If you’ve finished college and are aiming for a secure, high-paying career, government exams are your best path.
India conducts dozens of government exams after graduation each year — covering civil services, banking, SSC, railways, defence, and public sector undertakings (PSUs).
These exams can lead to salaries ranging from ₹44,900 to ₹2,50,000 per month under the 7th Pay Commission, depending on post and grade.
Let’s start with a snapshot of the most popular central-level exams you can appear for in 2025.
Why Prepare for Government Exams After Graduation?
Government jobs remain the most sought-after career option for Indian graduates — and not without reason.
Here’s why lakhs of candidates appear for these exams each year:
- Job Security: Permanent roles backed by pension benefits.
- Attractive Salary: 7th Pay Commission ensures regular increments and allowances.
- Work-Life Balance: Fixed hours, leaves, and social respect.
- Nationwide Scope: Central postings with inter-departmental growth.
- Career Mobility: Internal promotions or departmental exams to move higher.
List of Top Government Exams After Graduation
| Exam | Conducting Body | Eligibility | Approx. Salary (7th CPC) | Expected Exam Month (2025) |
| UPSC Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IFS) | Union Public Service Commission | Any graduate | ₹56,100 – ₹2,50,000 | Prelims: May 2025 |
| SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) | Staff Selection Commission | Any graduate | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 | Tier I: June 2025 |
| IBPS & SBI PO (Banking) | IBPS / State Bank of India | Any graduate | ₹52,000 – ₹93,000 (incl. perks) | Prelims: Sep–Oct 2025 |
| RRB NTPC (Railways) | Railway Recruitment Board | Any graduate | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 | Notification: Mar 2025 |
| CDS / AFCAT (Defence) | UPSC / Indian Air Force | Graduate (specific streams) | ₹56,100 – ₹2,25,000 | CDS: April & Sept 2025 |
| PSU Recruitment (Through GATE) | ONGC, BHEL, NTPC, IOCL | B.Tech / Engg. Graduate | ₹60,000 – ₹1,80,000 | Jan–Mar 2025 (via GATE) |
(Data compiled from official notifications of UPSC, SSC, IBPS, RRB, AFCAT, and PSU websites.)
UPSC Civil Services Examination (IAS, IPS, IFS)
The premier central exam in India for Graduate-level entrants, opening doors to roles like IAS, IPS and IFS with high pay and national scope.
| Field | Details |
| Eligibility | A recognised bachelor’s degree in any stream; age typically 21-32 years (for General category) at application. |
| Exam | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (Prelims → Mains → Interview) |
| Where to Apply | Official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) |
| Salary (7th CPC) | Pay Level 10 starts at ₹56,100 basic; with allowances entry-level gross ₹75,000-₹85,000; top posts (Level 16/17) go up to ₹2,25,000 – ₹2,50,000 basic. |
Conducted by: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Eligibility: Any graduate (Age: 21–32 years for General category)
Exam Pattern: Prelims, Mains, Interview
Salary (7th CPC): ₹56,100 (Level 10) to ₹2,50,000 (Cabinet Secretary level)
2025 Timeline:
- Notification: February 2025
- Prelims: May 2025
- Mains: September 2025
Why it stands out: UPSC Civil Services is India’s most prestigious exam. It leads to posts like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and 20+ allied services. Graduates from all streams are eligible.
SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level Examination)
Several high-volume central exams for graduates via Staff Selection Commission (SSC), such as CGL, which lead to Group-B and Group-C roles across ministries.
| Field | Details |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university; age ranges vary (18-32 years for many posts) |
| Exam | SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) and other SSC Graduate-level recruitments |
| Where to Apply | SSC website (ssc.gov.in) |
| Salary (7th CPC) | Pay Levels vary: Level 6 (₹35,400-₹1,12,400), Level 7 (₹44,900-₹1,42,400) etc. In-hand monthly salary ~₹30,000-₹60,000 depending on post & location. |
Conducted by: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (Age: 18–32 years)
Posts: Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector, Sub-Inspector, Auditor, and more
Salary (7th CPC): ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 (Pay Level 6–8 depending on post)
2025 Timeline:
- Notification: March 2025
- Tier I: June 2025
- Tier II: September 2025
Why it’s popular: Steady promotions, respected Group B & C posts, and postings in major ministries make SSC CGL one of the most applied-for government exams after graduation.
