SBI PO or SSC CGL: Which Job is Better to Choose?

If you are a serious government job aspirant, the comparison between the two most famous jobs – SBI PO and SSC CGL must have crossed your mind. Both the jobs are highly respectable and come with the blanket of job security.

However, candidates are sometimes unable to make up their minds as to which one to opt for. As the syllabus is different for both the exams, preparing for both the exams simultaneously is a difficult task, so it is important to choose your career wisely.

To make things easier for you, we bring to you a comparative study of both the exams, taking all the crucial factors in consideration.

 A Brief Insight:

SBI PO: Every year, the State Bank of India conducts an online examination. This year too, with the SBI PO 2019 notification coming out, SBI is all set to recruit young and dynamic workers for the post of Probationary Officer.

SSC CGL: The Staff Selection Commission conducts SSC CGL every year for recruitment in departments like Intelligence Bureau, Central Vigilance Commission, Central Secretariat Service, External Affairs, Ministry of Defense, Railways, etc.

 Paper Pattern:

SBI PO: It is a multi-staged online exam, where the preliminary round is followed by the mains, followed by a personal interview.

SSC CGL: It is also an online mode of examination containing 4 tiers. The first two tiers are objective based exams, while the third tier is a descriptive test, and the fourth test is a test of data entry speed and computer proficiency.

 Salary:

Although the initial salary of SSC CGL is more, but the frequent transfers and relocation expenses take care of the salary of an SBI PO.

SBI PO: The total SBI PO salary is 8.2- 13.08 lakhs per annum and depends on the place of posting.

SSC CGL: Under the seventh pay commission, the salary structure of SSC CGL is subjected to revision.

 Job Profile:

SBI PO: The job profile is about public dealings. As an SBI PO, you are responsible for clearance of payments, stimulating banking products and services, maintaining daily reports, handling cash transactions, and managing the accounts of the customers.

SSC CGL: The job role is onsite inspection or documentation. The duties include handling official proceedings, scrutinizing, and supervising inspections and raids. Administrative proceedings and transactions and field jobs are also included in the job role.

 Extra Working Hours:

SBI PO: The weekend sometimes needs to be comprised if you have any pending work.

SSC CGL: There is no requirement of any extra working hours, other than the official working hours.

 Bond:

SBI PO: While joining as an SBI PO, an individual need to sign a contract of staying in the job for a period of 2 years, failing which he/she has to pay a bond amount of 2 lakhs.

SSC CGL: There is no bond in SSC CGL.

 Perks and Benefits:

SBI PO: Contribution pension scheme, medical aid for self as well as for the family, home travel concession, and concessional rates of interest on house, car or personal loans are some of the perks enjoyed by an SBI PO.

SSC CGL: Perks such as dearness allowance, house rent allowance, LTC, Group Mediclaim, cash medical benefits, transport allowance, and pension scheme are offered.

 Pressure Handling Capacity:

With a big job role, comes a bigger responsibility. So, candidates appearing for these exams should brace themselves up for the challenges awaiting them.

SBI PO: During the training period, a PO gets to understand the workings of the banking sector. He/she is provided rigorous training on accounting, general banking, agricultural banking, marketing, investment, etc.

SSC CGL: There are around 30 departments, so the pressure of the job role depends on the department you are allotted. The job is more relaxed in the case of SSC CGL enabling one to enjoy a good work life balance. However, the job sometimes can take a challenging turn, if you are asked to perform under political pressure.

 Transfers:

SBI PO: If you are lucky enough, you will get the posting in your hometown. There also remains the chances of getting a rural posting.

SSC CGL: The transfer rate is less frequent making the job more stable. Rural postings are very rare in an SSC CGL job.

 Promotions:

SBI PO: Promotions happen in 2-3 years and one also gets the opportunity to become a manager in 6-7 years. The following hierarchy cycle is maintained:

PO→ Assistant Manager→ Branch Manager → AGM → GM

SSC CGL: Promotions are based on seniority level. Promotions take place in 4-5 years depending on the profile you have been selected in:

Auditor → Senior Auditor (3 years)

Assistant Enforcement Officer → Enforcement Officer (4-5 years)

Income Tax Officer → Assistant Commissioner → Deputy Commissioner → Commissioner.

  Arriving at the Final Verdict

Both the upcoming SBI PO and SSC CGL are prestigious jobs. As discussed above, both the exams have their own pros and cons. Both the jobs are highly prestigious and cracking any one of them is a dream come true for any government job aspirant. One is advised to carefully go through the list of advantages and disadvantages and choose that option, which appeals to them the most.