IBPS Clerk vs SSC Steno : Struggling to choose between IBPS Clerk and SSC Steno? Both are popular government banking/secretarial jobs but differ significantly in difficulty, salary and work profile. Here’s a detailed 2025 comparison to help you decide.
📌 Quick Comparison Table: IBPS Clerk vs SSC Steno
| Parameter | IBPS Clerk | SSC Steno |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection | Staff Selection Commission |
| Exam Level | National (Bank Jobs) | National (Ministry/Dept Jobs) |
| Selection Stages | Prelims + Mains | Tier 1 (CBT) + Tier 2 (Skill Test) |
| Vacancies (2024) | ~6,000 | ~1,200 |
| Competition Ratio | 1:80-100 | 1:30-50 |
| Basic Pay | ₹19,900-₹47,920 | ₹25,500-₹81,100 |
| Job Profile | Customer service, cash handling | Dictation/transcription work |
The Ultimate Guide to AI-Proof Government Careers in India
Key Takeaways:
✅ Easier Exam: SSC Steno (only 2 stages, lower competition)
✅ Higher Salary: SSC Steno (Grade Pay ₹4,600 vs Clerk’s ₹1,900)
✅ Better Work-Life: IBPS Clerk (fixed banking hours)
✅ Faster Promotion: SSC Steno (quicker career growth)
📊 Difficulty Level Analysis (2024 Data)
| Factor | IBPS Clerk | SSC Steno |
|---|---|---|
| Syllabus | Banking awareness + Numerical ability | General awareness + English dictation |
| Cutoff % | 70-75% (Prelims) | 60-65% (Tier 1) |
| Skill Required | Basic calculations | 80wpm shorthand speed |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 per wrong answer | 0.50 per wrong answer |
🔍 Verdict: SSC Steno is easier to crack if you have good English shorthand skills. IBPS Clerk has wider eligibility but tougher competition.
🗓️ Upcoming Exam Dates (2025)
| Event | IBPS Clerk 2025 | SSC Steno 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification | July 2025 | May 2025 |
| Prelims/Tier 1 | August 2025 | June 2025 |
| Mains/Tier 2 | October 2025 | August 2025 |
| Final Result | December 2025 | October 2025 |
🔔 Important Links:
❓ FAQs: Which Should You Choose?
Q1. Which has better job security?
→ Both are permanent but IBPS Clerk has more stable postings.
Q2. Can I apply for both exams?
→ Yes! Exam dates usually don’t clash.
Q3. Which has faster promotions?
→ SSC Steno (gets promoted to Section Officer in 4-5 years)
Q4. Is typing speed required for SSC Steno?
→ No, only shorthand writing speed (80wpm for English)
💡 Pro Tips for Preparation
- For IBPS Clerk: Focus on speed math (40 questions in 20 mins)
- For SSC Steno: Practice 10+ dictation tests weekly
- Common prep: General awareness (50% overlap in syllabus)
📢 Final Recommendation:
Choose SSC Steno if you want:
- Higher pay scale
- Lower competition
- Central government posting
Choose IBPS Clerk if you prefer:
- Banking sector benefits
- Wider posting locations
- Simpler job profile
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