Which Is Better – SBI Clerk or IBPS Clerk?

The banking industry is currently one of the most lucrative career options. Many aspirants who want to start a career in banking apply for the SBI Clerk, IBPS Clerk, IBPS RRB Clerk and other clerical-level exams. In general, the State Bank of India, Reserve Bank of India and the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection are responsible for hiring in the banking industry. The entry-level position of bank clerk attracts millions of applicants. However, there is a considerable deal of uncertainty among the aspirants when deciding between an IBPS Clerk and an SBI Clerk exam.

The two most important exams held in the banking system are the SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk. The selection process for both exams is the same and both, the SBI Clerk result and IBPS Clerk results, are announced within a month of the examination. The primary difference between SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk is that IBPS Clerk recruitment is carried out by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection for appointments in public sector banks, whereas SBI Clerk recruitment is done to appoint Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) in State Bank of India.

Candidates who are confused between SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk can refer to this article to learn about the differences between the two and choose which is better for them.

Comparison between SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk

To help all the aspirants make an informed decision, below, we have covered a detailed comparative analysis of the two in terms of their selection procedure, job profile & responsibilities, career growth and salary & allowances.

IBPS Clerk vs SBI Clerk- Selection Process:

All the aspirants who are considering applying for both exams must know the selection criteria for the same. The selection process is the same for both SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk and consists of three stages:

Phase 1- Preliminary Examination: The Prelims tests have three sections: English Language, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude. There will be 100 questions in the Prelims Exam for 100 marks, and its duration will be 60 minutes (1 hour). A 20-minute sectional time limit has been set by both SBI and IBPS for each of the three sections.
Phase 2- Mains Examination: English Language, General Awareness, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, and Quantitative Aptitude make up the four sections of the Mains Phase of the SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk exams. Both the SBI Clerk Main and the IBPS Clerk Main exams last for two hours and forty minutes (160 Minutes).
Phase 3- Language Proficiency Test: After the Main Exam results, but before joining, a language proficiency test is conducted. The test measures a candidate’s proficiency in the local language in terms of reading, writing and speaking. A candidate must be fluent in the language used in the state in which they are applying. This is the last phase of IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk Recruitment.

IBPS Clerk vs SBI Clerk- Job Profile and Responsibilities

Since both exams are held to recruit candidates for the clerical posts, the roles and responsibilities of an SBI Clerk and an IBPS Clerk are almost similar. In a bank, a clerk is in charge of carrying out the following tasks:

Single Window Operator: In a bank, a clerk functions as a single window operator, which suggests that he or she is in charge of accepting checks, drafts, dividend warrants, pay orders, bills, etc. Along with other duties, the clerk is in charge of the recounting of currency notes by Cash Department Staff and the issuance of E.S.I. stamps.
Handling Cash Transactions: Any financial transaction that occurs at a bank, whether it be by cash, check, demand draft or another form, must be handled by a clerk. A clerk is required to keep daily, weekly and monthly records of all transactions.
Updating Passbooks: The clerk assists customers with updating their passbooks, such as changing their addresses or contact information.
Marketing Operations: To bring in more customers for the bank, the clerk is also in charge of some marketing operations.
Clearing and Transferring Cheques: A clerk is also in charge of all tasks involved in managing different types of checks at a bank.

IBPS Clerk vs SBI Clerk- Career Growth and Promotions

In terms of promotion and career development, the SBI Clerk and the IBPS Clerk differ in several ways. The differences are listed here:

IBPS Clerk	SBI Clerk
The IBPS Clerk candidates must successfully complete a six-month probationary period to be eligible for promotions.	Candidates are offered the position of Junior Associate/Clerk after completing a six-month probationary period.
Promotions for IBPS Clerks are available in two ways: based on JAIIB & CAIIB Diploma and without JAIIB & CAIIB Diploma.	Promotions for SBI Clerks are available through Officer Cadre promotions and In-Cadre promotions.
To be eligible for a promotion, you must first appear in and pass the interbank written test. The JAIIB and CAIIB diplomas are not required in this case. ● A Clerk can be promoted to the post of Trainee Officer in a bank after passing this written test.	In-Cadre promotions: Promotion within a cadre is based on years of service completed. ● After 10 years, the SBI Clerk will be promoted to the post of senior assistant. ● After 20 years, the SBI Clerk will be promoted to the post of special assistant. ● After 30 years, the SBI Clerk will be promoted to the post of senior special assistant.
The second way of promotion in the IBPS bank for the Clerks is based on JAIIB, CAIIB and graduation/postgraduation qualifications. ● An IBPS Clerk may be promoted to Trainee Officer/Probationary status after meeting these requirements.	Officer Cadre Promotions are granted based on written tests and in-house SBI interview processes. ● After successfully completing three years of service, passing a qualifying written exam, and passing an interview, a clerk can become a trainee officer. ● When an SBI Clerk has served for six years, they can advance to the Junior Manager Grade Scale (JMGS-I) officer level after passing a written test and interview.

IBPS Clerk vs SBI Clerk- Salary and Allowances

Salary is a major factor which candidates take into consideration while selecting any job. Since SBI and IBPS are government organisations, their pay structures are very similar. However, SBI offers four increments in SBI Clerk salary as compared to other Public Sector Banks. Thus, the salary of an SBI Clerk is relatively higher than that of an IBPS Clerk. The new pay scale for both positions is given below:

IBPS Clerk Pay Scale- Rs 19,900-1000/1-20,900-1230/3-24,590-1490/4-30,550-1730/7-42,600-3270/1-45,930-1990/1-47,920
SBI Clerk Pay Scale- Rs 17,900-1000/3-20,900-1230/3-24590-1490/4-30550-17,30/7-42,600-3270/1-45,930-1990/1-47,920

The detailed salary structure of the IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk is given below.

Salary Structure	IBPS Clerk Salary (In Rupees)	SBI Clerk Salary (In Rupees)
Basic Pay	17,900	17900
House Rent Allowance	1058 – 1176	800-1176
Dearness Allowances	51.2% of Basic Pay	51.2% of Basic Pay
City Compensatory Allowance	0	0
Special Allowance	911.79	911.79
Transport Allowance	425	depends on the posting location
In-Hand Salary	27000-31000	29000 – 33000

From the above analysis, it is clear that compared to other banks, SBI Clerks have the potential for faster promotions and more opportunities. Also, the SBI Clerk salary is higher than the IBPS Clerk salary. In addition, SBI banks have more branches than any other Public Sector Banks, so the chances of getting posted near home/native places are more. On the flip side, the chances of frequent postings increase because of the number of branches.

Both profiles have their own merits, and it is up to the choices and priorities of the aspirants to choose any. In most respects, the IBPS Clerk and the SBI Clerk offer the same features and responsibilities.