IBPS PO vs RRB PO: Detailed Comparison - Banking Exams PDF Download

Introduction

The banking sector in India offers various job opportunities, and two popular positions are RRB PO and IBPS PO. While both roles come with attractive salaries, there are significant differences in terms of job description, exam patterns, syllabus, work profiles, and other factors. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between RRB PO and IBPS PO, assisting candidates in making an informed decision based on their priorities and long-term plans.

Job Description

The primary duty of an RRB (Regional Rural Bank) officer is to bring banking services to rural areas in India. RRB officers undergo training to perform multiple tasks and fulfill their duties effectively. On the other hand, IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection) probationary officers and managers work in customer branches, overseeing and maintaining regular branch activities, and providing services to customers.

Salary

The salary structure differs between RRB PO and IBPS PO. For RRB PO, the basic pay ranges from 23,700 INR, with an in-hand salary of 29,000 to 33,000 INR. As for IBPS PO, the basic pay is 14,500 INR, and the in-hand salary is around 35,000 to 40,000 INR.

Exam Pattern

The examination pattern for both RRB PO and IBPS PO consists of written exams. The IBPS RRB exam includes two stages: prelims and mains. Candidates applying for the Officer Scale 1 (PO) position must also clear an interview round. Familiarity with the syllabus of both phases is crucial for success.
On the other hand, the IBPS PO exam is divided into two parts: a preliminary exam and a main exam. The preliminary exam lasts for one hour and consists of 100 objective-type questions in subjects such as Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English. Candidates who qualify for the main examination face 200 questions in various subjects, such as Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Knowledge, and Computer Knowledge.

Syllabus

The syllabus for RRB PO includes Reasoning and Numerical Ability, with 40 questions each, totaling 80 marks. In the RRB PO Mains exam, there are 200 questions divided among Reasoning, Numerical Ability, General Awareness, English/Hindi Language, and Computer Knowledge.

For IBPS PO, the syllabus includes Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Knowledge, and Computer Knowledge. All the questions in both exams are of the objective type.

Work Profile

RRB PO's work primarily focuses on agriculture, rural development, and small loans. The workload is relatively lower compared to national sector banks, and career growth opportunities are limited. RRB POs are required to live in rural areas for extended periods and interact with the rural population.

How to choose between IBPS PO and IBPS RRB PO Scale I

For some candidates, choosing between IBPS PO and IBPS RRB PO often becomes a challenge. Basically, it depends on the candidate's priority and their long-term planning. In this regard, it is important to mention that IBPS PO is next to SBI PO in terms of salary and promotional aspects, but at the same time, RRB PO can offer you home posting.

Place of posting

• Posting is done in rural areas as suggested by the names in RRB.
• The reason behind the existence of RRBs is the development of rural and backward areas, and also to provide banking facilities to the rural population.
• The scope of the IBPS RRB is limited to agriculture, small-scale loans, handicrafts and other small sector loans.
• On the other hand, the IBPS PO is likely to be posted in metro cities, urban, semi-urban and sometimes, rural areas.
• If you are not comfortable with a rural location, IBPS PO is the better choice.

Job Profile

• The work involved in RRBs is limited to agriculture and rural development, especially small loans.
• The sector has lower workload as compared to national sector banks and career growth is limited.
• For work, people need to live in rural areas for a long time and deal with the rural population.
• For IBPS PO, the workload is much higher and it is challenging. However, the scope for growth is much higher and you have better exposure to the managerial levels of the bank.

Effective tips for preparing IBPS PO and RRB

All topics are important in the exam. Questions can come from any topic. It should also be noted that in the preparation of all topics must start from early days. Do not leave any topic for last minute preparation.

• Use the time before the exam for revision and relaxation.
• We must evaluate our preparation at regular intervals. For this, you should resort to mock tests. You will be able to find your shortcomings and strengthen the preparation accordingly.
• Another advantage of mock test practices is, you will excel in time management during the exam. With this, you can solve the important questions within the prescribed time.
• Make appropriate strategy for preparing all sections.
• Questions of math and reasoning are more complicated. It also takes a lot of time to solve them. You should devote more time to mathematics and reasoning.
• During preparation, keep in mind that the more shortcuts you can hold on to the method, the better it is for you.
• Instead of getting caught up in Maths questions, you can leave something out. If you are unable to solve any question, skip it promptly and move on to the next questions.
• Stay updated with all the news and current affairs of the last six months to prepare well for GK.
• Spend some time every day reading headlines, editorials and magazines of newspapers. Collect information from Politics, Economics, Technology, and Sport and in every field.

Both RRB PO and IBPS Po are coveted jobs as they are secure and pays well. The syllabus is more or less the same and hence, you can prepare for both of them simultaneously. Which is the better choice for you, solely depends on your priority. We hope the analysis we have shared above will aid in taking an informed decision and wish you all the best for your endeavours.