When you are planning a career in the banking sector, two of the most sought-after exams conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) are:

IBPS Clerk

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO)

While both bank exams offer entry into the public sector, they differ in terms of difficulty level, job responsibilities, salary, career growth, and competition.

So, the question arises:

IBPS Clerk vs. IBPS PO: Which bank exam is easier to crack in the first attempt?

Let’s check key factors to help you decide which bank exam is easier to crack.

Conducting Body of IBPS Clerk and IBPS PO bank exam

The IBPS PO and IBPS PO bank exam is conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS).They are held annually and follow a standard recruitment procedure across various public sector banks (except SBI)

Differences between IBPS Clerk vs. IBPS PO bank exam

Here is a detailed comparison of the IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk bank exams.

Selection Process: IBPS Clerk vs. IBPS PO 

IBPS Clerk bank exam is easier in terms of structure, few stages, no interview, and no descriptive test.

IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk: Syllabus and Exam Pattern 

IBPS PO bank exam:

Prelims exam: Reasoning ability, English language, and Quantitative aptitude (100 questions)

Main exam: Reasoning and Computer Aptitude, General Awareness, English Language, Data Interpretation, + Descriptive Test (Essay and Letter Writing) 

IBPS Clerk Bank Exam:

Prelims exam:  Numerical Ability, English Language, and Reasoning Ability (100 questions)

Main Exam: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, and Quantitative Aptitude, (Objective Type)

IBPS PO bank exam is more diverse, whereas the IBPS Clerk bank exam sticks to objective-type questions, and also the IBPS PO bank exam includes a descriptive section, which makes it difficult as compared to IBPS Clerk.

Without delay, check out Experts preparation tips to crack the IBPS PO bank exam in the first attempt.

IBPS PO vs. IBPS Clerk: Eligibility criteria  

Both bank exams have similar eligibility criteria as:

Education: For both IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk bank exam required a graduate degree in any discipline from any reputed university.

Age for IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk bank exam: 

IBPS PO Bank Exam: 20-30 years 

IBPS Clerk Bank Exam: 20-28 years

Difficulty Level of Questions – IBPS Clerk vs. IBPS PO Bank Exam

Which one is easier to crack: IBPS PO vs. IBPS Clerk?

IBPS Clerk Bank Exam: 

• Moderate-level questions in prelims and mains.

• Applicants have to more focus on speed and accuracy.

• State-wise competition, so local language proficiency helps.

IBPS PO Bank Exam: 

• The IBPS PO bank exam includes higher-level reasoning and data interpretation questions in prelims and mains. 

• Questions are designed to test a candidate's decision-making skills along with problem-solving skills.

• A Descriptive paper is conducted to test the writing ability and awareness of students.

• An Interview helps to evaluate personality, communication skills, and baking knowledge.

Worried about the interview round? Check out our IBPS PO interview questions 2025 to know what’s coming.

Conclusion: The IBPS Clerk bank exam is comparatively easier to crack in the first attempt, for those candidates who struggle with English writing or public speaking.

Vacancies in IBPS Clerk vs. IBPS PO Bank Exam

Observation:

The IBPS Clerk bank exam generally has more vacancies than the IBPS PO in most years, which increases the chance of selection in the IBPS Clerk bank exam as compared to the IBPS PO bank exam.

IBPS Clerk vs. IBPS PO Salary Comparison

The IBPS PO bank exam offers higher pay along with more allowances as compared to the IBPS Clerk bank exam, which reflects the difference in responsibilities

Don’t miss these 8 Essential Tips for Cracking the IBPS Exam – they can make and break your preparation.

Competition and Cut-offs: IBPS Clerk vs. IBPS PO Bank Exam

• IBPS Clerk is a state-level bank exam and applicants compete with their own state.

• IBPS PO is a national-level bank exam and there is more competition, especially from coaching hubs like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Patna.
• Clerk cut-off varies by state and category. PO cut-off is uniform and higher.

Conclusion: Clerk offers less intensive competition, especially for regional language speakers.

Job responsibilities: IBPS Clerk vs. IBPS PO Bank Exam

IBPS Clerk bank exam includes:

• Document verification, customer queries, data entry and account opening.

• Generally has fixed hours to work.

• Limited authority and decision-making.

IBPS PO bank exam:

Probationary officers are trained for managerial roles, including supervising clerical work, and managing customer relations. 

• Career Growth and Promotion: IBPS Clerk vs. IBPS PO Bank Exam

IBPS Clerk Bank Exam Career Path 

Clerk → Senior Clerk→ Head Clerk → Officer (via internal exams) → Managers 

IBPS PO Bank Exam Career Path 

PO → Assistant Manager → Branch Manager → AGM → DGM → GM → ED → CMD

PO enjoys faster promotions and leadership roles with experience.

• Transfer and Posting: IBPS Clerk vs. IBPS PO Bank Exam

Clerk is usually posted within state. Language proficiency ensures minimal transfers.

POs are liable for pan India transfers, especially in the early years.

• Conclusion: Which bank exam is easier to crack?

While bank exams, IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk, open doors for stable career positions in the public banking sector, IBPS Clerk is generally easier to crack due to:

• A simpler exam structure

• No interview stage 

• Lower difficulty level of question 

• More vacancies 

• Less pressure and stable working hours

If you are a beginner, aiming for a quick entry and want a balanced work life, then selection of IBPS Clerk bank exam is best for you.

However, if you are ambitious, ready to face challenges, and aim for a high paying managerial role with faster promotions, then IBPS PO is worth the effort. 

FAQs

Q1. Is the IBPS Clerk easier than the PO bank exam?

Ans. Yes, the IBPS Clerk is easier than the PO bank exam because there is no interview, easier questions and low competition.

Q2. Can I prepare for both the IBPS Clerk and IBPS PO bank exams simultaneously?

Ans. Absolutely, you can prepare for both IBPS Clerk and IBPS PO bank exams simultaneously because the syllabus for mains and prelims are same in both exams. You just need to prepare for an interview and descriptive test in IBPS PO.

Q3. What is the preparation strategy for IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk bank exam?

• Focus on core subjects like english, reasoning and quant.

• Solve previous year’s papers.

• Mock test practice regularly.

• Read daily current affairs.

Q4. Is the interview conducted in IBPS Clerk bank exam?

Ans. No, final selection completely depends on mains marks.

Q5. Are IBPS Clerk and IBPS PO government jobs?

Ans. Yes, both IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk bank exams are government jobs in public sector banks, offering job security and pension benefits.

Q6. What is the eligibility for the IBPS Clerk and IBPS PO bank exams?

Ans. Educational qualification: Both IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk require a graduation degree in any discipline.

Age limit for IBPS PO bank exam: 20 to 30 years

Age limit for IBPS Clerk bank exam: 20 to 28 years

Age relaxation applies for reserved categories.

Also Check

• IBPS vs. SBI vs. RBI: Which Bank Exam Should You Choose?
• IBPS PO Mains Exam: Detailed Syllabus and Preparation Tips
• IBPS PO Prelims vs. Mains: Key Differences in Exam Patterns
• 8 Important Subjects to Focus on for Bank Exams
• The Importance of Mock Tests in Bank Exam Preparation
• IBPS PO Interview Questions 2025: Top Expected Questions
• IBPS PO 2025 Interview Marks: Process and Marking Scheme
• How to avoid negative marking in competitive exams?
• 8 Essential Tips for Cracking the IBPS Exam
• How to Effectively Prepare for IBPS Prelims English Section?
• What is the IBPS Clerk qualification?