IBPS PO vs SBI PO: Complete Comparison 2026

IBPS PO and SBI PO are the two most popular banking PO exams in India. They share nearly identical syllabi, making it possible to prepare for both simultaneously. Here is how they compare.

Syllabus overlap: ~95%

At a Glance

ParameterIBPS POSBI PO
Full NameProbationary Officer ExaminationProbationary Officer Examination
Conducting BodyInstitute of Banking Personnel SelectionState Bank of India
EligibilityBachelor's degree from a recognized universityBachelor's degree from a recognized university
Age Limit20-30 years21-30 years
Salary₹36,000 - ₹63,840 per month₹41,960 - ₹63,840 per month
Vacancies3,000 - 6,000+ annually1,500 - 3,000+ annually
Exam MonthsAugust (Prelims), October (Mains)June (Prelims), July (Mains)
Negative Marking0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer
Selection ProcessPrelims (Online) → Mains (Online) → Interview → Provisional AllotmentPrelims (Online) → Mains (Online) → Interview (Group Exercise + Interview) → Final Merit List

Exam Pattern Comparison

ParameterIBPS PO (Tier-I / Prelims)SBI PO (Tier-I / Prelims)
Total Questions100100
Total Marks100100
Duration60 minutes60 minutes
SectionsEnglish Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning AbilityEnglish Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability

Syllabus Overlap

Common Subjects Across All Exams

Quantitative AptitudeReasoning AbilityEnglish LanguageGeneral / Financial AwarenessComputer Knowledge

IBPS PO Subjects

  • Quantitative Aptitude20%
  • Reasoning Ability20%
  • English Language20%
  • General / Financial Awareness20%
  • Computer Knowledge20%

SBI PO Subjects

  • Quantitative Aptitude20%
  • Reasoning Ability20%
  • English Language20%
  • General / Financial Awareness20%
  • Computer Knowledge20%

Which Exam Should You Choose?

Prepare at SBI PO level (slightly harder) and you are automatically prepared for IBPS PO. Attempt both — SBI PO in June and IBPS PO in October. Same preparation, two chances at a banking career.

Detailed Exam Guides

🏦
IBPS PO 2026 Guide
Syllabus, pattern, strategy, free mock tests
🏦
SBI PO 2026 Guide
Syllabus, pattern, strategy, free mock tests

Prepare for All 2 Exams with One Study Plan

~95% syllabus overlap means you can target multiple exams simultaneously. Start with 50 free questions daily.

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