SBI PO vs SSC CGL: Which One is Better?

 

Many students, after graduation, aspire to get into the government sector because it offers lucrative salaries, high job security, and incredible growth opportunities. SSC CGL and SBI PO are two such examinations that can provide great opportunities to the candidates. Hence, lakhs of students appear for these exams every year.

But, many students are often confused about which is a better option and which post they should apply for? Although both the exams are different and hold equal importance in the government sector. 

In this article, we'll compare their exam pattern, job profiles, and eligibility criteria for you to decide which one suits your interests. 

SBI PO vs SSC CGL: Exam Pattern 

Candidates should be thoroughly aware of the exam pattern before applying for SBI PO and SSC CGL Exam. The exam pattern for both the exams are discussed below:

SBI PO Exam Pattern 

1. Preliminary Exam

Name of Subjects	Maximum Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration
English Language	30	30	20 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	35	35	20 minutes
Reasoning Ability	35	35	20 minutes
Total	100	100	1 hour

2. Mains Exam 

1. Objective Type

Name of Subjects	Maximum Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration
English Language	35	40	40 minutes
Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude	45	60	60 minutes
Data Analysis and Interpretation	35	60	45 minutes
General Awareness (special reference to banking industry)	40	40	35 minutes
Total	155	200	3 hours

2. Descriptive Test

The descriptive test is conducted immediately after the completion of the objective test. It is an online test of 30 minutes with two questions for 50 marks. It will test candidates' writing skills via Letter Writing & Essay Writing.

3. Group Exercise and Interview

This is the final stage of selection, and only the candidates who qualify for the first two phases of the SBI PO exam will be called. The Group Discussion accounts for 20 marks, while the Interview is for 30 marks.

SSC CGL Exam Pattern

Tier 1 Exam Pattern 

Name of Subjects	Maximum Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration
English Comprehension	25	50	60 Minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	25	50
General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	50
General Awareness	25	50
Total	100	200

Tier 2 Exam Pattern 

• The time duration of each exam is 2 hours. 

• Every incorrect answer will lead to a deduction of 0.50 marks on Paper 1, 3 and 4. For Paper 2 (English Language and Comprehension), a deduction of 0.25 marks will be done.

Name of Subjects	Maximum Questions	Maximum Marks
Paper 1: Quantitative Aptitude	100	200
Paper 2: English Language and Comprehension	200	200
Paper 3: Statistics	100	200
Paper 4: General Studies (Finance and Economics)	100	200

Tier 3 Exam Pattern 

• This is a descriptive test conducted in both English and Hindi Language. 

• Essay Writing / Letter Writing / Application Writing

• Maximum Marks - 100

• Time Duration - 60 minutes

Tier 4 Exam Pattern

• Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) and Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)

• CPT is conducted to test the candidate's proficiency in Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Generation of Slides.

• The Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) would require candidates to type 2000 key depression in 15 minutes.

SBI PO vs SSC CGL: Eligibility 

Candidates who wish to enrol for the exams must be clear with the eligibility criteria. Information regarding the eligibility criteria is given in the table below:

Eligibility for SBI PO	Eligibility for SSC CGL
Age Limit: Minimum Age Limit: 18 years  Maximum Age Limit: 30 years	Age Limit: Minimum Age Limit: 20 years  Maximum Age Limit: 30 years
Educational Qualification: A Bachelor's degree is required for all the posts.	Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree is required for all the posts.
Nationality: Indian	Nationality: Indian

SBI PO vs SSC CGL: Job Profile

The job profile for both the posts are given below:

SBI PO Job Profile	SSC CGL Job Profile
Provide service to the customers. Management of cash activities at the bank. Enhancement of business of the bank. Manage accounts of customers.	Clerical work like answering RTI queries. Notes and filing work. Carry out raids, inspections, surveillance, etc. Get to do the field work that involves traveling.

SSC CGL vs SBI PO: Which one to choose?

As per the difficulty level of the exam, SSC CGL has a moderate difficulty level, and the SBI PO exam is easy-moderate. 

As per the job profiles, SSC CGL posts involve travelling, surveillance, inspections, raids, etc., while SBI PO posts require the executives to deal with customers directly. A candidate opting for the SSC CGL posts must meet the physical standards required by the job profile. Bank PO is an exhaustive job in itself. If a candidate wants to opt for a better salary package, then Bank PO is a better option, and if he is looking for less work pressure, then SSC CGL ensures an excellent work-life balance.

FAQs

Q1. How to prepare for the SSC CGL and SBI PO exams?

Ans. Students must appear for SSC CGL mock tests and SBI PO mock tests to analyze their preparation and improve on their weak areas. 

Q2. What are the different types of exams conducted under SSC?

Ans. 

• SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination (SSC CGL)

• SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level Exam (SSC CHSL)

• Junior Engineer

• Junior Hindi Translator

• SSC GD Constable

• SSC Multitasking Staff

• Selection Post

• SI (Central Police Organization)

• Stenographer C & D

Also read - SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: Which One is Better?