Mahima Chaudhary | Updated: Sep 24, 2022 11:27 IST
The demand for recruits in the banking sector is growing, as is the number of candidates applying for it. Every year, thousands of candidates apply for the RBI Assistant and SBI PO examinations, hoping to be selected. Many students are confused about which test they should prepare for, RBI Assistant vs SBI PO. So, here is a detailed comparison of RBI Assistant vs SBI PO based on salary structure, job profile, exam pattern, selection process, and other factors.
To gain a better understanding of these two prestigious exams, you must first understand the distinctions between RBI Assistant and SBI PO. Continue reading to learn more.
They are both well-known positions. RBI Assistant is a clerical cadre job, whereas SBI PO is an officer cadre job. The basic distinction between RBI Assistant and SBI PO is shown in the table below.
| Category | SBI PO | RBI Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| JOB PROFILE | Public Dealing | File maintenance, MIS generation, data management and drafting of letters. |
| POSTING | Urban/Rural | Urban |
| PROMOTIONS | Frequent | After 2-3 years |
| TRANSFER | Frequent | After 3-5 years |
| EXAMINATION TYPE | Online: Prelims + Main | Online: Prelims + Main + language proficiency |
| BOND | 3 Years | 2 years |
The overall selection process for both exams is exactly the same, as follows:
| RBI Assistant | SBI PO |
|---|---|
| During the mains, there will be an objective examination as well as a descriptive test. Three rounds of selection: Prelims, Mains, and an Interview | During the mains, there will be an objective examination as well as a descriptive test. Three rounds of selection: Prelims, Mains, and an Interview |
The RBI Assistant examination is divided into three stages: the preliminary exam (100 marks), the main exam (200 marks), and the personal interview round. The preliminary exam will last one hour and the main exam will last two hours.
Check out the RBI Assistant Exam pattern for phases 1 and 2 below:
The exam pattern for the RBI Assistant post for phase 1 is as follows:
| Name of Tests | No. of Qs | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
NOTE: Please keep in mind that this will be an online test (Objective Based) and For each incorrect answer, 0.25 points will be deducted.
Related: Difference Between SBI PO and SBI Clerk – Check Out!
The exam pattern for the RBI Assistant post for phase 2 is as follows:
| Name of Tests | No. of Qs | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test of Reasoning | 40 | 40 | 30 minutes |
| Test of English Language | 40 | 40 | 30 minutes |
| Test of Numerical Ability | 40 | 40 | 30 minutes |
| Test of General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 25 minutes |
| Test of Computer Knowledge | 40 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 135 minutes |
The SBI PO examination is also divided into three stages: preliminary exam, main exam, and personal interview. The preliminary exam is similar to the RBI Assistant exam, but the main exam is different in that the questions are more descriptive in nature. It is worth 50 points, and the emphasis is on English. As a result, in order to achieve high marks, you must be fluent in the English language.
The exam pattern for the SBI PO post for prelims is as follows:
| Name of the section | Number of questions asked in the section | Marks allotted to the section |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
The exam pattern for the SBI PO post for prelims is as follows:
| Name of the section | Number of questions asked in the section | Marks allotted to the section |
|---|---|---|
| English language | 35 | 40 |
| Data Analysis and Interpretation | 35 | 60 |
| Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 |
| General Awareness (special reference to banking industry) | 40 | 40 |
| Total | 155 | 200 marks |
An RBI Assistant earns approximately INR 28,000. They receive additional incentives, benefits, allowances, furniture, and medical costs in addition to their monthly salary.
An SBI PO’s salary is slightly higher than that of an RBI Assistant. An SBI PO’s monthly salary is around INR 40,000, plus additional benefits and allowances.
| SBI PO | RBI Assistant |
|---|---|
| In-hand salary – 42,000-44,000 (However, if you pass the JIIB exam after joining as a PO, your annual package can range from 8.00 LPA to 13.00 LPA). | Official basic pay scale – 13150-750 (3)-15400- 900(4) -19000-1200(6)-26200-1300 (2)-28800- 1480(3) – 33240 – 1750 (1)- 34990 (20 years). RBI Assistant’s starting salary is Rs. 36091/-. |
Check out the RBI Assistant vs SBI PO eligibility criteria below:
Learn about the eligibility criteria for SBI PO fromthe table given below:
| Categories | Qualifications |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Graduation or any equivalent degree |
| Age limit | 21 to 30 years |
| Age Relaxation | SC/ST- 5 years OBC (NCL)- 3 years |
| The number of attempts: | UR/EWS –4 OBC- 7 SC/ST – No Limit |
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% (pass class for SC/ ST/ PWD candidates).
As of July 1, 2021, the age can range between 20 and 28 years.
| Category | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 33 years (Relaxation by 5 years) |
| OBC | 31 years (Relaxation by 3 years) |
Check out the career growth plan comparison in a very comprised way that is given below in the following table:
| SBI PO | RBI Assistant |
|---|---|
| PO/AM Deputy Manager – Chief Manager – Asst General Manager – Deputy General Manager – General Manager – Chief General Manager – Deputy Managing Director | Scale 1 Officer / Assistant Manager (Grade A) Scale 2 Manager (Grade B) Scale 3 Senior Manager (Grade C) Scale 4 Chief Manager (Grade D) |
The Reserve Bank of India has branches in almost every major city in India. RBI Assistants are typically assigned to their hometowns because they are fluent in the local language and dialect. Furthermore, the likelihood of transfer is low.
Probationary officers can be posted anywhere in the country because SBI has branches all over the country. For SBI PO, posting in semi-urban and rural areas is required for career growth and advancement.
| SBI PO | RBI Assistant |
|---|---|
| Transfers occur every two to three years. Transferable to rural or urban areas | Transfers occur every 3 to 5 years. |
Both the RBI Assistant and the SBI PO positions are prestigious, and if you get one of these jobs, you will have a great career. I hope you found this article on RBI Assistant vs SBI PO useful.
Both jobs are superior in their own right. It now depends on the requirements of the candidates. Refer to the preceding article to determine which job profile is best for you.
The salary difference between SBI PO and RBI Assistant is approximately Rs. 20,000.
The RBI exam syllabus is nearly identical to that of other bank exams.
To become an RBI Grade B Officer, a candidate must first work as an RBI Assistant for 3 to 5 years before being promoted to RBI Grade A Officer, and then work for another 3 to 5 years before being promoted to RBI Grade B.
RBI offers numerous opportunities for career advancement. To be eligible for officer level, employees must pass a promotional or departmental test.