SSC CGL vs IBPS PO
The SSC CGL 2025 Notification was released on 9th June 2025, and the Tier 1 Exam is scheduled to be held from 13th to 30th August 2025 as per the official notification. The IBPS PO 2025 Prelims are expected to take place in October 2025. Both exams are among the most popular government job exams in India. Below, we’ve provided a detailed comparison to help aspirants choose the right career path.
What is SSC CGL?
SSC CGL stands for Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination. It is a national-level exam conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit candidates for Group B and Group C posts in various ministries, departments, and government offices of India.
Every year, over 20 lakh candidates apply for SSC CGL, and only around 4–5% get selected after clearing all the stages of the exam.
- Assistant Audit Officer
- Assistant Accounts Officer
- Inspector (Income Tax, Central Excise, Preventive Officer)
- Assistant Section Officer
- Assistant Enforcement Officer
- Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
- Upper Division Clerk
- Tax Assistant
- Postal Inspector
What is IBPS PO?
IBPS PO stands for Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer. It is conducted by IBPS to recruit Probationary Officers (POs) in various public sector banks across India (except SBI).
This IBPS PO exam is popular among graduates who want a career in banking. The job offers a stable role, training-based promotion, and a good salary with benefits.
- Punjab National Bank (PNB)
- Bank of Baroda
- Canara Bank
- Union Bank of India
- Indian Bank
- And others (except State Bank of India)
SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Overview
SSC CGL and IBPS PO are two of the most preferred exams for graduates seeking government jobs. Here’s a quick comparison of both based on key details for 2025.
| Particulars | SSC CGL Details (2025) | IBPS PO Details (2025) |
| Exam Name | SSC CGL | IBPS PO |
| Full Form | Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Exam | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection – Probationary Officer |
| Exam Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in | www.ibps.in |
| Application Mode | Online | Online |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (UR/OBC); No fee for SC/ST/PwBD/Female | ₹850 (Gen/OBC); ₹175 for SC/ST/PwBD |
| Selection Process | Tier 1 – CBT Tier 2 – CBT | Prelims Mains Interview |
| Exam Date | 13th to 30th August 2025 (Tier 1) | Expected in October 2025 |
| Exam Mode | Online | Online |
SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Eligibility Criteria
Both SSC CGL and IBPS PO have different eligibility rules based on age, education, and nationality. Here’s a side-by-side comparison for 2025:
| Eligibility Criteria | SSC CGL (2025) | IBPS PO (2025) |
| Nationality | Must be an Indian citizen or meet government-specified nationality conditions | Must be an Indian citizen or meet IBPS-defined nationality conditions |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Age Limit | Varies by post (generally 18 to 32 years) as of 1st August 2025 | 20 to 30 years as of 1st August 2025 |
| Age Relaxation | SC/ST: 5 years, OBC: 3 years, PwD: 10 years (as per rules) | SC/ST: 5 years, OBC: 3 years, PwD: 10 years (as per rules) |
SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Age Limit
The age limit for SSC CGL and IBPS PO varies by category and exam rules. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of age criteria for both exams in 2025.
| Category | SSC CGL (as on 01 Aug 2025) | IBPS PO (as on 01 Jul 2025) |
| General (UR) | 18–32 years | 20–30 years |
| OBC (NCL) | 18–35 years (3 yrs relax) | 20–33 years (3 yrs relax) |
| SC/ST | 18–37 years (5 yrs relax) | 20–35 years (5 yrs relax) |
| PwD (all categories) | 18–42 years (10 yrs relax) | 20–40 years (10 yrs relax) |
| Ex‑servicemen | 18–35 years (3 yrs + service period)* | 20–35 years (5 yrs relax) |
| Widows/Divorced Women | – | 20–39 years (9 yrs relax) |
| J&K Domicile (1980–89) | – | 20–35 years (5 yrs relax) |
| 1984 Riot Victims | – | 20–35 years (5 yrs relax) |
| Union Carbide Retrenched Employees (Bhopal) | – | 20–35 years (5 yrs relax) |
SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Educational Qualification
Both SSC CGL and IBPS PO require a graduation degree, but some SSC CGL posts may need specific qualifications. Here’s the comparison of educational eligibility for 2025:
| Criteria | SSC CGL (2025) | IBPS PO (2025) |
| Minimum Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Special Requirements | Some posts require specific degrees: – JSO: Degree with Statistics/Math – AAO: Degree + CA/MBA (Desirable) | No subject-specific requirement |
| Final Year Candidates | Eligible if degree is obtained before cutoff date (usually 1 Aug 2025) | Eligible if degree is completed before cutoff date (usually 1 Jul 2025) |
SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Selection Process
The selection process for SSC CGL and IBPS PO involves multiple stages. While both include written exams, IBPS PO also includes an interview round. Here’s the updated comparison:
| Parameters | SSC CGL (2025) | IBPS PO (2025) |
| Selection Process | Tier 1 (CBT): Common for all candidates. Tier 2 (CBT): Divided into three papers: – Paper 1: Compulsory for all posts – Paper 2: For JSO post only – Paper 3: For AAO/Assistant Audit Officer post only Document Verification: Only for shortlisted candidates after Tier 2. Attempt SSC CGL Mock Test | Prelims: Online objective test for screening Mains: Objective + Descriptive test Interview: Conducted by participating banks for shortlisted candidates Attempt IBPS PO Mock Test |
SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is important for planning your preparation. Here’s a detailed comparison of SSC CGL and IBPS PO exam patterns for 2025:
| Particulars | SSC CGL (2025) | IBPS PO (2025) |
| Exam Pattern | Tier 1 (CBT): 100 marks (objective, qualifying in nature) Tier 2 (CBT): – 450 marks for most posts (only Paper 1) – 650 marks for AAO/JSO posts (Papers 1, 2 & 3) | Prelims: 100 marks (objective) Mains: 200 marks (objective + descriptive) Interview: 100 marks |
| Negative Marking | Tier 1: 0.50 marks per wrong answer Tier 2: 0.25 or 1 mark depending on section | Prelims: 0.25 marks per wrong answer Mains: 0.25 marks per wrong answer Interview: No negative marking |
SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Designation
SSC CGL offers multiple job roles in various central government departments, while IBPS PO recruits candidates for Probationary Officer roles in public sector banks.
