Do you often wish you could get a safe and well-known government job after you graduate? You’re not by yourself. Many Indian students study for government tests every year in the hopes of getting a job that pays well, is safe, and comes with extras like health care, a pension, and a good work-life balance. Students believe these jobs and want to do them because they give them long-term security and respect in society.
You can get government jobs after graduation no matter what you studied: business, science, education, the arts. There are many options, such as working for the government, business, teaching, or the railroads. We’ll talk about the best tests, the best jobs in each stream, who can apply, how to study, and everything else you need to know to start your journey toward a government job.
Top Government Jobs After Graduation You Can Apply
After graduation, many students aim for government exams to build a safe and successful career. These exams open the door to various departments such as administration, banking, defence, education, and railways. Below are some of the most popular government exams you can apply for:
1. UPSC Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IFS)
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) annually to recruit officers for various civil services of the Government of India, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). The exam is considered one of the most competitive and rigorous in India, designed to assess a candidate’s academic competence, general awareness, decision-making, and leadership potential.
Overview of Services Recruited Through UPSC CSE:
- IAS (Indian Administrative Service) – Key administrative roles at district, state, and central levels.
- IPS (Indian Police Service) – Law enforcement, public safety, and internal security management.
- IFS (Indian Foreign Service) – India’s diplomatic corps representing the country abroad.
- Additional services include IRS (Income Tax & Customs), IAAS, IRTS, ITS, and others.
Eligibility Criteria:
Requirement | Description |
Educational Qualification | Graduate degree from a recognized university (no specific stream required). Final-year students can apply provisionally. |
Age Limit (as of 1st August of exam year) | General: 21–32 years; OBC: 21–35 years; SC/ST: 21–37 years; PwD: Up to 42 years with category-based relaxation. |
Nationality | Must be an Indian citizen for IAS and IPS; for other services, certain other nationalities are also eligible. |
Number of Attempts:
- General: 6 attempts
- OBC: 9 attempts
- SC/ST: Unlimited (up to age limit)
- PwD: 9 attempts (General/OBC), Unlimited (SC/ST)
Examination Structure:
The CSE consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
- Conducted in June.
- Two papers: General Studies I and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test).
- Qualifying in nature; marks not counted for final ranking.
- CSAT is qualifying with 33% marks required.
- Conducted in June.
- Main Examination (Descriptive Type)
- Conducted in September–October.
- 9 papers: 2 qualifying (English & Indian Language) + 7 for merit ranking.
- Subjects include Essay, General Studies (4 papers), and 2 papers on optional subjects.
- Conducted in September–October.
- Personality Test (Interview)
- Conducted in February–April at UPSC headquarters.
- Carries 275 marks.
- Assesses mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, logical exposition, leadership, and moral integrity.
- Conducted in February–April at UPSC headquarters.
Application Process:
- Conducted online via the official UPSC portal https://upsconline.nic.in
- Usually begins in February–March.
- Fee: ₹100 for General/OBC; exempt for SC/ST/Female/PwD.
Training and Allocation:
- Selected candidates undergo foundational training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie.
- Service and cadre allocation is based on merit, preferences filled by the candidate, and available vacancies.
Salary Structure:
- Entry-level salary (Level 10): ₹56,100 + allowances (DA, HRA, TA, etc.)
- Cabinet Secretary (highest post): ₹2,50,000 (fixed)
- IPS/IFS officers have similar grade pay and scales as per their rank and level.
Career Progression:
- IAS: Assistant Collector → SDM → DM → Secretary-level positions at State or Central Government.
- IPS: ASP → SP → DIG → IG → DGP.
- IFS: Attaché → Third Secretary → Ambassador/High Commissioner.
Important Dates (Tentative):
Event | Timeline |
Notification Release | February |
Preliminary Exam | June |
Mains Exam | September |
Interview | February–April (following year) |
Final Results | April–May (following year) |
Official Resources:
- UPSC Official Website
- UPSC Syllabus PDF
- LBSNAA Website
2. SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level)
The SSC CGL exam is conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit graduates for various Group B and Group C posts in Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Organizations. It is one of the most sought-after exams for government job aspirants in India due to the diversity of posts, decent pay scale, and job stability.
