IBPS does not conduct only one exam; it opens the gates to multiple posts – Clerk, Probationary Officer, Specialist Officer, and RRB. But here’s the truth: each comes with its own level of difficulty, cut throat competition, and success rate. So, which one stands at the top of the difficulty pyramid? 

If you are serious about your preparation, this guide will help you to understand where real challenges lie and Why?

Why Difficulty Level Matters For Aspirants 

Every Exam is a test of skill, strategy and speed. But in IBPS competitive exams, the difficulty doesn’t only depend on the syllabus. It also depends on the following reasons. 

• The competition level (Number of students for each seat)
• The of questions asked in the exam (basis vs. conceptual vs. analytical)
• Pressure of sectional cut – offs
• Weightage of sections

For banking aspirants, knowing the difficulty order helps in:

• Selection of right exam according to their strengths 
• Avoiding unnecessary exam attempts
• Making a realistic preparation strategy 

An Overview of IBPS Exams 

Before comparing, let’s quickly look at the types of IBPS exams:

IBPS Clerk:

• Entry level post for clerical operations in banks
• Focus: Speed & Accuracy in prelims + basic banking awareness in mains

IBPS PO (Probationary Officer)

• Officer level post involving managerial responsibilities
• Focus: Conceptual problem solving, decision making and descriptive writing 

IBPS SO (Specialist Officer)

• Specialist roles like IT Officer, Law Officer, HR, Marketing, Agriculture Field Officer, etc.
• Focus: Technical knowledge + banking aptitude

IBPS RRB (Regional Rural Banks)

• Includes IBPS RRB PO (Officer Scale – I) and Clerk (Office Assistant). 
• Focus: Technical knowledge + banking aptitude 

Each exam has Prelims + Mains (and sometimes an interview), but the pattern, depth of questions, and competition make a huge difference. 

Factors that decide Exam difficulty 

The Hardest IBPS Exam: Which One Tops the List?

IBPS Clerk – Easy or Tricky?

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate 

Reason: Questions are mostly straightforward and focus on speed.

Exam Structure: Prelims + Mains (No interview)

Nature of Questions: Speed based + Most of the questions are simple and direct 

Challenge: High cut – off because competition is massive (lakhs of students).

Key Sections: Numerical Ability, Reasoning, English, and GA. 

Clerk exam is not hard in terms of level of difficulty in questions, but it becomes tough due to huge competition (lakhs apply, a few thousands get selected)

IBPS PO – The Multi - layered Challenge 

Difficulty level: Moderate to High
Exam Structure: Prelims + Mains (with Descriptive) + Interview 

Nature of Questions 

Prelims – Speed & Accuracy 

Mains – data heavy DI, descriptive essay writing, puzzles and banking GA

Interview – Personality & Communication 

Challenge: You need both concept clarity and presentation skills

Career Path: Fast promotions to Manager/GM level

This is considered the hardest IBPS exam for general aspirants because it requires all round skills – analysis ability, current affairs knowledge, English writing and interview presence.

 Double Tab To Get Free IBPS PO Notes

 Double Tab To Get Free Mock Test IBPS PO  

IBPS RRB – The State Level Competitor 

Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate 

RRB Clerk: Similar to IBPS Clerk, but state cut off can be extreme. 

RRB PO: Easier than IBPS PO because English is not compulsory in prelims 

Challenge: Proficiency in local language is mandatory 

Career Path: Good growth, but rural postings 

Easier than IBPS PO, but in states like UP or Bihar, cut – offs go very high due to intense competition. 

IBPS SO – The Specialist Test

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficulty 

Exam Structure: Prelims + Mains + Interview 

Nature of Questions:

• General Aptitude Sections (Reasoning, Quant, English, GA)

• Professional Knowledge (Domain specific) – IT, HR, Marketing, Law, Agriculture, etc.

Challenge: Balancing domain expertise + aptitude 

Career Path: Specialist role for stable growth.

For applicants from specialized backgrounds, this exam is a battlefield. 

Click Here to Get Free Notes PDF for IBPS SO

Comparative Overall of IBPS Exams

To Conclude:

While IBPS PO and IBPS SO ranks highest in difficulty, and Clerk or RRB may seem easier in comparison, one thing remains constant – dedication wins over difficulty. Every exam has its own hurdles, but your preparation approaches decide whether those become stepping stones or roadblocks. 

So, don’t chase the easiest or hardest exam: instead chase the exam that matches your career goals and prepare with 100% commitment. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Ques: Is IBPS PO the toughest IBPS exam?

Ans: Yes, many aspirants consider IBPS PO the toughest because it not only tests reasoning, quantitative aptitude and English but also includes descriptive writing, general awareness, and an interview.

Ques: How is IBPS PO different from IBPS Clerk?

Ans: IBPS Clerk is focused on accuracy and speed at the clerical level, while IBPS PO involves leadership, decision – making, and managerial responsibility, which makes the exam more challenging. 

Ques: Is the IBPS PO Prelims qualifying in nature?

Ans:  Yes, only marks from mains + interview are counted in the final merit.

Ques: Which IBPS exam is best for fast career growth?

Ans:  IBPS PO bank exam offers promotions up to general manager level.

Ques: How important is current affairs for IBPS competitive exam?

Ans:  Current affairs play a significant role during preparation of IBPS exams. Banking awareness, financial news, government schemes, and international events make up a major part of the General Awareness Section.

Ques: How many attempts are allowed for IBPS PO?

Ans:  There is no fixed attempt limit in IBPS PO (except 20-30 years, with relaxation for reserved categories). Aspirants can apply until they exceed the age limit.

Ques: What type of questions is asked in the descriptive test?

Ans: Questions asked to write essays, letters, or business communication related to banking, economy, or current issues that test students' thought, structure and writing skills.

Also Check: 

• IBPS Clerk vs. IBPS PO: Which Exam is Easier to Crack?
• IBPS Clerk Mains: Topic-Wise Weightage & Scoring Strategy
• IBPS PO vs IBPS Clerk: Which Banking Career is Better?
• IBPS PO vs. SBI PO vs. RRB PO – Which One is Better?
• How to Start Preparing for IBPS PO from Scratch
• IBPS vs. SBI vs. RBI: Which Bank Exam Should You Choose?
• Banking & Financial Awareness: Everything You Need to Know
• 8 Important Subjects to Focus on for Bank Exams