Is the SBI Clerk exam more difficult than the IBPS Clerk? The difficulty level of both the SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk exams is almost the same. Some criteria decide the difficulty level of the exam. The number of vacancies in the IBPS Clerk is higher as compared to the SBI Clerk. The selection process in the SBI clerk is also considered a little tougher as compared of the IBPS Clerk. The quantitative aptitude and reasoning sections in the IBPS Clerk are potentially easier than the SBI Clerk. And the General Awareness section in the SBI Clerk requires an in-depth understanding of the basics as compared to the IBPS Clerk. Here we have provided a detailed explanation of the factors that make the SBI Clerk exam more difficult than the IBPS Clerk.
Is SBI Clerk exam more difficult than IBPS Clerk?
The difficulty level of the SBI Clerk Exam depends on many other factors. First, we will have a look at the overview of the SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk Exam, which includes the exam pattern and, number of questions. Then we will know the difference between the two exams. Then we see in detailed explanation of the factors affecting the SBI Clerk difficulty level. Then, after considering all the factors, we conclude to answer our question that is “Is SBI Clerk exam more difficult than the IBPS Clerk exam?”.
SBI Clerk Exam Overview
The SBI Clerk exam has a two-stage selection process: a Preliminary Exam and a Main Exam. The Preliminary Exam is a qualifying exam, and its marks are not considered for the final merit list. The Main Exam marks are considered for final merit.
Exam Structure:
- Preliminary Exam:
- Comprises Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and English Language. (20 minutes each section)
- 100 questions, 100 marks, 60 minutes.
- Main Exam:
- Comprises General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude.
- 190 questions, 200 marks, 160 minutes.
- Local Language Test:
- Candidates who qualify for the Main Exam and have studied the local language are exempt from this test.
Syllabus:
- Reasoning Ability: Includes topics like data interpretation, puzzles, coding-decoding, syllogism, etc.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Includes topics like data interpretation, number series, percentages, profit and loss, etc.
- English Language: Includes topics like reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, etc.
- General/Financial Awareness: Includes current affairs, banking awareness, important government schemes, etc.
- Computer Aptitude: Includes basic computer knowledge.
Eligibility:
Indian Citizenship, Age: 20-28 years, Bachelor’s Degree, and Minimum of 60% marks in graduation.
Important Notes:
- The difficulty level of the Mains Exam is higher than that of the Prelims.
- The SBI Clerk exam does not have an interview round.
- The SBI Clerk job is a permanent position.
IBPS Clerk Exam Overview
The IBPS Clerk exam is a computer-based, online exam with two stages: Prelims and Mains, conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to recruit clerical staff for public sector banks. The Prelims exam is a screening test, while the Mains exam determines the final selection.
Exam Overview:
- Stages:
- Prelims: A screening test focusing on English Language, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude.
- Mains: A more in-depth exam with four sections: General/Financial Awareness, English Language, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, and Quantitative Aptitude.
- Format: Both stages are conducted online.
- Marking:
- Prelims: 100 marks.
- Mains: 200 marks.
- Selection: The final selection is based on the Mains exam scores.
- Exam Dates: The IBPS Clerk Prelims exam is scheduled for December 6th, 7th, 13th, and 14th, 2025, and the Mains exam for February 1st, 2026.
Eligibility:
- Candidates must have a graduation degree in any discipline.
- The age limit is generally between 20-28 years, with relaxations for reserved categories.
SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk Difference
The difference between SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk based on various factors is given in the table below. Also, the explanation of all points discussed in the table is provided below.
| Particulars | SBI Clerk | IBPS Clerk |
| Difficulty | Tougher | Easier |
| Competition | More competitive | Less Competitive |
| Focus area | Speed and Accuracy | Strong hold on basic concepts |
| Exam Structure | Prelims, Mains, Language Proficiency | Prelims, Mains, Language Proficiency |
| Cut-off | Higher as compared to the IBPS Clerk | Lower as compared to the IBPS Clerk |
| Number of Attempts | No limit as long as you meet the age criteria | No limit as long as you meet the age criteria |
| Exam Difficulty Level | Similar to the IBPS Clerk | Similar to the SBI Clerk |
SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk Exam Difficulty Level
The exam difficulty level for IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk is similar. Many aspirants find the SBI Clerk a little tough because it focuses on the basic concepts and decision-making in the questions. Also, the cut-off of SBI Clerk goes higher as compared to the IBPS Clerk because of fewer vacancies.
SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk Exam Focus
The SBI Clerk exam focuses on a strong hold on the basic concepts, and the IBPS Clerk exam focuses on speed and accuracy in quantitative aptitude and reasoning sections. Because of this, the filtration rate in the IBPS Clerk becomes higher as compared to the SBI Clerk exam.
SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk Exam Structure
The exam structure of both IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk for both prelims and mains exams is the same. And both positions do not require an interview. The candidates are selected based on the Marks obtained in the online examination.
SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk Salary
An SBI Clerk’s starting salary is around INR 26,730, including basic pay and advance increments, and the IBPS Clerk’s starting salary is INR 19,900. In-hand salaries for both positions can range between INR 28,000 and INR 30,000. The Perks, benefits, and allowances are almost similar in both. The salary may vary in different locations based on the allowances and deductions.
SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk Attempts
The number of attempts in both the SBI Clerk and the IBPS Clerk is unlimited as long as the individual satisfies the age limit criteria. The candidates must meet the eligibility criteria, such as educational qualification, age limit, and nationality. There is no limit to the number of attempts for candidates.
SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk Work-life balance
Both position offers equal work-life balance. The work-life balance depends on the location, rural, suburban, and urban. The rural and suburban branches may have less workload compared to the urban areas. According to some sources, SBI Clerk may have a higher workload as compared to the IBPS Clerk.
SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk Cut-off
The cut-off for both exams varies because of the difference in the number of vacancies. The cut-off of the SBI Clerk is a little higher as compared to the IBPS Clerk cut-off.
Is SBI Clerk exam more difficult than IBPS Clerk? Conclusion
The SBI Clerk and the IBPS Clerk exams have the same level of difficulty. The type of questions asked in the exam from each section may vary. But ultimately, the exam difficulty depends on individual preparation and practice of the concepts. Therefore, it can be said that the SBI Clerk is not more difficult, but the level of competition and other factors like the number of vacancies make it harder to crack.
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Related Blog On SBI Clerk 2025 Exam
| SBI Clerk Salary 2025 | SBI Clerk Cut Off 2025 |
| SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025 | SBI Clerk Previous Year Question Paper |
| SBI Clerk Study Plan | SBI Clerk Preparation Strategy |
Other Related Blogs on IBPS Clerk exam
Is SBI Clerk exam more difficult than IBPS Clerk? FAQs
Both the SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk exam has a similar difficulty level. Check the above blog to know the key difference between the two exams.
The SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk positions are similar, but there are some differences between the two. Check the above blog to know more.
The SBI Clerk exam is more competitive as compared to the IBPS Clerk exam.
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