If you’re dreaming of a prestigious government bank job, IBPS PO and SBI PO are likely at the top of your list. But one common question every aspirant asks is —
“IBPS PO vs SBI PO – Which is better for career, salary, work-life balance, and growth?”
In this guide by FPA ExamPrep – Best Banking Coaching in Delhi, we will break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
✅ What is IBPS PO?
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS PO exam every year to recruit Probationary Officers in 11+ public sector banks (excluding SBI).
- Banks under IBPS PO: PNB, BOB, Canara, UBI, BOI, etc.
- Recruiting Body: IBPS (autonomous body)
- Exam Frequency: Once a year
- Job Type: Government Bank Job
✅ What is SBI PO?
The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts its own SBI PO exam to recruit Probationary Officers in its branches across India.
- Recruiting Body: SBI itself
- Largest PSU Bank in India
- Independent Exam Process
- More Competition due to Prestige
🧾 IBPS PO vs SBI PO – Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | IBPS PO | SBI PO |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted By | IBPS | State Bank of India |
| Banks Covered | 11+ PSU Banks | Only SBI |
| Vacancies | ~4,000 – 6,000 (varies) | ~1,600 – 2,000 |
| Salary (in-hand) | ₹52,000 – ₹55,000 | ₹58,000 – ₹63,000 |
| Exam Difficulty | Moderate | Tougher |
| Work Pressure | Moderate | High |
| Posting Locations | Pan India | Mostly Urban & Rural |
| Promotions | Fast in some banks | Fast + Leadership roles |
| Perks & Benefits | Standard | Extra Allowances, Lease, Bonus |
| Bond Period | Usually 2 Years | 2 Years (Strict) |
💰 Salary & Perks: SBI PO Wins Slightly
SBI PO offers a slightly higher in-hand salary due to extra perks like:
- Furniture Allowance
- Travel Allowance
- Lease Accommodation
- Higher DA (Dearness Allowance)
While IBPS PO also offers a great salary, SBI PO leads in overall CTC.
📚 Exam Pattern & Syllabus: Almost the Same
Both IBPS PO and SBI PO follow a three-tier selection process:
- Prelims
- Mains
- Interview/Personality Test
The syllabus for Quant, Reasoning, English, and GA is almost identical, but:
- SBI PO mains has Descriptive Paper (Essay + Letter Writing)
- SBI has sectional + overall cut-offs, unlike IBPS in some years.
✅ Tip from FPA Faculty: If you’re preparing for one, you’re automatically covering 80% of the other. Just tweak your mock strategy.
🧑🏫 Work Pressure & Career Growth
- IBPS PO: Work-life balance depends on the bank. Can be decent in smaller cities.
- SBI PO: Faster promotions, but more sales targets, strict transfers, and urban postings.
SBI POs often move to senior roles faster but face more pressure.
🔥 Competition Level – SBI PO is Tougher
Due to higher salary, brand value, and limited seats, SBI PO is more competitive.
IBPS PO gives multiple bank options and may have higher number of vacancies, so the chances of selection are better.
🏁 Final Verdict – Which is Better?
| If you want… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Higher Salary + Perks | SBI PO |
| Better Work-Life Balance | IBPS PO (in some banks) |
| More Number of Opportunities | IBPS PO |
| Faster Promotions & Prestige | SBI PO |
| Less Pressure & Peace of Mind | IBPS PO (smaller banks/towns) |
🎯 FPA ExamPrep Tip: Attempt both exams. Don’t limit your chances. Target SBI PO but use IBPS PO as a solid backup.
🧠 How FPA ExamPrep Helps You Crack IBPS & SBI PO Easily
At FPA ExamPrep – Top Bank Coaching Institute in Delhi, we train aspirants for both IBPS PO and SBI PO exams through:
- Complete Prelims + Mains Coaching
- Mock Test Strategy & Interview Training
- Banking Awareness Capsules
- Live + Recorded Doubt Solving Sessions
- Previous Year Paper-Based Practice
Want to crack both exams in one go? Join FPA’s Result-Oriented Bank PO Batches Today!
📞 Call: +91 9152063771
🌐 Visit: https://fpaexamprep.com