SBI CBO vs. SBI PO: State Bank of India, the largest public sector bank in India. Candidates preparing for banking and government exams might have questions about what SBI CBO is. What is the difference between SBI CBO and SBI PO? What does SBI CBO do? Not to worry, in this blog, we will be covering all these and much more.
SBI CBO vs SBI PO
This section will help candidates know the complete difference between SBI CBO and SBI PO on the basis of parameters like selection process, salary, eligibility, work experience, roles and responsibilities, probation period, and transfers.
SBI CBO vs SBI PO: Understanding the Difference
It is important to understand the basic difference between SBI CBO and SBI PO. SBI CBO requires prior banking experience, while SBI PO does not require any experience. This makes SBI CBO a good opportunity for officers working in commercial banks, regional rural banks, and even private banks to join the State Bank of India (SBI) based on their experience and skills.
| Parameter | SBI PO | SBI CBO |
| Full Form | Probationary Officer | Circle Based Officer |
| Experience Required | No | Minimum 2 years (Officer in Scheduled Commercial Bank/RRB) |
| Grade | JMGS-I (after probation) | JMGS-I |
| Probation Period | 2 Years | 6 Months |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, GD & Interview | Online Exam, Screening, LPT & Interview |
| Transfers | All India Transfer | Circle-Based Posting |
SBI CBO vs. SBI PO – Which Is Better?
The better option depends on your career stage. SBI CBO is suitable for experienced banking professionals who want a stable, circle-based role. SBI PO is better for fresh graduates who want wider exposure, all-India postings, and long-term growth opportunities. Both posts offer good career prospects in SBI.
It depends on your profile:
- Choose SBI CBO if you already have banking experience and prefer circle-based posting.
- Choose SBI PO if you are a fresher and want broader career growth with all-India exposure.
Both posts offer:
- Scale-I officer grade
- Good salary
- Strong career growth in SBI
What is SBI CBO?
SBI CBO stands for Circle Based Officer. It is a Scale-I officer post (JMGS-I), similar to SBI PO after probation. Candidates must have at least 2 years of experience as an officer in a scheduled commercial bank or regional rural bank. Selected candidates undergo a 6-month probation period and are then confirmed as JMGS-I officers. SBI CBOs handle branch operations, approve loans, manage customer relationships, and ensure proper implementation of bank policies in their branch.
What is SBI PO?
SBI PO (Probationary Officer) is a popular entry-level officer post in SBI. Fresh graduates are selected through a competitive exam conducted by SBI. No prior experience is required. Selected candidates undergo a 2-year probation period and are then confirmed as JMGS-I officers. SBI POs supervise clerical work, handle account opening, manage customer service, process loans, and support overall branch operations.
SBI CBO VS SBI PO – Selection Process
The selection process of SBI CBO and SBI PO is different. In the case of SBI CBO, there are three rounds of the selection process, which include a written examination, a screening test, and a personal interview. The SBI PO selection process, on the other hand, involves three stages of selection: prelims, mains, GD, and interview.
| Parameter | SBI PO | SBI CBO |
| Selection Process | Three stages: Prelims, Mains, GD and Interview | Three Stages: Online Exam, Screening, LPT and Interview |
SBI CBO VS SBI PO – Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for SBI CBO requires candidates to have a graduation degree from a recognized university, with an age limit ranging from a minimum of 21 years to a maximum of 30 years. Similarly, for SBI PO, candidates must also hold a graduate degree, with the same age criteria of minimum 21 years and maximum 30 years.
| Eligibility Criteria | SBI CBO | SBI PO |
| Education | Graduate from a recognized university | Graduate |
| Age Limit | Minimum 21 years, Maximum 30 years | Minimum 21 years, Maximum 30 years |
| Other Conditions | – Aspirants who have pursued an Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) certificate must ensure about the date of passing should be as per the date bounded by the organizing authority. -Candidates with the degree of Chartered Accountant are also eligible to apply for the SBI PO recruitment process. | – Candidates having a record of default in repayment of loans/ credit card dues and/ or against whose name adverse report of CIBIL or other external agencies are available are not eligible for SBI CBO recruitment 2024. -Candidates against whom there are any negative reports regarding the character and antecedents and moral turpitude will not be eligible to apply. |
SBI CBO VS SBI PO – Salary Structure
The salary structure of both SBI CBO and SBI PO are discussed in this section.