Banking Exams After Graduation
Graduate-level entry into public sector banking via exams like Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) PO or State Bank of India (SBI) PO — good salary, perks and growth.
| Field | Details |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline; age limit typically 20-30 years (varies by bank) |
| Exam | IBPS PO / SBI PO (Probationary Officer) recruitment |
| Where to Apply | IBPS website (ibps.in) / SBI careers site |
| Salary (2025) | Basic pay approx ₹48,480 (for IBPS PO) + allowances; in-hand ~₹74,000-₹76,000 per month in metros. |
Conducted by:
Eligibility: Any graduate (Age: 20–30 years)
Salary (7th CPC Equivalent): ₹52,000 – ₹93,000 per month (including allowances and performance bonus)
2025 Timeline:
- SBI PO: Notification May 2025, Prelims in July 2025
- IBPS PO: Notification August 2025, Prelims October 2025
Why it’s a top pick: High job availability, growth to managerial levels, and perks like HRA, medical, and annual bonuses.
Next step: After joining as a PO, one can grow to become Branch Manager or AGM within 8–10 years.
Railway Exams for Graduates
The central railway sector offers graduate-level jobs (via Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) NTPC, etc.) spanning roles from Station Master to Commercial Apprentice, with strong job security.
| Field | Details |
| Eligibility | Graduation in any discipline for graduate posts; age limit typically 18-33 years (depending on post) |
| Exam | RRB NTPC (Graduate Level) exam |
| Where to Apply | RRB official portal (rrbcdg.gov.in or respective zone site) |
| Salary (7th CPC) | Basic pay for graduate level posts starts around ₹25,500-₹35,400 (levels 5-6); in-hand may vary ~₹35,000-₹60,000 depending on allowances. |
Conducted by: Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
Eligibility: Graduate in any discipline
Posts: Station Master, Goods Guard, Junior Account Assistant, Commercial Apprentice
Salary (7th CPC): ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 (Level 5–7)
2025 Timeline:
- Notification: March 2025
- CBT Stage I: June 2025
Why it matters: Railways employ the largest workforce in India. Graduates can join as NTPC officers and climb to managerial positions with experience.
Defence Exams After Graduation (CDS / AFCAT / CAPF)
Graduate-level central defence entrance via exams like Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) and Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) lead to officer-level careers with strong growth and pay.
| Field | Details |
| Eligibility | Graduation in any discipline for many posts; for some Flying Branch roles, specific stream required; age limit ~20-24 years (varies) |
| Exam | CDS (by UPSC) / AFCAT (by Indian Air Force) |
| Where to Apply | UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) / AFCAT site (afcat.cdac.in) |
| Salary (2025) | Starting basic pay ~₹56,100 (Pay Level 10) for Lieutenant; higher ranks jump to ₹1,77,500+ per month. |
Conducted by: UPSC
Eligibility: Graduates (21–24 years, unmarried)
Academies: IMA, INA, AFA, OTA
Salary: ₹56,100 (Lieutenant) to ₹2,25,000 (Brigadier/Colonel level)
2025 Timeline: CDS-I (April 2025), CDS-II (September 2025)
Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)
Conducted by: Indian Air Force
Eligibility: Graduates (with Physics & Math for Flying Branch)
Salary: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
2025 Timeline: February & August 2025
Why defence exams attract graduates: Respect, discipline, and rapid promotions — with extra benefits like canteen, pension, and housing.