Key Highlights:
Criteria | Details |
Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
Eligibility | Graduation from a recognized university (any stream) |
Age Limit | Varies by post (generally 18–32 years); Relaxations for OBC, SC/ST, PwD |
Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
Application Fee | ₹100 (General/OBC); Free for SC/ST/Female/PwD |
Posts Offered through SSC CGL:
Some of the top posts include:
- Assistant Section Officer (ASO) – in Ministries like MEA, Railways, Defence, etc.
- Inspector of Income Tax – in CBDT
- Inspector (Central Excise / Preventive Officer) – in CBIC
- Sub-Inspector – in CBI
- Auditor / Accountant – in CAG, CGDA
- Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) – in MoSPI
- Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) – one of the highest-paid posts in SSC CGL
Examination Structure:
The SSC CGL exam is conducted in four tiers:
- Tier I (Preliminary Exam)
- Objective type
- Subjects: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension
- Total: 200 marks
- Objective type
- Tier II (Mains Exam)
- Paper 1: Quantitative Aptitude
- Paper 2: English Language
- Paper 3: Statistics (for JSO)
- Paper 4: General Studies (Finance & Economics) – for AAO post
- Paper 1: Quantitative Aptitude
- Tier III
- Descriptive paper (Essay/Letter writing in English/Hindi)
- Pen and paper mode – 100 marks
- Descriptive paper (Essay/Letter writing in English/Hindi)
- Tier IV
- Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) / Data Entry Skill Test (DEST)
- Document Verification
- Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) / Data Entry Skill Test (DEST)
Eligibility & Age Limit:
Post | Educational Qualification | Age Limit |
AAO | Graduate + Desirable: CA/MBA | Up to 30 yrs |
JSO | Graduation with 60% in Math in 12th OR Bachelor’s with Statistics | Up to 32 yrs |
Others | Graduate from any stream | Generally 18–27 / 18–30 / 20–30 yrs depending on post |
Note: Age relaxations apply for OBC, SC/ST, Ex-Servicemen, and PwD categories as per government norms.
Pay Scale (Post-wise Examples):
Post | Pay Level | Salary (Approx. per month) |
AAO | Level 8 | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 + perks |
ASO | Level 7 | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
Income Tax Inspector | Level 7 | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
Auditor / Accountant | Level 5 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 |
Selection Process:
- Candidates must clear each tier to move to the next.
- Final selection is based on cumulative performance in Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III.
- Posts like JSO and AAO require specific papers in Tier II.
Important Dates (Tentative):
Event | Tentative Timeline |
Notification Release | March – April |
Tier I Exam | June – July |
Tier II Exam | September – October |
Tier III & IV | December – January |
Why Choose SSC CGL?
- Stable central government job
- Good promotion hierarchy and timely increments
- Postings across India with work-life balance
- Pension benefits (NPS) and other allowances
Official Resources:
- SSC Official Website
CGL Notification & Syllabus
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3. IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, and SBI Exams
Banking jobs are one of the most preferred career choices for graduates in India due to their decent salaries, job security, growth opportunities, and respect in society. The major banking exams are conducted by IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection) and SBI (State Bank of India) to recruit Probationary Officers (PO), Clerks, and Specialist Officers (SO) in various public sector banks.
Overview of Major Banking Exams:
Exam Name | Conducted By | Positions Recruited | Eligible Qualification |
IBPS PO | IBPS | Probationary Officer in 11 PSU Banks | Graduation in any stream |
IBPS Clerk | IBPS | Clerical Cadre in PSU Banks | Graduation in any stream |
IBPS SO | IBPS | Specialist Officers like IT Officer, HR Officer, Law Officer, etc. | Graduation + relevant qualification |
SBI PO | SBI | Probationary Officer in SBI | Graduation |
SBI Clerk | SBI | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) | Graduation |
Participating Banks under IBPS:
- Punjab National Bank (PNB)
- Bank of Baroda (BoB)
- Union Bank of India
- Canara Bank
- Indian Bank
- Bank of India (BOI)
- UCO Bank, etc.
SBI conducts its own recruitment exams independently.
Common Eligibility Criteria:
Criteria | Details |
Educational Qualification | Graduate in any discipline from a recognized university |
Age Limit | 20–30 years for PO; 20–28 years for Clerk (with relaxation for OBC, SC/ST, PwD) |
Nationality | Indian citizen or as per official notification |
Exam Structure (for PO & Clerk):
Most banking exams follow a two/three-tier structure:
- Preliminary Exam (Online)
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Main Exam (Online)
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- General/Financial Awareness
- English Language
- Data Interpretation & Analysis (for PO)
- Duration: ~2.5–3 hours
- Interview (Only for PO & SO)
- Candidates qualifying Mains are called for a personal interview.
