IBPS RRB PO vs IBPS PO, Which one is better?

IBPS RRB PO vs IBPS PO

IBPS RRB PO vs IBPS PO: The RRB PO focuses on rural banking services, while the IBPS PO works in commercial banks. Their differences include job roles, with IBPS POs handling corporate banking and RRB POs assisting rural clients. RRB POs prioritize work-life balance, earn around Rs. 33,000 monthly, and are mainly posted in rural areas, unlike IBPS POs who typically work in urban centers. Additionally, IBPS PO exams are considered harder than those for RRB PO.

IBPS PO Vs IBPS RRB PO – Selection Procedure

The key differences lie in the subjects covered in the Preliminary and Mains exams, as well as the coordinating authority for the interview process.

Note: IBPS RRB Officer Scale-I is a position for the post of Probationary Officer (PO) in the RRBs.

AspectIBPS POIBPS RRB Officer Scale-I
PhasesThree phases: Preliminary, Mains and InterviewThree phases: Preliminary, Mains and Interview
Preliminary ExamConsists of three subjects: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning AbilityConsists of two subjects: Reasoning and Numerical Ability
Mains ExamConsists of five subjects: Reasoning, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and Computer KnowledgeCandidates can opt for Hindi or English as a subject along with the other subjects
InterviewCommon interview conducted by participating organizations and coordinated by the BankInterview coordinated by the Nodal Regional Rural Banks with the help of NABARD and IBPS

IBPS PO Vs IBPS RRB PO – Job Profile

The main differences lie in the versatility, geographical scope, operational areas, specialization opportunities, and learning curve, with IBPS POs having a more diverse and enriching job profile compared to IBPS RRB Officer Scale-I.

AspectIBPS POIBPS RRB Officer Scale-I
VersatilityMore versatile job profileLess versatile job profile
Area of OperationNot limited to geographical regionLimited to state or district
Operational ScopeWide range of work avenues like corporate loans, treasury, forex, managing HNIs, etc. apart from routine banking workRestricted to providing credit and facilities to small and marginal farmers, agricultural laborers, artisans, and small entrepreneurs in rural areas
SpecializationMany areas of specialization like corporate finance, merchant banking, consultancy services, etc.Limited specialization opportunities
Learning CurveHigher learning curveLacks the learning curve of POs in PSBs

IBPS PO Vs IBPS RRB PO – Salary and Perks

The table highlights the basic salary for IBPS PO, the in-hand salary range for both roles, and the dependence of HRA on the city of posting for IBPS PO. It also mentions the additional perks provided to IBPS RRB Officer Scale-I and directs readers to the respective resources for more detailed information on salaries and perks.

AspectIBPS POIBPS RRB Officer Scale-I
In-hand SalaryRs. 42,000/- to Rs. 44,000/- (including HRA)Rs. 40,000/- to Rs. 42,000/-
HRADepends on city of posting
Other PerksLease accommodation, travelling allowance, medical benefits, newspaper reimbursement, etc.

IBPS PO Vs IBPS RRB PO – Posting Locations

The table highlights the key differences in posting locations for IBPS POs and IBPS RRB Officer Scale-I. IBPS POs can be posted in rural or urban areas and are subject to frequent transfers, while IBPS RRB officers are mainly posted in rural and semi-urban areas within the state/region of the respective RRB, offering better chances of being posted in their hometowns in a shorter time span.

AspectIBPS POIBPS RRB Officer Scale-I
Posting AreasCan be posted in rural or urban areasMostly posted in rural areas, some in semi-urban areas
Posting in HometownLess likely to be posted in hometown initiallyBetter chances of being posted in hometown in minimum time span
Geographical LimitationNo geographical limitationPosting limited to the state/region of the RRB (e.g., Haryana for Sarv Haryana Grameen Bank)

IBPS PO Vs IBPS RRB PO – Career Growth

The table clearly highlights the significant difference in career growth opportunities between IBPS POs and IBPS RRB Officer Scale-I. IBPS POs have tremendous promotion prospects, including the potential to reach top posts like Executive Director, Chief Managing Director in commercial banks, and even Deputy Governor in RBI.