| Particulars | SSC CGL (2025) | IBPS PO (2025) |
| Designations | Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) Assistant Accounts Officer Income Tax Inspector Central Excise Inspector Preventive Officer Assistant Section Officer (ASO) Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) Upper Division Clerk (UDC) Assistant Enforcement Officer Tax Assistant Postal Inspector | Probationary Officer (PO) in various public sector banks |
SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Job Profile
Knowing the job responsibilities helps candidates understand the nature of work after selection. Here’s a comparison of job profiles for SSC CGL and IBPS PO:
| Particulars | SSC CGL (2025) | IBPS PO (2025) |
| Job Profile | – Conducting audits and inspections – Verifying tax records and returns – Investigating financial fraud and tax evasion – Preparing reports and maintaining official records – Preventing smuggling and money laundering (for Enforcement roles) – Handling administrative and desk-based work in ministries | – Handling customer queries and complaints – Promoting and explaining bank products – Issuing cheques, drafts, and managing transactions – Processing loans and verifying documents – Monitoring clerical staff – Supporting branch operations and targets |
SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Salary
Both SSC CGL and IBPS PO offer attractive salaries with allowances. Here’s a detailed comparison of salary levels and probation details:
- SSC CGL salary depends on post, pay level, and city classification (X, Y, Z).
- IBPS PO salary may vary slightly by bank and location, but follows a standard pay structure across public sector banks.
| Particulars | SSC CGL (2025) | IBPS PO (2025) |
| Salary Structure | Group B Posts: – Pay Level 8: ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 – Pay Level 7: ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 – Pay Level 6: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 Group C Posts: – Pay Level 5: ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 In-hand Salary: ₹44,000 – ₹66,000/month (approx, varies by post and city) | Basic Pay: ₹48,480/month Gross Salary: ₹78,000 – ₹90,000/month In-hand Salary: ₹71,000 – ₹76,000/month (after deductions) |
| Probation Period | 2 years | 2 years |
SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Career Growth
Career progression in both SSC CGL and IBPS PO is structured and offers steady promotions. Here’s the latest comparison:
| Particulars | SSC CGL (2025) | IBPS PO (2025) |
| Career Growth | Promotions are based on performance, departmental exams, and seniority. Typical Hierarchy: – Auditor/Assistant (initial post) – Senior Auditor / Section Officer – Under Secretary – Deputy Secretary – Director / Joint Secretary – Additional Secretary / Principal Director – Secretary / Commissioner-level posts | Promotions happen through internal exams and performance appraisals. Typical Hierarchy: – PO (Scale I) – Manager (Scale II) – Senior Manager (Scale III) – Chief Manager (Scale IV) – Assistant General Manager (Scale V) – Deputy General Manager (Scale VI) – General Manager (Scale VII) – Executive Director – Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) |
| Transfers | Every 3–5 years, depending on post and department | Every 2–3 years, depending on bank policy and performance |
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SSC CGL vs IBPS PO – FAQs
Ans: SSC CGL offers more stable, non-sales government roles, while IBPS PO has faster promotions in banking.
Ans: Both are competitive, but SSC CGL covers broader subjects and has more tiers, making it slightly tougher overall.
Ans: Only IBPS PO includes an interview; SSC CGL does not have an interview round.
Ans: Most SSC CGL jobs are desk-based and involve clerical, administrative, or audit work.
Ans: Yes, many candidates crack SSC CGL while working as a PO and switch to central government jobs later.
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