bank PO includes descriptive writing and Interview stages. The SSC CGL consists of overall timing for the exam while there is sectional timing for Bank PO. So you can choose as per your preference in which you can do your best. For example: most candidates take more time in quant so they can choose SSC CGL (there is no sectional timing so they can take time from other sections and make their skills best for those sections and solve them in less time).
2. SSC CGL vs Bank PO: Syllabus
- SSC CGL: The SSC CGL syllabus consists of a wide range of topics and questions can be asked from easy to difficult level. So preparation of these topics requires a lot of study, practice, and revision. You can check the detailed SSC CGL syllabus – > Click Here.
- Bank PO: The Bank PO syllabus mainly consists of reasoning, quant, and English in prelims. For mains, it consists of general awareness including prelims sections. Check the syllabus for Bank PO so that you can explore the topics more clearly.
Conclusion: Both exams consist of a vast syllabus The focus is on reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English, and general knowledge. On the other hand, Bank PO focuses more on reasoning, quantitative skills, and English in the prelims, while the mains introduce general awareness and computer knowledge. Bank PO requires a more specialized approach. For example, the reasoning of SSC CGL includes topics like syllogisms, number series, and coding-decoding which requires logical thinking and pattern recognition while the reasoning of Bank PO includes puzzles and seating arrangement and questions mostly asked like 8 people sitting in a circle which relates to the real world scenarios.
3. SSC CGL vs Bank PO: Preparation Strategy
Both SSC CGL and Bank PO require a plan or strategy to prepare them effectively.
- SSC CGL: The SSC CGL syllabus is vast and consists of four sections in the Tier 1 exam. To cover the syllabus, it requires a long-term plan and a good study plan. To attempt the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam you will be provided 60 minutes to attempt 100 questions. It means you need to maintain your speed and accuracy throughout the exam. If you want to go with the SSC CGL and want to start your preparation you can explore these blogs.
- Bank PO: For the Bank PO exam, it is most important to maintain your speed and accuracy throughout the exam because as SSC CGL prelims exam (60 minutes, 100 questions) same as the Bank PO prelims exam but there will be a sectional timing in the exam. You can start your preparation for Bank PO from here.
Conclusion: As we have mentioned there is a sectional timing in Bank PO and no sectional timing in SSC CGL so the preparation strategy is different. As for SSC CGL, it requires a comprehensive approach, covering reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English, and general knowledge. While Bank PO has sectional timing you need to focus on speed and accuracy balance so that you can attempt each section timely.
4. SSC CGL vs Bank PO: Competition and Vacancies
- SSC CGL: Generally there is a huge number of vacancies released due to the availability of many job roles in various government departments. But due to its perks, salary, and benefits, many aspirants apply for the exam due to which competition rises.
- Bank PO: The Bank PO mainly consists of IBPS PO and SBI PO it has been seen that SBI PO has fewer vacancies than IBPS PO. There is no less competition for this exam.
Conclusion: The SSC CGL offers a large number of vacancies due to several posts available while Bank PO offers less in comparison to SSC CGL but there are many exams like SBI PO, IBPS PO, etc. If you prefer more vacancies and wide opportunities then you can opt for SSC CGL and if you want to build your career in banking but have fewer vacancies then you can opt for Bank PO.
SSC CGL vs Bank PO, The Difference
Here we have provided the difference between SSC CGL and Bank PO in a table format so that you can understand both exams more clearly in a simple way.
| Aspect | SSC CGL | Bank PO |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) | Various Public Sector Banks (SBI, IBPS, etc.) |
| Job Profiles | – Income Tax Inspector – Assistant Audit Officer – CBEC/Customs Inspector – Enforcement Officer | – Probationary Officer (PO) – Management Trainee (MT) |
| Eligibility | – Graduation from a recognized university – Age: 18-32 years (depends on the post) | – Graduation from a recognized university – Age: 20-30 years |
| Exam Stages | – Tier 1: Prelims – Tier 2: Mains | – Preliminary Exam – Mains Exam – Interview |
| Syllabus | – General Intelligence – English Comprehension – Quantitative Aptitude – General Awareness | – Reasoning – Quantitative Aptitude – English Language – General Awareness |
| Job Locations | All over India (Central Government Offices) | Varies (Generally in Bank Branches across India) |
| Salary | Approx. ₹25,500–₹1,51,100 per month (depending on the post) | Basic Start from ₹36,000/- |
| Promotion | – Assistant – Officer – Section Officer – Under Secretary – Deputy Secretary | – Assistant Manager – Branch Manager – Deputy General Manager |
| Nature of Job | Desk job, administrative work, and clerical duties in government departments | Branch management, handling customer service, loan processing, and other banking operations |
| Exam Difficulty Level | Moderate to High (depends on the post) | Moderate to High (requires good aptitude and reasoning skills) |
| Career Growth | Stable with various promotions within the government | Fast-paced, with good growth opportunities in banking |
Which One You Should Choose Among SSC CGL vs Bank PO?
Deciding which exam is best between SSC CGL and Bank PO depends on your preferences, abilities, and interests. If you want to go into the banking sector and want to deal with customers then you should go with the Bank PO, and if you want to work in various government departments, ministries, inspections, etc. Then should go with the SSC CGL exam. You are highly advised before making a decision first analyze both exams carefully, ask your mentors, and seniors, and then start your preparation.
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| Other Blogs of SSC CGL 2025 | |
| SSC CGL Notification | SSC CGL Syllabus |
| SSC CGL Study Plan | SSC CGL Exam Pattern |
| SSC CGL Cut Off | SSC CGL Preparation Strategy |
| SSC CGL Previous Year Question Papers | |
SSC CGL Vs Bank PO FAQs
SSC CGL focuses on various government departments and roles, while Bank PO is specifically for the banking sector, dealing with roles like a probationary officer and management trainee.
SSC CGL generally has more vacancies due to a variety of job roles across different government departments.
SSC CGL has four stages: Tier 1 (Prelims), Tier 2 (Mains).
The Bank PO selection process involves Prelims, Mains, and an Interview.
Yes, a candidate can apply for both exams, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for each.
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