SBI PO vs IBPS PO - Which One is Better?

Author at PW
September 16, 2025
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SBI PO vs IBPS PO

SBI PO and IBPS PO both offer the position of Probationary Officer in public sector banks, but they differ in several ways. An SBI PO is conducted by the State Bank of India, and the IBPS PO is conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection for various government banks. The main differences include the selection process, work culture, salary, and promotion opportunities.

Aspirants are advised to be familiar with SBI PO vs IBPS PO salary, syllabus, career scope, and job security, along with the level of competition, before deciding on the right path. Understanding these factors can help students choose which exam is better for their career goals. Candidates can check all information, including SBI PO vs IBPS PO: Which is better? Job descriptions, exam patterns, selection processes, etc., below.

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SBI PO vs IBPS PO Overview

When comparing SBI PO vs IBPS PO, it’s important to look at key differences in areas like salary, promotion, work pressure, and exam difficulty. While both are good career options in the public sector banking sector, the experience and opportunities may differ depending on the bank.

The table below highlights the main differences between SBI PO and IBPS PO to help candidates make an informed decision:

SBI PO vs IBPS PO Overview

Feature

SBI PO

IBPS PO

Conducting Body

State Bank of India

Institute of Banking Personnel Selection

Participating Banks

SBI only

11+ Public Sector Banks (i.e., PNB, BOB & Canara Bank)

Vacancies (Approx.)

2,000 – 2,500 annually

3,000 – 4,000 annually

Salary Structure

₹41,960 basic pay + perks (housing, loans, etc.)

₹36,000 basic pay + allowances (HRA, DA, etc.)

Work Pressure

High due to a large customer base & targets

Moderate, spread workload across banks

Career Growth

Faster promotions, opportunities for foreign postings

Stable growth, transfers within participating banks

Transfer Frequency

Frequent, pan-India

Less frequent, usually within the region

Exam Difficulty Level

High (especially General Awareness & Interview)

Moderate, uniform across banks

Official Website

sbi.co.in

ibps.in

SBI PO vs IBPS PO Job Description

Both SBI PO and IBPS PO offer the position of Probationary Officer in public sector banks, but the daily work and responsibilities of both can be slightly different.

SBI PO Job Description:

  • SBI POs handle customer queries, sell the financial products and enhance the performance of the branches.

  • They are in charge of loan approvals, analyzing credits, and overseeing bank employees.

  • The workload is higher with SBI due to its high customer base and business targets.

  • SBI POs are often under more pressure but get better promotions in a short period.

IBPS PO Job Description:

  • IBPS POs are used to provide help in customer service, process routine customer transactions and also deal with loans.

  • They work in different departments in public sector banks.

  • The workload is moderate with better work-life balance and postings.

  • Career growth is stable, though slightly slower than at SBI.

Check Out: SBI PO Previous Year Papers 

SBI PO vs IBPS PO Exam Pattern

The exam pattern of SBI PO vs IBPS PO is mostly similar, but SBI includes some extra evaluation stages and has a slightly tougher difficulty level.

SBI PO vs IBPS PO Exam Pattern

Stage

SBI PO

IBPS PO

Prelims Exam

3 Sections: English, Quant, Reasoning

100 Marks, 60 minutes total

20 mins per section

Same as SBI PO

100 Marks, 60 minutes total

20 mins per section

Mains Exam

4 Sections + Descriptive Test

Total: 250 Marks

Includes General/Economic Awareness & Essay/Letter Writing

4 Sections + Descriptive Test

Total: 225 Marks

Includes Essay/Letter Writing

Descriptive Test

Yes – 50 Marks (Letter & Essay Writing)

Yes – 25 Marks (Letter & Essay Writing)

Interview Round

Group Discussion + Interview + Psychometric Test

Personal Interview only (No GD or Psychometric Test)

Difficulty Level

Slightly Higher – tougher GA section + extra evaluation stages

Moderate – standard structure across participating banks

SBI PO vs IBPS PO Selection Process

The selection process for SBI PO And IBPS PO has a similarity in structure but different in evaluation stages. Both exams have three phases: Prelims, Mains, and Interview, but in the case of SBI PO, there is an additional round of Group Discussion (GD).

