SBI PO and IBPS PO are the two biggest officer-level bank exams in India. Both make you a Probationary Officer (JMGS-I) in a public sector bank, both need only a graduation, and the syllabus overlaps heavily. But the exams, the number of seats and the job itself differ in important ways. Here is a full comparison based on the 2026 notifications.
Quick comparison
| Point | SBI PO | IBPS PO |
|---|---|---|
| Recruiter | State Bank of India | IBPS, for participating public sector banks |
| Bank you join | SBI only | One of the participating banks (allotted by IBPS) |
| Vacancies (2026) | 1,500 (1,446 regular + 54 backlog) | 7,565 (as reported, across 11 banks) |
| Age | 21 to 30 years | 20 to 30 years |
| Qualification | Graduation in any discipline | Graduation in any discipline |
| Stages | Prelims → Mains (+ descriptive) → Psychometric test, Group Exercise & Interview | Prelims → Mains (+ descriptive) → Interview |
| Final merit | Mains : GE + Interview = 75 : 25 | Mains : Interview = 80 : 20 |
| Starting basic pay | ₹56,480 (₹48,480 + 4 advance increments) | ₹48,480 |
| Service bond | ₹2 lakh, 3 years | Varies by bank |
Vacancy figures: SBI from its 2026 advertisement; IBPS from published reports of CRP PO/MT-XVI. Check the official notices for the final numbers.
1. Exam pattern
Prelims (both: 100 marks, 1 hour, sectional timing)
| Section | SBI PO | IBPS PO |
|---|---|---|
| English | 40 questions | 30 questions |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 questions | 35 questions |
| Reasoning | 30 questions | 35 questions |
Key difference: SBI PO Prelims now gives English 40 questions, so strong English readers have an edge in SBI.
Mains
| SBI PO Mains | IBPS PO Mains |
|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: 40 Qs, 60 marks | Reasoning: 40 Qs, 60 marks |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation: 30 Qs, 60 marks (on-screen calculator allowed) | Data Analysis & Interpretation: 40 Qs, 60 marks |
| General / Economy / Banking: 60 Qs, 60 marks | General / Economy / Banking / Digital / Financial Awareness: 50 Qs, 60 marks |
| English: 40 Qs, 20 marks | English: 40 Qs, 20 marks |
| Total 170 Qs, 200 marks, 3 hours | Total 170 Qs, 200 marks, 160 minutes |
| Descriptive: 30 marks, 30 minutes | Descriptive: 25 marks, 30 minutes |
Full patterns: SBI PO · IBPS PO
2. Difficulty and competition
- SBI PO has about one-fifth the seats of IBPS PO, so the competition per seat is much higher.
- SBI’s Phase III (psychometric test + group exercise + interview) is longer and tests personality and communication.
- IBPS PO has more seats spread across many banks, which makes it the more realistic target for most first-timers.
Verdict: prepare for both together, but treat IBPS PO as your main target unless your mocks are consistently in the top 1–2%.
3. Salary
Both use the same JMGS-I scale: ₹48,480 – 2,000/7 – 62,480 – 2,340/2 – 67,160 – 2,680/7 – 85,920.
- SBI gives 4 advance increments, so the starting basic is ₹56,480.
- In other banks the starting basic is ₹48,480, plus any increments the bank’s policy allows.
- DA, special allowance and HRA are calculated on basic pay, so SBI’s higher starting basic lifts the whole salary.
Read the full breakdown: Bank PO salary explained
4. Posting and transfers
- SBI PO: an all-India officer cadre in India’s largest bank, with branches in nearly every district. Transfers across states are common.
- IBPS PO: you are allotted to one participating bank; transfers follow that bank’s policy and are also all-India.
5. Bond and probation
- SBI: ₹2 lakh bond to serve at least 3 years; 2-year probation.
- IBPS banks: bond amount and period differ by bank and are mentioned in the appointment letter.
6. Career growth
Both paths move through MMGS-II, MMGS-III and the senior scales via internal promotions. SBI’s size means more senior posts and more specialised roles (treasury, international banking, risk), but promotion speed in any bank depends on your performance and internal exams.
Final verdict
| If you… | Focus on |
|---|---|
| Are a first-timer | IBPS PO (more seats), with SBI PO as a bonus attempt |
| Have strong English and communication | SBI PO has an edge (40 English questions in Prelims, GE + interview in Phase III) |
| Want the higher starting pay | SBI PO (₹56,480 starting basic) |
| Want a bank closer to home | IBPS PO gives more banks and more seats to choose from |
Start preparing
Based on the SBI PO 2026 advertisement (CRPD/PO/2026-27/09) and IBPS CRP PO/MT-XVI. Vacancies and patterns change every year. Always check the official notifications.