- Final selection based on combined scores of Mains and Interview.
Clerk-level posts do not have an interview stage.
Pay Scale:
Post | Starting Salary (Approx.) | Other Benefits |
IBPS/SBI PO | ₹52,000 – ₹55,000/month (incl. allowances) | HRA, DA, Medical, Travel, PF, Gratuity |
IBPS/SBI Clerk | ₹28,000 – ₹32,000/month (incl. allowances) | Similar benefits at a lower scale |
IBPS SO | ₹50,000 – ₹60,000/month | Depends on specialization and role |
Selection Process:
- Candidates must clear each stage to move to the next.
- Final merit list is prepared based on Mains + Interview (for PO/SO).
- For Clerk posts, selection is based on combined Prelims + Mains.
Important Dates (Tentative):
Event | Timeline |
Notification Release | July – October |
Prelims Exam | August – November |
Mains Exam | October – December |
Interviews (PO/SO) | January – March |
Why Choose a Bank Job?
- Fixed working hours (especially for clerical roles)
- Posting across India, often in hometowns
- Early career promotions (PO to Branch Manager in 5–7 years)
- Stable government-regulated pay
- Low stress compared to private banking jobs
Official Resources:
- IBPS Website
- SBI Careers
4. RRB (Railway Recruitment Board)
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts exams to recruit candidates for various posts in the Indian Railways, one of the largest employers in the world. These jobs are especially popular among graduates due to their job security, attractive perks, and wide variety of roles suited for candidates from different educational backgrounds.
Key Highlights:
Criteria | Details |
Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), under the Ministry of Railways |
Eligibility | Graduation (for most Group C & B posts), 10+2/ITI/Diploma for certain technical posts |
Age Limit | Generally 18–33 years (varies by post), with age relaxations for SC/ST/OBC/PwD |
Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Job Type | Central Government Jobs |
Work Locations | Across India in various railway zones |
Popular Exams Conducted by RRB for Graduates:
Exam Name | Post Name | Educational Qualification |
RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) | Station Master, Goods Guard, Commercial Apprentice, Senior Clerk, Traffic Assistant | Graduation in any discipline |
RRB JE (Junior Engineer) | Junior Engineer, Depot Material Superintendent, Chemical/Metallurgical Assistant | Diploma/B.E./B.Tech in relevant branch |
RRB Group D | Track Maintainer, Assistant in workshops, hospitals, etc. | 10th Pass / ITI |
RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) | Assistant Loco Pilot, Technician | ITI/Diploma in Engineering |
RRB Paramedical | Pharmacist, Lab Assistant, Staff Nurse, etc. | Relevant degree/diploma in medical field |
Graduates generally target NTPC and JE exams due to higher-level posts and career growth opportunities.
RRB NTPC Post-wise Details:
Post | Pay Level | Approx. Salary | Key Role |
Station Master | Level 6 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 | Train operations and station management |
Commercial Apprentice | Level 6 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 | Supervision of commercial branches |
Traffic Assistant | Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | Train signaling & control |
Goods Guard | Level 5 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 | Safe movement of goods trains |
Senior Clerk cum Typist | Level 5 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 | Clerical duties in railway offices |
Selection Process (For RRB NTPC & Most Graduate Exams):
- CBT Stage 1 (Preliminary)
- General Awareness, Mathematics, and Reasoning
- Objective type questions
- Duration: 90 minutes
- General Awareness, Mathematics, and Reasoning
- CBT Stage 2 (Mains)
- Similar subjects, more advanced level
- Similar subjects, more advanced level
- Typing Skill Test / Computer-Based Aptitude Test (as per post)
- Document Verification & Medical Test
Benefits of RRB Jobs:
- Lifetime job security
- Housing facilities / Railway quarters
- Free railway passes for family travel
- Medical benefits
- Promotions based on seniority and departmental exams
- Pension under NPS
Why Choose a Career in Indian Railways?