SBI PO Selection Process

  • Prelims: Objective-type test (qualitative only)

  • Mains: Objective and descriptive tests

  • Group Exercise & Interview: Final round with GD, personal interview& sometimes a psychometric test

  • Final Merit: Calculated using 75:25 Weightage (Mains: Interview)

IBPS PO Selection Process

  • Prelims: Objective-type test (qualifying only)

  • Mains: Includes an objective and descriptive paper

  • Interview: Only personal interview, no GD or additional tests

  • Final Merit: Weightage of 80:20 (Mains: Interview)

Check Out: IBPS PO Previous Year Papers

SBI PO vs IBPS PO Salary

The salary structure of SBI PO vs IBPS PO shows that SBI offers higher pay and more benefits compared to IBPS PO.

SBI PO vs IBPS PO Salary

Component

SBI PO

IBPS PO

Basic Pay

₹41,960 (with 4 advance increments)

₹36,000

In-Hand Salary

₹80,350 (approx.)

₹76,430 (approx.)

Gross Monthly Salary

₹68,000 – ₹71,000

₹57,000 – ₹60,000

Annual CTC

₹8.5 – ₹12 LPA

₹7.2 – ₹7.8 LPA

Perks & Allowances

DA, HRA, CCA, petrol, furniture, lease housing

DA, HRA, special allowance, LTC

Medical Benefits

100% for self, 75% for family

Up to ₹8,000 per year (varies)

Promotion Scope

Faster promotions, foreign postings

Regular promotions across banks

Difference Between SBI PO and IBPS PO Syllabus

The SBI PO and IBPS PO syllabi are mostly the same, covering subjects like Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General Awareness in both Prelims and Mains. However, the depth and difficulty level vary. Below is a brief comparison of the exam syllabus:

SBI PO vs IBPS PO syllabus

Exam Stage

SBI PO

IBPS PO

Preliminary

Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English 

Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English 

Mains

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, puzzles and logic, Computer knowledge included

Reasoning and No separate computer section

 

Data Analysis & Interpretation

Data Analysis & Interpretation 

 

General/Economy/Banking Awareness

General Awareness – Focus on recent current affairs and banking basics

 

English Language 

English Language 

Descriptive Test

Essay & Letter (50 marks)

Essay & Letter (25 marks)

Check Out: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability and English Language Combo Set of 3 Books for All Banking Exam

SBI PO vs IBPS PO - Which One is Better

Choosing between SBI PO and IBPS PO depends on various factors like salary, career growth, job pressure, and transfer policies. The table below highlights the key differences to help candidates make an informed decision.

SBI PO vs IBPS PO - Which One is Better

Aspect

SBI PO

IBPS PO

Salary

Higher salary with extra allowances.

Good salary, slightly lower than SBI.

Career Growth

Faster promotions, international posts.

Steady growth depends on the bank.

Work Pressure

Higher due to the large customer base.

Moderate, varies by bank and branch.

Job Security

Very high, the largest public sector bank.

High, across multiple government banks.

Recruitment

Fewer vacancies, tougher process.

More vacancies, simpler selection.

Transfer Policy

Frequent transfers across regions.

Transfers vary, often less frequent.

Read More: Bank Exam Syllabus and Preparation Strategy

 IBPS PO vs SBI PO FAQs

Q1: IBPS PO or SBI PO – Which is better?
A: Both are good jobs. SBI PO offers a higher salary and faster promotions, while IBPS PO gives more bank choices and regional options. The best depends on your goals.

Q2: Which salary is highest, IBPS PO or SBI PO?
A: SBI PO has a higher salary, with monthly pay around ₹68,000–₹71,000, compared to ₹57,000–₹60,000 for IBPS PO.

Q3: Is SBI PO harder than IBPS PO?
A: Yes, SBI PO is tougher due to extra rounds like Group Discussion and a harder General Awareness section.

Q4: Which bank PO is best?
A: SBI PO is best for quick growth and perks; IBPS PO is good for stability and options in multiple banks.

Q5: Are SBI PO and IBPS PO syllabi the same?
A:
The syllabus is mostly similar, but SBI PO has slightly tougher questions and no sectional cut-offs, unlike IBPS PO.

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SBI PO vs IBPS PO - Which One is Better?