SBI PO vs IBPS PO 2025: Which Banking Job Should You Go For?
Hey, wanna be a bank officer? Good! In India, SBI PO and IBPS PO are the big names to get into Banking officer profile. Both mean a steady job, decent pay, and a chance to feel important helping people with their cash. But they’re not the same deal. So, let’s explain about what’s exam patterns, cutoffs, difficulty, and Salary and all. Which one’s your thing in 2025.
What’s SBI PO?
SBI PO is short for State Bank of India Probationary Officer. It’s the exam to join SBI, the grand bank of Indian banks. Pass it, and you’re a PO at an SBI branch—dealing with loans, accounts, and customers.
What’s IBPS PO?
IBPS PO stands for Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer. IBPS runs this for 11 public sector banks (like Bank of Baroda or Canara Bank), but not SBI. Clear it, and you’re a PO in one of those banks.
SBI PO vs IBPS PO: How Do They Compare?
Think of SBI PO as the tough nut to crack—fewer seats, harder questions. IBPS PO? More like a lucky break—more jobs, a bit easier. Here’s the rundown, with a table to keep it simple:
| Feature | SBI PO | IBPS PO |
|---|---|---|
| Banks | SBI—just them | IBPS—for 11 banks |
| Average Vacancies | 2,000–2,500 a year | 4,000–6,000 a year |
| Salary | ₹41,000–₹45,000/month + some extras | ₹37,000–₹42,000/month |
| Posting City | Anywhere—city or middle of nowhere | Anywhere, but more bank choices |
| Job Satisfaction | SBI’s a big deal—everyone knows it | Depends on the bank you get |
| How Hard? | Pretty tough—brain teaser level | Not as bad—doable with effort |
| Exam Steps | Prelims + Mains + Interview + Essay | Prelims + Mains + Interview |
| Cutoff (2023-ish) | Prelims: ~60/100 Mains: ~90/200 |
Prelims: ~55/100 Mains: ~80/200 |
Exam Pattern: What’s on the Paper?
Both exams have three rounds, but they’re not identical. Here’s their exam pattern:
SBI PO Exam Pattern
- Prelims (1 hour, 100 marks)
- English (30 questions)
- Maths (35 questions)
- Reasoning (35 questions)
- In Total : It’s fast-paced and tricky.
- Mains (3 hours + 30 min, 200 + 50 marks)
- Objective: Reasoning, Data, English, General Knowledge (200 marks)
- Descriptive: Write an essay or letter (50 marks, 30 min)
- Real Issues: You might write about “Why Banking Rocks.”
- Interview
- Face to Face with Senior Officers —30–50 marks. Look confident!
IBPS PO Exam Pattern
- Prelims (1 hour, 100 marks)
- English (30 questions)
- Math stuff (35 questions)
- Reasoning (35 questions)
- In Total : Same vibe as SBI, just a bit lighter.
- Mains (3 hours, 200 marks)
- Reasoning, Data, English, General Knowledge, Computers
- No writing here—all tick-the-box questions.
- Interview
- Same deal—30–50 marks. Smile and sell yourself!
How Tough Are SBI PO and IBPS PO?
SBI PO: Like a puzzle marathon—hard questions, lots of people fighting for it. That essay part? Extra pressure!
IBPS PO: Relatively easy but it takes work, but you won’t feel as hard. No essay to worry over.
Cutoffs: What Score Gets You In?
Cutoffs shift every year depending on how many seats there are and how tough the paper is. Here’s a rough idea from 2023 (for General category):
SBI PO:
- Prelims: Around 60 out of 100
- Mains: Around 90 out of 200
- Final (with interview): Around 50/100 (adjusted score)
IBPS PO:
- Prelims: Around 55 out of 100
- Mains: Around 80 out of 200
- Final: Around 45/100 (adjusted)
Note: Lower for SC/ST/OBC—check the websites for the real numbers.
What’s It Like for Real?
Say Aspirant A nails SBI PO with a 62 in Prelims. He’s now at an SBI branch in Bangalore—good money, busy life. Then there’s Aspitant B —he scores 57 in IBPS PO Prelims and joins Union Bank near his village. Less pay, but he’s home. Both are happy in their own way!
Digging Deeper Into SBI PO vs IBPS PO
- Jobs
SBI PO: Fewer spots—like getting into an elite club.
IBPS PO: More openings—like a bigger club! - Salary
SBI PO: ₹41,000–₹45,000 plus perks. Maybe a new phone?
IBPS PO: ₹37,000–₹42,000. Still Good. - Where You Land
SBI PO: Could be anywhere—city lights or rural areas.
IBPS PO: Same, but more banks might mean staying closer to family. - Pride
SBI PO: “I’m SBI!”—people acknowledge.
IBPS PO: Solid, but the bank name matters (like Bank of India).
So, Which One’s for You?
SBI PO: If you’re up for a fight, want better pay, and love the SBI vibe—go for it.
IBPS PO: If you want more chances and a less crazy exam—this is your pick.
How to Crack SBI PO and IBPS PO
- Math & Reasoning: Play with numbers and logic—like a detective game.
- English: Read the paper or a fun book. For SBI, practice writing a quick note.
- General Stuff: Know what’s up—new bank rules or RBI news.
- Practice: Do mock tests online—beat your last score!
- Interview: Wear something nice, say, “I’m ready to roll!”
Wrapping It Up
SBI PO’s the shiny prize—tough to grab, but worth it. IBPS PO’s the easier shot—more jobs, less sweat. Both get you a desk, some cash, and a solid career. Pick what feels right, study hard, and you’ll be counting money (for others!) in no time. Good luck!