- One of the most stable central government jobs
- Wide range of posts across both technical and non-technical domains
- Opportunity to work in various parts of the country
- Regular salary increments and job promotions
Official Website:
5. State Public Service Commissions (PSC)
Every Indian state has its own Public Service Commission that conducts exams to recruit candidates for various administrative, civil, and managerial roles within the state government. These exams offer excellent opportunities for graduates who wish to serve their home state in prestigious positions like Deputy Collector, BDO (Block Development Officer), Tehsildar, and more.
Key Details at a Glance:
Criteria | Details |
Conducting Body | State Public Service Commissions (e.g., UPPSC, MPSC, RPSC, BPSC, etc.) |
Job Type | State Government Jobs (Class I & II posts) |
Eligibility | Graduation from a recognized university |
Age Limit | Generally 21–40 years (varies by state); age relaxations for reserved categories |
Exam Mode | Mostly Offline or Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Location of Posting | Within the respective state |
Popular PSC Exams by State:
Commission | State | Common Posts Offered |
UPPSC | Uttar Pradesh | SDM, Deputy SP, BDO, Tehsildar |
MPPSC | Madhya Pradesh | Naib Tehsildar, Jail Superintendent, CTO |
BPSC | Bihar | Revenue Officer, BDO, Rural Development Officer |
RPSC | Rajasthan | RAS (Rajasthan Administrative Services), DSP |
MPSC | Maharashtra | Deputy Collector, Tahsildar, PSI |
KPSC | Karnataka | KAS (Karnataka Administrative Services) |
WBPSC | West Bengal | WBCS (Executive, Group A & B posts) |
Common Posts Recruited via PSC:
Post Name | Role |
Deputy Collector | Revenue and administrative head of a district subdivision |
BDO (Block Development Officer) | In charge of rural development in a block |
Tehsildar / Naib Tehsildar | Responsible for land revenue collection and land record management |
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) | Law enforcement officer under the Home Department |
Assistant Commissioner | Handles finance, tax, and local governance |
Exam Pattern (Typical Structure):
- Preliminary Examination
- Objective-type (General Studies, Aptitude)
- Acts as a screening test
- Objective-type (General Studies, Aptitude)
- Mains Examination
- Descriptive papers including Essay, General Studies, and Optional Subjects
- Language papers (usually English and regional language)
- Descriptive papers including Essay, General Studies, and Optional Subjects
- Interview / Personality Test
- Final stage for assessing suitability for administrative roles
- Final stage for assessing suitability for administrative roles
Some states may also include Physical Tests for police-related posts.
Perks & Benefits of State PSC Jobs:
Benefit | Description |
Good Pay Scale | ₹55,000 to ₹2,00,000/month depending on the post |
Job Security | Lifetime job security and pension (under NPS) |
Promotion Opportunities | Fast-track promotions through departmental exams |
State-wide Respect | Administrative officers hold great public recognition |
Work-Life Balance | Regular working hours and regional postings |
Why Choose a PSC Career?
- Ideal for those who want to serve their home state or prefer working closer to their native region
- Less competitive than UPSC, but still very prestigious
- Great stepping stone for candidates aiming for public administration roles
- Postings in diverse departments like education, revenue, home, transport, and health
Official State PSC Websites (Examples):
- UPPSC – uppsc.up.nic.in
- BPSC – bpsc.bih.nic.in
- RPSC – rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in
6. Defence Jobs (CDS, AFCAT)
If you dream of serving the nation with pride, defence jobs are a prestigious and rewarding career option. Two of the most sought-after exams for graduates are CDS (Combined Defence Services) and AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test). These exams are gateways to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as commissioned officers.
