The IBPS Clerk and IBPS PO exams, both conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, are key recruitment tests for public sector banks in India. The IBPS Clerk exam recruits candidates for clerical posts across 11 public sector banks. It is held annually and consists of two stages such as the preliminary exam and the mains. Successful candidates are selected for clerical posts. On the other hand, the IBPS PO exam recruits candidates for the role of Probationary Officers. This exam has three stages such as prelims, mains, and an interview. Both exams have been conducted annually, with the 2024 exams marking the 14th edition for both the Clerk and PO exams. While the Clerk exam focuses on filling clerical posts, the PO exam is aimed at selecting future bank managers and leaders.
Difference between IBPS Clerk and IBPS PO
By understanding the differences between IBPS Clerk and IBPS PO, aspirants can make a more informed decision about their career path in the banking sector.
Criteria | IBPS Clerk | IBPS PO |
Role | Customer service, account management, office work | Supervisory role, loan processing, customer relationship management, financial management |
Educational Qualification | Degree in any discipline | Degree in any discipline |
Age Limit | 20-28 years | 20-30 years |
Selection Process | Preliminary Exam, Main Exam | Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, Interview |
Basic Pay | Approx. ₹19,900 per month | Approx. ₹36,000-₹38,000 per month |
Allowances | DA, HRA, Transport Allowance | DA, HRA, Special Allowance, CCA |
Career Growth | Clerk > Senior Clerk > Special Assistant > Assistant Manager > Branch Manager | PO > Assistant Manager > Branch Manager > Senior Manager > Chief Manager > AGM > GM |
Work-Life Balance | Better | More challenging |
IBPS Clerk vs IBPS PO – Overview
Below table provides a clear comparison between IBPS Clerk 2024 and IBPS PO 2024, highlighting their differences and similarities in terms of vacancy, recruitment process, eligibility criteria, and more. It serves as a useful reference for candidates planning to appear for these exams.
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Parameter | IBPS Clerk 2024 | IBPS PO 2024 |
Post Name | Clerk | Probationary Officer |
Vacancy | 6,128 | To be notified |
Participating Banks | 11 | 11 |
Application Mode | Online | Online |
Exam Mode | Online | Online |
Recruitment Process | Prelims + Main Exams | Prelims – Mains – Interview |
Education Qualification | Graduate | Graduate |
Age Limit | 20 years to 28 years | 20 years to 30 years |
Application Fee | SC/ST/PWD – Rs. 175, General and Others – Rs. 850 | Not specified |
Official Website | www.ibps.in | www.ibps.in |
IBPS Clerk 2024 vs IBPS PO 2024 – Important Dates
Below table highlights the key dates for IBPS Clerk 2024 and IBPS PO 2024 exams, including notification release, application periods, admit card availability, and exam dates. Candidates can use this information to plan their preparation and application timelines effectively.
Events | IBPS Clerk 2024 Dates | IBPS PO 2024 Dates |
IBPS Clerk Notification 2024 | 30th June 2024 | July 2024 |
IBPS Clerk Apply Online Start Date | 1st July 2024 | — |
IBPS Clerk Apply Online Last Date | 21st July 2024 | — |
IBPS Clerk Prelims Admit Card 2024 | August 2024 | — |
IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Date 2024 | 24th, 25th and 31st August 2024 | — |
IBPS Clerk Exam Date 2024 | 13th October 2024 | — |
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Date 2024 | — | 19th, 20th October 2024 |
IBPS PO Mains Exam Date 2024 | — | 30th November 2024 |
IBPS Clerk 2024 vs IBPS PO 2024 – Eligibility Criteria
Both exams require candidates to be graduates with basic computer knowledge. IBPS Clerk has a narrower age range and prefers proficiency in the state’s official language, whereas IBPS PO offers a wider age limit and emphasizes language proficiency as desirable. Candidates should ensure they meet these criteria before applying for either exam.
