SBI PO vs IBPS PO: This article is for the candidates who are interested in applying for the Probationary Officer exam. The candidates always face confusion about which job to choose. We have provided the difference between SBI PO and IBPS PO for the reference of the candidates. This article will help the candidates choose the perfect job for their qualifications. This article helps candidates decide whether to choose IBPS PO or SBI PO, which will increase their opportunities. IBPS PO and SBI PO both have their significance and career growth. This helps the candidates to choose a better job where he/she can grow faster and utilise more perks and benefits of the job. Stay tuned to this article as we are providing the pros and cons of the SBI PO and IBPS PO posts. The detailed differences between the SBI PO and IBPS PO exams are explained here for the reference of the candidates who are willing to take the exams.

SBI PO vs IBPS PO

SBI PO is the most lucrative exam among all the competitive Bank exams, and the number of vacancies for the SBI PO post is less than that of the IBPS PO post. The main difference between these two exams is that IBPS is for all nationalised banks to participate in the recruitment, while SBI is for only SBI itself. The level of SBI PO is somewhat higher than that of IBPS PO. The difference mainly lies in the work environment, career, and salary. To give the candidates a clear difference between IBPS PO and SBI PO, the selection process, career growth, work profile, and salary of both posts are explained in this article below.

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SBI PO vs IBPS PO: Selection Process

The level of the SBI PO exam is tougher compared to that of the IBPS exam. The preliminary examinations of SBI PO and IBPS PO are of an objective type. Whereas the Mains exam of both PO exams consists of objective questions with descriptive-type questions. The preliminary examination in both exams is qualifying in nature, and candidates must clear the cut-off mentioned in both the prelims and mains exams. The shortlisted candidates from the prelims exam must appear for the mains exam. The candidates who successfully cleared the mains exam must appear for the interview.

The selected candidates from the final interview are placed in one of the participating banks under IBPS recruitment for the IBPS PO exam, whereas the shortlisted candidates in the SBI PO exam will be placed in one of the branches of SBI across the nation.

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SBI PO vs IBPS PO: Cut-Off

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SBI PO vs IBPS PO: Job Profile

The job profiles of both IBPS PO and SBI PO are similar, and the candidates who are selected as Probationary Officers need to handle the following jobs at the bank.

• Multitasking Job:

A PO's job is a multi-tasking job, and they are assigned to various banking activities. This helps them to get familiar with various working procedures in the banking industry.

•  Practical knowledge:

POs are trained in various fields such as Marketing, Accounting, Loans & Advances, as well as Finance.

•  Customer services:

Often, POs are required to handle the customers of the banks. PO guides them about the banking facilities and products available for them, like issuing Cheque books, ATM cards, Demand drafts, etc. Customer complaints like discrepancies in accounts and the rectification of undue charges are also handled by the Probationary Officer.

• Supervision of Clerical Work:

PO supervises all the clerical work, such as managing cash, opening accounts, and dealing. In the case of cash transactions, the PO is responsible for checking whether the Clerk entered everything correctly and approving the transactions.

•  Loan Processing:

One of the major functions of the bank, i.e. providing a loan to the needy, is also taken care of by a PO. PO does all the documentation under his/her supervision before granting the loan to the customer. 

At last, a probationary officer works in various departments of the bank. It can be Deposits, Loans & Advances, Clearing, Pensions, Payment and Cheque clearances, Fixed deposits, ATM and Internet Banking, Credit Card, Report Making, etc.

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SBI PO vs IBPS PO: Salary

SBI PO vs IBPS PO: Perks and Allowances

The perks and allowances of IBPS PO and SBI PO are more or less similar to each other, whereas the amount of the perks varies.

SBI PO vs IBPS PO: Work Pressure and Environment

SBI PO

SBI is one of the oldest and largest banks in India with around 24,000 branches. After the merger, the bank accounted for around 50% of the banking services. Therefore, the work pressure is higher.

IBPS PO

Most of the banks are not accessible in rural areas. Hence, the number of customers in these banks is less compared to SBI. Therefore, the work pressure is relatively less.

SBI PO vs IBPS PO: Career Growth

The career growth of SBI PO and IBPS PO is almost similar. The career growth post-PO designation is very long. Aspirants can think of a great career in the future once they join the largest Public Sector Bank in India.

The fruitful career growth that follows the post of PO is given below:

• Deputy Manager
• Manager
• Chief Manager
• Assistant General Manager
• Deputy General Manager
• General Manager
• Chief General Manager

The career growth of SBI PO is faster and greater than any other Bank PO under IBPS. If a candidate can handle the work pressure and work efficiently in SBI banks, they face numerous perks and allowances, and SBI also offers greater chances of foreign postings. 

SBI PO vs IBPS PO: Pros and Cons

SBI PO vs IBPS PO: FAQs

Q. Which is better: SBI PO or IBPS PO?

Both are prestigious roles, but SBI PO offers a higher salary, better perks, and faster career growth, while IBPS PO offers more location flexibility with job opportunities across multiple public sector banks.

Q: Is the salary higher for SBI PO or IBPS PO?

SBI PO salary is higher, starting at around ₹48,480/- basic pay with additional allowances. IBPS PO starts at ₹36,000/- basic, making SBI PO more lucrative overall.

Q: Which exam is tougher: SBI PO or IBPS PO?

SBI PO is considered slightly tougher due to a higher difficulty level, inclusion of descriptive writing, and a psychometric test in the final phase.

Q: How do the selection processes differ between SBI PO and IBPS PO?

Both follow Prelims → Mains → Interview format, but SBI PO Phase III includes a Psychometric Test + GD + Interview, while IBPS PO Phase III involves just the Interview.

Q: Do both jobs offer the same career growth opportunities?

SBI offers faster promotions and early leadership roles due to its size and internal policies. IBPS banks offer stable growth, but it may vary slightly from bank to bank.

Q: Which has more job postings: SBI PO or IBPS PO?

IBPS PO offers more vacancies across 11 public sector banks, increasing chances of selection. SBI PO usually releases fewer but high-profile vacancies.

Q: What about work pressure in SBI PO vs IBPS PO?

SBI POs often face higher work pressure and more responsibilities, especially in metro branches. IBPS PO may offer better work-life balance depending on the bank and location.

Q: Which is better for long-term financial growth?

SBI PO wins in long-term earnings with more increments, allowances, performance bonuses, and opportunities to rise to top-level management roles faster.