SSC CGL vs. IBPS PO: Which Exam to Choose? Check Comparison

SSC CGL vs. IBPS PO: If you’re a graduate preparing for a government job in 2025, SSC CGL and IBPS PO are two top competitive exams to consider. Both offer stable careers, good salary packages, and long-term job security. However, their job roles, work environment, responsibilities, and career progression are quite different. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a detailed comparison between SSC CGL and IBPS PO based on eligibility, job profile, exam pattern, salary, and career growth.

What is SSC CGL?

The Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL Exam) is conducted annually to recruit candidates for Group B and Group C posts in various central government departments and ministries. The job profiles vary from desk-based roles to field inspection duties, depending on the post allotted. More than 20 lakh candidates apply for this exam every year, but only a few thousand make it through all tiers.

  • Income Tax Inspector
  • Assistant Audit Officer (AAO)
  • Assistant Section Officer (ASO)
  • Enforcement Officer
  • Tax Assistant
  • Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
  • Postal Inspector

What is IBPS PO?

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer (IBPS PO Exam) is conducted to recruit POs in various public sector banks (excluding SBI). The job is dynamic and involves customer interaction, branch management, and achieving sales targets in the long run. The role starts at the officer level and can lead to top management positions in a banking career.

  • Punjab National Bank
  • Bank of Baroda
  • Canara Bank
  • Union Bank
  • Indian Bank

SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Comparison

Before diving into job roles or exam patterns, below is a simple comparison of key details for 2025 to help you understand how both exams differ structurally.

FeatureSSC CGLIBPS PO
Conducting BodyStaff Selection Commission (SSC)Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
Job TypeCentral Government JobsPublic Sector Banking
Posts OfferedGroup B & C (multiple roles)Probationary Officer
Application Fee₹100 (UR/OBC)₹850 (Gen/OBC), ₹175 (others)
Exam StagesTier 1, Tier 2Prelims, Mains, Interview
Exam ModeOnline (Computer-based)Online (Computer-based)

Note: SSC CGL has multiple post options and a two-tier exam system. IBPS PO focuses on a single role with an added interview stage.

SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Eligibility Criteria Comparison

While both exams require a graduation degree, there are some differences in age criteria and educational preferences.

CriteriaSSC CGL (2025)IBPS PO (2025)
NationalityIndian or as per SSC rulesIndian or as per IBPS norms
EducationBachelor’s in any streamBachelor’s in any stream
Age Limit18–32 years (varies by post)20–30 years
Age RelaxationSC/ST: 5 yrs, OBC: 3 yrs, PwD: 10 yrsSC/ST: 5 yrs, OBC: 3 yrs, PwD: 10 yrs

Note: Both exams accept any graduate, but SSC CGL may require specific degrees for JSO or AAO roles. IBPS PO has a fixed age range.

SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Selection Process Comparison

The selection process defines how many stages and types of evaluation you’ll face. SSC CGL is fully written-exam based, while IBPS PO adds an interview round.

StageSSC CGLIBPS PO
Preliminary ExamTier 1Prelims
Mains ExamTier 2Mains (Objective + Descriptive)
InterviewNoYes
Final SelectionBased on Tier 2Based on Mains + Interview

Summary: SSC CGL selection is based purely on objective tests, while IBPS PO also considers personality, communication, and decision-making in interviews.

SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Exam Pattern Comparison

Knowing the exam pattern helps you prepare better by understanding structure, marks, and penalties.

ParticularsSSC CGL (2025)IBPS PO (2025)
Tier 1 / Prelims100 marks100 marks
Tier 2 / MainsUp to 650 marks (Paper 1, 2, 3)225 marks (Objective + Descriptive)
InterviewNo100 marks
Negative Marking0.25 to 1 mark per wrong answer0.25 marks per wrong answer

Note: IBPS PO has an additional descriptive test and interview. SSC CGL includes subject-specific papers for JSO and AAO.

SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Designation Comparison

The designation defines your entry-level post and future roles. SSC CGL posts vary widely across departments. IBPS PO offers a clear career path within banking only.

ParticularsSSC CGLIBPS PO
Entry DesignationAssistant, Inspector, Officer rolesProbationary Officer
DepartmentsCBDT, CBIC, CAG, ministries, etc.Public sector banks
Role TypeAudit, administration, tax, enforcementBank operations, loans, customer handling

SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Job Profile Comparison

Each role comes with a different set of daily tasks and responsibilities. SSC CGL roles are mostly desk jobs or inspections, while IBPS PO involves frontline banking operations.

FeatureSSC CGLIBPS PO
Nature of WorkAudit, tax inspections, admin work; mostly works in ministriesCustomer service, loans, transactions
FieldworkYes (some roles)Rarely, mostly branch-based
Work LocationMinistries, tax officesBank branches, HQs

SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Salary Comparison

Let’s compare how both jobs pay and what to expect in terms of monthly take-home salary. IBPS PO offers higher starting pay, but SSC CGL posts offer long-term pension and perks based on post and city.

ParticularsSSC CGLIBPS PO
Basic Pay₹25,500 to ₹151,100 (Depends on post)₹48,480/month
In-hand Salary₹44,000–₹66,000 approx. (May vary depending on post or location.)₹65,000–₹70,000 approx. (May Vary)
AllowancesHRA, TA, DA, etc.DA, HRA, City Compensatory, etc.
Probation2 years2 years

SSC CGL vs IBPS PO Career Growth & Promotions Comparison

Both roles offer growth, but the pace and path differ. IBPS PO promotions are faster if you perform well. SSC CGL offers slower, steady growth within departments.

FeatureSSC CGLIBPS PO
Promotion BasisSeniority + ExamsPerformance + Exams
Promotion PathAuditor → Section Officer → Under Secretary → Director
(Different for different posts)
PO → Manager → Senior Manager → AGM → DGM → GM
Transfer Frequency3–5 years2–3 years

Key Takeaway

SSC CGL and IBPS PO both offer secure and rewarding careers. Your choice should align with your interest in administrative work or banking services. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:

  • Choose SSC CGL if you want a central government job with fixed hours and diverse posts.
  • Choose IBPS PO if you prefer a banking career with customer interaction and faster promotions.
  • SSC CGL roles are mostly desk-based; IBPS PO involves branch operations and public dealing.
  • Both jobs have good salary, job security, and opportunities for career growth.

SSC CGL vs IBPS PO – FAQs

Q1. Which job is better – SSC CGL or IBPS PO?

Ans: SSC CGL offers more stable, non-sales government roles, while IBPS PO has faster promotions in banking.

Q2. Is SSC CGL tougher than IBPS PO?

Ans: Both are competitive, but SSC CGL covers broader subjects and has more tiers, making it slightly tougher overall.

Q3. Which exam has an interview – SSC CGL or IBPS PO?

Ans: Only IBPS PO includes an interview; SSC CGL does not have an interview round.

Q4. Is SSC CGL a desk job?

Ans: Most SSC CGL jobs are desk-based and involve clerical, administrative, or audit work.

Q5. Can I switch from IBPS PO to SSC CGL later?

Ans: Yes, many candidates crack SSC CGL while working as a PO and switch to central government jobs later.