Are you confused about whether to choose IBPS, SBI, or RBI for a banking career? You are not alone. Every year countless aspirants face this dilemma: which bank exam should I choose while preparing for the competitive bank exam?

In this detailed guide, we compare all three to help you decide which bank exam best matches your goals, strengths and career ambitions.   

Overview of the bank exams: IBPS vs. SBI vs. RBI

Eligibility Criteria: IBPS vs. SBI vs. RBI Bank Exam 

If you’re preparing for the IBPS PO Bank Exam, then check out detailed syllabus and preparation tips here

Exam pattern and difficulty level: IBPS vs. SBI vs. RBI Bank Exam

Job Profiles and Responsibilities: IBPS vs. SBI vs. RBI Bank Exam

Check out the best books and study material  here!

Salary and Benefits: IBPS vs. SBI vs. RBI Bank Exam

RBI Bank Exam Salary Structure: 

RBI Grade B officer: 85,000-95,000 per month 

RBI Assistant: 40,000-45,000 per month 

Key benefits: IBPS vs. SBI vs. RBI Bank Exam

IBPS Bank Exam: Basic allowance (DA, HRA, etc.)

SBI Bank Exam: Extra perks like furniture, housing, medical

RBI Bank Exam: Best benefits including education, newspaper, housing 

Work-life balance: IBPS vs. SBI vs. RBI Bank Exam

Career Growth and Promotions: IBPS vs. SBI vs. RBI Bank Exam

IBPS PO Bank Exam Promotion Path: 

PO → Assistant Manager → Branch Manager → Chef Manager  →  General Manager → Executive director.

IBPS Bank Exam: Steady promotion through exams or seniority.

SBI PO Bank Exam Promotion Path:

PO → Deputy Manager → Branch Manager → General Manager → Chief general Manager → Managing director 

SBI Bank Exam: Offers fast-track promotions, and leadership training.

RBI Grade B Bank Exam Promotion Path:

Grade B Officer → Grade C → Dupty Governor → Governor

RBI Bank Exam: Structured and transparent growth system.

Double-tap to crack SBI bank exam in the first attempt 

Posting and Transfer: IBPS vs. SBI vs. RBI Bank Exam

In IBPS bank exam: Transfers every 2-3 years, depending on the bank.

In SBI bank exam: Transfers may happen sooner and are often in remote areas.

In RBI bank exam: Very limited transfers, mostly in metro or regional offices.

Expected exam dates for IBPS, SBI, RBI bank exam 2025: 

IBPS PO Bank Exam: Expected exam date between August-October 2025.

SBI PO Bank Exam: Exam date is expected between June – September 2025.

RBI Grade B Bank Exam: Expected between May-June 2025.

Applicants should regularly visit the official website of IBPS, SBI, and RBI to check exact dates and notifications.

SBI vs. IBPS vs. RBI Bank Exam: How to Choose Your Path 

Still unsure about which exam better suits you? Use this quick guide to align your career goals with the right opportunity:

Choose IBPS Bank Exam if: 

• You want maximum job opportunities across various public bank sectors.

• You preferred a balanced workload with moderate transfers.

• You are comfortable with semi-urban and rural branches.

• You start preparation and want a more straightforward selection process. 

• Ready to face interview in IBPS PO.

Choose SBI Bank Exam if:

• You are looking for fast promotions and a chance to rise to top leadership positions in the SBI bank exam.

• You don’t mind high-pressure targets and frequent transfers.

• You are able to take challenging roles.

• You want a better salary package and additional perks. 

Choose RBI Bank Exam if:

• You aspire to work in policy-making, research, and regulatory roles.

• You seek a highly prestigious and intellectually stimulating career.

• You want excellent work-life balance with long-term stability.

• If you prefer roles in metros, with very few transfers.

• You are ready to compete in an extremely selective and rigorous exam.  

Conclusion

Each bank exam offers unique advantages and challenges. Your decision should be based on:

• Career aspirations 

• Academic background 

• Willingness to relocate or take on pressure 

• Long-term growth expectations 

Take the time to evaluate your priorities – and choose the bank exam that aligns with your vision.

Selection of the right exam is the first step and mastering the format through practice is the second step. Many successful candidates rely on realistic, exam-specific mock tests to build confidence and exam-day readiness.

FAQ’s

Q1. Which bank exam is easiest to crack–IBPS, SBI, or RBI?

Ans. IBPS Clerk is considered the easiest due to its simple syllabus pattern and high number of vacancies.

The Grade B bank exam is the toughest due to its focus on finance/economics and the involvement of descriptive paper.

Q2. What is the salary of IBPS PO, SBI PO, RBI Grade B bank exam?

Ans. Salary of SBI PO bank exam is approximately 60,000-65,000 per month.

Salary of IBPS PO bank exam is approximately 52,000-55,000 per month. 

RBI Grade B bank exam salary is approximately 85,000+ per month. 

Q3. Is RBI Grade B better than the SBI PO or IBPS PO bank exam?

Ans. Yes, in terms of salary, work-life balance, and job prestige, RBI Grade B is better. But the RBI Grade B bank exam is difficult to crack and also has a limited number of vacancies.

Q4. Can I apply for IBPS, SBI, and RBI Grade B bank exams simultaneously?

Ans. Yes, applicants can apply for all three bank exams IBPS, SBI, and RBI Grade B simultaneously because exam dates don’t clash.

Q5. Which bank exam has more vacancies: SBI, RBI, or IBPS?

Ans. IBPS bank exam offers a large number of vacancies every year, followed by SBI and then RBI. 

Q6. Is there an interview round in RBI, IBPS, and SBI  bank exams?

Ans. In Clerk bank exams (IBPS, SBI) = No interview round

In PO bank exams (IBPS, SBI) = Yes, interview after mains 

RBI grade B bank exam: Yes, interview after phase II (descriptive paper).

Q7. Can beginners crack RBI Grade B on the first attempt?

Ans. Yes, but it requires strong preparation in finance, economics, english and current affairs. It’s tougher than the SBI/IBPS bank exam, so targeted preparation is essential.

Q8. IBPS vs. SBI vs. RBI: Which Bank Exam Should You Choose?

Choosing between IBPS, SBI, and RbI bank exams depends on your career goals. IBPS offers broad opportunities across the public banking sector, the SBI bank exam provides better perks and faster growth with a high workload, while RBI bank exam offers prestigious, and policy oriented roles with excellent work-life balance. Access your strengths and preferences before deciding.  

Also Check

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• IBPS PO Mains Exam: Detailed Syllabus and Preparation Tips
• SBI Clerk vs. SBI PO: Key Differences and How to Choose Your Path
• Essential Books and Study Material for RBI Assistant Exam Preparation
• Time Management Tips for Bank Exam Aspirants Using Mock Test Series
• IBPS PO Prelims vs. Mains: Key Differences in Exam Patterns
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