AspectIBPS POIBPS RRB Officer Scale-I
Promotion OpportunitiesTremendous promotion opportunitiesLimited promotion opportunities
Top PostsCan reach Executive Director, Chief Managing Director positions in commercial banksCan typically reach Chief Manager level after 35 years of service
ExamplesSS Mundra (former Deputy Governor, RBI) started as a Probationary OfficerHead of RRB is typically nominated from the ranks of Assistant General Manager of the sponsored commercial bank

IBPS PO and IBPS RRB POMains Exam

The main differences in the Mains exam lie in the subjects covered and the difficulty level. While IBPS PO has five specific subjects, IBPS RRB Officer Scale-I allows candidates to choose between Hindi or English as a subject. The difficulty level of the IBPS PO exam is higher than that of the IBPS RRB Officer Scale-I exam, although the exam pattern and syllabus are largely similar. Candidates preparing for IBPS PO don’t need to prepare separately for the IBPS RRB Officer Scale-I exam.

AspectIBPS POIBPS RRB Officer Scale-I
SubjectsReasoning, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and Computer KnowledgeCandidates can opt for either Hindi or English as a subject, along with other subjects
Exam PatternNo major difference in exam pattern and syllabusNo major difference in exam pattern and syllabus
Difficulty LevelHigher difficulty levelLower difficulty level compared to IBPS PO

IBPS PO and IBPS RRB POPreliminary Exam

free mock tests online

The table clearly shows the difference in the subjects covered in the Preliminary Exam for IBPS PO and IBPS RRB Officer Scale-I. The IBPS PO Preliminary Exam consists of three subjects like English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability, while the IBPS RRB Officer Scale-I Preliminary Exam includes only two subjects like Reasoning and Numerical Ability.

ExamIBPS POIBPS RRB Officer Scale-I
SubjectsEnglish Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning AbilityReasoning, Numerical Ability
Number of Subjects32


IBPS RRB PO vs IBPS PO – FAQs

Q1. What is the difference in the selection process for IBPS RRB PO and IBPS PO?

Ans. Both exams have a similar three-phase selection process (Preliminary, Mains, and Interview). However, the IBPS PO preliminary exam covers English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability, while the IBPS RRB PO preliminary exam covers only Reasoning and Numerical Ability.

Q2. Which role offers better career growth opportunities?

Ans. IBPS PO offers tremendous promotion opportunities, with the potential to reach top positions like Executive Director, Chief Managing Director in commercial banks, and even Deputy Governor in RBI. In contrast, the career growth for IBPS RRB officers is relatively limited, with the highest attainable position typically being Chief Manager after 35 years of service.

Q3. What is the difference in job profiles between IBPS RRB PO and IBPS PO?

Ans. The job profile of IBPS POs in commercial banks is more versatile, with a wide range of work avenues like corporate loans, treasury, forex, managing HNIs, etc., and opportunities for specialization. On the other hand, IBPS RRB officers primarily focus on providing credit and facilities to small and marginal farmers, agricultural laborers, artisans, and small entrepreneurs in rural areas.

Q4. How does the salary and perks compare between IBPS RRB PO and IBPS PO?

Ans. The basic salary of an IBPS PO is higher (Rs. 23,700/-), with an in-hand salary ranging from Rs. 42,000/- to Rs. 44,000/- (including HRA). IBPS RRB officers have an in-hand salary ranging from Rs. 40,000/- to Rs. 42,000/-, along with perks like lease accommodation, travel allowance, medical benefits, and newspaper reimbursement.

Q5. Which role offers better posting locations?

Ans. IBPS POs can be posted in rural or urban areas and are subject to frequent transfers, while IBPS RRB officers are mainly posted in rural and semi-urban areas within the state/region of the respective RRB, offering better chances of being posted in their hometowns in a shorter time span.


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