What is the difference between IBPS PO and IBPS clerk?

IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk Exams are the most awaited exams by the aspirants of bank jobs. These exams are conducted by IBPS, a self-governing recruitment organization who appoints graduates for many job profiles of Public Sector Banks except SBI. Generally speaking, there are several candidates who apply for these posts without knowing the work profile of either of the posts. In this article, we will discuss the work profile of IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk so that the aspiring candidates should know the duties they are going to perform if they are selected for any of the posts, offered by IBPS.

Firstly, we will discuss the basic difference between IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk by explaining out their definitions. In IBPS PO, the word PO stands for “Probationary Officer” in the banks. It is considered to be higher grade than that of a clerk.

As far as IBPS Clerk, he can be termed as “Single Window Operator” where he has to conduct all types of General Office tasks. He has to be present in all the departments and his responsibilities are to maintain the records filing, staffing service counters, screening specialists, other regulatory tasks etc.

The Probationary Officer starts off as a trainee officer in the Junior Management Grade Service (JMGS) of the bank. They have substantial vertical growth in the promotions of their posts and can rise to the highest grades of the banking posts (General Manager, a Director or even the Chairman of the Bank). He is appointed at two years of training probation period as an Assistant Manager in the bank and has to handle duties like handling of cash, managing reports etc.   

To get appointed as IBPS Clerk, he has to crack IBPS Clerk exam and it is easy to crack this exam through IBPS Clerk Chennai. The major responsibilities of IBPS clerk are to maintain the records filing, staffing service counters, screening specialists, and other regulatory tasks etc. The least required age of any aspirant has to be 20 and the maximum age has to be 28 to apply for clerical posts. IBPS Clerk is a tailor made job for girls as it offers security to them. After the retirement, an IBPS Clerk  enjoys the facilities provided by the government pensions, job security, allowances, low-interest loans and has the great opportunity to learn the work under his/her seniors.

Duties of IBPS PO

IBPS PO has to perform the following duties and they are as following:

1. IBPS PO has to maintain branch activities efficiently and has to deal with the customers.
2. IBPS PO has to thoroughly supervise the staff working under him.
3. IBPS PO has to meticulously take care of customer related dealings, activities, grievances, transactions and loan processing of the clients.
4. IBPS PO should properly verify the work done by the junior clerks and then make wise decisions as per the policies of the bank management and implement them effectively in the branch for the smooth running.
5. IBPS PO duties also include issuing of ATM Cards, cheque books, demand drafts etc.

Duties of IBPS Clerk

1. IBPS Clerk has to appropriately assist bank customers in depositing and withdrawing of cash.
2. IBPS Clerk duty involves issuing and delivering cheques books to customers after getting it verified from the authorities.
3. IBPS Clerk duty involves issuing of cash receipts and ESI stamps as and when demanded by the bank customers.
4. IBPS Clerk major assigned jobs are computer based as there is a trend of internet and mobile banking these days. His job is also to make customers literate about cashless transactions.

In this article, we have comprehensively differentiated between the job profile and duties of IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk. Now, after reading this article, it will be easier for the aspiring candidate to pick the job of their choice and interest. The candidates should be aware of the latest exam pattern of both the exams (IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk exams). We would advise to plan a proper strategy to crack these exams and get better IBPS Clerk Study material. You are advised to join online and offline coaching classes to enhance your chances of selection.

We wish you to prepare well to grab either of the jobs and be the part of flourishing banking sector.

All the best!!!