IBPS PO Vs SBI PO - Which Exam to Choose and Why?

One of the best ways for banking enthusiasts to get high-paying entry-level bank jobs is to clear the Bank Probationary Officers (PO) entrance exam. Conducted every year, these are some of the reputed exam forums to get an officer-level job in banks after completing graduation.

Most of the reputed banks in India, including public sector banks, corporate banks, and private banks, hire POs through Bank PO exams. The two major Bank PO exams are IBPS PO and SBI PO. While both exams may be conducted for the position of Probationary Officer, there are a lot of differences in the exams. In this article, we will discuss the various aspects of these two exams and draw a comparison so that you can decide which one is the best for you.

SBI PO vs. IBPS PO: Which Offers a Better Career Path?

It's widely acknowledged that the SBI PO examination holds a preeminent position among all the banking exams conducted in the country. While the job profile of an IBPS PO is similarly coveted and closely resembles that of an SBI PO, the comparison between these two positions primarily revolves around career prospects, salary, and the work environment.
To provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the selection process, job description, working conditions, compensation, benefits, and opportunities for advancement in both roles, we present a detailed comparative analysis of these aspects. This article will delve into the commonalities and distinctions between IBPS PO and SBI PO, helping you make an informed career choice.

Selection Procedure

The IBPS PO exam and the SBI PO exam have essentially identical selection processes. A three- or four-stage method is used by both schools. A preliminary test is required for both the IBPS and SBI Probationary Officer recruitment exams.

SBI PO

In comparison to IBPS PO, the level of examination for SBI PO is higher. The stages of SBI PO Recruitment are as follows:

• Exam for the preliminary mains with a descriptive test
• Interview and group exercise
• The examination pattern for the Prelims and Mains is objective.

IBPS PO

For the selection of Probationary Officers in participating banks, IBPS holds an online examination. The stages of IBPS PO recruiting are as follows:

• Preliminary
• Mains Exam with a descriptive test
• Interview

After final selection, shortlisted individuals will be placed in one of the IBPS recruitment drive's participating banks.

Both the SBI PO and IBPS PO prelims exams are qualifying exams, but candidates must pass the cut-off to be eligible to take the Mains Exam. After that, qualified candidates go through a standard interview and selection procedure.

  Job profile of a Probationary Officer

Both the IBPS PO exam and the SBI PO test have comparable job profiles. In addition to administrative labour, a bank's probationary officer must do the following duties:

• Customer service is a Probationary Officer's most crucial job. It is a broad term that covers answering questions from clients that visit a bank branch for a variety of services such as loans, new account openings, deposits, chequebooks, credit cards, ATM services, and online banking, among others.
• Because POs are directly involved in customer care, they are also tasked with bringing in new business by selling existing and new clients various products and services such as fixed deposits, recurring deposits, insurance policies, DMAT accounts, and so on.
• A PO is also responsible for managing customer accounts, cash handling tasks such as cash disbursal and cash collection from cashiers, and payment clearance.
• During peak hours, APO may be required to fulfil the duties of a clerk.
• Payment clearances, report maintenance, and official correspondence with other departments are some of the other tasks.

IBPS PO Vs SBI PO – Salary Package

The salary offered for a post is also one major factor that can help candidates decide which post they wish to go after. The table below overviews the comparison between salary for IBPS PO Vs SBI PO:

IBPS PO Vs SBI PO – Which is the Right Exam for You?

Both IBPS PO and SBI PO are national-level examinations conducted to recruiter candidates for Probationary Officers' positions. Both the exams are conducted every year in three different stages: Prelim, Main and Interview/ GD.

Career Growth and Promotion After SBI PO Vs IBPS PO

The career growth in both exams is more or less similar. Following is the promotional pattern that is mostly followed in both.

Junior Management Grade - Scale I - PO

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Middle Management Grade - Scale II - Manager

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Middle Management Grade - Scale III - Senior Manager

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Senior Management Grade - Scale IV - Chief Manager

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Senior Management Grade - Scale V - Assistant General Manager

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Top Management Grade - Scale VI - Deputy General Manager

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Top Management Grade - Scale VII - General Manager

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Executive Director (ED)

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Chairman and Managing Director (CMD)

IBPS PO Vs SBI PO - Pros and Cons

The biggest advantage of IBPS PO is that it acts as the selection process for most of the Indian banks, whereas, SBI PO is considered only for the State Bank of India. However, candidates who crack the SBI PO exam are offered a better starting salary.

Also Read: A Complete Guide to Delhi University's B.Com 2020 Admissions

Both SBI PO and IBPS PO have their own advantages, however, a candidate preparing for Bank PO Exams must ideally appear for both the exams to enhance the chances of getting the job. The comparisons must have helped in deciding which one to go for. If you have any doubts, drop us your queries through our Q&A Section.

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