Comparing the Difficulty: IBPS PO Exam vs NABARD Exam

Introduction:

When it comes to choosing a career in the banking sector, two popular exams that often come to mind are the IBPS PO Exam and the NABARD Exam. Aspiring candidates often find themselves pondering which exam is easier and more suitable for their career goals. The IBPS PO Exam is designed to test a person's knowledge of banking, finance, and economics, while the NABARD Exam is focused more on rural banking and rural development policies. Depending on which area of banking the candidate is more interested in, one exam may be more suitable than the other.In this blog post, we will delve into the differences between these two exams and analyze the factors that make one comparatively easier than the other.

IBPS PO Exam:

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Probationary Officer (PO) Exam, which is a highly sought-after exam for candidates aspiring to work as a PO in various public sector banks. The exam consists of three stages- Preliminary, Mains, and Personal Interview. It tests the candidates' knowledge in various subjects such as English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and General Awareness. Those who qualify the exam are then eligible for the Personal Interview stage, where they are evaluated on their communication skills, personality, and overall aptitude. The IBPS PO Exam comprises three phases: the Preliminary Exam, the Main Exam, and the Interview. The Preliminary Exam consists of English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability sections. The Main Exam further tests the candidate's skills in English Language, Data Interpretation & Analysis, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, and General/Economy/Banking Awareness.

NABARD Exam:

On the other hand, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) conducts the NABARD Exam, which is primarily aimed at recruiting candidates for various posts related to agricultural and rural development banking. The NABARD Exam tests candidates' knowledge and understanding of various aspects of banking, such as financial and banking regulations, banking operations, agricultural and rural finance, and credit management. The exam also assesses candidates' aptitude and reasoning skills, which are important for success in rural banking and agricultural finance. The NABARD Exam consists of two phases: the Preliminary Exam and the Main Exam. The Preliminary Exam assesses the candidate's knowledge in Reasoning, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude. The Main Exam focuses on subjects like Economic and Social Issues, Agriculture & Rural Development, and Development Economics.

Comparing the Difficulty:

Both the IBPS PO Exam and the NABARD Exam have their unique challenges. However, it is essential to understand that the difficulty level of an exam can vary depending on an individual's strengths, weaknesses, and familiarity with the subject matter. For instance, someone who is familiar with banking concepts may find the IBPS PO Exam easier to prepare for, while someone who has a strong background in mathematics may find the NABARD Exam easier. Therefore, it is important to assess your individual skills and weaknesses before deciding which exam to take. While the IBPS PO Exam may be considered more challenging in terms of its comprehensive syllabus and the level of competition, the NABARD Exam is known for its specialization in agricultural and rural development subjects, which might require a deeper understanding of these areas.

Factors Influencing the Difficulty Level:

1. Syllabus: The syllabus for the IBPS PO Exam is more extensive, covering a wider range of subjects, including banking awareness, data interpretation, and computer aptitude. This is because the IBPS PO Exam is a comprehensive exam that tests the candidate's knowledge and competency in a variety of areas. The syllabus ensures that the exam is comprehensive enough to accurately assess the candidate's knowledge and aptitude. Furthermore, the syllabus also includes topics such as logical reasoning, English language, quantitative aptitude, and general awareness to ensure that the examination is well-rounded and comprehensive.Conversely, the NABARD Exam focuses more on topics related to agriculture, rural development, and economics.

2. Competition: The IBPS PO Exam witnesses a higher number of candidates competing for limited vacancies, making the competition tougher. This is why the NABARD Exam syllabus is designed to be more specialized in the topics mentioned above and more focused on assessing candidates' knowledge and understanding in the relevant areas. For example, the NABARD Exam focuses on topics such as Banking and Finance, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Social Issues whereas the IBPS PO Exam is more general in nature. This allows the exam to be more relevant to the job requirements, while also reducing the amount of competition for the limited vacancies. On the other hand, the NABARD Exam, being more specialized, attracts a relatively smaller pool of candidates.

3. Personal Interests and Background: Candidates with a background or interest in banking and finance may find the IBPS PO Exam relatively easier due to their familiarity with the subject matter. Having a prior interest or background in banking and finance can give candidates a better understanding of the content of the IBPS PO exam. This will help them to be more familiar with the topics covered, and make it easier to answer the questions correctly.Candidates with a background or interest in banking and finance would have already acquired the basic knowledge related to the exam, such as the concepts and terminologies used in banking and finance, which would make it easier for them to grasp the topics being tested in the exam.Similarly, candidates with an agricultural or rural development background may find the NABARD Exam more manageable.

Conclusion:

Determining which exam, the IBPS PO Exam or the NABARD Exam, is easier depends on various factors such as the individual's strengths, interests, and background. The IBPS PO Exam focuses more on quantitative and logical reasoning skills, while the NABARD Exam focuses more on economics, banking, and finance. Depending on the individual's strengths and interests, one may be easier than the other. Additionally, if the individual has some background in economics, banking, and finance, then the NABARD Exam may be easier. While the IBPS PO Exam demands a broader understanding of banking and finance-related subjects, the NABARD Exam focuses on agricultural and rural development topics. Ultimately, it is crucial for candidates to thoroughly assess their skills, interests, and career aspirations before making a choice.