Criteria | IBPS Clerk 2024 | IBPS PO 2024 |
Age Limit | 20 years to 28 years | 20 years to 30 years |
Age Relaxation | SC/ST: 5 years | SC/ST: 5 years |
OBC: 3 years | OBC: 3 years | |
PWD: 10 years | PWD: 10 years | |
Ex-Servicemen: service period + 3 years | Ex-Servicemen: 5 years | |
Widows, Divorced Women: up to 35 years (General/EWS) | Widows, Divorced Women: 9 years | |
Persons affected by 1984 riots: 5 years | Persons affected by 1984 riots: 5 years | |
Educational Qualification | Graduate in any discipline | Graduate in any discipline |
Computer Literacy | Mandatory | Mandatory |
Language Proficiency | Preferable | Desirable |
Nationality / Citizenship | Indian, Nepali, Bhutanese, Tibetan Refugee, PIO | Indian, Nepali, Bhutanese, Tibetan Refugee, PIO |
IBPS Clerk 2024 vs IBPS PO 2024 – Selection Process
In IBPS Clerk 2024, only the performance in the mains exam determines selection, while IBPS PO 2024 includes an interview phase after the mains. Aspirants should prepare accordingly to succeed in these respective banking exams.
Process | IBPS Clerk 2024 | IBPS PO 2024 |
Stages | Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination | Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, Interview |
Interview | No interview process | Interview required |
Weightage | Mains exam result carries 100% weightage | Mains exam and interview contribute to final selection |
Process Description | Candidates must clear both prelims and mains | Prelims qualification necessary for mains and interview |
IBPS Clerk 2024 vs IBPS PO 2024 – Salary Structure
IBPS Clerks start with a lower basic pay but have a fixed structure of allowances, resulting in an in-hand salary of approximately Rs 29,453. In contrast, IBPS POs enjoy a higher starting in-hand salary ranging from Rs 52,000 to Rs 55,000, which includes various allowances and benefits, reflecting a higher overall compensation package.
Component | IBPS Clerk 2024 | IBPS PO 2024 |
Basic Pay | Rs 19,900 – Rs 47,920 per month | Rs 36,000 (Initial basic pay) |
In-hand Salary | Approximately Rs 29,453 | Rs 52,000 to Rs 55,000 (Including allowances and benefits) |
Allowances | Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Medical Allowance, Transport Allowance | Dearness Allowance, Special Allowances, Other Benefits |
Revision | Fixed basic pay with allowances | Basic pay and allowances as per the 11th Bipartite Agreement |
IBPS Clerk 2024 vs IBPS PO 2024 – Career Growth and Promotions
IBPS Clerk
- Promotions: Can move up to officer level through internal exams and good performance.
- Career Path: Clerk > Senior Clerk > Special Assistant > Assistant Manager > Branch Manager.
IBPS PO
- Promotions: Faster promotions compared to clerks, based on performance and exams.
- Career Path: PO > Assistant Manager > Branch Manager > Senior Manager > Chief Manager > Assistant General Manager > General Manager.
IBPS Clerk 2024 vs IBPS PO 2024 – Work-Life Balance
IBPS Clerk
- Work Hours: Generally fixed working hours with less work pressure.
- Work-Life Balance: Better compared to POs due to fewer responsibilities.
IBPS PO
- Work Hours: May involve longer hours and more responsibilities.
- Work-Life Balance: More challenging due to higher responsibilities and targets.
IBPS Clerk 2024 vs IBPS PO 2024 – Which is Better?
Advantages of IBPS Clerk
- Ease of Entry: Easier selection process with no interview.
- Stable Job: Less pressure and stable work environment.
- Work-Life Balance: Better work-life balance compared to POs.
Advantages of IBPS PO
- Higher Salary: Better pay and more benefits.
- Career Growth: Faster promotions and career advancement opportunities.
- Varied Responsibilities: Diverse job roles and responsibilities.
Also Check,
IBPS Clerk Notification 2024 | Click here to Check |
IBPS Clerk Apply Online 2024 | Click here to Check |
IBPS Clerk Eligibility Criteria | Click here to Check |
IBPS Clerk Salary | Click here to Check |
IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2024 | Click here to Check |
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IBPS Clerk vs IBPS PO – FAQs
Ans. IBPS Clerk handles customer interactions and banking transactions, while IBPS PO supervises operations and makes decisions.
Ans. Both require a university degree.
Ans. IBPS Clerk starts around Rs. 19,900, while IBPS PO earns Rs. 52,000 to 55,000 initially.
Ans. IBPS Clerk handles transactions and customer service, while IBPS PO manages operations and policies.
Ans. IBPS PO exams are more competitive due to higher pay and career opportunities.

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