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IBPS PO vs SSC CGL
IBPS PO: 100 questions, 100 marks, 60 minutes. SSC CGL: 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes. Both test Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude / Maths, English, so preparing for one covers much of the other. Most aspirants in this bracket sit both.
| IBPS PO Prelims | SSC CGL Tier 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted by | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection | Staff Selection Commission |
| Questions | 100 | 100 |
| Marks | 100 | 200 |
| Time | 60 min | 60 min |
| Seconds a question | 36 | 36 |
| Marking | A wrong answer costs a quarter of that question's marks. IBPS publishes section totals, so we spread marks evenly within each section. | +2 for each correct answer, −0.5 for each wrong answer. Computer-based, in English and Hindi. |
| Sections | English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability | General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension |
| Languages | English, Hindi | English, Hindi |
| Age (UR) | 20–30 | 18–27 |
| Qualification | Degree (graduation) in any discipline from a recognised university or equivalent; must be a graduate on the day of registration (result declared on or before 21-07-2026). | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or equivalent. |
| Next exam | Not announced | Not announced |
| Last cut-off (UR) | 49.21 / 100 (IBPS PO 2025 Prelims cutoff (for Mains shortlist), UR) | 136.4 / 200 (SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 cutoff (all other posts), UR) |
| Mocks on RankVyuh | 9 full (2 free) | 9 full (2 free) |
Which should you prepare for?
- Both test Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude / Maths, English, so preparing for one covers much of the other. Most aspirants in this bracket sit both.
- Age: IBPS PO allows up to 30 (unreserved), SSC CGL up to 27. Past 27, only IBPS PO stays open without relaxation.
- Qualification: IBPS PO needs degree (graduation) in any discipline from a recognised university or equivalent; must be a graduate on the day of registration (result declared on or before 21-07-2026); SSC CGL needs bachelor's degree from a recognised university or equivalent.
Neither is "easier": cut-offs move with vacancies and candidates every year. Take a free mock of each and compare your two reports; the gap to each exam's last cut-off is the honest answer.
FAQ
- Can I prepare for IBPS PO and SSC CGL together?
- Yes. Both test Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude / Maths, English. Prepare those once, then the sections only one of them has.
- Which has negative marking, IBPS PO or SSC CGL?
- IBPS PO: A wrong answer costs a quarter of that question's marks. IBPS publishes section totals, so we spread marks evenly within each section. SSC CGL: +2 for each correct answer, −0.5 for each wrong answer. Computer-based, in English and Hindi.
- What are the age limits for IBPS PO and SSC CGL?
- IBPS PO: 20 to 30 for unreserved candidates (as on 2026-07-01). SSC CGL: 18 to 27 (as on 2026-08-01). Category relaxations apply; check with the age-limit calculator.
Sources: official notifications of Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (website ) and Staff Selection Commission (website ); IBPS Detailed Notification, CRP PO/MT-XVI, dated 01-07-2026 (registration 01-07-2026 to 21-07-2026); SSC Notice, Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026, F. No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1, published 21-05-2026. Age-limit calculator · All comparisons