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.
| Feature | SSC CGL | IBPS PO |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Job Type | Central Government Jobs | Public Sector Banking |
| Posts Offered | Group B & C (multiple roles) | Probationary Officer |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (UR/OBC) | ₹850 (Gen/OBC), ₹175 (others) |
| Exam Stages | Tier 1, Tier 2 | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Exam Mode | Online (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.
| Criteria | SSC CGL (2025) | IBPS PO (2025) |
| Nationality | Indian or as per SSC rules | Indian or as per IBPS norms |
| Education | Bachelor’s in any stream | Bachelor’s in any stream |
| Age Limit | 18–32 years (varies by post) | 20–30 years |
| Age Relaxation | SC/ST: 5 yrs, OBC: 3 yrs, PwD: 10 yrs | SC/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.
| Stage | SSC CGL | IBPS PO |
| Preliminary Exam | Tier 1 | Prelims |
| Mains Exam | Tier 2 | Mains (Objective + Descriptive) |
| Interview | No | Yes |
| Final Selection | Based on Tier 2 | Based 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.
| Particulars | SSC CGL (2025) | IBPS PO (2025) |
| Tier 1 / Prelims | 100 marks | 100 marks |
| Tier 2 / Mains | Up to 650 marks (Paper 1, 2, 3) | 225 marks (Objective + Descriptive) |
| Interview | No | 100 marks |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 to 1 mark per wrong answer | 0.25 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.
| Particulars | SSC CGL | IBPS PO |
| Entry Designation | Assistant, Inspector, Officer roles | Probationary Officer |
| Departments | CBDT, CBIC, CAG, ministries, etc. | Public sector banks |
| Role Type | Audit, administration, tax, enforcement | Bank 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.
| Feature | SSC CGL | IBPS PO |
| Nature of Work | Audit, tax inspections, admin work; mostly works in ministries | Customer service, loans, transactions |
| Fieldwork | Yes (some roles) | Rarely, mostly branch-based |
| Work Location | Ministries, tax offices | Bank 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.
| Particulars | SSC CGL | IBPS 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) |
| Allowances | HRA, TA, DA, etc. | DA, HRA, City Compensatory, etc. |
| Probation | 2 years | 2 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.
| Feature | SSC CGL | IBPS PO |
| Promotion Basis | Seniority + Exams | Performance + Exams |
| Promotion Path | Auditor → Section Officer → Under Secretary → Director (Different for different posts) | PO → Manager → Senior Manager → AGM → DGM → GM |
| Transfer Frequency | 3–5 years | 2–3 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
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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Hi, I’m Tripti, a senior content writer at Oliveboard, where I manage blog content along with community engagement across platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. With 3+ years of experience in content and SEO optimization related to banking exams, I have led content for popular exams like SSC, banking, railways, and state exams.