Is an IBPS RRB officer scale I different than IBPS PO?

IBPS conducts various exams and out of that IBPS RRB and IBPS PO are mostly preferred by the graduates as these give a good start for the beginners and freshers.

Though these exams are conducted by the same board yet there are some differences in the exam pattern, selection procedure, job profile, career path, salary package and post locations.

Most important factors are the exam pattern, job profile and selection procedure. Let us discuss these factors to benefit the aspirants.

1.         Selection Procedure:

Both the exams are carried out in three phases i.e  Prelims , Mains and Interview.

2.        Exam Pattern:

The Exam pattern of IBPS PO and IBPS RRB Officer Scale 1 is different:

•   Prelims Exam:

Both the exams have objective type questions but IBPS PO has three sections namely Quantitative Aptitude ,English Language, and Reasoning Ability where as IBPS RRB has two sections namely Numerical Ability and Reasoning in the prelims section.

•     Mains Exam

IBPS PO mains exam comprise of four sections namely Reasoning and Computer aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language and General Awareness.

IBPS RRB Officer Scale 1 mains exam comprises of five sections namely, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language and General Awareness and Computer Awareness. Candidates can either opt for English Language or Hindi Language in IBPS RRB officer scale 1 exam but English language is a must for IBPS PO Exam.

Aspirants who qualify both the phases of these exams are called for a common interview which is held by the concerned bank.

3.        Job Profile

·   IBPS RRB Officer Scale 1 has a limited area of operation depending upon the geographical region of the State or districts they are posted at but IBPS PO in Nationalized banks the PO get lot of exposure because the posts and transfers are not limited to a geographical region. You may also go for Bank Coaching in Chennai  for more helpful study material.

·      IBPS PO of Public sector banks has to perform various functions such as corporate loans, treasury, forex, managing HNI's etc. RRB Officer Scale –I has a restricted function to provide credit and other services to the farmers having low credit, laborers artisans and small business houses of rural areas.

These are some of the main differences and one must know if one is planning to appear in any one or both the exams.