Key Details at a Glance:
Criteria | CDS | AFCAT |
Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) | Indian Air Force |
Eligibility | Graduation (varies by branch) | Graduation with 60% marks (varies by branch) |
Age Limit | 19–25 years (varies by academy) | 20–24 years for Flying Branch; up to 26 for Ground Duties |
Exam Frequency | Twice a year | Twice a year |
Job Type | Defence – Officer Rank | Defence – Officer Rank |
Gender Eligibility | Men & Women (in selected roles) | Men & Women |
Postings | Across India at military bases | Across India at Air Force stations |
A. CDS (Combined Defence Services)
CDS is conducted by UPSC and helps graduates join the Indian Armed Forces through:
Academy | Age Limit | Qualification | Gender |
Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 19–24 years | Any Graduate | Male |
Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19–24 years | B.E./B.Tech | Male |
Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20–24 years | B.E./B.Tech or Physics & Math in 10+2 | Male |
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | 19–25 years | Any Graduate | Male & Female |
Selection Process:
- Written Exam
- SSB Interview (Service Selection Board) – Personality & Intelligence test
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
B. AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)
AFCAT is conducted by the Indian Air Force to recruit officers in:
Branch | Educational Qualification | Age Limit | Gender |
Flying Branch | Graduation + 60% in Math & Physics (10+2) | 20–24 years | Male & Female |
Ground Duty (Technical) | B.E./B.Tech with 60% | 20–26 years | Male & Female |
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Graduate/Postgraduate with 60% | 20–26 years | Male & Female |
Selection Process:
- Online Exam (AFCAT or EKT – for Technical branch)
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
Benefits of Defence Officer Jobs:
Benefit | Description |
Respect & Honour | High social status as a defence officer |
Attractive Salary | Starting pay ₹56,100+ (Level 10), plus allowances |
Free Housing | Accommodation and canteen facilities |
Medical Facilities | Free healthcare for self and family |
Pension Benefits | Post-retirement pension and gratuity |
Adventure & Travel | Life full of challenges, travel, and leadership |
Why Choose CDS or AFCAT?
- Best option for physically fit and disciplined graduates
- Opportunity to serve the nation with dignity
- Job satisfaction that’s unmatched
- Fast-track promotions and leadership training
- Excellent post-retirement benefits and second-career support
Official Links:
- CDS via UPSC – upsc.gov.in
- AFCAT – afcat.cdac.in
7. Teaching Jobs (TET, CTET, UGC NET)
Teaching is one of the most respected and stable career options after graduation. If you’re passionate about education and knowledge-sharing, teaching jobs in schools, colleges, and universities are a great fit. To become a government teacher or lecturer, you must clear specific eligibility exams like TET, CTET, and UGC NET.
Key Differences at a Glance:
Exam | Suitable For | Conducted By | Level | Eligibility |
TET | State Govt School Teachers | Respective State Boards | Class 1–8 | Graduation + B.Ed |
CTET | Central Govt School Teachers (e.g., Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya) | CBSE | Class 1–8 | Graduation + B.Ed |
UGC NET | College Lecturers & Junior Research Fellowship | NTA | Higher Education | Master’s Degree (55% marks) |
A. TET (Teacher Eligibility Test)
- Who Conducts It? – State governments (e.g., UPTET, MPTET, HTET, etc.)
- Purpose: Qualify to teach in government or aided schools (Classes 1–5 and 6–8)
- Exam Levels:
- Paper I – Primary (Classes 1 to 5)
- Paper II – Upper Primary (Classes 6 to 8)
- Paper I – Primary (Classes 1 to 5)
- Eligibility: Graduation + B.Ed / D.El.Ed (depends on state rules)
- Validity: Usually valid for lifetime
B. CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test)
- Conducted By: CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)
- Purpose: Required for teaching jobs in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Schools, and Central Government schools
- Eligibility: Graduation + B.Ed or equivalent
- Exam Pattern:
- Paper I – For Primary Teachers (Class 1–5)
- Paper II – For Upper Primary Teachers (Class 6–8)
- Paper I – For Primary Teachers (Class 1–5)
- Validity: Lifetime (as per latest CBSE notification)
Why Choose a Teaching Career?
Reason | Benefit |
Job Security | Permanent teaching roles with regular income |
Work-Life Balance | Fixed working hours and holidays |
Respectable Profession | High social status, especially in rural and academic communities |
Growth Opportunities | Promotions, higher studies, research grants |
Government Perks | Pension, paid leaves, housing allowance, etc. |
Salary Overview:
Job Title | Average Salary (INR/month) |
Primary Teacher (Govt.) | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 |
PGT/TGT | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 |
Assistant Professor | ₹57,700 – ₹1,82,400 |
JRF (Research Fellow) | ₹31,000 – ₹35,000 + HRA |
Useful Links:
- CTET Official Website
- UGC NET Website
- [State TET Portals] – (e.g., UPTET, MPTET – vary by state)
Conclusion
Government jobs offer stability, respect, and long-term growth, making them a top choice for many graduates. Whether you’re aiming for civil services, teaching, banking, or defence, there’s a wide range of opportunities to match your interest and qualification. Start early, stay consistent in your preparation, and choose the path that aligns with your career goals.
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