SSC CGL Vs Bank PO: Which Job is Better?

Confused about whether to choose SSC CGL or Bank PO career path? In this article, we have mentioned the negative and positive aspects of both SSC CGL and Bank PO. Check out the key differences between SSC CGL and Bank PO exams and jobs below.

SSC CGL and Bank PO are the two most sought-after jobs in India. Both jobs have a good salary, reputation and promotional avenues so often the candidates often get confused about opting for one of them. One provides a posting in the Central Government Ministry or department and the other in the rural heartland of India (initially). The initial salary in both jobs is good and the candidates aspire to get anyone of them. Both jobs are the two reputed and stable jobs in India.  However, the question, ‘Which is better – SSC CGL or Bank PO?’ keeps hovering in the minds of many SSC and bank aspirants, leading to confusion.

In this article, we have listed all the major differences between SSC CGL and Bank PO exams as well as jobs to help candidates make informed decisions while choosing their career path.

SSC CGL Vs Bank PO Exam Comparison

Check out the complete comparison between SSC CGL and Bank PO exams with respect to their objectives, posts, vacancies, eligibility, syllabus and selection process.

SSC CGL vs Bank PO: What are the exams all about?

SSC CGL: SSC CGL is a national-level exam conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to shortlist candidates for Group-B and Group-C posts in various ministries/ departments/ organizations of the Government of India. Every year, about 30 lakh candidates fill out the SSC CGL application form and about 15 lakh aspirants appear for the exam.

Bank PO: The State Bank of India (SBI) and the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conduct exams to recruit eligible candidates for the post of Probationary Officer (PO). Through SBI PO exam, candidates are shortlisted for recruitment in SBI only. Through the IBPS PO exam, candidates are shortlisted for recruitment in the following banks:

Know all about SBI PO and IBPS PO exams.

SSC CGL Vs Bank PO: Posts and Vacancies

Through the SSC CGL exam, candidates are recruited to fill over 8,000 vacancies. Candidates can apply for various Group B and C posts under the Government of India such as:

Through SBI PO exam, candidates are recruited to fill over 2,000 vacancies. Through IBPS PO exam, candidates are recruited to fill about 1,500 vacancies for the Probationary Officer post.

Note: The number of vacancies released for recruitment through SSC CGL, SBI PO and IBPS PO varies every year. Given above are approximate vacancies released by respective authorities last time the exams were conducted.

Check current vacancies of all the three exams by clicking on the links below:

SSC CGL Vs Bank PO: Eligibility

• Educational Qualification: The educational qualification required for SSC CGL and Bank PO exams is same, that is, graduation in any discipline from a recognised university
• Age limit: There is a slight difference in the age bar set by the respective recruitment agencies for SSC CGL and Bank PO exams. For SSC CGL exam, candidates must be aged between 18 and 32 years. For Bank PO exams, the age of the candidates should be between 20 and 30 years.

Check complete SSC CGL and Bank PO eligibility here:

SSC CGL Vs Bank PO: Syllabus & Difficulty Level

The syllabus of SSC CGL and Bank PO exams is similar in terms of the subjects from which questions are asked – English, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability. However, if compared topic-wise, the syllabus for both exams differs a bit.

• Reasoning of Bank PO exams is tougher as compared to SSC CGL exam. Bank PO exams focus more on the computer aptitude section, which is not the case with the SSC CGL exam.
• Under General Awareness, Bank PO exams focus more on banking awareness and current affairs on the economy and finance. On the other hand, SSC CGL General Awareness section covers questions mostly on static GK.
• English section of Bank PO and SSC CGL exams are similar. However, while SSC CGL covers more topics such as synonyms and antonyms, idioms and spotting the error, Bank PO exams include more questions on grammar and vocabulary.
• Quantitative Aptitude section is also similar to Bank PO and SSC CGL exams. However, SSC CGL focuses more on conceptual topics such as Algebra and Trigonometry.

Also Read:

SSC CGL Vs Bank PO: Selection Process

The selection process through SSC CGL exam is more comprehensive as it includes more number of recruitment stages. However, there is no face-to-face interview conducted in SSC CGL exam, as opposed to Bank PO exams. Check the different recruitment stages of both SSC CGL and Bank PO exams below:  

SSC CGL Vs Bank PO Job Comparison

Check out the complete comparison between SSC CGL and Bank PO jobs with respect to job profiles, work pressure and timings, promotions, transfers, salary, etc.

SSC CGL Vs Bank PO: Job Profiles

The major job responsibilities of a Bank PO professional include:

• Handling cash activities
• Providing service to customers
• Managing accounts of customers

The job responsibilities of a candidate recruited through SSC CGL exam include:

• General administration
• Filing work
• Carry out inspections, raids, etc.
• Carry out fieldwork

SSC CGL Vs Bank PO: Work Pressure & Office Timing

Candidates can check the Work Pressure & Office Timing below:

• An officer recruited through SSC CGL exam has lesser work pressure throughout the year as compared to a Bank PO professional
• Work pressure for Bank PO professionals is particularly immense during month-end, quarter-end or year-end. This is typically not the case with SSC CGL professionals.
• Work-life balance is better for SSC CGL professionals as compared to Bank PO professionals
• There is no customer interaction needed in SSC CGL job as opposed to Bank PO job
• Bank PO candidates have to go through rigorous training sessions before they can start performing their duties. The sessions include training on billing, finance, investment, accounting, etc. SSC CGL candidates do not have to undergo any such training.
• Bank PO professionals usually have to work six days, while SSC CGL officers typically have to work five days a week
• Some transactional activities might require Bank PO professionals to stretch even after office hours. SSC CGL officers usually do not need to put in any extra hours into their day’s service.

SSC CGL Vs Bank PO: Transfers and Postings

• For a Bank PO professional, a transfer takes place every two to three years depending on his/her seniority and promotion
• For a person recruited through the SSC CGL exam, a transfer is likely to take place every four to five years based on the requirements of different government departments

SSC CGL Vs Bank PO: Salary

• The gross salary of an SSC CGL employee usually ranges from INR 33,675-70,716 per month, depending on his/her post and pay level
• The salary of a Bank PO employee usually ranges from INR 38,000-42,000 per month
• A Bank PO professional receives extra perks and allowances in addition to the salary

Also Read:

SSC CGL Vs Bank PO: Promotions and Growth

• Promotion happens at a faster pace in Bank PO jobs as compared to SSC CGL jobs. In Bank PO, promotions happen every two to three years. On the other hand, in SSC CGL, promotions happen every four to five years.
• A post under SSC CGL does not give an opportunity to reach top positions such as the Secretary to the Government of India. Bank PO, on the other hand, gives an opportunity to reach top-level posts such as CEO and CMD.

SSC CGL vs Bank PO: Pros & Cons

Everything has its own pros and cons, and the same is the case with SSC CGL & Bank PO exam. The pros and cons of SSC CGL and Bank PO are tabulated below.

Read More:

• SSC CGL Vs SSC CHSL: Know the Key Differences