SBI PO vs IBPS PO, Which one is Better?

SBI PO vs IBPS PO

Both the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conduct exams for the recruitment of Probationary Officers (PO). While they share similarities, there are distinct differences between the two that candidates should consider before choosing which exam to appear for.

Recruiting Authority:
SBI PO: Conducted by the State Bank of India, one of the largest public sector banks in India.
IBPS PO: Conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, an autonomous agency that conducts various banking exams for public sector banks.

Number of Vacancies:
SBI PO: Generally, SBI releases fewer vacancies compared to IBPS PO.
IBPS PO: IBPS conducts exams for multiple banks participating in the recruitment process, resulting in a larger number of vacancies compared to SBI.

Selection Process:
SBI PO: The selection process for SBI PO includes a preliminary exam, a mains exam, and a final interview round.
IBPS PO: The selection process for IBPS PO consists of a preliminary exam, a mains exam, and an interview round as well.

Exam Difficulty:
SBI PO: SBI PO exams are often considered more challenging compared to IBPS PO exams, especially the mains exam and the interview round.
IBPS PO: While still competitive, IBPS PO exams are generally perceived as slightly less difficult than SBI PO exams.

Work Environment and Growth Opportunities:
SBI PO: Working with SBI offers a prestigious career with excellent growth opportunities and a wide range of banking services.
IBPS PO: IBPS PO offers a diverse career path with opportunities to work in various public sector banks, each with its own work environment and growth prospects.

Brand Value:
SBI PO: Being recruited as an SBI PO carries significant prestige and recognition in the banking sector.
IBPS PO: While equally respected, IBPS PO may not carry the same level of prestige as being an SBI PO.

Topics	SBI PO	IBPS PO
Recruiting Authority	Conducted by the State Bank of India, one of the largest public sector banks in India.	Conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, an autonomous agency that conducts various banking exams for public sector banks.
Number of Vacancies	Generally releases fewer vacancies compared to IBPS PO.	Conducts exams for multiple banks, resulting in a larger number of vacancies compared to SBI.
Selection Process	Includes a preliminary exam, a mains exam, and a final interview round.	Consists of a preliminary exam, a mains exam, and an interview round as well.
Exam Difficulty	Exams are often considered more challenging, especially the mains exam and the interview round.	While still competitive, exams are generally perceived as slightly less difficult.
Work Environment	Offers a prestigious career with excellent growth opportunities and a wide range of banking services.	Offers a diverse career path with opportunities to work in various public sector banks, each with its own work environment and growth prospects.
Brand Value	Being recruited carries significant prestige and recognition.	While equally respected, may not have the same level of brand value.

SBI PO vs IBPS PO – Selection Process

The table compares the selection processes of IBPS PO and SBI PO. Both include preliminary and mains examinations, but SBI PO additionally involves a psychometric test, interview, and group exercise.

Selection Process	IBPS PO	SBI PO
Preliminary Exam	Included	Included
Mains Exam	Included (with descriptive)	Included (with descriptive)
Interview	Included	Psychometric Test, Interview & Group Exercise

Which one is Better?

When comparing SBI PO and IBPS PO, several points should be considered to determine which one is better suited to individual preferences:

Prestige and Recognition:
SBI PO: Offers a prestigious career due to SBI’s reputation as a leading public sector bank.
IBPS PO: Although equally respected, may not carry the same level of prestige as SBI PO.

Selection Process and Difficulty:
SBI PO: Known for its challenging selection process, including a rigorous mains exam and interview round.
IBPS PO: While competitive, exams are generally perceived as slightly less difficult than SBI PO.

Work Environment:
SBI PO: Provides a prestigious and rewarding work environment with a wide range of banking services.
IBPS PO: Offers a diverse career path with opportunities to work in various public sector banks, each with its own work culture.

Brand Value:
SBI PO: Being recruited as an SBI PO carries significant prestige and recognition in the banking sector.
IBPS PO: Equally respected but may not have the same level of brand value as SBI PO.

Career Aspirations:
SBI PO: Ideal for those seeking a career with SBI and are willing to face the challenges of a competitive selection process.
IBPS PO: Suitable for candidates looking for diverse career opportunities across different public sector banks.

Topic	SBI PO	IBPS PO
Prestige and Recognition	Offers a prestigious career due to SBI’s reputation.	Although respected, may not carry the same level of prestige.
Selection Process	Known for its challenging selection process.	Exams are generally perceived as slightly less difficult.
Work Environment	Provides a prestigious and rewarding work environment.	Offers a diverse career path across various public sector banks.
Brand Value	Carries significant prestige and recognition.	Equally respected but may not have the same brand value.
Career Aspirations	Ideal for those seeking a career with SBI.	Suitable for candidates looking for diverse career opportunities.

IBPS PO vs SBI PO – Examination, Job Profile, Career Growth, and Salary

The table compares the examination process, job profiles, career growth prospects, and salary structures of IBPS PO and SBI PO. While both exams have similar examination patterns and job responsibilities, SBI PO offers higher compensation and a more rigorous selection process compared to IBPS PO.

Topics	IBPS PO	SBI PO
Examination
Preliminary Exam	Included	Included
Mains Exam	Included (with descriptive)	Included (with descriptive)
Interview	Included	Group discussion, group exercise, and personal interview
Job Profile
Roles and Responsibilities	Similar roles, including clerical tasks, financial management, customer service, and administrative duties.	Similar roles, including clerical tasks, financial management, customer service, and administrative duties.
Promotions and Career Growth
Junior Management	Officer i.e. PO- Scale-I	Officer i.e. PO- Scale-I
Middle Management	Manager- Scale-II	Manager- Scale-II
Middle Management	Senior Manager- Scale-III	Senior Manager- Scale-III
Senior Management	Chief Manager- Scale-IV	Chief Manager- Scale-IV
Senior Management	Assistant General Manager- Scale-V	Assistant General Manager- Scale-V
Top Management Grade	Deputy General Manager- Scale-VI	Deputy General Manager- Scale-VI
Top Management Grade	General Manager- Scale-VII	General Manager- Scale-VII
Salary Structure	An IBPS PO has a monthly salary of around INR 24,000 and other benefits like Dearness Allowance, Home Rent Allowance, City Compensatory Allowance, and Special Allowance, totaling around INR 40,000 per month.	An SBI PO has a compensation package ranging from INR 7.50 lakhs to INR 12.98 lakhs per annum, with a monthly salary of around INR 28,000, subject to regional variations and increments during joining.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the better option depends on candidates career goals, aspirations, and readiness to face the challenges posed by each exam. Candidates should carefully weigh these factors before making a decision.

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SBI PO vs IBPS PO – FAQs