SBI CBO vs SBI PO, Which is Better?

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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 for candidates to understand the fundamental distinctions between SBI CBO and SBI PO. SBI CBO selection relies on required experience in the desired field, while SBI PO recruitment is based on no prior experience. This offers a great chance for officers from different commercial and regional rural banks to join the State Bank of India. Additionally, private sector employees can also benefit from this recruitment based on their knowledge and expertise.

SBI CBO vs. SBI PO – Which Is Better?

It depends on individual preferences and career goals. SBI CBO may be preferable for candidates with relevant experience seeking a specialized role, while SBI PO may suit those starting their banking career with broader opportunities for growth. Below, we have outlined an overview of each role for better understanding.

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What is SBI CBO?

SBI CBO stands for Circle Based Officer; it is a post similar to the SBI PO, and the grade provided to the SBI CBO is JMGS Scale-1, which is equivalent to the grade offered to the SBI PO (after the probation period).
The SBI CBO is open to all those candidates who have a minimum of 2 years of experience as an officer in any of the scheduled commercial banks or regional rural banks. In addition to that, SBI CBOs need to undergo a 6-month probation period, after which they are enlisted full-time in SBI as SBI CBOs in JMGS-1, or Junior Management Grade Scale-1.
The SBI CBO is expected to manage the core branch operations of the bank as well as oversee the banking operations in a branch. The other responsibilities include approving loans, customer relationship management, and policy implementation in their respective branches.

What is SBI PO?

SBI PO, or probationary officer, is one of the most coveted jobs in the banking sector in India, and fresh graduates are selected for this position based on a competitive exam held by SBI.
The SBI PO requires no prior work experience, as required for the SBI CBO. The candidates selected as SBI PO need to undergo a 2-year probation period, after which their services are confirmed with SBI as JMGS-1.
The SBI PO is expected to supervise clerical activities, the opening of bank accounts, customer service and relationship management, loan processing, etc.

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, and Interview

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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.

check SBI PO Eligibility criteria

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. In addition to the basic pay, the employee receives a Dearness Allowance (DA) of ₹16,884, House Rent Allowance (HRA) of ₹2,520, City Compensatory Allowance (CCA) of ₹1,080, and other allowances amounting to ₹2,000. These components collectively make up a gross salary of ₹58,484. After deductions totaling ₹8,187.60, the net in-hand salary amounts to ₹50,296.24.

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
House Rent Allowance (HRA)	₹2,520
City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)	₹1,080
Other Allowances	₹2,000
Gross Salary	₹58,484
Deductions	₹8,187.60
Net Salary (In-hand)	₹50,296.24

SBI CBO Salary and job profile

SBI PO Salary Structure

The salary structure includes a basic pay of ₹48,480, supplemented by several allowances such as a Special Allowance of ₹14,967, House Rent Allowance (HRA) of ₹5,648, Dearness Allowance (DA) of ₹14,336, City Compensatory Allowance of ₹2,300, and a Learning Allowance of ₹850. These components together contribute to a gross salary of ₹94,581. After statutory deductions totaling ₹9,617—covering provident fund, taxes, pension, and other contributions—the net in-hand salary stands at ₹84,964.

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

Check SBI PO Salary and Job profile

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.

SBI CBO vs. SBI PO – Which is better?

SBI CBO and SBI PO are both lucrative job profiles for graduate candidates and offer a good pay package. The only catch is that SBI CBO requires candidates with a minimum of 2 years of work experience, and SBI PO accepts fresh graduates. We hope that after reading this blog on “SBI CBO vs. SBI PO – Which Is Better?” the aspiring candidates and working professionals can make an informed decision.

SBI CBO vs. SBI PO FAQs

Q1: What is the key difference between SBI CBO and SBI PO in terms of eligibility?

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.

Q2: How do the selection processes for SBI CBO and SBI PO differ?

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.

Q3: What is the salary difference between SBI CBO and SBI PO?

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.

Q4: Can an SBI CBO be transferred to another location like SBI PO?

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.

Q5: Which post is better: SBI CBO or SBI PO?

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.