RBI Assistant and IBPS Clerk both are entry-level clerical level positions in the banks. The selection process for both of the exams is the same but there are a lot of differences that make them apart from each other.
Candidates aspiring for a banking career should be well aware of the major differences that make both profiles apart. Both RBI Assistant and IBPS Clerk are held annually to filled vacant positions in RBI and PSBs respectively. However, due to low vacancies, the competition is very tough. In this article, we have discussed the major differences between these.
RBI Assistant Vs IBPS Clerk: About the Exam
In the table below, we have discussed the major differences between RBI Assistant and IBPS Clerk.
| Aspect | RBI Assistant | IBPS Clerk |
| Recruiting Body | Reserve Bank of India (RBI) | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Exam Frequency | Annual | Annual |
| Total vacancies | 900 – 1200 | 4000 – 12000 |
| Nature of Job | Specific to RBI’s offices and branches | General clerical positions in public sector banks |
| Job Locations | Usually in major cities and state capitals | Across various locations in India |
| Eligibility Criteria | Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university with 50% or above marks | Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university |
| Age Limit | 20 to 28 years | 20 to 28 years |
| Exam Stages | Preliminary ExamMain ExamLanguage Proficiency Test (LPT) | Preliminary ExamMain ExamLanguage Proficiency Test (LPT) |
| Exam Pattern (Main Exam) | ReasoningEnglish LanguageNumerical AbilityGeneral Awareness | General/Financial AwarenessGeneral EnglishReasoning Ability & Computer AptitudeQuantitative Aptitude |
| Language Proficiency Test (LPT) | Required in the Official Language of the State/UT | NA |
| Promotional Prospects | Growth opportunities within the RBI hierarchy | Promotion to Officer Cadre based on performance |
RBI Assistant Vs IBPS Clerk: Age Limit
RBI Assistant and IBPS Clerk are both administered by IBPS. The age limit for both exams is 28 years for the unreserved category. However, this varies for the reserved category candidate as the upper age limit is applicable as per the rules of the central government. The candidates can get a crux of the age limit for both exams in the table below.
| Exam Name | Minimum Age Limit | Maximum Age Limit |
| RBI Assistant | 20 years | 28 years |
| IBPS Clerk | 20 years | 28 years |
RBI Assistant Vs IBPS Clerk: Salary
RBI Assistant Salary Structure
An RBI Assistant salary structure is decided by the IBA in the pay scale of Rs. 20700 – 1200 (3) – 24300 – 1440 (4) – 30060 – 1920 (6) – 41580 – 2080 (2) – 45740 – 2370 (3) – 52850 – 2850 – 55700 (20 years). The candidates are also eligible to draw allowances i.e. DA, HRA, CCA etc.
| RBI Assistant Salary 2023 | |
| RBI Assistant Salary Details | RBI Assistant Salary Amount |
| Basic Pay | Rs. 20,700/- |
| Additional | Rs. 265/- |
| Grade Allowance | Rs. 2200/- |
| Dearness Allowance | Rs. 12,587/- |
| Transport Allowance | Rs. 1000/- |
| House Rent Allowance | Rs. 2238/- |
| Special Allowance | Rs. 2040/- |
| Local Compensatory Allowance | Rs. 1743/- |
| Gross pay | Rs. 45,050/- |
| Net Pay | Rs.40,000/- |
IBPS Clerk Salary Structure
An IBPS Clerk s paid in the basic pay decided by IBA. Generally, the basic salary of an IBPS Clerk is Rs 30,000 to 32,000. The admissible pay scale for a bank clerk is Rs.19900-1000/1-20900-1230/3-24590-1490/4-30550-1730/7-42600-3270/1-45930-1990/1-47920.
| IBPS Clerk Salary Structure 2023 | |
| IBPS Clerk Salary Details | IBPS Clerk Salary Amount |
| Basic Pay | Rs.19,900/- |
| Dearness Allowance | Rs.5209.82/- |
| Special Allowance | Rs.4118/- |
| Transport Allowance | Rs.757.08/- |
| CCA | Rs.0/- |
| House Rent Allowance(HRA) | Rs.2039.75/- |
| Gross Pay | Rs.32,024.65/- |
| Deduction (NPS Fund, Union Fee) | Rs.2570.98/- |
| Net Pay | Rs.29453.67/- |
RBI Assistant Vs IBPS Clerk: Promotional Prospects
Both RBI Assistant and IBPS Clerk are entry-level positions in RBI and public sector banks respectively. This being a government job makes one eligible for promotions from time to time. The candidates have to write the internal exams conducted and qualify it to get promoted to higher authorities. Go through the section below to know about the promotional prospects below.
RBI Assistant Promotional Prospects
The RBI conducts promotional exams from time to time after the probation period of the Assistant is over. These candidates have to appear in these exams to get promoted to the next level, Assistant Manager. Here is the promotional prospects for the RBI Assistant.
- Assistant Manager
- Deputy Manager
- Branch Manager
- Chief Manager
IBPS Clerk Promotional Prospects
An IBPS Clerk is kept on a probation period of 6 months. After this, the candidates will be eligible to write the promotional exams after 3 years. The candidates have to write these exams and also qualify for JAIIB and CAIIB exams. Qualifying for these exams helps one get high marks in the exam.
- Probationary Officer (PO)
- Officer Scale I
- Officer Scale II and III
- Specialist Officer
RBI Assistant Vs IBPS Clerk: Job Profile
RBI Assistant and IBPS Clerk are both clerical jobs in the banking sector. However, RBI Assistant works with the Reserve Bank of India and the IBPS Clerk with nationalised banks. Here in the section below, you can learn about the job profile of both.
| RBI Assistant Job Profile | IBPS Clerk Job Profile |
| The candidate is responsible for handling cash transactions accurately | The candidate has to deal with cash handling, deposits, and withdrawals |
| The line of work involves data entry and record-keeping responsibilities | He performs data entry and maintains customer records. |
| An RBI Assistant interacts with customers, providing efficient service. | The IBPS Clerk assists customers with inquiries and query resolution. |
| The RBI Assistant performs various administrative duties and paperwork. | He supports administrative tasks and documentation. |
| He provides back-office support for different functions. | He assists various departments with clerical tasks. |
| An RBI Assistant with official communication and correspondence. | IBPS Clerk handles official communication and updates. |
| The RBI Assistant may be involved in account opening and closing processes. | The IBPS Clerk manages account-related tasks and updates passbooks. |
| Proficiency in the local language is crucial for interaction. | Requires proficiency in the local language for communication. |
| Specific tasks related to RBI operations may be assigned. | Task assignments vary based on the respective bank. |
| Offers opportunities for career growth within the RBI hierarchy. | Can be promoted to officer cadre after qualifying for internal exams. |
Whether you want to apply for IBPS Clerk or RBI Assistant both the exams are designed for Graduates and one has to prepare thoroughly to qualify for it. We hope this blog was informative and offered you with detailed insights of both the exams.