PSU Jobs After Graduation (Through GATE and Direct Exams)
Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like ONGC, BHEL, NTPC recruit engineering and other graduates for high salary roles. Entry often via GATE or direct exam.
| Field | Details |
| Eligibility | Engineering or relevant graduate degree (varies by company); valid GATE score often required |
| Exam | PSU recruitment notifications (via ONGC, BHEL, NTPC etc.) |
| Where to Apply | Respective PSU careers portal (e.g., ongcindia.com, bhel.com) |
| Salary | Entry pay for engineer-trainee roles ~₹60,000+ per month (including perks) and basic pay often above Level 10; total compensation higher. |
Conducted by: Various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as ONGC, BHEL, NTPC, IOCL.
Eligibility: Engineering graduates with valid GATE score
Salary (7th CPC Equivalent): ₹60,000 – ₹1,80,000/month
2025 Timeline:
- GATE 2025: February
- PSU Applications: March–April 2025
Top roles: Engineer Trainee, Management Trainee, Junior Executive
Why it’s ideal: PSUs blend government benefits with corporate-style work culture — offering strong pay, perks, and job stability.
State-Level Government Exams for Graduates
Many states conduct centralised exams for graduates via their PSCs (e.g., UPPSC) – though lower scale compared to central jobs, still a solid path for many.
| Field | Details |
| Eligibility | Graduation in any discipline; age limit varies by state |
| Exam | State PSC Graduate level exams (e.g., UPPSC, MPSC, TSPSC) |
| Where to Apply | Respective state PSC websites |
| Salary | Varies widely; e.g., UPPSC Level-10 posts begin basic pay around ₹15,600 rising to ₹39,100 per month. |
Easy-to-Clear Central Exams for Graduates
Not every aspirant wants the UPSC-level grind. Here are some accessible yet rewarding options:
| Exam | Conducted By | Typical Salary | Why Consider It |
| SSC CHSL | SSC | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | Clerical-level but stable |
| LIC / GIC Assistant | LIC / GIC | ₹35,000 – ₹60,000 | Office roles, lower cutoff |
| EPFO SSA / Auditor | UPSC / EPFO | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 | Government benefits |
| ESIC UDC | ESIC | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | Safe, admin-focused work |
How to Prepare for Government Exams After Graduation
- Start with a clear goal: Decide your target exam early — syllabus overlaps but time differs.
- Know the pattern: Visit official websites (linked above) for latest syllabus and previous papers.
- Follow a 6–12 month study plan: Focus on General Studies, Quant, Reasoning, English.
- Mock tests matter: Online platforms like Testbook or Adda247 replicate real exam difficulty.
- Stay updated: Subscribe to official exam alerts and the Employment News Portal.
Final Words
Graduation opens the door to India’s most respected careers.
Whether you aim for the IAS, Income Tax Inspector, Bank PO, or Defence Officer, your next step should be picking one exam and staying consistent.
Government exams after graduation reward discipline more than brilliance — and success brings not just salary, but lifelong stability and prestige.
Related Articles:
- List of Government Jobs After 10th
- Diploma Courses After 10th
- ITI Courses After 10th
- Short-term Courses After 10th
- Government Schemes for Education
FAQs
UPSC Civil Services is considered the best, followed by SSC CGL, Bank PO, and Defence exams.
Yes, most exams like UPSC, SSC, and Banking are open to all graduates, regardless of stream.
Between ₹44,900 to ₹2,50,000 per month depending on post and department.
SSC CHSL, EPFO SSA, and LIC Assistant are comparatively easier than UPSC or CDS.
Yes, many candidates clear SSC and Banking exams while working full-time by studying 2–3 hours daily.
Himanshu is a seasoned digital marketing professional with expertise in SEO and social media marketing. With his insightful blogs and articles, Himanshu has been guiding students and professionals in choosing the right career. He shares useful insights and current trends on career choices that help readers choose the right profession.
