SBI Clerk vs IBPS Clerk 2026 comparison guide covering salary, exam pattern, job profile, promotion, difficulty level, and career growth. Find out which banking job is better for you and make the right choice.
Last update: 13-02-2026 05:35 PM
Government banking jobs are among the most popular career options in India. Two of the most searched exams are SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk. But students often get confused π€ β which one is better?
In this detailed comparison, weβll cover salary, job profile, promotion, work pressure, exam difficulty, and career growth so you can choose wisely. π
| Feature | SBI Clerk | IBPS Clerk |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | State Bank of India (SBI) | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Bank Type | Public Sector Bank (Single β SBI) | Multiple Public Sector Banks |
π SBI Clerk recruitment is only for SBI branches, while IBPS Clerk recruits for multiple banks like PNB, Canara Bank, Union Bank, etc.
π Both exams have similar sections:
| Component | SBI Clerk | IBPS Clerk |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Basic Pay | βΉ19,900 | βΉ19,900 |
| In-hand Salary | βΉ28,000 β βΉ32,000 | βΉ26,000 β βΉ30,000 |
| Allowances | Higher | Slightly Lower |
π₯ Winner in Salary: SBI Clerk
SBI provides better perks, allowances, and growth benefits.
π SBI offers slightly better and faster promotion opportunities.
If you want less stress, IBPS Clerk may feel more comfortable.
Generally, clerks get limited transfers compared to officers.
| Exam | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| SBI Clerk | Slightly Tough |
| IBPS Clerk | Moderate |
SBI generally has a slightly tougher competition due to brand value.
Clerks are front-desk employees of banks.
β Choose SBI Clerk if you want:
β Choose IBPS Clerk if you want:
Both SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk are excellent government banking jobs πΌβ¨. If you clear both, most aspirants prefer SBI Clerk due to salary and reputation. However, IBPS Clerk also offers stable career growth and job security.
π Best Strategy: Prepare for both exams together because syllabus is almost same! π₯