IBPS PO vs. SBI PO vs. RRB PO – Which One is Better?

IBPS PO vs. SBI PO vs. RRB PO – Which One is Better?

Selection of an appropriate probationary officer (PO) exam can be a major career decision for banking candidates. Due to multiple options in the banking sector like IBPS PO, SBI PO, and RRB PO, each offering different roles, working environment, and growth opportunities –the question comes to every student's mind: which bank exam is better? 

Here, we are sharing a comparative analysis of these three recruitments IBPS PO, SBI PO and RRB PO in order to provide you a clear understanding of the key information regarding the selection process, job profile, salary, promotions, perks, etc. of IBPS PO, SBI PO and RRB PO.

IBPS PO vs. SBI PO vs. IBPS RRB PO –Which Exam to Choose?

IBPS PO vs. SBI PO vs. RRB PO - Overview

Exam

Conducted By

Banks Covered

Frequency

IBPS PO

Institute of Banking Personnel Selection

11 Public Sector Banks (except SBI)

Once a year

SBI PO

State Bank of India

Only SBI

Once a year

IBPS RRB PO

Institute of Banking Personal Selection

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

Once a year

Top 10 Memory-Based Questions from Last Year’s IBPS PO Exam

SBI PO vs. IBPS PO vs. RRB PO – Job Description

Job Description

IBPS PO

SBI PO

IBPS RRB PO

Key Responsibilities

Oversee branch activities, assist customers, promote products, and ensure adherence to banking products.

Resolve customer queries, manage cash transactions, handle loans and accounts, and address complaints.

Run rural branches, provide agricultural loans, recover non performing assets, and implement government schemes.

Primary Focus

Customer service, compliance with rules, and business expansion

Urban and semi urban operations, loan processing, and customer grievance resolution

  

Training

Step by step training in branch operations, compliance procedures, and customer service

2 year structured program with branch rotations and internal assessments

Specialized training in rural banking, government schemes, and multi – role responsibilities

Essential Skills

Strong communication, compliance knowledge, and multitasking efficiency

Leadership, customer relationship management, multitasking, and decision make abilities

Adaptability, rural banking, government schemes, and multi role responsibilities

Challenges

Balancing customer service, compliance, and operational efficiency

High workload, demanding targets, and extensive public interaction

Managing with limited staff and infrastructure in remote rural locations

Top Reading Sources to Improve English for Bank  Exams

SBI PO vs. IBPS PO vs. RRB PO – Salary

Post

IBPS PO

SBI PO

RRB PO

Basic Pay

₹48480

56480

48,480

In hand Salary

₹76430

₹ 80350

74,561

Additional Benefits

DA, HRA, Special Allowance, NPS, LTC, medical

DA, HRA, CCA, medical, petrol allowance, furniture grant, city compensatory allowance

DA, HRA, NPS, travel allowance, rural area compensations

IBPS PO Study Plan for 3, 6, and 12 Months

SBI PO vs. IBPS PO vs. RRB PO – Selection Process

Exam

Stages of Selection

Mode of Examination

IBPS PO

Prelims → Mains (with Descriptive Test) → Interview

Online

SBI PO

Prelims → Mains (with Descriptive Test) → Interview, GD & Psychometric Test

Online

IBPS RRB PO

Prelims → Mains → Interview

Online

How to Score 40+ in IBPS PO General Awareness Section

SBI PO vs IBPS PO vs RRB PO – Exam Pattern

The recruitment process for SBI PO, IBPS PO, and RRB PO consists of three stages: the preliminary exam, the main exam, and the Interview (with an additional Group Discussion round for SBI PO). Although the overall selection structure is similar for all three positions, there are slight variations in the exam pattern, section wise weightage, and inclusion of descriptive tests. 

Preliminary Exam Pattern Comparison – IBPS PO vs. SBI PO vs. RRB PO 

Feature

IBPS PO

SBI PO

IBPS RRB PO

Sections

English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability

English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability

Reasoning, Numerical Ability

Total Questions

100

100

80

Total Marks

100

100

80

Duration

1 hour

1 hour

45 minutes

Negative Marking

0.25 marks per wrong answer

0.25 marks per wrong answer

0.25 marks per wrong answer

IBPS PO New Exam Pattern and Syllabus for Prelims and Mains Exam 2025

IBPS PO vs. SBI PO vs. RRB PO - Mains Exam Pattern Comparison 

Feature

IBPS PO

SBI PO

IBPS RRB PO

Sections (Objective)

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language

Reasoning, Computer Knowledge, General Awareness, English/Hindi Language, Quantitative Aptitude

Total Questions

145 (Objective)

155 (Objective)

200

Total Marks

200 (Objective)

200 (Objective)

200

Duration

160 minutes (includes sectional timing)

3 hours (sectional timing applies)

2 hours (sectional timing applies)

Negative Marking

0.25 marks per wrong answer

0.25 marks per wrong answer

0.25 marks per wrong answer

What's new in the SBI PO 2025 bank exam pattern?

