The Short Answer
SBI PO pays more (₹52,000+ starting gross vs ₹45,000+ for IBPS PO). But IBPS PO has more total vacancies across 11 banks. The smart move? Prepare for both — the syllabus is 95% identical.
Salary Comparison (2026)
| Component | SBI PO | IBPS PO |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹41,960 | ₹36,000 |
| DA (varies) | ~₹5,000 | ~₹4,300 |
| HRA (metro) | ~₹3,500 | ~₹3,000 |
| Other Allowances | ~₹2,000 | ~₹2,000 |
| Gross Salary | ₹52,000+ | ₹45,000+ |
| In-Hand (approx) | ₹46,000+ | ₹40,000+ |
Difficulty & Competition
SBI PO is considered slightly harder. The Mains paper has trickier Data Interpretation and Reasoning Puzzles. However, the difference is marginal — if you can clear IBPS PO Mains, you can clear SBI PO with a bit more practice.
| Parameter | SBI PO | IBPS PO |
|---|---|---|
| Applicants | ~20 lakh | ~30 lakh (across 11 banks) |
| Vacancies | 1,500-3,000 | 3,000-6,000 |
| Competition Ratio | ~700:1 | ~500:1 |
| Prelims Cutoff | ~55-65 | ~50-60 |
| Has Interview? | Yes | Yes |
Career Growth
SBI offers slightly faster promotions: PO → Manager (2-3 years) → Chief Manager (7-8 years). IBPS PO banks also have a clear promotion path but timelines vary by bank. Both offer excellent job security, pension (NPS), and perks.
The Smart Strategy
Prepare at SBI PO level (slightly harder). Attempt SBI PO in June and IBPS PO in October. Same preparation, two chances. If you clear SBI PO, join SBI. If you clear IBPS PO, you still get a great banking career. Win-win.