SBI CBO Salary Structure
The SBI CBO salary structure comprises a basic pay of ₹48,480, placed within the pay scale of ₹48,480–2000/7–62,480–2340/2–67,160–2680/7–85,920. Along with basic pay, officers receive DA, HRA, CCA, and other allowances. The exact amount may vary depending on posting location. SBI CBO officers receive around ₹70,000+ per month in hand, depending on location.
| Allowance/Component | Amount |
| Pay Scale | ₹48,480-2000/7-62,480-2340/2-67,160-2680/7-85,920 |
| Basic Pay | ₹48,480 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ₹16,884 [may vary as per posting] |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹2,520 [may vary as per posting] |
| City Compensatory Allowance (CCA) | ₹1,080 [may vary as per posting] |
| Other Allowances | ₹2,000 |
| Gross Salary | ₹58,484 [may vary as per posting] |
| Deductions | ₹8,187.60 |
| Net Salary (In-hand) | ₹70000- 72000 |
SBI PO Salary Structure
The SBI PO salary starts with a basic pay of ₹48,480. In addition to this, officers receive allowances such as Special Allowance (₹14,967), HRA (₹5,648), DA (₹14,336), City Compensatory Allowance (₹2,300), and Learning Allowance (₹850). Together, these make the gross salary ₹94,581 per month. After deductions of ₹9,617 (PF, tax, pension, etc.), the net in-hand salary comes to approximately ₹84,964 per month.
| Component | Amount (₹) |
| Basic Pay | 48,480 |
| Special Allowance | 14,967 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 5,648 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | 14,336 |
| City Compensatory Allowance | 2,300 |
| Learning Allowance | 850 |
| Gross Salary | 94,581 |
| Deductions (PF, Tax, Pension, etc.) | 9,617 |
| Net Salary (In-hand) | 84,964 |
SBI CBO VS SBI PO – Work Experience
SBI CBO requires the candidates to have a minimum of 2 years of work experience as an officer in any Scheduled Commercial Bank or any Regional Rural Bank. While for SBI PO, there is no requirement of work experience, fresh graduates, as well as experienced candidates, can apply for SBI PO.
SBI CBO VS SBI PO – Transfers
SBI CBO candidates cannot be transferred till they are promoted to SMGS-IV or 12 years of service whichever is later. While in the case of SBI PO, the employees can seek transfer within circles ( inter circle transfer) after 2-3 years of service.
SBI CBO VS SBI PO – Roles and Responsibilities
SBI CBO job roles and responsibilities are managing core branch operations, processing loans, overseeing banking operations, customer relationship management, and implementation of policies in the branch. SBI PO job roles and responsibilities are similar to SBI CBO and also include account opening, clerical work (if business demands so), and supervising clerical work.
SBI CBO VS SBI PO – Benefits
Both posts offer a range of benefits, including D.A., H.R.A./lease rental, C.C.A., medical, and other allowances & perquisites as per the bank’s regulations.
| Category | SBI CBO | SBI PO |
| Benefits | Employees working as CBOs will receive benefits such as D.A., H.R.A./lease rental, C.C.A., medical, and other allowances & perquisites as per the bank’s rules. | Employees will be eligible for HRA, DA, CCA, medical, travel, and other allowances as well |
SBI CBO VS SBI PO – Probation Period
SBI CBOs undergo a 6-month probation period, selected based on experience, while SBI POs must complete a probation period of at least 2 years.
| Category | SBI CBO | SBI PO |
| Probation Period | 6 months of probation is required as the selection is done on the basis of experience. | SBI PO will have to serve a probation period of at least 2 years. |
| Transfer Policy | They will not be allowed for the transfer up to their promotion to SMGS-IV or 12 years of service, whichever is later. | An employee can take a transfer after completing 2-3 years of service through inter-circle transfer. |
FAQs
Ans: The main difference lies in work experience. SBI CBO requires a minimum of 2 years’ experience as an officer in a Scheduled Commercial Bank or Regional Rural Bank. SBI PO, on the other hand, is open to fresh graduates and does not require prior experience.
Ans: SBI CBO selection includes an online test, screening, and an interview. SBI PO selection involves three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Group Discussion & Interview.
Ans: SBI CBO has a net in-hand salary of approximately ₹50,296. SBI PO offers a higher net in-hand salary of around ₹84,964 due to additional allowances such as a Special Allowance and Learning Allowance.
Ans: No, SBI CBOs are not eligible for transfer until they are promoted to SMGS-IV or have completed 12 years of service, whichever is later. SBI POs can request inter-circle transfers after 2–3 years of service.
Ans: It depends on your background and career goals. SBI PO is ideal for fresh graduates looking to start their banking careers with broader growth opportunities. SBI CBO is suited for experienced banking professionals seeking a stable, branch-focused role with limited early transfers.
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