Free Download SBI  PO, IBPS PO and RRB PO Study Notes PDF By Bhagya Achievers 

Subject Wise Free Download IBPS PO Notes 

MCQs and Practice Question of SBI PO 

IBPS PO and SBI  PO 3 Month  Study Planner 

Full Syllabus Coverage  IBPS PO, SBI PO and RRB PO Handwritten Notes 

Top General awareness Questions for Mains – IBPS PO SBI PO and RRB PO Free Download PDFs

Previous Years Memory Based Questions Free PDF

Attempt IBPS PO, SBI PO, RRB PO Free Online Mock  Test 

Topic Wise IBPS PO  RTPs: Reasoning + Quant + English

 

Descriptive Test (Mains) – IBPS PO vs. SBI PO vs. RRB PO 

Feature

IBPS PO

  

SBI PO

IBPS RRB PO

Descriptive Test

Letter & Essay (2 Questions)
25 marks
30 minutes
English only

  

Letter & Essay (2 Questions)
50 marks
30 minutes
English only

Not Applicable

Expert Tips to Excel in the SBI PO bank Exam

Interview / Final Stage

After clearing the mains, candidates move to the final selection round involving a personal interview. The SBI PO also includes a Group Discussion.

  • IBPS PO: Only Interview 

Final selection based on Mains + Interview performance

  • SBI PO: Interview + Group Discussion 

Final selection based on Mains + GD/Interview performance

  • IBPS RRB PO: Only Interview 

Final selection based on Mains + Interview performance

Exam Difficulty Level – IBPS PO vs. SBI PO vs. RRB PO

Feature

IBPS PO

SBI PO

IBPS RRB PO

Overall Difficulty Level

Moderate

High

Easy

Competition

High

Very High

Moderate

SBI Clerk vs. SBI PO bank exam: Key Differences and How to Choose Your Path

To Conclude: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose IBPS PO Bank Exam if you want multiple bank options, moderate competition, urban/semi urban postings with a balanced workload.

Choose SBI PO Bank Exam if you handle high pressure with a tougher selection process and aim for higher salary perks, and faster promotions.

Choose RRB PO Bank Exam if you prefer rural/semi urban postings close to home with easier exams and better work life balance.

FAQs

Q: Whose salary is more from IBPS PO or RRB PO bank exam?

Ans: The salary of the IBPS PO bank exam is higher than the RRB PO bank exam due to better allowances, urban postings, and additional benefits. The RRB PO bank exam salary is slightly lower but the accommodation cost in rural areas is less.

Q: Is the RRB PO bank exam easier than IBPS PO bank exam?

Ans: Yes, the RRB PO bank exam is generally considered easier due to less competition and lower difficulty level of exam compared to IBPS PO bank exam.

Q: From SBI PO vs. IBPS PO, which is the better career option?

Ans: The SBI PO bank exam is better for higher salary, faster promotions, and diverse postings, but demands more effort. On the other hand IBPS PO bank exam offers good stability with lower work pressure. 

Q: What is the selection procedure of SBI PO?

Ans: The selection process of SBI PO bank exam is:  

  • Prelims

  • Mains

  • Group Discussion and  Interview

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

Ans: The SBI PO bank exam is tougher due to higher competition, difficult exam pattern, and strict selection process compared to IBPS PO bank exam.

Q: Which bank exam is better from RRB PO or IBPS PO or SBI PO?

Ans: The SBI PO bank exam offers the highest salary, career growth, and perks, but also higher workload. IBPS PO bank exam has good urban postings and balanced work pressure, while RRB PO bank exam offers rural postings with less pressure but career growth is slower.

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

Ans: SBI PO bank exam is better for ambitious candidates seeking rapid growth and higher pay. IBPS PO bank exam suits those wanting balanced workload and urban posting. 

Q: What is the work pressure like in IBPS PO compared to SBI PO bank exam?

Ans: SBI PO bank exam work pressure is higher due to larger targets, transfers, and diverse responsibilities. IBPS PO has moderate work pressure, often with more predictable schedules.

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