Is SBI PO tougher than IBPS PO?

Banking aspirants often debate whether SBI PO is tougher than IBPS PO. Both exams are highly competitive and attract lakhs of candidates every year. The Probationary Officer recruitment conducted by State Bank of India and Institute of Banking Personnel Selection follows a multi-stage selection process. While the syllabus may look similar on paper, the actual exam experience differs in terms of difficulty level, unpredictability, and competition intensity.

Is SBI PO tougher than IBPS PO?

Understanding the real difference between SBI PO and IBPS PO requires analyzing exam pattern, question standard, interview process, and overall competition. Many candidates feel SBI PO is tougher, but that perception comes from certain unique elements in its structure. Let’s break it down clearly.

Exam Pattern Comparison

Both exams follow a three-tier selection process, but subtle variations make SBI PO more demanding:

SBI PO & IBPS PO Competition Ratio

The most striking difference between these exams lies in the sheer competition intensity.

Difficulty Level of Questions

The difference becomes more visible in the mains examination stage. SBI is known for testing conceptual clarity and decision-making ability at a deeper level.

• SBI PO puzzles are usually lengthy and layered, requiring strong logical sequencing.
• Data Interpretation in SBI often includes caselet and calculation-heavy sets.
• IBPS PO questions are challenging but slightly more straightforward in comparison.
• SBI emphasizes analytical thinking over direct formula application.
• IBPS focuses more on speed and accuracy within familiar formats.

Cut-Off Trend

Competition plays a crucial role in defining toughness. SBI has fewer vacancies compared to the number of applicants, which increases the pressure.

• SBI PO attracts a very high number of serious aspirants aiming for a prestigious banking role.
• Cut-offs in SBI are influenced by normalized scores and stage-wise performance.
• IBPS PO also sees heavy competition but offers recruitment across multiple public sector banks.
• SBI’s final selection weightage gives significant importance to the mains and interview performance.

So, Which One Is Tougher?

In practical terms, SBI PO is generally considered tougher than IBPS PO, especially at the mains stage. The unpredictability, analytical depth, and competitive intensity make SBI slightly more demanding. However, IBPS PO is also highly competitive and requires serious preparation. The level of difficulty ultimately depends on an individual’s strengths, preparation strategy, and adaptability under exam pressure.

Instead of focusing on which exam is tougher, aspirants should align their preparation with conceptual clarity, strong fundamentals, and consistent mock practice. Both exams open doors to rewarding banking careers, and disciplined preparation can help you succeed in either path.