IBPS PO vs IBPS SO, Which one is Better Option?

Which is a Better Job – IBPS PO or IBPS SO?

Choosing between IBPS PO and IBPS SO depends on your career goals:

• IBPS PO: Suitable if you prefer a generalist role with diverse responsibilities in banking.
• IBPS SO: Ideal if you want to focus on a specialized field such as IT, HR, or Law.

IBPS PO vs IBPS SO – Overview

Here’s a comparative overview of the job profiles for Bank PO and Bank SO:

Aspect	Bank PO	Bank SO
Selection Process	IBPS PO/SBI PO Exam + Interview	IBPS SO Exam + Interview
Job Role	General banking tasks, management trainee	Specialized tasks based on department
Major Tasks	Customer service, banking process management, verification	Varies by department (IT, Marketing, HR, Law, Agriculture, Rajbhasha)
Probation Period	Minimum 2 years	No specific probation period
Career Growth	Broad career prospects across various banking functions	Specialized career growth in assigned department

Comparison of IBPS PO and IBPS SO – Reasons for Higher Competition

Key Differences

Aspect	IBPS PO	IBPS SO
Role Type	Generalist	Specialist
Job Functions	Can be posted in various functions such as Operations, Credit, Administration, Planning, etc.	Assigned specific tasks based on the department, such as IT, Agriculture, Marketing, etc.
Educational Qualifications	Open to graduates of any discipline	Requires specific qualifications, e.g., IT, MBA, Agriculture, etc.
Career Prospects	Generally better due to opportunities for internal promotion and broader career growth	Limited vacancies at senior levels, with fewer opportunities beyond Scale V
Promotion and Pay	Career progression often involves moving through generalist roles and internal promotions	Pay and perks are similar at the same grade, but career progression is limited in specialized roles

IBPS PO and IBPS SO – Selection Process

IBPS PO involves Prelims, Mains, and an Interview, whereas IBPS SO includes Prelims with domain-specific questions, Mains, and an Interview.

Aspect	IBPS PO	IBPS SO
Prelims Exam	English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability	Specialized domain questions, General Awareness
Mains Exam	English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General Awareness	Specialized subject, General Awareness
Interview	After Mains exam	After Mains exam

IBPS PO and IBPS SO – Eligibility

IBPS PO requires a Bachelor’s degree and candidates aged 20-30, while IBPS SO demands specialized degrees based on the role, with similar age limits.

Aspect	IBPS PO	IBPS SO
Educational Qualification	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline	Varies by specialization (e.g., IT, HR)
Age Limit	20-30 years	20-30 years

IBPS PO and IBPS SO – Cut-off Marks

IBPS PO typically has higher cut-offs due to broad competition, whereas IBPS SO cut-offs vary by specialization and competition levels.

Aspect	IBPS PO	IBPS SO
Cut-off Marks	Generally higher due to competitive nature	Varies by specialization and number of candidates

IBPS PO and IBPS SO – Pay Scale, Perks, and Benefits

IBPS PO offers a competitive salary with allowances, while IBPS SO provides a similar salary with additional benefits related to the specific role.

Aspect	IBPS PO	IBPS SO
Pay Scale	₹36,000 – ₹38,000 per month (approx.)	₹35,000 – ₹37,000 per month (approx.)
Perks	Housing allowance, transport allowance, medical benefits	Similar to IBPS PO with additional specialized allowances
Benefits	Health insurance, pension scheme, annual increments	Special allowances related to the specific role

IBPS PO and IBPS SO – Growth Opportunities

IBPS PO offers extensive career growth and management roles, whereas IBPS SO provides specialized advancement within the chosen field.

Aspect	IBPS PO	IBPS SO
Growth	Broader roles with potential for higher administrative positions	Specialized growth within the specific domain

IBPS PO and IBPS SO – Job Descriptions

IBPS PO involves diverse tasks including customer service and branch management, while IBPS SO focuses on specialized tasks like IT or HR management.

Aspect	IBPS PO	IBPS SO
Job Description	General banking operations, customer service, administrative tasks	Specialized tasks related to IT, HR, Law, etc.

IBPS PO vs. IBPS SO – Work Culture and Advantages

IBPS PO provides a dynamic environment with varied responsibilities, while IBPS SO offers a focused role with expertise-driven tasks and specialized knowledge.

Aspect	IBPS PO	IBPS SO
Work Culture	Dynamic and diverse	Focused on specialized domain
Advantages	Exposure to various areas of banking	Expertise in a specific field

IBPS PO vs. IBPS SO – Which is Better?

IBPS PO is preferable for those seeking general banking management roles, while IBPS SO is better for individuals wanting a specialized career path.

• IBPS PO: Better if you seek a versatile role with diverse responsibilities and career advancement opportunities.
• IBPS SO: Better if you prefer a focused role in a specific area of expertise.

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IBPS PO vs IBPS SO – FAQs