Today we are tackling the question that’s on the minds of countless aspirants across India: How exactly do bank exams differ from other competitive exams out here? Whether you are just starting your preparation journey or thinking of switching, understanding these distinctions is absolutely crucial for charting your course to success.

Difference between Bank exam and other Competitive exams

1. Nature and purpose of exams – Bank exams v/s other competitive exams

    Bank exams

• It is conducted to recruit applicants for the range of positions in public and private sector banks.

• Often conducted by banking institutions, which include IBPS, RBI, SBI, NABARD, and others.

• Positions included Probationary Officers (PO), Specialist Officers (SO), and Grade B Officers (NABARD and RBI).

   Other competitive exams:

• Cover a wide range of positions throughout the private and government sectors.

• Conducted by multiple agencies, including RRB, UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, and Defense authorities.

   Examples:

• UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) For IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.

• RRB Exams for railway jobs.

• SSC CGL, CHSL for clerical and other level posts in government organisations.

• Defence exams like NDA, CDS, AFCAT for military services.

   Key differences:

Other competitive exams cater to a broad range of job roles across several government sectors, whereas bank exams emphasize careers in the financial and banking sector.

2. Exam Conducting Bodies – Bank Exams v/s Other Competitive Exams

3. Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Bank exams v/s Other Competitive Exams

   Syllabus for bank exams:  

   Bank exams have predictable and structured syllabus that test:

• Quantitative Aptitude: Data interpretation, Arithmetic, Probability.

• Reasoning Ability: Logical puzzles, seating arrangements, Syllogism.

• English Language: Grammar, Reading comprehension.

• General Awareness (Mains only): Banking and financial awareness, Current affairs.

• Computer knowledge (For some exams): Basic computer and IT concepts (for certain exams)

   Syllabus for Other Competitive Exams: 

   The Syllabus varies significantly across different exams:

• UPSC CSE: General Studies, Optional Subject, Essay, Ethics, Current Affairs.

• Railway exams: Technical subjects, General Awareness, Reasoning, Arithmetic.

• SSC exams: Quantitative Aptitude, General awareness, English and Reasoning.

• Defence exams: Mathematics, English, Science, and General Knowledge.

4. Exam pattern – Bank exams v/s other competitive exams

   Key Difference:

Bank exams mainly focus on aptitude, reasoning, and finance-related knowledge, Other competitive exams test a number of subjects including history, polity, science, and current affairs.

5. Difficulty level – Bank exams v/s other competitive exams

    Bank exams:

    Difficulty level: Moderate to high, depending on the position of job (Clerk vs. PO vs. RBI)

• IBPS PO & SBI PO: Difficult

• IBPS Clerk & SBI Clerk: Moderate 

• RBI Grade B: Highly competitive

    Other competitive exams:

• UPSC CSE: One of the toughest exams, required extensive knowledge and analytical skills.

• SSC CGL & CHSL: Highly competitive with moderate difficulty level.

• RRB NTPC & Group D: Easier but competitive due to the high number of applied applicants.

• Defence exams (NDA/CDS/AFCAT): Moderate to tough, requiring physical fitness along with academic preparation.

   Key difference:

Bank exams are more predictable and focus on speed and accuracy, whereas other competitive exams may demand in-depth subject knowledge and analytical skills.

6. Selection process – Bank exams v/s other Competitive exams 

Key Difference:

Bank exams follow a structured three-tier process; other competitive exams may involve multiple stages, subjective papers and physical tests.

7. Job Profile and Career Growth – Bank Exams v/s Other Competitive Exams

8. Salary and Perks– Bank exams v/s other Competitive exams

   Additional Perks:

• Banks offer PF, DA, HRA, Medical benefits, and loans benefits.

• Other government jobs provide accommodation, arrange travel benefits for refreshment, and pension.

   Key Difference:

While government jobs give long term rewards like pensions and promotions, bank jobs offer cash incentives.

9. Work Environment: 

   Key differences

Government jobs have administrative responsibilities, whereas bank jobs involve customer interaction and sales  pressure.

10.  Preparation Strategy Differences:

   Bank exams: Speed and accuracy in solving aptitude-based questions.

   UPSC & SSC: Extensive reading, conceptual understanding, and writing practice.

   Defence exams: Academic knowledge + Physical fitness 

   Key Difference:

Bank exams require quick problem-solving skills, but other exams need deep knowledge with broader syllabus coverage.

Which is harder?

If you're strong in analytical skills, quick decision-making, and also have a good understanding of banking and finance, you might find bank exams relatively easier.

If you're strong in memorization, have in-depth subjective knowledge, and are also comfortable with a wider range of subjects, you find competitive exams easier than bank exams.

Instead of focusing on which types of exams are harder or easier, consider!

Career Goals: Which type of job are you more interested in?

Your interests: In which field are you more enthusiastic – banking or general government service?

Your Aptitudes: Which type of exams aligns with your knowledge and skills?

In Conclusion

It's tricky to definitively say whether bank exams or other competitive exams "are more difficult" because it really depends on individual strengths, weaknesses, and how applicants define "difficulty." Both types of exams have their own challenges and rewards, choice of exams mainly depends on what kind of job you want and what subjects you enjoy and are good at!

Wisely select a job and make your future bright!

FAQs 

Q1. What are bank exams?

Ans. Bank exams are conducted to hire people for a variety of positions in both public and private sector banks, including Probationary Officers (PO), Clerks, and specialist officers (SO).

Q2. What are other competitive exams?

Ans. Competitive exams refer to a broad range of tests conducted for government jobs (UPSC, SSC, and Railways), medical (NEET), management (CAT), and engineering (JEE).

Q3. How are bank exams different from UPSC exams?

Ans. Bank exams focus on numerical ability, reasoning, and general awareness, and English, whereas UPSC exams (like IAS, and IPS) assess in-depth subject knowledge of the economy, polity, history, and current affairs.

Q4. Do bank exams have negative marking?

Ans. Yes, most bank exams impose a 0.25 negative mark for each wrong answer, similar to many other competitive exams.

Q5. What are different types of bank exams?

Ans. Common bank exams include:

• IBPS PO & Clerk (for public sector banks)

• RBI Grade B & assistant 

• NABARD, SEBI, and SIDBI exams 

• SBI PO & Clerk 

Q6. Is there an age difference between bank exams and other competitive exams?

Ans. Bank exams usually have an age limit of 20 to 30 years, whereas other government exams like UPSC allow candidates up to 32-37 years with relaxations.

Q7. Are bank jobs transferable?

Ans. Yes, bank employees are frequently transferred across branches and cities. SSC jobs generally have fixed postings.

Q8. Is the salary of a bank officer higher than SCC jobs?

Ans. Yes, bank POs earn Rs. 40,000 - 60,000/month on the other side, SSC officers, non-gazetted, earn Rs. 35,000-50,000/month.

Also Check

• 8 important subjects to focus on for bank exams
• The importance of mock test papers in bank exams
• Types of banks in India look at their roles, functions, and responsibilities.
• How to avoid negative marking in competitive exams?