One of the most popular competitive exams in India is the banking exam, which offers high-paying jobs in both public and private sector. Aspirants frequently ask which bank exams are the most difficult and which are the easiest to crack. Developing a successful study plan requires an understanding of each exam's level of difficulty. In this blog, we'll look at the toughest bank examinations as well as easiest bank exams, to help you connect your goals with the right preparation method.

What Determines the Difficulty Level of a Bank Exam?

1. Competition
2. Syllabus Complexity
3. Stages of the Exam
4. Time Management

Toughest Bank Exams to Crack in 2024

1. SBI PO (State Bank of India Probationary Officer)

• Competition: The SBI PO exam consistently ranks among the toughest banking exams due to its high competition and intricate syllabus.
• Syllabus: It covers reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English, and general awareness, with a higher difficulty level compared to other exams.
• Why is it Tough? : The extensive syllabus, advanced-level questions, and personality assessment in GD and interviews make it a challenging exam.
  
  

2. RBI Grade B (Reserve Bank of India)

RBI Grade B is a dream job for many aspirants, thanks to its prestige, high salary, and specialized role in India’s central bank.

• Competition: With fewer vacancies, this exam witnesses cutthroat competition.
• Syllabus: The exam is highly specialized, covering monetary policy, economics, finance, and general awareness, in addition to reasoning and quantitative aptitude.
• Why is it Tough? : The Mains phase requires in-depth knowledge of economics, finance, and RBI policies, unlike other exams that focus on general topics.
  
  

3. IBPS PO (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer)

The IBPS PO exam is another popular choice for aspirants seeking managerial roles in public sector banks.

• Competition: The exam attracts a significant number of candidates from all over India.
• Syllabus: While similar to SBI PO, the difficulty level is slightly lower.
• Why is it Tough? : The Main phase, particularly the reasoning and quantitative aptitude sections, is known for its tricky questions.

Easiest Bank Exams to Crack in 2024

1. IBPS Clerk

The IBPS Clerk exam is a great starting point for beginners looking to enter the banking sector.

• Syllabus: It covers reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and English at a basic level.
• Why is it Easier? : The questions are simpler, and the absence of an interview phase reduces stress.
  
  

2. SBI Clerk

The SBI Clerk exam offers an excellent opportunity to work with the prestigious State Bank of India.

• Syllabus: Similar to IBPS Clerk but slightly more difficult.
• Why is it Easier? : While it has a higher difficulty level than IBPS Clerk, the exam focuses on basic concepts and speed.
  
  

3. IBPS RRB Office Assistant

The IBPS RRB Office Assistant exam is an ideal choice for candidates seeking opportunities in rural banks.

• Syllabus: Straightforward, focusing on reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and general awareness.
• Why is it Easier? : The questions are more localized, and the exam caters to candidates targeting regional and rural areas.
  
  

Difficulty Level Comparison Chart

This chart shows the comparison between different bank exams based on competition, syllabus complexity, number of stages, difficulty level.

Exam Pattern Overview and Career Growth

1. SBI PO (State Bank of India Probationary Officer)

Career Growth for SBI PO:

• Probationary Officer → Assistant Manager: Promoted after a 2-year probation period.
• Assistant Manager → Manager/Branch Head: Progresses to managerial roles, with potential to reach positions like General Manager or MD.
• Offers excellent growth in one of India’s most prestigious banking roles.
• Key Features: Specialized knowledge in economics and finance is essential.
  
  

2. RBI Grade B (Reserve Bank of India Grade B Officer)

Career Growth for RBI Grade B:

• Assistant Manager → Manager: Promoted after probation, advancing to managerial roles.
• Manager → Senior Leadership (DGM/ED): Experience paves the way to roles in policymaking and economic operations.
• Offers rapid progression, focusing on senior leadership in India’s central bank.
  
  

3. IBPS PO (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer)

Career Growth for IBPS PO:

• Probationary Officer → Assistant Manager: Promoted after probation to Assistant Manager.
• Assistant Manager → Manager: Opportunities for rapid promotion to managerial roles.
• Offers a structured career path in public sector banks with excellent long-term growth prospects.
• Key Features: No interview phase, and a simpler syllabus compared to PO exams.
  
  

4. IBPS Clerk (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Clerk)

Career Growth for IBPS Clerk:

• Clerk → Assistant Manager: Eligible for internal exams to advance to Assistant Manager roles.
• Assistant Manager → Manager: Progression to managerial roles through experience and promotions.
• Offers steady career growth in public sector banks.
• Key Features: No interview phase, but the standard of questions is slightly higher compared to IBPS Clerk.
  
  

5. SBI Clerk (State Bank of India Clerk)

Career Growth for SBI Clerk:

• Clerk → Assistant Manager: Promoted to Assistant Manager after probation.
• Assistant Manager → Branch Manager: Progression to higher managerial roles, such as Branch Manager, through internal promotions.
• Offers a steady career with ample growth opportunities in India’s largest public sector bank.
  
  

6. IBPS RRB Office Assistant (Regional Rural Bank)

Career Growth for IBPS RRB Office Assistant:

• Office Assistant → Officer (Scale I): Promotion to Officer-level roles through experience and internal exams.
• Officer → Senior Manager: Opportunities to advance to senior management positions within regional rural banks.
• Offers localized career growth with potential for advancement to senior roles in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Key Features: No interview phase, making it less stressful than other exams.
  
  

Which Bank Exam is Right for You?

Choosing the right bank exam depends on several factors, including your preparation time, level and the type of work environment you prefer. Here are a few things to consider:

If you're a beginner: Start with IBPS Clerk or SBI Clerk. These exams have relatively simpler syllabus and provide a great foundation for future banking exams.

If you're aiming for a managerial role: SBI PO and IBPS PO offer faster career growth and higher salaries, but they require more intense preparation.

If you want specialized roles: RBI Grade B is an excellent choice if you have a background in economics and finance, but be prepared for its challenging syllabus and competitive nature

Resources for Preparation

Here’s a comprehensive list of useful resources for exam preparation:

1. Books:

• Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
• A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
• Banking Awareness by Arihant Publications
  
  

2. Websites and Apps:

Many websites and apps are useful to prepare for bank exams like Bankers Adda, GradeUp, Oliveboard, Testbook and Byjus

3. Coaching Institutes:

Enrolling in reputed bank exam coaching institutes provides structured guidance, expert insights, and personalized feedback, significantly improving your chances of cracking the exams. Many aspirants find value in joining coaching centers for regular classes and doubt clarification sessions.

Key Preparation Tips for All Bank Exams

• Understand the Syllabus
• Create a Study Plan
• Practice Mock Tests
• Stay Updated on current affairs
• Focus on Weak Areas

For detailed preparation strategies, checkout mistakesto avoid on bank exams.

Conclusion:

Exams for banking provide various career options, each with particular benefits and challenges. Even though the most difficult examinations are SBI PO and RBI Grade B, they offer distinct positions and attractive rewards. Exams like the SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk, on the other hand, are easy to pass and provide a path to the banking industry.

You can select the appropriate exam and modify your preparation by being aware of the different levels of difficulty for the bank exam. Success in bank exams requires constant work, smart preparation, and commitment, regardless of experience level.

Ready to kickstart your banking career? Click here to start preparing today and take the first step towards cracking your dream bank exam!