Delving into the distinctions and divergences between the IBPS Bank Probationary Officer Exam and the UPSC, we aim to shed light on the contrasts and dissimilarities that set these two prestigious examinations apart. Understanding the variances in their eligibility criteria, syllabus, and career trajectories is essential for aspirants to make an informed decision regarding their desired career path in the banking sector or civil services.
Exams like Bank PO, UPSC, and SSC are extremely beneficial and a golden opportunity for all youngsters to find a suitable and worthy career for themselves. Aspirants willing to pursue a magnificent, wealthy, and stable career should put their best efforts into these tests.
Many students have queries regarding the IBPS bank PO and UPSC Civil Service exam. Well, these two exams are in no way at the same level in terms of difficulty and syllabus. Bank PO exams provide candidates with a better chance for a steady career in a banking institution.
Checkout : Which is better, SSC or Bank PO?
This article will provide the basic details on IBPS Bank PO and UPSC civil service exam.
Let’s start with the Exam Structure.
UPSC Exam Structure –
The UPSC or IAS exam constitute three stages.
Phase 1: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination (Objective Type)
Phase 2: Civil Services (Mains) Examination (Descriptive Type)
Phase 3: Personal Interview (Personality Test)
UPSC Exam Pattern
The prelims exam consists of two papers.
| General Studies Paper- I | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Civil Service aptitude Test (CSAT) | 80 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Total | 180 | 400 | 4 hours |
The Main exam of UPSC consists of 9 papers. The two qualifying papers are-
- Any Indian Language (One of the Indian languages to be selected by the candidate from the languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the constitution)
- English Language Paper
Each of these papers consists of 300 marks, making a total of 600 marks.
The pattern of the other seven is as follows-
| Paper – I | Essay (candidate can choose any language) | 250 |
| Paper – II | General Studies – I (Culture and Heritage of India, History & Geography of the World & Society) | 250 |
| Paper – III | General Studies – II (Social Justice & International Relations Governance, Constitution, Polity,) | 250 |
| Paper – IV | General Studies – III (Biodiversity, Technology, Economic Development, Security & Disaster Management) | 250 |
| Paper – V | General Studies – IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper – VI | Optional Subject – Paper I | 250 |
| Paper – VII | Optional Subject – Paper II | 250 |
| Total | 1750 marks |
Responsibilities of IAS officer
- As an IAS officer, you collect revenue and function as court officials in matters of crimes.
- Maintaining law and Order.
- To take responsibility for the administration and daily work of the government.
- Formulate and implement the policies.
- An IAS officer also takes responsibility for responding to emergencies like natural calamities, major accidents and riots in their jurisdiction and coordinate relief activities.
Career Growth in UPSC
- Phase one trainee
- District Level Trainee
- Phase two trainee
- Assistant Secretaryship
- Joint Magistrate- SDM- Sub- Collector
- Municipal Commissioner
- Secretariat at State Level of joint secretary level
- District Magistrate or Collector Post
- Deputation Post of the Central Government of India
- Principle in State or Central Secretariat
- State Chief Secretary
- Cabinet Secretary
IBPS Bank PO Exam structure
The Bank Po exam structure has been constant. So, the structure of exams says that it consists of one paper with 100 multiple choice questions divided into three sections.
The sections are as follows-
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
- English Language
The time given to solve these 100 questions is 60 minutes, and the time allotted to each section is 20 minutes. Here is the Exam structure for IBPS PO Prelims Exam-
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern –
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
IBPS PO Mains Exam Structure
The main exam of IBPS PO consists of two papers. The papers are an Objective Test and a Descriptive test with four sections in objective. The mains exam of IBPS Bank PO has four sections.
Here is the IBPS Main exam patter. Check it out!
IBPS PO Mains Pattern-
| IBPS PO Mains Pattern-EXAM TYPE | Section | Number of Questions | Marks Allotted | Time Allotted |
| Objective Test | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 min |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 min | |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 min | |
| General Awareness, Economy & Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 min | |
| Descriptive Test | English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) | 2 | 25 | 30 min |
Responsibilities of Bank officer
- You need to interact and get in touch with different departments of the bank.
- It’s your responsibility for supervising clerical work.
- Guiding the customers and looking after their complaints.
- To check on the latest developments of the bank.
- Help the branch manager to perform the duties.
Career Growth in Bank PO
- Bank PO
- Assistant Manager
- Branch Manager
- Chief Manager
General Comparison
- The IBPS Bank PO exam takes place online whereas UPSC exam is in offline mode.
- Mathematics, English and Logical Reasoning are common subjects in prelims exam of both.
- The prelims exam of both the papers are objective and have negative markings. In the Bank PO exam, for every incorrect answer you get a deduction of 0.25 marks. In UPSC prelims exam, for every wrong answer you get a section of one-third of the total marks allocated to that question.
- The UPSC mains exam has 9 papers with descriptive questions.
- Both the exam has interview and candidate need to clear the interview round to get selection.
Both the exams provide a golden opportunity for better career growth, but it depends upon the candidate in which field he/she wants to step in and grow. Both the exams require determination and hard work. So, aspirant preparing for any of this examination or for both, be consistent and manage your time well.
Frequently Asked Questions on Difference between IBPS Bank PO Exam & UPSC Civil Service Exam
Q1-Which is a better career option – UPSC or Bank PO?
A1-Both are good career option but if you want to grow and get better opportunity and serve nation then you must opt UPSC civil services.
Q2- What is the basic salary of Bank PO?
A2- The basic salary of SBI PO is 27,620 rupees and the in-hand salary ranges from 52,000 to 55,000.
Q3-What are the top posts of UPSC?
A3-There are around 23 different civil services butt the most popular one is IAS, IPS, IRS
Q4-Which is the lowest post in UPSC?
A4-The lowest post in UPSC is IAS trainee.