You’ve scanned the ‘Employment News’ again, and as you are applying for every competitive exam that you are eligible for, a ‘Sarkari Naukri’ notification pops up in your browser. Wait a minute; are you planning to apply for that position too? Then you probably need to narrow down your choices. If you are reading this article, you have most likely narrowed down your options to SSC CGL 2017 or IBPS/SBI PO 2017 recruitment exams. And if you are in a ‘chicken-or-egg’ situation between a career decision in SSC or Banking, here are some expert opinions worth considering before you make your choice. 

Researching the job profile before applying for it will help you keep a clutter-free mind while preparing for the exam. There are in total 30 different job profiles offered by the SSC CGL exam.

“The job profiles offered by SSC are more varied when compared to the banking sector. The nature of work in SSC CGL depends upon the service allotted. It could range from clerical, administrative, typing, and compiling reports, to carrying out raids, inspections, surveillance, etc.

“On the other hand, the job profile in the banking sector is to enhance the business of the bank, implement government policies, manage clearance of payments, etc. Based on their interest, aspirants should decide between the two profiles,” said Sanket Maheswari, a Probationary Officer (PO) in Punjab and National Bank. Prior to becoming a PO in 2012, Maheshwari worked as a clerk in the Ministry of Railway.

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Every day in a banker’s life is just another routine day, unless the government demonetises the national currency. Recent events have escalated work pressure not just for the average banker, but also for the clerks in the Ministry of Finance, who are recruited through SSC CGL.

The week pressure in both career choices is nearly the same, the only differentiating factor is interaction with customers. As a PO, you have to interact/bring in new customers, however, it is not a mandate in SSC CGL. Also, the working hours in SSC CGL is mostly fixed, unlike in banks.

There is not much disparity between the two in terms of salary. However, due to frequent transfers and promotions in the banking sector, a banker is entitled to an ‘allowance’ that is additional to their salary. In general, a bank PO draws a starting salary of Rs 38,000 to Rs 42,000 depending on their bank and branch. Salaries in SSC CGL in the band of Rs 39,000 to Rs 45,000 in hand.

Due to the uniform promotion policies implemented by banks, promotions in banks is faster than in SSC CGL “PO is the highest level of entry in any banking organisation. Promotions in banks happen every 2 to 3 years and hence, it gives you an opportunity to reach to the top spot. Sadly, that is not the case with SSC CGL. It takes around 4 to 6 years for every promotion. Also, senior posts are filled by civil servants, because of which growth is stagnant after a certain level,” said Rahul Sahai, a bank PO with Punjab and Sindh Bank.

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