When you ask aspirants who are preparing for bank exams in India, “Which is the toughest bank exam?” you will receive different answers from all of them. Some of them consider RBI Grade B bank exam to be most challenging, while others believe that SBI PO is more competitive. The reality is that each exam has its own level of difficulty based on the syllabus, vacancies, competition, and selection process. 

Banking positions provide not only a competitive salary but also stability, respect, and opportunities for advancement. This is the reason millions of candidates throughout India dedicate years to studying for these tests. Yet, with the limited number of seats and increasing cut-offs, succeeding in these exams often feels like climbing a mountain.

Number of Bank Exam in India

Here is a diagram illustrating the various bank exams available to candidates.

Why Are Some Bank Exams Tougher Than Others?

Before analysing the toughest exams, let’s take a moment to figure out what really makes these tests so challenging.

Top 5 Toughest Bank Exams in India

Which Bank Exam is Hardest to Crack?

RBI Grade B – The King of Toughness

Highlight:  RBI Grade B Officer Exam is Number 1 toughest bank exam in India 

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SBI PO – Prestige with Pressure

The SBI Probationary Officer Exam is a goal for countless aspiring candidates. As India’s largest bank, it’s no surprise that the competition is intense.

Career Benefits:

• Excellent salary and allowances.

• Quicker promotions as compared to other PSBs.

• Career progression into senior positions of top management.

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IBPS PO – The Speed + Accuracy Game

The officers for Indian Public sector banks are recruited through the IBPS PO Exam.

Highlight: Easier than SBI PO, but still very competitive. That’s why IBPS PO is the Top 3 Toughest exam in India.

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NABARD Grade A – Specialized Knowledge Required

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development conducts the Grade A Officer exam.

Career Benefits:

Participation in policy implementation, rural credit, and development projects.

Job prestige and their rural economic impact in India.

Key Highlight: Tough for general-background students, but satisfying for high-subject-expertise ones.

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India’s Toughest Bank Exam: A Comparative Analysis

Toughest Bank Exam on the basis of Cut-off

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Preparation Tips to Crack Toughest Bank Exam in First Attempt

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To Conclude: Toughest Bank Exam in India

Every bank exam has its own set of difficulties, whether it's the demanding RBI Grade B syllabus, the high competition for SBI PO, or the drawn-out IBPS PO selection process. 

Candidates should concentrate on selecting the best exam based on their preparation, commitment, and future objectives rather than worrying about which bank exams are the hardest. Even the most difficult exam can be passed with regular preparation using the best study tools and materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which is the toughest bank exam in India? 

Ans: The RBI Grade B exam is considered the toughest bank exam in India because of its tough competition, vast syllabus, and selection process, along with limited vacancies. The SBI PO bank exam in India also ranks high in difficulty due to the high competition and increasing cut-off. 

Q2. Is bank PO tough or easy? 

Ans: It is difficult to crack the IBPS PO bank exam in the first attempt with limited preparation but, with the right strategy and regular preparation, it is definitely possible. 

Q3. Which bank exam is easier in India, IBPS or SBI? 

Ans: In general, the IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk exams are seen as easier than the SBI exams. The SBI exams usually have tougher questions, higher cut-off scores, and a more competitive selection process. 

Q4. How many attempts are there in the SBI PO Bank exam in India? 

Ans: The number of attempts in the bank exam SBI PO in India depends on your category: 

• General (PwD): Seven attempts 

• General: Four attempts 

• OBC, OBC (PwD): Seven attempts 

• SC/ST (PwD & Non-PwD): No limit on attempts (until the maximum age limit) 

Q5. Which bank exam has no interview? 

Ans: The IBPS Clerk bank exam in India does not have an interview round. Selection is completely based on performance in the Preliminary and Mains exam. 

Q6. Which bank exam is easier to crack, IBPS PO or IBPS Clerk? 

Ans: Double Tab to know which bank exam is easy to crack from IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk.

Q7. Is the SBI Clerk exam tough?

Ans: The SBI Clerk bank exam is considered moderately tough and highly competitive due to limited number of vacancies and large competition. 

Q8. What are the working hours for the SBI Clerk Bank exam in India?

Ans: The working hours for the SBI Clerk in India approximately 10 AM to 5 PM, but vary according to the branch and location.

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• SBI Clerk vs IBPS Clerk: Which Exam is Tougher?
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• IBPS PO Job Profile, Salary, and Career Growth
• Top Coaching vs. Self-Study for IBPS PO: Which is better?
• How Many Attempts Are Allowed For Bank Exams?
• IBPS Clerk vs. IBPS PO: Which Exam is Easier to Crack?
• IBPS vs. SBI vs. RBI: Which Bank Exam Should You Choose?
• Top Bank Exams and Their Eligibility Requirements: What You Need to Know Before Applying